In my last blog, Antiochus Epiphanes was prophesied to set up the abomination of desolation (Daniel 11: 31) directly on the altar of the Temple, and hence defiled it. But from second half of verse thirty-two onwards, the prophecy fast forward to the time of the New Testament Church. Verses thirty-two and thirty-three depict both time periods - part of the duality of prophecy. Antiochus did corrupt many Jews to follow his ways and so did many in the Church Age and will continue to do so till the time of the end.
In the last days, those from the true church will instruct many as only the wise will understand God's Grand Plan for mankind and how He is working that out on earth! Jesus Christ and His apostles fulfilled this prophecy to the letter! Christ and His apostles (except John) were martyred. The true Church of God suffered the same fate throughout the Middle Ages. And this is going to happen again for the lukewarm Christians as they will undergo the Great Tribulation (time when Satan unleashed his vengence), a time of suffering like never before!
Following from these, Daniel 11:34-35 refers to the true church under persecution from the time the New Testament was founded to the present time. Some who knew the truth also fall away, but many cling on to the truth at the cost of their lives. These are the martyrs whose 'blood cried out', symbolically, in Revelation 6:9-11 awaiting justice. Because it is still for the appointed time (Daniel 11:35). The condition of the church today is that even those who are theologically trained and supposedly with understanding have fallen victims to lies, deceptions and flatteries. The only 'help' then, comes from the few faithful and wise (Matthew 24:45) who are prepared to stand uncompromised.
The Roman Empire ruled from 31 B.C. to 476 A.D. a period slightly over five centuries. Over these periods, many Roman emperors (king of the north then) blasphemied against the Almighty God and instead, demanded their subjects to worship them as gods! (verse 36-37). The Roman Empire developed the most powerful war machine of their time and amassed gold, silver , precious stones and wealth unknown of before (verse 38 - god of fortresses). Together with verse 39, the Roman Empire ruled over many and much land for much gain. These run parallel with similar prophecies found in Revelation 17:4-5, 18:3 and 16.
Moffatt begins verse 40 by saying that 'when the end arrives', the prophecy jumps way ahead to the time we are currently living in now. That means, it runs parallel with current news and events! God says that when the end arrives, the king of the south will push at the king of the north - the Roman Empire which for the past 1,500 years has taken residence in the heart of Europe. Due to radical religious values and beliefs, the two sides will wage war, initiated by the king of the south. This southern kingdom is south of Jerusalem and could mean a large nation bend on establishing a radical Islamic Empire!
However, the military might of the European force (northern kingdom) will be too much for the southern kingdom to withstand and many nations allied to the southern kingdom shall be overthrown - verse 41. However, the Edomites, the Moabites and the Ammonites - the modern-day Jordan - will be spared. The king of the north (from a powerful nation in Europe) with powerful religious backing from Rome, will enter Jerusalem (the Glorious Land) and indeed conquer many nations including those descended from Israel (Jacob).
But verse 44 prophesied that the communist hordes of the east (China) and the north (Russia) will join forces to challenge the northern kingdom for supremacy. Verse 45 tells us these forces will gather at a place north of Jerusalem called Armageddon (Revelation 16:16) and the end of the 'beast and false prophet' which came from the northern kingdom, will be near.
Continuing on in Daniel 12:1, the archangel Michael will stand for God's people and will help deliver them to a place of safety (could Jordan be a place of safety?) during the time of the Great Tribulation. Towards the end of the Tribulation, the saints who overcame and those Laodiceans living then repented, will be resurrected (First Resurrection) - because flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 15:50) - to rule with Christ and help establish God's Government over all the earth (Daniel 2:44, 7:13-14, 18, 27 & Rev 11:15).
Such a vision, recorded by Daniel from Daniel 10:1 through 12:4 started after the death of Alexander the Great and the establishment of the kingdoms of Syria (north) and Egypt (south) some 2,300 years ago. But it has a glorious ending with the resurrection of the saints and the return of Jesus Christ to bring peace and happiness to this world. That will be a time when God's Spirit will be poured out on all flesh (Joel 2:28b), all human beings who survived the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord and walked into the Millennial Age!
We saw how God's prophecies were fulfilled to a tee and we can be assured that all unfulfilled prophecies will surely be fulfilled as He said it would, that is having the faith of Jesus. Do you believe what God has said in His Word and take it at face value? Or would you rather buy into man-made traditions and beliefs about Christ with some sprinkling of biblical principles for added flavor? The choice is yours, but time is fast running out!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
BIBLE PROPHECY ON MIDDLE EAST
Bible prophecy is actually history written in advance. The Author is none other than the Almighty God of the universe, written by His chosen prophets! God is working out His supreme plan on earth. Sadly, except for a very small group chosen by God, the rest of mankind is totally ignorant or being deceived of the real truth. God has His Master Plan for mankind working out through His prophecy in history. The Middle East play a key part in that events unfolding there will affect all of humanity whether they know/believe it or not.
The prophet Daniel was given this prophecy over 2,500 years ago (Daniel 10:1) that involves powerful earthly kingdoms with events and conflicts that will culminate in our time. During Daniel's time, he could not understand the prophecy as it was closed and sealed till the time of the end (Daniel 12:8-9). We are now living in that 'time of the end', for the angel told the Apostle John that the words of the prophecy of this book (Revelation and Daniel are interlinked in prophecies) are not to be sealed, for the time is at hand (Revelation 22:10)!
One main keys I learnt about bible propehcy is to let the bible interprets the bible. Another is that many bible prophecies have dual events, usually one had been fulfilled and another yet to occur. This longest prophecy in the Bible is about the Middle East and is found in Daniel chapter 11. Of the forty five verses, many had already been fulfilled. It prophesied of two competing kingdoms and two powerful kings which play a big role in setting the stage for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ!
The archangel Gabriel (Daniel 9:21) told Daniel that this prophecy is the truth (11:2) - meaning it will surely come to pass as recorded. Since Jesus Christ said that no scripture can be broken (John 10:35) it had indeed stand the test of history and will continue to be fulfilled for the remaining portion of the prophecy.
Daniel 11:2-3 speak of the four kings with the fourth being the mightiest and richest of the four. History tells us that the four kings are, in order of rule, Cambyses, Smerdis, Darius of Persia and Xerxes, who instigated war with Greece. The 'male goat' in Daniel 8:5 was the Greek Empire, initially ruled by King Philip of Macedonia with ambition to defeat the Persian Empire. After his death, his son Alexander the Great defeated the Persian army at the Battle of Issus in 333 B.C. (Daniel 8:2, 5-6).
In 331 B. C two years later, Alexander the Great completely defeated the Persian army and destroyed everything from Middle East to India as prophesied in Scriptures! His untimely death at the young age of thirty-two left him with no heir apparent and his kingdom was divided to be ruled by his four generals just as prophesied in God's Word (Daniel 11:4). The four generals were - Ptolemy ruled Egypt, Judea and part of Syria, Seleucus ruled Syria, Babylonia and regions east of India, Lysimachus ruled Asia Minor and Cassander ruled Greece and Macedonia.
Of these four, the first two were strong kingdoms and prophecy tracked them all the way. The Syrian kingdom represents the 'king of the north' - since it is north of Jerusalem. The Egyptian kingdom represents 'the king of the south' as Egypt is south of Jerusalem (11:5). These two kingdoms were always at war with one another, mostly over the land of Palestine and Jerusalem. Control passed back and forth between these two kingdoms depending on the victory of the last battle fought between them.
Daniel 11:6 is an incredible verse as far as prophecy goes. Some half a century later, Antiochus II (called Theos) who was the king of the north ruling Syria then, divorced his wife Laodice to marry Bernice, the daughter of the king of the south just as it was prophesied in verse six! In amazing details as written by historian Rawlinson, both Bernice and her father Ptolemy Philadelphus (him who begot her) together with her husband king of the north came to tragic end. Through Laodice's influence, war broke out between the two kingdoms and Ptolemy Philadelphus (king of the south) was killed. Thereafter, Antiochus divorced Bernice in favor of his former wife Laodice. Later on, Laodice had Antiochus and Bernice murdered to avenge her anger.
Following in verse 7, it reads, 'But from a branch of her roots (Bernice's parents) one shall rise in his place ( Bernice's brother Ptolemy Euergetes the III, eldest son of Philadelphus took to the throne as king of the south) shall come with an army ( invaded Syria in 245 B.C.), enter the fortress of the king of the north, and deal with them and prevail. (conquered the land to avenge for the death of his sister Bernice and took everything away). Verse 8 speaks of the exploits of the conquest that Ptolemy III took silver and gold vessels after capturing the port city of Antioch (capital) and Seleucia. These were precious items that the northern king Cambyses had taken earlier in 526 B.C. from the southern kingdom (verse 9). History shows that Ptolemy reigned four more years (died in 222 B.C.) than his northern counterpart Seleucus II who died in 226 B.C. (verse 8).
After the death of Seleucus II, the northern kingdom was succeeded by his two sons. (verse 10). Each of the two brothers, Seleucus III and Antiochus III, successively raised up great armies to fight Egypt (southern kingdom) and recover the port of Seleucia to avenge the honor of their father. Thereafter, Ptolemy IV (king of the south) gathered an army of 20,000 to fight Antiochus the Great (king of the north) in fulfillment of verse 11. Ptolemy IV also fulfilled verse 12 because he killed tens of thousands of his enemies. However, his mistake was to make a hasty peace with Antiochus and retreated too soon back to Egypt and hence, 'did not prevail' in consolidating his victory (217 B.C.)
Antiochus the Great returned twelve years later in 205 B. C to take advantage of Egypt, when the king of the south died and his baby son Ptolemy Epiphanes was given the throne. Antiochus defeated Eygpt was a fulfillment of verse 13 of Daniel chapter 11. Antiochus' conquest included Egypt, Sidon, Phoenicia and eventually capturing the land of Judea (Glorious Land or Holy Land) in 198 B.C. (verse 14-16).
In 198 B.C. Antiochus arranged to have his daughter Cleopatra (not the famous Queen of Egypt in 31 B.C,) married the boy king Ptolemy Epiphanes of the southern kingdom. His plan was to take control of Egypt but it backfired as Cleopatra deceived her father and the plan failed (verse 17). He next planned to take control of the coasts of Asia Minor, including the surrounding islands. But the Roman general Lucius Cornelius defeated and destroyed his army. (verse 18). Verse 19 goes on to record that Antiochus next turned his attention to his own fortresses - the Oriental Temple of Belus in Elymais. He was killed in 187 B.C. while trying to consolidate all his possessions in fulfillment of verse 19.
Seleucus IV Philopator wanted to raise money through taxes in Judea (Glorious Kingdom - verse 20). So he tasked Heliodorus to do it but was eventually poisoned by Heliodorus. As Seleucus IV had no heir, his younger brother Antiochus IV (also known as Epiphanes) took control of the northern kingdom through deceit and flattery (vile person - verse 21). With the help of his aid, Eumenes, Antiochus IV (Epiphanes) became the king of the north. The following verse in 22 prophesied that Antiochus Epiphanes attempted to remove the Jewish High Priest ('prince of the covenant'- verse 22) and in favor of someone loyal to him.
Verses 23-26 talk about the character and personality of Antiochus Epiphanes, full of deceit and flattery, and he used them to great advantage to gain supporters and power. He offended the Jews by sweeping into Lower Egypt and Galilee, and was threatened with war by ministers of the king of the south - Ptolemy Philometor - who claimed Palestine under their jurisdiction. Continuing his hatred of the Jews, Antiochus Epiphanes sacked the Temple at Jerusalem and carted away golden vessels (verse 28). He returned to Egypt another time but was not as successful as before because Ptolemy Philometor had sought help from Rome (verse 29).
After his defeat by the Roman general Popillius, Antiochus Epiphanes vented his anger at the Jews by offering favor to the Jews who would renounce their belief and practices ('show regard for those who would forsake the holy covenant' -verse 30). In 167 B.C. Antiochus sent in troops to Palestine and destroyed the Temple and its sanctuary, casting off the daily sacrifice (see Daniel 8:11) and even put a slaughtered pig on the altar as a sacrifice thus fulfilling verse 31 with 'the abomination of desolation'. This prophecy is a type of things to come. As in Luke 21:20, Jesus prophesied that Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies and know that its desolation is near. In A.D. 70, the Roman army invaded Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple just as the Lord Jesus said it would. The Almighty God often uses duality in prophecy to show what would likewise happen in future as a warning to those who would take heed!
Antiochus Epiphanes' attempt to destroy the Jewish religion gained some momentum because of his faltteries and corrupt favoritism. 'But the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits' (verse 32). They represent those of the Maccabees who resisted Antiochus' style of corruption, deception and brutality. The duality of this is that they represent a type of the 'last days' saints who would build His church in the face of flatteries (where itching ears love to hear), deception (the lawless system of corruption of this world) and brutality (widespread wars, killings and abuse of power).
Would you be like prophet Daniel to stand tall and fearless amongst all the kings and power to be of this world but fear the God Almighty Who will usher in His Kingdom on earth at the time of His appointment! For only the wise (like Daniel who fear God) shall understand (Daniel 12:10). You can be counted in if you believe and obey His laws and commandments.
The prophet Daniel was given this prophecy over 2,500 years ago (Daniel 10:1) that involves powerful earthly kingdoms with events and conflicts that will culminate in our time. During Daniel's time, he could not understand the prophecy as it was closed and sealed till the time of the end (Daniel 12:8-9). We are now living in that 'time of the end', for the angel told the Apostle John that the words of the prophecy of this book (Revelation and Daniel are interlinked in prophecies) are not to be sealed, for the time is at hand (Revelation 22:10)!
One main keys I learnt about bible propehcy is to let the bible interprets the bible. Another is that many bible prophecies have dual events, usually one had been fulfilled and another yet to occur. This longest prophecy in the Bible is about the Middle East and is found in Daniel chapter 11. Of the forty five verses, many had already been fulfilled. It prophesied of two competing kingdoms and two powerful kings which play a big role in setting the stage for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ!
The archangel Gabriel (Daniel 9:21) told Daniel that this prophecy is the truth (11:2) - meaning it will surely come to pass as recorded. Since Jesus Christ said that no scripture can be broken (John 10:35) it had indeed stand the test of history and will continue to be fulfilled for the remaining portion of the prophecy.
Daniel 11:2-3 speak of the four kings with the fourth being the mightiest and richest of the four. History tells us that the four kings are, in order of rule, Cambyses, Smerdis, Darius of Persia and Xerxes, who instigated war with Greece. The 'male goat' in Daniel 8:5 was the Greek Empire, initially ruled by King Philip of Macedonia with ambition to defeat the Persian Empire. After his death, his son Alexander the Great defeated the Persian army at the Battle of Issus in 333 B.C. (Daniel 8:2, 5-6).
In 331 B. C two years later, Alexander the Great completely defeated the Persian army and destroyed everything from Middle East to India as prophesied in Scriptures! His untimely death at the young age of thirty-two left him with no heir apparent and his kingdom was divided to be ruled by his four generals just as prophesied in God's Word (Daniel 11:4). The four generals were - Ptolemy ruled Egypt, Judea and part of Syria, Seleucus ruled Syria, Babylonia and regions east of India, Lysimachus ruled Asia Minor and Cassander ruled Greece and Macedonia.
Of these four, the first two were strong kingdoms and prophecy tracked them all the way. The Syrian kingdom represents the 'king of the north' - since it is north of Jerusalem. The Egyptian kingdom represents 'the king of the south' as Egypt is south of Jerusalem (11:5). These two kingdoms were always at war with one another, mostly over the land of Palestine and Jerusalem. Control passed back and forth between these two kingdoms depending on the victory of the last battle fought between them.
Daniel 11:6 is an incredible verse as far as prophecy goes. Some half a century later, Antiochus II (called Theos) who was the king of the north ruling Syria then, divorced his wife Laodice to marry Bernice, the daughter of the king of the south just as it was prophesied in verse six! In amazing details as written by historian Rawlinson, both Bernice and her father Ptolemy Philadelphus (him who begot her) together with her husband king of the north came to tragic end. Through Laodice's influence, war broke out between the two kingdoms and Ptolemy Philadelphus (king of the south) was killed. Thereafter, Antiochus divorced Bernice in favor of his former wife Laodice. Later on, Laodice had Antiochus and Bernice murdered to avenge her anger.
Following in verse 7, it reads, 'But from a branch of her roots (Bernice's parents) one shall rise in his place ( Bernice's brother Ptolemy Euergetes the III, eldest son of Philadelphus took to the throne as king of the south) shall come with an army ( invaded Syria in 245 B.C.), enter the fortress of the king of the north, and deal with them and prevail. (conquered the land to avenge for the death of his sister Bernice and took everything away). Verse 8 speaks of the exploits of the conquest that Ptolemy III took silver and gold vessels after capturing the port city of Antioch (capital) and Seleucia. These were precious items that the northern king Cambyses had taken earlier in 526 B.C. from the southern kingdom (verse 9). History shows that Ptolemy reigned four more years (died in 222 B.C.) than his northern counterpart Seleucus II who died in 226 B.C. (verse 8).
After the death of Seleucus II, the northern kingdom was succeeded by his two sons. (verse 10). Each of the two brothers, Seleucus III and Antiochus III, successively raised up great armies to fight Egypt (southern kingdom) and recover the port of Seleucia to avenge the honor of their father. Thereafter, Ptolemy IV (king of the south) gathered an army of 20,000 to fight Antiochus the Great (king of the north) in fulfillment of verse 11. Ptolemy IV also fulfilled verse 12 because he killed tens of thousands of his enemies. However, his mistake was to make a hasty peace with Antiochus and retreated too soon back to Egypt and hence, 'did not prevail' in consolidating his victory (217 B.C.)
Antiochus the Great returned twelve years later in 205 B. C to take advantage of Egypt, when the king of the south died and his baby son Ptolemy Epiphanes was given the throne. Antiochus defeated Eygpt was a fulfillment of verse 13 of Daniel chapter 11. Antiochus' conquest included Egypt, Sidon, Phoenicia and eventually capturing the land of Judea (Glorious Land or Holy Land) in 198 B.C. (verse 14-16).
In 198 B.C. Antiochus arranged to have his daughter Cleopatra (not the famous Queen of Egypt in 31 B.C,) married the boy king Ptolemy Epiphanes of the southern kingdom. His plan was to take control of Egypt but it backfired as Cleopatra deceived her father and the plan failed (verse 17). He next planned to take control of the coasts of Asia Minor, including the surrounding islands. But the Roman general Lucius Cornelius defeated and destroyed his army. (verse 18). Verse 19 goes on to record that Antiochus next turned his attention to his own fortresses - the Oriental Temple of Belus in Elymais. He was killed in 187 B.C. while trying to consolidate all his possessions in fulfillment of verse 19.
Seleucus IV Philopator wanted to raise money through taxes in Judea (Glorious Kingdom - verse 20). So he tasked Heliodorus to do it but was eventually poisoned by Heliodorus. As Seleucus IV had no heir, his younger brother Antiochus IV (also known as Epiphanes) took control of the northern kingdom through deceit and flattery (vile person - verse 21). With the help of his aid, Eumenes, Antiochus IV (Epiphanes) became the king of the north. The following verse in 22 prophesied that Antiochus Epiphanes attempted to remove the Jewish High Priest ('prince of the covenant'- verse 22) and in favor of someone loyal to him.
Verses 23-26 talk about the character and personality of Antiochus Epiphanes, full of deceit and flattery, and he used them to great advantage to gain supporters and power. He offended the Jews by sweeping into Lower Egypt and Galilee, and was threatened with war by ministers of the king of the south - Ptolemy Philometor - who claimed Palestine under their jurisdiction. Continuing his hatred of the Jews, Antiochus Epiphanes sacked the Temple at Jerusalem and carted away golden vessels (verse 28). He returned to Egypt another time but was not as successful as before because Ptolemy Philometor had sought help from Rome (verse 29).
After his defeat by the Roman general Popillius, Antiochus Epiphanes vented his anger at the Jews by offering favor to the Jews who would renounce their belief and practices ('show regard for those who would forsake the holy covenant' -verse 30). In 167 B.C. Antiochus sent in troops to Palestine and destroyed the Temple and its sanctuary, casting off the daily sacrifice (see Daniel 8:11) and even put a slaughtered pig on the altar as a sacrifice thus fulfilling verse 31 with 'the abomination of desolation'. This prophecy is a type of things to come. As in Luke 21:20, Jesus prophesied that Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies and know that its desolation is near. In A.D. 70, the Roman army invaded Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple just as the Lord Jesus said it would. The Almighty God often uses duality in prophecy to show what would likewise happen in future as a warning to those who would take heed!
Antiochus Epiphanes' attempt to destroy the Jewish religion gained some momentum because of his faltteries and corrupt favoritism. 'But the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits' (verse 32). They represent those of the Maccabees who resisted Antiochus' style of corruption, deception and brutality. The duality of this is that they represent a type of the 'last days' saints who would build His church in the face of flatteries (where itching ears love to hear), deception (the lawless system of corruption of this world) and brutality (widespread wars, killings and abuse of power).
Would you be like prophet Daniel to stand tall and fearless amongst all the kings and power to be of this world but fear the God Almighty Who will usher in His Kingdom on earth at the time of His appointment! For only the wise (like Daniel who fear God) shall understand (Daniel 12:10). You can be counted in if you believe and obey His laws and commandments.
Friday, February 27, 2009
THE WORK OF GOD
Man has been created by God to become overseer of His creation. Genesis 1:26 tells us that man is made in the image and likeness of God to have dominion over all creatures and over all the earth. Similarly in Genesis 2:15, God took Adam and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and to keep it. This innate drive to work and achieve something is put into man to ultimately rule and oversee over all of God's creation. But before man can come to that stage, he has to be tested to prove his worth through working from the ground up in this life before God will give more in the life hereafter! Because if he cannot be found faithful to take responsibility with little in this life, how can he be given much more in the hereafter that is of true wealth. As disciples and servants of the Lord, we must be found doing the work of God when he comes (Matthew 24:45-47).
Most Christians would have heard of pastors/preachers telling them about doing God's will, reaching out and evangelising the lost. But what exactly does the Bible teach about doing the Work of God? The Apostle Peter in Acts 3:19-24 talks about Christ's Second Coming (from the presence of the Lord - verse 19)to establish His Kingdom as the 'restitution of all things' (verse 21). God used His prophets to announce His coming Kingdom long before the apostles did (verse 21c).
2 Peter 2:5 tells us that there were eight 'preachers of righteousness' who warned the world then of sin and punishment. Our merciful God always warned the people ahead of time before judgment came, and usually He chose a prophet to do the job. Jude 14 also warned of the Coming Christ who will execute judgment upon the earth with His righteous saints. And Acts 3:24 mentions that all the prophets from Samuel onwards preached about the Second Coming of Christ to 'restore all things'!
The gospel of the Kingdom of God was preached to Abraham (Galatians 3:8), probably by Melchizedek - Christ in the Old Testament. Abraham was told that through him all the families of the earth shall be blessed (Genesis 12:3) and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed (Genesis 18:18). These promises can only come true when God sent Jesus Christ back to earth to rule the affairs of man! Moses also foretold of the coming great Prophet (Jesus Christ) of all time (Deuteronomy 18:15) and He will preach to the entire world at His return (Acts 3:23). King David expressed this truth in many parts of the Psalms he wrote . 'Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For you shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth.' (Psalms 67:4). Similarly, in Psalm 22: 28 he wrote, 'For the kingdom is the LORD'S, and He rules over the nations.'
The four major prophets - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel wrote about the coming Kingdom of God on earth. Isaiah 9:6-7 reads, 'For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom.' In Jeremiah 25:5, it reads, 'Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.' Ezekiel 36:24-38 refers to a time of nation building for the people of Israel and Judah which will happen after the return of Jesus Christ! The prophet Daniel recorded more in Daniel 2:44 about the coming Kingdom of God which shall reign supreme over all the earth. In Daniel 7:18 records that 'the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.' This is repeated in verse 22 of the same chapter.
When Christ said, 'I will build My church' (Matthew 16:18), it is for two primary purposes. One is to proclaim to the world the Gospel Message from God the Father of the coming Kingdom of God. The second area of the Work of God is to equip His chosen people (the true church) with the Word of God for the Work that lies ahead during the Millennium. As the Kingdom of God is God's Kingdom, so the gospel of Christ's is Christ's gospel. One needs to believe in Him as the Savior of the world and to believe Him in obedience for all that He had commanded His disciples to do to be saved! For salvation means to be IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Failing which, they will be cursed - undergo sufferings in the GREAT TRIBULATION! (Malachi 4:6b,c).
We must do the Work of God because night is coming (Great Tribulation) when no one can work (John 9:4). During the Great Tribulation, there will be a famine of the Word and Work of God!As disciples, we ought to fulfill His will and purpose for our lives, or else we might miss entering the kingdom of God due to disobedience. Make no mistake, to enter the kingdom of God is to obtain eternal salvation, and that is the ultimate goal of all disciples of Christ to be in eternal glory in His kingdom for all eternity! For Christ said that only those who endure to the end shall be saved!
Jesus Christ's ministries while on earth was to preach the gospel of the kingdom of God and to heal the sick and the demonised. These two aspects of His Work go hand in hand together. In Luke 9:1-2, it was recorded that Christ called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. The same is repeatedly in Luke 10:1,2 & 9 for the seventy men Christ sent out to do the Work of God. Many passages in Acts testify to similar pattern of Christ's disciples doing the Work of God, miracles and healings took place. In Acts 8:12 we read, ' But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.' The Apostle Paul in Acts 19:8 reasoning with the Jews in the synagogue concerning the things of the kingdom of God and then again in 20:25 said, 'And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.' And again in Acts 28:23 & 31, Paul preached the gospel about the kingdom of God and the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ. All these prove unequivocably that the gospel of the kingdom of God is different from the person of Jesus Christ and is a central part of the Work of God for the church to accomplish!
The church of these last days is to warn the nations of Israel and the Laodicean church (of the last era before Christ return) of their disobedience to God's truth regarding His laws and commandments. They have to repent or else perish in the Great Tribulation! This Ezekiel Warning (Ezekiel chapters 3 & 33) is urgent for the time is short. This 'short work' (Romans 9:27-29) will save many who formed part of the remnant. Tragically, many will choose to repent during the Great Tribulation by losing their physical lives in exchange for eternal life! For not willing to lose one's life now by adopting the 'give way of life' but instead opt for the 'get way of life', there is a high price to pay later. May God have mercy on all those who heed His call now before it is too late!
Most Christians would have heard of pastors/preachers telling them about doing God's will, reaching out and evangelising the lost. But what exactly does the Bible teach about doing the Work of God? The Apostle Peter in Acts 3:19-24 talks about Christ's Second Coming (from the presence of the Lord - verse 19)to establish His Kingdom as the 'restitution of all things' (verse 21). God used His prophets to announce His coming Kingdom long before the apostles did (verse 21c).
2 Peter 2:5 tells us that there were eight 'preachers of righteousness' who warned the world then of sin and punishment. Our merciful God always warned the people ahead of time before judgment came, and usually He chose a prophet to do the job. Jude 14 also warned of the Coming Christ who will execute judgment upon the earth with His righteous saints. And Acts 3:24 mentions that all the prophets from Samuel onwards preached about the Second Coming of Christ to 'restore all things'!
The gospel of the Kingdom of God was preached to Abraham (Galatians 3:8), probably by Melchizedek - Christ in the Old Testament. Abraham was told that through him all the families of the earth shall be blessed (Genesis 12:3) and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed (Genesis 18:18). These promises can only come true when God sent Jesus Christ back to earth to rule the affairs of man! Moses also foretold of the coming great Prophet (Jesus Christ) of all time (Deuteronomy 18:15) and He will preach to the entire world at His return (Acts 3:23). King David expressed this truth in many parts of the Psalms he wrote . 'Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For you shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth.' (Psalms 67:4). Similarly, in Psalm 22: 28 he wrote, 'For the kingdom is the LORD'S, and He rules over the nations.'
The four major prophets - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel wrote about the coming Kingdom of God on earth. Isaiah 9:6-7 reads, 'For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom.' In Jeremiah 25:5, it reads, 'Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.' Ezekiel 36:24-38 refers to a time of nation building for the people of Israel and Judah which will happen after the return of Jesus Christ! The prophet Daniel recorded more in Daniel 2:44 about the coming Kingdom of God which shall reign supreme over all the earth. In Daniel 7:18 records that 'the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.' This is repeated in verse 22 of the same chapter.
Even the minor prophets of the Old Testament preached the gospel of the Kingdom of God in the Millennium. Hosea wrote, 'Afterward the children of Israel (mainly the Anglo-Saxon of America and Britain today) shall return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They shall fear the LORD and His goodness in the latter days.' (Hosea 3:5). The prophet Joel put it well in Joel 2:21-27 referring to the Millennial Kingdom when the Lord Jesus Christ reigns, 'Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, For the Lord has done marvellous things!....Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord your God and there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame.' Quoting from Amos 9:11, the Apostle Peter in Acts 15:16-17 states, 'After this I (Jesus Christ) will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the LORD who does all these things.' Even Obadiah, one of the Bible's shortest book gives a glimpse of the Kingdom of God, 'Then Saviors (referring to the resurrected saints who will be born again as God-like beings) shall come to Mount Zion - where the fourth physical temple described in Ezekiel chapters 40-48 will be built during the millennium - to judge the mountains of Esau, And the kingdom shall be the LORD's.' (verse 21).
And so is Habakkuk 2:14, 'For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea.' Zephaniah 3:14-20 gives an inspiring description of the future of Israel's twelve tribes. 'Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You shall see disaster no more.' Another minor prophet Zechariah records this, 'Thus the LORD my God will come, And all the saints with You.' (Zechariah 14:5b). 'And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be - The LORD is one, and His name one.' (14:9). The last book of the Old Testament, Malachi in chapter 4:5-6 states, 'Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet (refers to Herbert Armstrong who anchored the Philadelphian Era - see Matthew 17:11), Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.' Herbert Armstrong restored many biblical truths lost throughout the centuries. All living in this generation (possibly the last of this church age) must return to the family, remembering the God Family vision the Heavenly Father establishes for His church to fulfill before the Lord Jesus Christ returns to establish His Kingdom - rule and govern by the God Family!
Before Christ's first advent, the Work of God was centred on the law and preaching of the prophets about sin, righteousness and judgment (Luke 16:16). After Christ successfully overcame the temptations from Satan, He began to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God(Matthew 4:17) and so do His disciples (Acts 3:19-21; 8:12; 19:8; 20:25; 28:23 & 31). The Lord Jesus even sent out seventy unconverted men (those yet to receive the Holy Spirit) to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God (Luke 10:1 & 9). The point is that throughout the history of the prophets and later the church, the main Work of God is the preaching of the coming Kingdom of God which is imminent now as we are approaching the close of this church age! 'And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the world and then the end will come.' (Matthew 24:14). And everyone (the chosen one) is pressing in to enter the kingdom of God (Luke 16:16)!When Christ said, 'I will build My church' (Matthew 16:18), it is for two primary purposes. One is to proclaim to the world the Gospel Message from God the Father of the coming Kingdom of God. The second area of the Work of God is to equip His chosen people (the true church) with the Word of God for the Work that lies ahead during the Millennium. As the Kingdom of God is God's Kingdom, so the gospel of Christ's is Christ's gospel. One needs to believe in Him as the Savior of the world and to believe Him in obedience for all that He had commanded His disciples to do to be saved! For salvation means to be IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Failing which, they will be cursed - undergo sufferings in the GREAT TRIBULATION! (Malachi 4:6b,c).
We must do the Work of God because night is coming (Great Tribulation) when no one can work (John 9:4). During the Great Tribulation, there will be a famine of the Word and Work of God!As disciples, we ought to fulfill His will and purpose for our lives, or else we might miss entering the kingdom of God due to disobedience. Make no mistake, to enter the kingdom of God is to obtain eternal salvation, and that is the ultimate goal of all disciples of Christ to be in eternal glory in His kingdom for all eternity! For Christ said that only those who endure to the end shall be saved!
Jesus Christ's ministries while on earth was to preach the gospel of the kingdom of God and to heal the sick and the demonised. These two aspects of His Work go hand in hand together. In Luke 9:1-2, it was recorded that Christ called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. The same is repeatedly in Luke 10:1,2 & 9 for the seventy men Christ sent out to do the Work of God. Many passages in Acts testify to similar pattern of Christ's disciples doing the Work of God, miracles and healings took place. In Acts 8:12 we read, ' But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.' The Apostle Paul in Acts 19:8 reasoning with the Jews in the synagogue concerning the things of the kingdom of God and then again in 20:25 said, 'And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.' And again in Acts 28:23 & 31, Paul preached the gospel about the kingdom of God and the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ. All these prove unequivocably that the gospel of the kingdom of God is different from the person of Jesus Christ and is a central part of the Work of God for the church to accomplish!
The church of these last days is to warn the nations of Israel and the Laodicean church (of the last era before Christ return) of their disobedience to God's truth regarding His laws and commandments. They have to repent or else perish in the Great Tribulation! This Ezekiel Warning (Ezekiel chapters 3 & 33) is urgent for the time is short. This 'short work' (Romans 9:27-29) will save many who formed part of the remnant. Tragically, many will choose to repent during the Great Tribulation by losing their physical lives in exchange for eternal life! For not willing to lose one's life now by adopting the 'give way of life' but instead opt for the 'get way of life', there is a high price to pay later. May God have mercy on all those who heed His call now before it is too late!
Friday, February 13, 2009
THE FAITH OF JESUS
Many believers I know of were often trapped in the grip of fears and worries. I myself was once a 'victim' too. Yet the Scripture in Hebrews 11:6 plainly states that: 'But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is rewarder of those who diligently seek Him'. As I begin to study the Word of God, I realise that most Christians have 'human faith' but not the 'faith of Jesus' which is essential to break out from the vicious circle of spiritual poverty.
Romans 1:17 states: 'For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,"The just shall live by faith". This verse in Romans is saying that a Christian must move from the level of 'human faith' at the early stage of conversion to the kind of faith that Jesus had when He walked the earth. All of us have some measure of human faith, but that is not enough to see us through the Christian life if we are to become overcomers and victorious! The Apostle Paul states his position in Galatians 2:20 thus: 'I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me'. Simply put, Paul is saying that he has the same faith as the Lord Jesus Christ had, and he is living by it.
Looking into the end times which we are currently living in, Christ asked, 'When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?' (Luke 18:8). This implies that true faith is going to be a 'rare commodity' as the clock ticks towards the close of the church age! True faith comes from the Spirit of God - the FRUIT of the Holy Spirit - as stated in Galatians 5:22-23. This was clearly demonstrated in Christ ministry while on earth. For He accomplished everything through the power of God's Spirit in Him. In addition, God endowed Him with the GIFT of faith (1 Cor 12:1, 7-9) for Him to endure the sufferings as Savior of the world! When a Christian has true faith, he can accomplish great and mightly exploits for God just like Jesus did (John 14:12).
It is worthy to note that a person is 'justified by the faith of Jesus Christ' (Galatians 2:16 KJV). Thus not only must we believe in Jesus Christ but we must also possess the kind of faith that Jesus had in us so that we can be made righteous (justified)! Though it starts with human belief, we must grow our faith to the kind that Jesus had while on earth. Hence, we must grow from faith (human faith) to faith (the faith of Jesus) - Romans 1:17. Human faith is variable, it depends on one's emotional state of mind and or circumstances. In the current economic downturn, many are caught unprepared and on the wrong side of the economic divide. Those who have only human faith, they are likely to be unstable in emotional and spiritual wellness. But those with the faith of Jesus will be different - for it is stable and does not waver. Those who waver are unstable , double-minded (toss between human reasoning/thinking and the leading of God's Spirit) and will not receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-8).
Contrary to popular belief, true faith is invoked only for specific promises given in Scripture, and not up to the whim and fancy of any individual. Such promises can involve healing of a sickness or disease, answers to prayer, deliverance from curses or claiming some blessings either for oneself or for loved ones. Proverbs 30:5-6 reads: 'Every word of God is pure; He is a shield (shield of faith -Ephesians 6:16) to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.' Basically, what the verses implied is that God keeps His promises as stated in Scripture and He will do it provided some of the conditions are met. To doubt His Word is to imply that God is a Liar! Whenever I ask God for something I know he will answer them provided I stay obedient. However, I also know that His timing and the way He answers them may not necessarily coincide with mine. Anyhow, His ways are always the best!
Many Christians are misled into believing that 'just believe in Jesus' kind of faith is all that is needed for salvation. If that is true, the Bible should be no more than a single page of Scripture! Remember the words of our Lord Jesus in Matthew 7:21, 'Not everyone who says to Me "Lord, Lord", shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven (born again as sons of God), but he who DOES the will of MY FATHER in heaven.' Again in Romans 2:13, the Apostle Paul states: 'For not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the DOERS of the law will be justified.' That is why God will only give His Spirit to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32). Jesus Christ told the rich young man to keep the commandments (law) in order for him to receive salvation (Matthew 19:17). When His disciples heard this, they wondered who then can be saved? (Matthew 19:25). But Christ answered thus: 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' (Matthew 19:26). In my years as a Christians, I have heard many preachers quoting these verses but without the right explanations. What the Lord Jesus was saying is simply that man cannot keep God's law, but when Christ lives in us we can, provided we have the true living faith abiding in Him!
A Christian life is a journey of fighting many battles in a long war with the forces of darkness. Those who win eventually are overcomers to inherit the Kingdom of God. Hence, Paul admonishes Timothy to 'fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life' (1 Timothy 6:12). Similarly, Jude writes to all true believers to 'contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to the saints' (verse 3). We must follow Christ example in obedience by keeping God's law in order to possess the faith of Christ. Only then, can we become overcomers to inherit all that the Heavenly Father has destined for us in the Kingdom of God. For only true disciples of Christ will have the faith of Jesus (Revelation 14:12).
The Word of God lists nine separate fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and nine separate gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 12: 7-10). Of all these, faith is the only one mentioned in both of the lists. Faith is both a fruit and a gift of the Spirit. However, only those who are specially called of God to perform some work that requires the gift of the Spirit will be so given. Faith is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). But we must learn to develop and exercise it to the level of the faith of Jesus if we are to enter the Kingdom of God to become sons of God!
Romans 1:17 states: 'For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,"The just shall live by faith". This verse in Romans is saying that a Christian must move from the level of 'human faith' at the early stage of conversion to the kind of faith that Jesus had when He walked the earth. All of us have some measure of human faith, but that is not enough to see us through the Christian life if we are to become overcomers and victorious! The Apostle Paul states his position in Galatians 2:20 thus: 'I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me'. Simply put, Paul is saying that he has the same faith as the Lord Jesus Christ had, and he is living by it.
Looking into the end times which we are currently living in, Christ asked, 'When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?' (Luke 18:8). This implies that true faith is going to be a 'rare commodity' as the clock ticks towards the close of the church age! True faith comes from the Spirit of God - the FRUIT of the Holy Spirit - as stated in Galatians 5:22-23. This was clearly demonstrated in Christ ministry while on earth. For He accomplished everything through the power of God's Spirit in Him. In addition, God endowed Him with the GIFT of faith (1 Cor 12:1, 7-9) for Him to endure the sufferings as Savior of the world! When a Christian has true faith, he can accomplish great and mightly exploits for God just like Jesus did (John 14:12).
It is worthy to note that a person is 'justified by the faith of Jesus Christ' (Galatians 2:16 KJV). Thus not only must we believe in Jesus Christ but we must also possess the kind of faith that Jesus had in us so that we can be made righteous (justified)! Though it starts with human belief, we must grow our faith to the kind that Jesus had while on earth. Hence, we must grow from faith (human faith) to faith (the faith of Jesus) - Romans 1:17. Human faith is variable, it depends on one's emotional state of mind and or circumstances. In the current economic downturn, many are caught unprepared and on the wrong side of the economic divide. Those who have only human faith, they are likely to be unstable in emotional and spiritual wellness. But those with the faith of Jesus will be different - for it is stable and does not waver. Those who waver are unstable , double-minded (toss between human reasoning/thinking and the leading of God's Spirit) and will not receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-8).
Contrary to popular belief, true faith is invoked only for specific promises given in Scripture, and not up to the whim and fancy of any individual. Such promises can involve healing of a sickness or disease, answers to prayer, deliverance from curses or claiming some blessings either for oneself or for loved ones. Proverbs 30:5-6 reads: 'Every word of God is pure; He is a shield (shield of faith -Ephesians 6:16) to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.' Basically, what the verses implied is that God keeps His promises as stated in Scripture and He will do it provided some of the conditions are met. To doubt His Word is to imply that God is a Liar! Whenever I ask God for something I know he will answer them provided I stay obedient. However, I also know that His timing and the way He answers them may not necessarily coincide with mine. Anyhow, His ways are always the best!
Many Christians are misled into believing that 'just believe in Jesus' kind of faith is all that is needed for salvation. If that is true, the Bible should be no more than a single page of Scripture! Remember the words of our Lord Jesus in Matthew 7:21, 'Not everyone who says to Me "Lord, Lord", shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven (born again as sons of God), but he who DOES the will of MY FATHER in heaven.' Again in Romans 2:13, the Apostle Paul states: 'For not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the DOERS of the law will be justified.' That is why God will only give His Spirit to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32). Jesus Christ told the rich young man to keep the commandments (law) in order for him to receive salvation (Matthew 19:17). When His disciples heard this, they wondered who then can be saved? (Matthew 19:25). But Christ answered thus: 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' (Matthew 19:26). In my years as a Christians, I have heard many preachers quoting these verses but without the right explanations. What the Lord Jesus was saying is simply that man cannot keep God's law, but when Christ lives in us we can, provided we have the true living faith abiding in Him!
A Christian life is a journey of fighting many battles in a long war with the forces of darkness. Those who win eventually are overcomers to inherit the Kingdom of God. Hence, Paul admonishes Timothy to 'fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life' (1 Timothy 6:12). Similarly, Jude writes to all true believers to 'contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to the saints' (verse 3). We must follow Christ example in obedience by keeping God's law in order to possess the faith of Christ. Only then, can we become overcomers to inherit all that the Heavenly Father has destined for us in the Kingdom of God. For only true disciples of Christ will have the faith of Jesus (Revelation 14:12).
The Word of God lists nine separate fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and nine separate gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 12: 7-10). Of all these, faith is the only one mentioned in both of the lists. Faith is both a fruit and a gift of the Spirit. However, only those who are specially called of God to perform some work that requires the gift of the Spirit will be so given. Faith is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). But we must learn to develop and exercise it to the level of the faith of Jesus if we are to enter the Kingdom of God to become sons of God!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
CALLING AND PREDESTINATION
In my early years as a Christian, I had heard sermons by various preachers teaching us that predestination and free will are actually two sides of the same coin. God being omnipotent and omniscient knows exactly what you plan and choose to do and therefore, 'predestined' what your future will be. I know of many of my contemporaries who had gone into full-time ministries after having 'heard the call of God for their lives'. What exactly it is, according to them, is a question of 'faith' .But is this what the Bible actually teaches about the subjects? Let's take an exploratory tour of what the Scriptures say about the subjects of calling and predestination to search out the truth!
The Lord Jesus said in John 6:44, 'No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.' A simple explanation is that no one can fully understand God' s truth unless God"s Spirit calls or draws the person to His truth. It is God who does the adding to His Church (Acts 2:47), just as He has set the members, each one of them, in the body (of Christ) just as He pleased (1 Cor 12:18).
Many evangelists had quoted 2 Cor 6:2, 'Behold, now is the acceptable time, behold, now is the day of salvation' to bring in the harvest imminently. The quote from Isaiah 49:8 by the Apostle Paul should be accurately translated as : 'In AN acceptable time I have heard You, and in A day of salvation I have helped You.' In both the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, there is no definite term 'the' contain therein. If it is the only time for salvation in Paul's time (the first century), then all of us are doomed! Basically, the verse is saying God has answered the prayer and brought help in a time of salvation for the repentant sinners at all times, even after Christ Second Coming when He will come 'to restore the earth' (Isaiah 49:8).
Personally, I have grappled with the verses in Matthew 13:10-11 as to why the Lord Jesus spoke in parables instead of direct statements to His disciples. When His disciples asked why He spoke to them in parables, He answered, 'Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven (God), but to them (the masses) it has not been given.' But now I understand why God reveals His truth to some and not to others. Simply because some are called in this Church Age and others are not now called. However, those who are called have to accept the calling by obedience to follow Christ (by implication to renounce the world) in order to become the 'chosen ones' (Matthew 20:16; 22:14). Sadly, many in this Laodicean Era will not response to the call.
Many Christians are just believing IN Jesus Christ. This is not enough, for even the demons believe in Jesus Christ and trembled. Believing in Jesus is simply believing Who He is - the Son of the living God. We have to BELIEVE JESUS CHRIST, not just about the person of Christ. To believe Christ is to believe ALL His teachings including His message of the gospel of the Kingdom of God which God the Father sent Him to deliver as the Good News for mankind when God will establish His rule on earth to end all wars, injustices and sufferings! Until then, we must believe all of God's promises...simply put, LIVING BY FAITH (God's coming Kingdom of law and righteousness) and not by sight (Satan's world of lawlessness)!
Some may wonder, is it fair for God to call some and not others in this Church Age? Although we do not know and cannot question how God the Father select those destined to become sons of God, we do know He is fair and just. Those who are called and accepted the invitation through obedience to His will will form the Church of the Firstborn (Hebrews 12:23). They will be the Bride of Christ to rule in God's headquarters for the Millennial Age and throughout eternity. They are currently being judged (1 Peter 4:17) to qualify (or disqualify) for these honored positions in the Kingdom of God. Though the rewards are great, but so are the responsibilities. Hence character training to Christ-likeness is the key. Those who are being given the truth and yet renege will be severely judged and punished (Luke 12:47-48), some may even lose their eternal salvation. For much has been given, much will be expected of them. This is especially so for those who are leaders of His flock and teachers of His Word.
The rest of humanity who have either being blinded spiritually, deceived or who have never heard the gospel before in all the ages will be raised in the second resurrection (John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15) on the Last Great Day (John 7:37). They will come before the Great White Throne of God to face judgment (Rev 20:11), not eternal condemnation as many theologians believed. That is why the Lord Jesus warned in Matthew 11:21-24 that those from Tyre, Sidon and Sodom who had repented on the Day of Judgment had they seen His miracles, they would have better hope than those who had seen but rejected His works and words! That will be the time when most of humanity (all the multiple billions who had ever lived) will learn of the truth of God and be saved, starting with Israel (Romans 11:26) as prophesied in Isaiah 66:8. Those who rejected the truth then will have no excuse. They will be annihilated in the Lake of Fire (Malachi 4:1). The prophecy in Zechariah 13:8-9 are for those saved during the Great Tribulation. The resurrected sons of God in the First Resurrection will be there to teach and train the billions of people in the great harvest (Jude 14-15;Rev 5:10).
Those who will learn of God's truth in the Millennial Age and repented will eventually qualify as children of God (and not as sons) in the Kingdom of God. They will have lower positions and glory than those who are sons of God since they will undergo lesser trials and tribulations as Satan and his demons would have been bound by then (Rev 20:3). God had predestined who to be saved in which age - the Firstfruits as sons of God in this church age (Eph 1: 9 to 14 - those who FIRST trusted in Christ, verse 12), some during the Great Tribulation and the rest during the Millennial Age.
Speaking of this later harvests, the Apostle Paul states in Romans 11:31-31, 'Even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.' The prophet Micah in the book that bears his name wrote in 4:2, 'Many nations shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.' Similarly in Isaiah 11:9-11 and 66:15-16, 18-19 show of a time when all the nations of the earth will seek Christ and worship Him as their God and King! By then, even the wild beast will stop their aggressive ways and be tamed (Isaiah 11:6-8). What a glorious world that will be!
Let's not be disheartened of all those who died without ever hearing the gospel. They are not all heading to 'the eternal flame of hell fire' as many church ministers would have you believed. All these are folklores from novels used by evangelists in the past centuries to frighten 'men unto repentance', albeit with good intentions. For the Bible says the wages of sin is death, not eternal life in hell fire. Incidentally, the term 'hell' is nothing more than the 'grave'. Man are evil, but not our Loving Eternal Heavenly Father. The worst scenario for man is annihilation in the Lake of Fire for those who rejected God's truth after having been taught and revealed to them. They will become dusts and ashes as God put them out of their misery!
The Lord Jesus said in John 6:44, 'No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.' A simple explanation is that no one can fully understand God' s truth unless God"s Spirit calls or draws the person to His truth. It is God who does the adding to His Church (Acts 2:47), just as He has set the members, each one of them, in the body (of Christ) just as He pleased (1 Cor 12:18).
Many evangelists had quoted 2 Cor 6:2, 'Behold, now is the acceptable time, behold, now is the day of salvation' to bring in the harvest imminently. The quote from Isaiah 49:8 by the Apostle Paul should be accurately translated as : 'In AN acceptable time I have heard You, and in A day of salvation I have helped You.' In both the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, there is no definite term 'the' contain therein. If it is the only time for salvation in Paul's time (the first century), then all of us are doomed! Basically, the verse is saying God has answered the prayer and brought help in a time of salvation for the repentant sinners at all times, even after Christ Second Coming when He will come 'to restore the earth' (Isaiah 49:8).
Personally, I have grappled with the verses in Matthew 13:10-11 as to why the Lord Jesus spoke in parables instead of direct statements to His disciples. When His disciples asked why He spoke to them in parables, He answered, 'Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven (God), but to them (the masses) it has not been given.' But now I understand why God reveals His truth to some and not to others. Simply because some are called in this Church Age and others are not now called. However, those who are called have to accept the calling by obedience to follow Christ (by implication to renounce the world) in order to become the 'chosen ones' (Matthew 20:16; 22:14). Sadly, many in this Laodicean Era will not response to the call.
Many Christians are just believing IN Jesus Christ. This is not enough, for even the demons believe in Jesus Christ and trembled. Believing in Jesus is simply believing Who He is - the Son of the living God. We have to BELIEVE JESUS CHRIST, not just about the person of Christ. To believe Christ is to believe ALL His teachings including His message of the gospel of the Kingdom of God which God the Father sent Him to deliver as the Good News for mankind when God will establish His rule on earth to end all wars, injustices and sufferings! Until then, we must believe all of God's promises...simply put, LIVING BY FAITH (God's coming Kingdom of law and righteousness) and not by sight (Satan's world of lawlessness)!
Some may wonder, is it fair for God to call some and not others in this Church Age? Although we do not know and cannot question how God the Father select those destined to become sons of God, we do know He is fair and just. Those who are called and accepted the invitation through obedience to His will will form the Church of the Firstborn (Hebrews 12:23). They will be the Bride of Christ to rule in God's headquarters for the Millennial Age and throughout eternity. They are currently being judged (1 Peter 4:17) to qualify (or disqualify) for these honored positions in the Kingdom of God. Though the rewards are great, but so are the responsibilities. Hence character training to Christ-likeness is the key. Those who are being given the truth and yet renege will be severely judged and punished (Luke 12:47-48), some may even lose their eternal salvation. For much has been given, much will be expected of them. This is especially so for those who are leaders of His flock and teachers of His Word.
The rest of humanity who have either being blinded spiritually, deceived or who have never heard the gospel before in all the ages will be raised in the second resurrection (John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15) on the Last Great Day (John 7:37). They will come before the Great White Throne of God to face judgment (Rev 20:11), not eternal condemnation as many theologians believed. That is why the Lord Jesus warned in Matthew 11:21-24 that those from Tyre, Sidon and Sodom who had repented on the Day of Judgment had they seen His miracles, they would have better hope than those who had seen but rejected His works and words! That will be the time when most of humanity (all the multiple billions who had ever lived) will learn of the truth of God and be saved, starting with Israel (Romans 11:26) as prophesied in Isaiah 66:8. Those who rejected the truth then will have no excuse. They will be annihilated in the Lake of Fire (Malachi 4:1). The prophecy in Zechariah 13:8-9 are for those saved during the Great Tribulation. The resurrected sons of God in the First Resurrection will be there to teach and train the billions of people in the great harvest (Jude 14-15;Rev 5:10).
Those who will learn of God's truth in the Millennial Age and repented will eventually qualify as children of God (and not as sons) in the Kingdom of God. They will have lower positions and glory than those who are sons of God since they will undergo lesser trials and tribulations as Satan and his demons would have been bound by then (Rev 20:3). God had predestined who to be saved in which age - the Firstfruits as sons of God in this church age (Eph 1: 9 to 14 - those who FIRST trusted in Christ, verse 12), some during the Great Tribulation and the rest during the Millennial Age.
Speaking of this later harvests, the Apostle Paul states in Romans 11:31-31, 'Even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.' The prophet Micah in the book that bears his name wrote in 4:2, 'Many nations shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.' Similarly in Isaiah 11:9-11 and 66:15-16, 18-19 show of a time when all the nations of the earth will seek Christ and worship Him as their God and King! By then, even the wild beast will stop their aggressive ways and be tamed (Isaiah 11:6-8). What a glorious world that will be!
Let's not be disheartened of all those who died without ever hearing the gospel. They are not all heading to 'the eternal flame of hell fire' as many church ministers would have you believed. All these are folklores from novels used by evangelists in the past centuries to frighten 'men unto repentance', albeit with good intentions. For the Bible says the wages of sin is death, not eternal life in hell fire. Incidentally, the term 'hell' is nothing more than the 'grave'. Man are evil, but not our Loving Eternal Heavenly Father. The worst scenario for man is annihilation in the Lake of Fire for those who rejected God's truth after having been taught and revealed to them. They will become dusts and ashes as God put them out of their misery!
Friday, January 16, 2009
THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD
Throughout the history of mankind, people and nations from all over the world are plagued by evil and problems that very often can be traced to the issue 0f government - whether it is a family dispute, an organisational mismanagement, a church split or political corruption , greed or manipulation. Due to lobbying of rights group for freedom and democracy, government of all affiliations are finding it harder to govern now than ever before. This is made worse because of corruption and abuse of power by people in authority. But all these are going to change when Christ return to intervene directly in the affairs of man. His Government will be just and righteous with the law of God fully implemented in all strata of society with the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, Spirit of counsel and might and the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord be upon Him (Isaiah 11:2).
Like a huge jigsaw puzzle, much of biblical prophecies are coded that most bible students cannot make sense of it. Proverbs 25:2 reads, 'It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings (sons of God) is to search out a matter'. For example, consider the following verses in the Scriptures; Psalm 82:1 and 6 , 'God stands in the congregation of the mighty, He judges among the gods.' ; I said, 'You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High'. This ties in with Micah 4:5 which reads, 'For all people walk each in the name of his god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever'. The Lord Jesus Christ affirms these in John 10;34 when He answered the Jews, "Is it not written in your law, I said, 'You are gods'. The meaning of all these become clear when you understand the God Family Vision stated in my previous blog. All the firstborn sons of God will be in the First Resurrection to be born again as spirit God-like beings. In Micah 4:5, these born again saints will rule over the human beings who survived the Great Tribulation (two-and-half year) and the Day of the Lord (last one year). These saints who qualified to rule as king-priest under King Jesus will teach humans the real truth throughout the Millennial Kingdom and the 'earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea' (Isaiah 11:9; Habakkuk 2:14).
The Government of God is central to the gospel of the Kingdom of God. It is God's government that had been taken away at the Garden of Eden. That is the primary reason for all the crisis of this world - the upside down world must be put right side up! God's primary purpose in creating man on earth is to reproduce HIMSELF in man to form the God Family with His nature and character to rule and reign the earth and the whole of the universe! Jesus Christ first advent is to proclaim His Father's message, qualify Himself to rule and called out a church from Satan's world so that upon His Second Coming He will restore the Government of God back to the Father with the Family (sons of God) assisting Him!
Satan does not want the Christians of this world to understand the truth and be led by Christ. He is fighting tooth and nail to deceive the church of this Laodicean Era and blinded them spiritually with his ministers (Rev 3:17) so as to remain on the throne as god of this world. The churches of this world are outside of Christ's Government (outer court -Rev 11:2) and are therefore powerless to overcome the forces of darkness. Little wonder that many theologians and ministers of the Word are still sucking on the milk doctrine and not knowing what is happening to their flock!
Many ignorant church menbers and ministers simply assume that because of their 'long and faithful service' in the church membership roll, they are 'heaven bound' for eternity. Many will be shocked when they awake from the second resurrection (towards the end of the Millennial Age) into human beings from where they last left off (before their physical death) to find that they are being misled! What a tragedy that will be.
The Apostle Peter states in Acts 3:19-21 that Christ is now in heaven awaiting 'the times of restoration of all things'. His return will not only restore the Government of the Church, but the Government of the whole wide world. Christ will be KING over all the nations. Under Him will be the resurrected David (Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 37:24-25). According to Christ, His twelve disciples will be ruling over the twelve tribes of Israel under David (Matthew 19:28). Those who qualify for the First Resurrection will inherit the Kingdom of God which God had will for them (Ephesians 1:3-4,9-11,17-22). The patriarchs and matriarchs of Old like Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah ,Jacob and Rachel together with Noah, Job, Daniel and many others will be there (Matthew 8:11; Hebrews chapter 11). Make no mistake, all in the Church of God today are in final training and final exams to qualify for the positions in the Kingdom of God (Luke 19:12-27; 1Peter 4:17; Rev 3:21).
One of Satan's main goal is to destroy the Government of God (John 10:10). This is because the Government of God exists in this age to accomplish the Work of God through His Church - primarily to preach the gospel of the Kingdom and to warn the nations of Israel and the Laodicean church of the coming Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. Christ has to be leading the Work of God as the Head of the Church in order for this to be effective. God's Government serves those who obey God's law. If one has not learn to submit to His authority in the age, one cannot inherit the Kingdom of God in the age to come. Luke 22:28-30 tells us that Christ's servants will sit with the Father as a Family to eat and drink at His table in His Kingdom. The Apostle Paul warns us in Colossians 2:18-19 'to hold fast to the Head (Christ) ' or else our reward is at stake!
The Government of God is a Family affair. Hence, they ought to be united to be one as the Father and the Son are One (John 10:30). If one church is to prophesy (Amos 3:7-8) and another does not want to prophesy (Amos 2:11-12), there is division and disunity (Amos 3:3). Anyway, the command in these last days is to prophesy again (Rev 10:11). We must love God and His people enough to carry on the Work of God by making known His meassage and warning to this dying world which will soon experience the cataclysmic events like never before!
God's Government is based on His law. The Kingdom of God has it's law, territory (earth) and subjects (human beings who survived the Great Tribulation). Christ is the King of all kings (the resurrected born again saints who are sons of God). The demons know that if they can destroy God's Government, they can destroy God's Work in this age. That is why Paul warned the Laodiceans in Colossians to hold fast to Christ who is the Head of the Church. Satan attacks the Church by attacking first the leadership - representing the Government. If he can deceive the leader, the flock is fair game to his scheme of things.
God's Word prophesied that He will restore the spiritual and physical family upon those who repent and turn to Christ to lead them (Malachi 4:5-6). Mr Herbert Armstrong of the Philadelphian Era came as the Elijah to restore God's truth back to the Church before the Second Coming of Christ just like John the Baptist did for His first advent (Matthew 17: 11-13). The window of opportunity is open and is up to us to response positively to His leadership and Government in obedience to His will. The ironical thing is that the gospel of the Kingdom of God is about the good news of God's Family administering God's Government in the wonderful world to come, with Christ as the Head. The world who preach 'another gospel' is putting Christ as the gospel message and reject His Headship! No wonder the Laodicean church of this last era and the world are in deep crisis!
Like a huge jigsaw puzzle, much of biblical prophecies are coded that most bible students cannot make sense of it. Proverbs 25:2 reads, 'It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings (sons of God) is to search out a matter'. For example, consider the following verses in the Scriptures; Psalm 82:1 and 6 , 'God stands in the congregation of the mighty, He judges among the gods.' ; I said, 'You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High'. This ties in with Micah 4:5 which reads, 'For all people walk each in the name of his god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever'. The Lord Jesus Christ affirms these in John 10;34 when He answered the Jews, "Is it not written in your law, I said, 'You are gods'. The meaning of all these become clear when you understand the God Family Vision stated in my previous blog. All the firstborn sons of God will be in the First Resurrection to be born again as spirit God-like beings. In Micah 4:5, these born again saints will rule over the human beings who survived the Great Tribulation (two-and-half year) and the Day of the Lord (last one year). These saints who qualified to rule as king-priest under King Jesus will teach humans the real truth throughout the Millennial Kingdom and the 'earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea' (Isaiah 11:9; Habakkuk 2:14).
The Government of God is central to the gospel of the Kingdom of God. It is God's government that had been taken away at the Garden of Eden. That is the primary reason for all the crisis of this world - the upside down world must be put right side up! God's primary purpose in creating man on earth is to reproduce HIMSELF in man to form the God Family with His nature and character to rule and reign the earth and the whole of the universe! Jesus Christ first advent is to proclaim His Father's message, qualify Himself to rule and called out a church from Satan's world so that upon His Second Coming He will restore the Government of God back to the Father with the Family (sons of God) assisting Him!
Satan does not want the Christians of this world to understand the truth and be led by Christ. He is fighting tooth and nail to deceive the church of this Laodicean Era and blinded them spiritually with his ministers (Rev 3:17) so as to remain on the throne as god of this world. The churches of this world are outside of Christ's Government (outer court -Rev 11:2) and are therefore powerless to overcome the forces of darkness. Little wonder that many theologians and ministers of the Word are still sucking on the milk doctrine and not knowing what is happening to their flock!
Many ignorant church menbers and ministers simply assume that because of their 'long and faithful service' in the church membership roll, they are 'heaven bound' for eternity. Many will be shocked when they awake from the second resurrection (towards the end of the Millennial Age) into human beings from where they last left off (before their physical death) to find that they are being misled! What a tragedy that will be.
The Apostle Peter states in Acts 3:19-21 that Christ is now in heaven awaiting 'the times of restoration of all things'. His return will not only restore the Government of the Church, but the Government of the whole wide world. Christ will be KING over all the nations. Under Him will be the resurrected David (Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 37:24-25). According to Christ, His twelve disciples will be ruling over the twelve tribes of Israel under David (Matthew 19:28). Those who qualify for the First Resurrection will inherit the Kingdom of God which God had will for them (Ephesians 1:3-4,9-11,17-22). The patriarchs and matriarchs of Old like Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah ,Jacob and Rachel together with Noah, Job, Daniel and many others will be there (Matthew 8:11; Hebrews chapter 11). Make no mistake, all in the Church of God today are in final training and final exams to qualify for the positions in the Kingdom of God (Luke 19:12-27; 1Peter 4:17; Rev 3:21).
One of Satan's main goal is to destroy the Government of God (John 10:10). This is because the Government of God exists in this age to accomplish the Work of God through His Church - primarily to preach the gospel of the Kingdom and to warn the nations of Israel and the Laodicean church of the coming Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. Christ has to be leading the Work of God as the Head of the Church in order for this to be effective. God's Government serves those who obey God's law. If one has not learn to submit to His authority in the age, one cannot inherit the Kingdom of God in the age to come. Luke 22:28-30 tells us that Christ's servants will sit with the Father as a Family to eat and drink at His table in His Kingdom. The Apostle Paul warns us in Colossians 2:18-19 'to hold fast to the Head (Christ) ' or else our reward is at stake!
The Government of God is a Family affair. Hence, they ought to be united to be one as the Father and the Son are One (John 10:30). If one church is to prophesy (Amos 3:7-8) and another does not want to prophesy (Amos 2:11-12), there is division and disunity (Amos 3:3). Anyway, the command in these last days is to prophesy again (Rev 10:11). We must love God and His people enough to carry on the Work of God by making known His meassage and warning to this dying world which will soon experience the cataclysmic events like never before!
God's Government is based on His law. The Kingdom of God has it's law, territory (earth) and subjects (human beings who survived the Great Tribulation). Christ is the King of all kings (the resurrected born again saints who are sons of God). The demons know that if they can destroy God's Government, they can destroy God's Work in this age. That is why Paul warned the Laodiceans in Colossians to hold fast to Christ who is the Head of the Church. Satan attacks the Church by attacking first the leadership - representing the Government. If he can deceive the leader, the flock is fair game to his scheme of things.
God's Word prophesied that He will restore the spiritual and physical family upon those who repent and turn to Christ to lead them (Malachi 4:5-6). Mr Herbert Armstrong of the Philadelphian Era came as the Elijah to restore God's truth back to the Church before the Second Coming of Christ just like John the Baptist did for His first advent (Matthew 17: 11-13). The window of opportunity is open and is up to us to response positively to His leadership and Government in obedience to His will. The ironical thing is that the gospel of the Kingdom of God is about the good news of God's Family administering God's Government in the wonderful world to come, with Christ as the Head. The world who preach 'another gospel' is putting Christ as the gospel message and reject His Headship! No wonder the Laodicean church of this last era and the world are in deep crisis!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
GOD'S ROYAL FAMILY VISION
Jesus Christ came two millennia ago as a Prophet to declare God the Father and the Father's message of the coming Kingdom of God (God's Family Government) to be established on earth. This was prophesied by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15 , "The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren Him you shall hear." A prophet's role is as a messenger to declare a message(s) for someone higher than himself, and never to declare about himself. The Church is to hear the MESSAGE that Jesus Christ came to declare. He proclaimed the message of the Kingdom of God immediately after He overcame Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:17). Modern Christianity is so confused that the Messenger became the message. They proclaimed about the person of Jesus Christ but ignore the message of Christ. No wonder, many Christians are spiritually blind and deceived with little or no clue what the real truth is all about!
In John 1:1 it reads,"In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with God, and the WORD was God." The Apostle John - one of the sons of thunder (Mark 3:17) - gave a thunderous introduction about the person of Jesus Christ before His incarnation. Jesus Christ was known as the WORD, the Spokesman (derived from the Greek word 'Logos') for the God Family. That was why He came to bring the message of the Kingdom of God from the Father and to declare the Father's Royal Family Vision for mankind. Which means that only those who qualified as 'sons of God' when they are born again into spirit beings upon resurrection will be in God's Family to rule as 'kings' under Jesus Christ as the King of kings. They form the Royal Family of God to rule and reign in God's Government! These chosen ones have a primary role in the headquarter of God's Government as the 'Royal Priesthood' (1 Peter 2:9).
John 1:1 precedes Genesis 1:1 in chronological terms because the WORD and God the Father exist before there were angels, creation and the beginning of the ages (Ephesians 3:9). When Lucifer (later known as Satan) rebelled against God's Government, the earth and probably some other planets around were left in a trail of destruction (Genesis 1:2)! God as the Master Creator (God's profession is to create things that no man can accomplished like the stars and galaxies) created the universe intended for the angels to develop and beautify it. However, after Lucifer with one-third of the angels fell, God created man as spirit beings in His likeness (the God kind) to expand His Family and extend His Government over all of His creation (Genesis 1:26-27). When Adam and Eve fell, the second Adam in the person of Jesus Christ, becomes the incarnate Son of God to save mankind from eternal death (John 316; Acts 4:12). A member of the Godhead (the WORD) had to die for God the Father's Royal Family Vision to be made possible! If only the Church truly grasp and understand this awesome truth, countless millions of lives will be transformed. Hebrews chapter 1 tells us that no angels were offered the privilege to become the sons of the Almighty God; and Satan was fuming mad. Hence, his scheme of deceptions to deceive the world (Revelation 12:9).
How did Jesus stay sinless? He obeyed the Father in every aspects of His Work and life. Similarly, we must obeyed God's law and commandments through His Son Jesus Christ, including the message of the Kingdom of God which came from God the Father as Head of the God Family! In 1 John 1:1, the Apostle John again mentions the Word of Life, who was Jesus Christ before His incarnation. The early Christians had heard and seen what Jesus had done, yet they rebelled against His teachings. It seems that these warnings are once again suited for our times of this lukewarm Laodicean era. Proverbs 29:18 rightly warns, 'Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.' (KJV).
While Genesis 1:1 is about physical creation, John 1:1 is about spiritual creation. God wants us to have this same mindset as Christ had (Philippians 2:5) when He walked the road to calvary. To be in God's Royal Family, we must have the spiritual qualities ( Christ-likeness , gifts and fruits of the Spirit) to become the Bride of Christ. Then we can qualify to be His 'helpmeet' to rule and reign with Him at His throne. Marriage and physical family is God's channel to expand His Royal Family and Government ('Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end' - Isaiah 9:7).
That is why when a newborn was birthed into a family, there is much rejoicing because a potential God-like being has come onboard.
The prophet Amos prophesied about God's spiritual family, which is applicable to the church in these last days . God raised up ministers and prophets to teach and prophesy, but some refused to prohesy (Amos 2:11-12). Hence, there are divisions within the Church when some of the ministers refused to do as God instructed (Amos 3:3). The result is punishment from God (3:2), as the renegades will be disciplined through refiner's fire for these 'sons of Levi' (Malachi 3:3). For those whom God called (John 6:44; 1 Corinthians 12:18), He expects them to do His Work - one of which is to prophesy about His plan and vision for mankind (Rev 10:11). Simply put, this is God's will for our lives, but most Christians searched for God's will in the wrong places and directions. God's true Church is the wife of Christ who fully understands the truth. She submits to the Husband Jesus Christ. One of the works of Christ's Spirit is to teach the Church God's Family Government - there is God the Father, Husband (Jesus Christ), wife (Bride of Christ who are the firstfruits) and children (born after the firstfruits had been gathered). As true disciples of Christ we must learn to honor God the Father (Malachi 1:6-7) who is the Head of the God Family by helping to proclaim His message of the Kingdom of God (more urgently so in these last days -Matthew 24:14) just like Jesus and the early Apostles did. The Father and Son theme is mentioned in John 17 and Hebrews 1. God's plan is to rewards all His sons, by letting them eventually rule the universe!
Sadly, the Laodicean church today refused to prophesy God's Word and rebelled against His Family Government. This was prophesied in the parable of the Minas in Luke 19:27, Revelation 3:14-20, Amos 2:12 and in the book of Malachi. Those who proclaim God's Royal Family Government shall be protected against disasters (Malachi 3:16-17). Are you among those who will obey His will? Stop searching, there is no higher calling in the whole of the universe. But you must response positively in order to be chosen. For many are called (prompting from the Spirit of Christ - Rev 3:20) but few are chosen (Matthew 20:16b; 22:14) to be in God's Family Government Headquarter!
In John 1:1 it reads,"In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with God, and the WORD was God." The Apostle John - one of the sons of thunder (Mark 3:17) - gave a thunderous introduction about the person of Jesus Christ before His incarnation. Jesus Christ was known as the WORD, the Spokesman (derived from the Greek word 'Logos') for the God Family. That was why He came to bring the message of the Kingdom of God from the Father and to declare the Father's Royal Family Vision for mankind. Which means that only those who qualified as 'sons of God' when they are born again into spirit beings upon resurrection will be in God's Family to rule as 'kings' under Jesus Christ as the King of kings. They form the Royal Family of God to rule and reign in God's Government! These chosen ones have a primary role in the headquarter of God's Government as the 'Royal Priesthood' (1 Peter 2:9).
John 1:1 precedes Genesis 1:1 in chronological terms because the WORD and God the Father exist before there were angels, creation and the beginning of the ages (Ephesians 3:9). When Lucifer (later known as Satan) rebelled against God's Government, the earth and probably some other planets around were left in a trail of destruction (Genesis 1:2)! God as the Master Creator (God's profession is to create things that no man can accomplished like the stars and galaxies) created the universe intended for the angels to develop and beautify it. However, after Lucifer with one-third of the angels fell, God created man as spirit beings in His likeness (the God kind) to expand His Family and extend His Government over all of His creation (Genesis 1:26-27). When Adam and Eve fell, the second Adam in the person of Jesus Christ, becomes the incarnate Son of God to save mankind from eternal death (John 316; Acts 4:12). A member of the Godhead (the WORD) had to die for God the Father's Royal Family Vision to be made possible! If only the Church truly grasp and understand this awesome truth, countless millions of lives will be transformed. Hebrews chapter 1 tells us that no angels were offered the privilege to become the sons of the Almighty God; and Satan was fuming mad. Hence, his scheme of deceptions to deceive the world (Revelation 12:9).
How did Jesus stay sinless? He obeyed the Father in every aspects of His Work and life. Similarly, we must obeyed God's law and commandments through His Son Jesus Christ, including the message of the Kingdom of God which came from God the Father as Head of the God Family! In 1 John 1:1, the Apostle John again mentions the Word of Life, who was Jesus Christ before His incarnation. The early Christians had heard and seen what Jesus had done, yet they rebelled against His teachings. It seems that these warnings are once again suited for our times of this lukewarm Laodicean era. Proverbs 29:18 rightly warns, 'Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.' (KJV).
While Genesis 1:1 is about physical creation, John 1:1 is about spiritual creation. God wants us to have this same mindset as Christ had (Philippians 2:5) when He walked the road to calvary. To be in God's Royal Family, we must have the spiritual qualities ( Christ-likeness , gifts and fruits of the Spirit) to become the Bride of Christ. Then we can qualify to be His 'helpmeet' to rule and reign with Him at His throne. Marriage and physical family is God's channel to expand His Royal Family and Government ('Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end' - Isaiah 9:7).
That is why when a newborn was birthed into a family, there is much rejoicing because a potential God-like being has come onboard.
The prophet Amos prophesied about God's spiritual family, which is applicable to the church in these last days . God raised up ministers and prophets to teach and prophesy, but some refused to prohesy (Amos 2:11-12). Hence, there are divisions within the Church when some of the ministers refused to do as God instructed (Amos 3:3). The result is punishment from God (3:2), as the renegades will be disciplined through refiner's fire for these 'sons of Levi' (Malachi 3:3). For those whom God called (John 6:44; 1 Corinthians 12:18), He expects them to do His Work - one of which is to prophesy about His plan and vision for mankind (Rev 10:11). Simply put, this is God's will for our lives, but most Christians searched for God's will in the wrong places and directions. God's true Church is the wife of Christ who fully understands the truth. She submits to the Husband Jesus Christ. One of the works of Christ's Spirit is to teach the Church God's Family Government - there is God the Father, Husband (Jesus Christ), wife (Bride of Christ who are the firstfruits) and children (born after the firstfruits had been gathered). As true disciples of Christ we must learn to honor God the Father (Malachi 1:6-7) who is the Head of the God Family by helping to proclaim His message of the Kingdom of God (more urgently so in these last days -Matthew 24:14) just like Jesus and the early Apostles did. The Father and Son theme is mentioned in John 17 and Hebrews 1. God's plan is to rewards all His sons, by letting them eventually rule the universe!
Sadly, the Laodicean church today refused to prophesy God's Word and rebelled against His Family Government. This was prophesied in the parable of the Minas in Luke 19:27, Revelation 3:14-20, Amos 2:12 and in the book of Malachi. Those who proclaim God's Royal Family Government shall be protected against disasters (Malachi 3:16-17). Are you among those who will obey His will? Stop searching, there is no higher calling in the whole of the universe. But you must response positively in order to be chosen. For many are called (prompting from the Spirit of Christ - Rev 3:20) but few are chosen (Matthew 20:16b; 22:14) to be in God's Family Government Headquarter!
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