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A scriptural presentation of permanent intrinsic spiritual gifts of Godly essence for His church to rule with Him in His kingdom for eternity

 
His Word
"But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay" (Jeremiah 20:9b). A PROPHETIC MINISTRY
WITH
A PROPHETIC PERSPECTIVE
 
 
 

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Foreword

Chapter 1—The Gift Of The Kingdom

Chapter 2—The Gift Of Righteousness

Chapter 3—The Gift Of Godly Provisions

Chapter 4—The Gift Of Authority

Chapter 5—The Gift Of Service

Chapter 6—The Gift Of Responsibility

Chapter 7—The Gift Of Overcoming


Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Reference materials used in the compilation of this material:

King James Version of the Bible
The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words
Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible
Nelson’s Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament
Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary (Unabridged)
FOREWORD
     Studying the gifts of God, their characteristics and manifestations become the focus of our attention. We acknowledge the Giver, name the gifts, classify their uses, manifestations and importance. In this book I’ve presented passages of scripture and comments to dramatize the importance of God’s giving character.
     God did not have to give us His kingdom.
     He could have easily kept His kingdom separate and distinct from us. He could have established something for us which would be more than acceptable for human beings.
     He did not have to give us His righteousness. He could have given us some level at which we would be considered as righteous among ourselves.
     God could have reserved His authority for Himself. He could have given us lesser authority with which we would be more than satisfied.
     The gift of service – of calling, choosing and separating men and women to do His work on earth – is a tremendous honor. He could have relegated us to a position of being unworthy of serving Him.
     God’s giving nature allows us to receive the gift of responsibility from Him and behave accordingly.
     The gift of overcoming – of being victorious – in our daily life is particularly valuable. With Jesus Christ as our hope of glory, the author and finisher of our faith, we have a Master teacher.
     Every one of these gifts from the essence of God Himself – His kingdom, righteousness, provisions, authority, service, responsibility and overcoming – are ours for all of the eternity we shall spend with God. All gifts from God are to prepare us for eternal rule with Him. The temporal “spiritual gifts” will cease, according to scripture, evidentally having served their purpose of preparation. However we will continue to utilize these essential gifts of God for His church, His ekklesia, as an intrinsic part of God’s heavenly authority structure.


Steve Morris
        Since writing this book in 1994, I have come to understand that the institutional church is a paganized, Romanized, pope-modeled, traditional, biblically illegal man-made institutional system which is part of the antichrist system, totally out of God’s will and purpose, practicing, perfecting and perpetuating unbiblical teachings, and attempting to integrate their ungodly activities into mainstream society by compromising the gospel of Jesus Christ so they’ll be accepted by that sinful society which translates into more money for them to keep their man-made brand of “church” alive and well-financed.
        I’ve attempted to establish through my articles “God by the Spirit of Jesus Christ will build an assembly,” “The Spirit Of Antichrist,” “God’s Will And Purpose,” and “Women Keep Silence, or Don’t Lose Your Head, Please!” that the concept of the institutional church, as we know it today, has absolutely no legitimacy in God’s economy, plan, will and purpose for His ekklesia.
        By contrast the biblical home ekklesia of the New Testament is a model of Christian families meeting together in each others’ homes, as a family, under the headship of Jesus Christ. These meeting were a dynamically functioning organism that spiritually and factually represents the body of Jesus Christ and pursues God’s will and purpose as their reason for existence. Worship of Jesus is a natural expression of acknowledgement of His Presence in those meetings. These meetings are not, however, “worship meetings” and there was no great emphasis given to that single aspect of the biblical home meetings of the ekklesia. Each and every saint was the focus of the meeting, which met for the purpose of being a local part of the universal body of Christ as a spiritual dynamic expressing the Father’s will and purpose. Biblical support for these statements are to be found in the articles I have mentioned.
        The theme of my article, “A Sinking Submarine” is the fact that the institutional church system is beyond repair and must simply be abandoned. The saints must begin to meet in biblical home meetings of local ekklesias according to scripture.
        The practice of ceasing to attend an institutional church for the purpose of starting another “church” more to your liking, in a home, is not a legitimate biblical ekklesia. It’s silly to think that by simply moving all of the institutional church practices, procedures and programs into somebody’s living room that it constitutes a “home church.” A biblical home church is basically Christian families meeting together as families focused on “one another” and sharing, socializing and supporting those in need [read: fellowshipping].

Chapter One—The Gift Of The Kingdom

God’s conditions and blessings for being “in the land,” and a documentation of curses to be encountered for failure to meet His conditions.

But Seek Ye First The Kingdom Of God, ...

God’s Conditional Promises

     Deuteronomy 28:1:
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

     The word “if,” according to its setting and usage, has three different meanings:
     1 – As a circumstance, which changes its meaning to “since” making it a fact. An example is Luke 4:3 “And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.” It would have been better for him to have said “Since thou be ...” This is really a statement of fact, because the devil knows Jesus is the Son of God.
     2 – “If” is also used as a qualification. It is a condition that must be met to exercise certain rights. “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? ...” This is a partial quote from Genesis 4:7, and illustrates the point. God told Cain that if he did “well” (met a condition) he would be “accepted” (Cain could exercise certain rights).
     3 – “If” can be used as a supposition, changing its meaning to “suppose,” making it a non-fact. “Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground” (Genesis 8:8). Noah was assuming waters were still on the face of the ground (automatically assuming as non-fact they were abated from off the face of the ground).
Hearken Unto The Voice of God
     In this text it is used as a qualification. It introduces the first general condition “thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God ...” Another general condition follows immediately: “... to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day ...”
     What is the blessing of meeting these general conditions? “ . . . that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:” God is speaking here of the nation of Israel being above all nations of the earth. Those who are true disciples of Jesus Christ are spiritual Jews and are part of the household of faith of the true Israel. We are fellow citizens and were grafted in (Ephesians 2:19; Romans 2:29; 11:17).
     It’s clear from scripture we are to be diligent in hearkening and in seeking God (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus said he had other sheep, not of this fold, that He must bring. These sheep would hear His voice, and there would be one fold and one shepherd (John 10:16). Isaiah prophesied Jesus would also be a light to the Gentiles, and be God’s salvation unto the end of the earth (Isaiah 49:6). In John 17:21 Jesus prayed that we may all be one.
     Hearkening to God’s voice and seeking Him brings rewards. The implication of unity of Jews and Gentiles, as members of the body of Christ, cannot be ignored. While this is not a blessing directly stated in the text, it is real.
Observe And Do God’s Commandments
     The second general condition “. . . to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day ...” also has blessings for us.
     In Deuteronomy 30:11-16 we are told that the commandment is readily available to us “. . . that thou mayest do it” (verse 14). Verse 15 tells us it is really our choice to accept life and good or death and evil. Verse 19 simplifies our decisions: life or death, blessing or cursing. In Deuteronomy 6:25 we were told “And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.”
     In this first verse we find rewards, unity, availability, life and righteousness. This is besides being set on high above all nations of the earth. If we hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord, to observe and do all His commandments that He commands this day.

     Deuteronomy 28:2:
And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.

     “And ...” that means there’s more. “... all these blessings shall come on thee, ...” “... and ...” there’s still more yet to come “... overtake thee, ...” That means no matter what direction or how fast you’re going, blessings shall overtake thee. “... if ...” (stressing a condition that must be met) “... thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.”

     Deuteronomy 28:3:
Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

     Wherever you are, blessings shall find you and overtake you.

     Deuteronomy 28:4:
Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

     Many healthy children, abundant crops, livestock and herds.

     Deuteronomy 28:5:
Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

     Fresh fruits and breads and cakes will abound.

     Deuteronomy 28:6:
Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

     As you go about your daily routines and activities, blessings will continue. (See Psalms 121:8; Proverbs 2:8; 3:6).

     Deuteronomy 28:7:
The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

     In Deuteronomy chapter 7, we find additional conditions to be met. In verse one we see the seven nations. Verse two describes their destruction, and conditions. Verse 11 states again to keep the commandments. Verse 12 continues with more conditions. Verse 13 states blessings that are similar to chapter 28. In verse 15 God says he will take away all sickness, and put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, “... which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.” The remainder of chapter 7 encourages and admonishes the people, and reminds them of the greatness of God.
In The Land

     Deuteronomy 28:8:
The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

     What’s the condition of “he shall bless thee” ... where? He shall bless thee in the land. Deuteronomy 6:22 says the Lord showed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt and Pharaoh and all his household. Verse 23 says God brought them out from thence, that he might bring us in, “... to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.” He brought us out of thence (Egypt), that he might bring us in ... in the land ... to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. He didn’t just bring us out of the world. He’s trying to bring us in ... to the land. Deuteronomy 1:2 says it’s only an eleven-day journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea on Canaan’s border. Yet it took 40 years for Israel to get beyond it. That’s over 1,300 times longer than it should have taken. A little perspective on that: a two-hour automobile drive with that much delay would take over three and one-half months of solid 24 hour a day driving. A three-hour trip would take over five months of solid 24 hour a day driving. That’s a lot of wrong turns, isn’t it? How many wrong turns are we making, trying to get into the land? We won’t even get on the right road until we meet God’s conditions. When we meet those conditions, and get into the land, we’ll enjoy the fulness of all God’s blessings for us.
     “And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you; (For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 6:10-15.)
     Does that sound like a good land to be in? Everything has been provided for: cities and houses full of all good things, and wells, vineyards and olive trees to satisfy our hunger.
     “Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God. Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 26:1,2).
     Notice the recurring theme about no idols and no other gods in the land.
     “If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely” (Leviticus 26:3-5).
     “If” – signifying a condition that must be met to exercise those rights of abundance.
     “And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land” (Leviticus 26:6).
     God will give peace in the land, not man. God will rid evil beasts out of the land, not man. God will ensure peace in the land, not man. That’s God’s power – spiritual power.
     “And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword” (Leviticus 26:7,8).
     That’s God delegated authority, responsibility and power to mankind.
     “For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you. And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new” (Leviticus 26:9,10).
     We will have such an abundance we’ll have the new before the old gives out.
     “And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. I am the Lord your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright” (Leviticus 26:11-13).
     God has brought us out of the world and we are no longer slaves to worldly sin. Everything that used to chain us to sin has been broken. We can walk upright as free citizens of the kingdom of God.
     The first condition to having a blessing commanded upon us, and all we set our hands unto, is to be “in the land.” Are you in the land, saint? Or still wandering in the wilderness?
Separation
     There is a second condition, separation.
     “Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite. Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice; And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods. Thou shalt make thee no molten gods” (Exodus 34:11-17).
     It’s clear God wants us to be separated from the world, and not desire things of the world. (See also Isaiah 52:11; Jeremiah 50:8; II Corinthians 6:16-18).
     Israel began to lust after the food they had in Egypt (the world).
     “And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes” (Numbers 11:4-6).
     “And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague” (Numbers 11:33).
     Don’t reject God’s provisions and lust after the things of the world. God may give them to you ... at a price you don’t want to have to pay.
     We have confirmation of blessings and conditions.

     Deuteronomy 28:9:
The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways.

     “If” again ... a qualification.

     Deuteronomy 28:10:
And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee.

     Notice the “and,” continuing to list the blessings. Also notice that, yes we are called by the name of the Lord. Is there a way to tell if we are in the land? Is there a way to tell if are we separated?
     The yardstick in the next verse confirms our lack “... and they shall be afraid of thee.” Yes, the world calls us Christians. No, the world is not afraid of us. They laugh, scorn, make fun, call us powerless. They say we have no real, workable solutions for the world’s problems.
     Do they understand our apology when we say, ‘Well, you see, we’re not in the land yet, and haven’t met all of God’s conditions to get all of His blessings. But, we’re working on it. You do understand, don’t you? Just wait a little while.’ – “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). – ‘Then we’ll have the fulness of God’s blessings, be in the land and separated from sin. Then we’ll take dominion of the earth. Just be patient with us, after all, we’re not perfect, just forgiven.’
     Do you think Jesus wants something better than that from us?

     Deuteronomy 28:11:
And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

     “And,” indicating continuing blessings. Verse four said the fruit of our body, the ground, and our cattle would be blessed. This verse adds that God shall make us plenteous (abundant) in goods in the fruit of our body, ground and cattle.

     Deuteronomy 28:12:
The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

     In the New Testament Jesus talked about storing our treasures in heaven. (See Matthew 6:19,20; 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 12:33; 18:22,23). Here God says he will open up His good treasure, the heaven to give rain unto the land in season, and to bless the work of our hands. I Kings 8:35 makes it clear God can shut up the rain because His people have sinned against Him. There are many scriptures relating rain and God’s control of it. Is there a possible relationship of rain from the treasures of heaven to storing our treasures there? If so, it would explain the many famines throughout the world. And the destruction that comes from too much rain. God will also open up His good treasure, the heaven to bless all the work of thine hand.
     Notice how God personalized His statement. Now it’s “thy land” ... not in “the land.”

     Deuteronomy 28:13:
And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

     Referring to Isaiah 9:14,15 we find the head is the ancient and honourable. The prophet that teaches lies is the tail. The phrase is used again in Isaiah 19:15. Each usage is accompanied by the phrase “branch or rush.” The phrases represent something from the highest to the lowest. The head is highest and the tail is lowest. In this verse God says we shall be above only and shall not be beneath. In Deuteronomy 4:39 God says “... he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.” In the first verse of Deuteronomy 28, He had told us “... that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:” As a nation and as individuals we shall be above only, and above all nations of the earth. Notice again the word “if” ... God’s serious about His conditions.
Serve No Other Gods Or Idols
     We are “... to observe and to do them:” Joshua has further admonitions: “When ye have transgressed the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you” (Joshua 23:16).

     Deuteronomy 28:14:
And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

     Joshua has something to say about this also: “If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good” (Joshua 24:20). This is a clear warning.
     In I Samuel 15:23 – Samuel speaking to King Saul – “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” Disobedience, resulting in rebellion, cost Saul his kingship. Revelation 1:6 and 5:10 tell us we are kings and priests (literally a kingdom of priests). Jesus said whoever will be chief among you must be a servant. He has given us an example (Matthew 20:25-28; John 13:13-17). Rebellion could cost us our kingship, also. Witchcraft – a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19:20), is as the sin of rebellion. Stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Our fleshly works of stubbornness and idol worship could cost us much more than we realize.
     “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them” (Psalms 115: 4-8). Your speaking, seeing, hearing, smelling, handling and walking are affected when you trust in your idols. The Psalmist restates: “... neither speak they through their throat.” Speaking is mentioned twice – it’s doubly affected. The Word of God you speak to give life to a sick and dying world, your ability to speak the Word of God, doubly affected. Your witness ineffective, because of idols of silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. But it’s not limited to silver and gold.
     “Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made” (Isaiah 2:8). That’s the things you’ve made with the silver and gold you’ve gotten.
     “They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed” (Isaiah 44:9). When you make a god of your own invention, you are your own witness to the ineffectiveness of such a vain thing. You know that graven image can’t see or understand anything, but you’re not ashamed of it.
     The Lord says in verses 10 through 13: Who makes a god that’s so completely useless? It’s not good for anything. Their craftsmen are only human beings. Put them together to make their stand and they’ll be ashamed and terrified. Then the blacksmith makes an axe (a strong man, but with human physical limitations). The carpenter cuts the wood with the axe, and then measures and marks it. Then he fashions it into the shape of a man, with all the beauty of the human body. Now he has a glorious ornament to place in someone’s house.
     “He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it” (Isaiah 44:14). A man takes a tree which he grew in the forest ... “Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto. He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:” (Isaiah 44:15,16). He burns the wood, warms himself, bakes bread, roasts meat. He utilizes the good practical purpose of the wood, and even tells himself of it. But he also makes a god of the wood!
     The next verse paints a graphic picture of the ultimate in stupidity. “And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god” (Isaiah 44:17).
     How can this happen to a supposedly intelligent human being? “They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand” (Isaiah 44:18). God has shut their eyes so they can’t see, and their minds so they can’t understand. So much so that “And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?” (Isaiah 44:19).
     “He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?” (Isaiah 44:20).
     A person buys a stereo set or TV, or car, or boat, or furniture, or house, or computer. A good item, something of practical use. It’s got all the finest woods and precious metals and craftsmanship ... the best that money can buy.
     Particularly abominable is today’s TV. Time spent in front of this idol is well documented by surveys. It’s the children’s babysitter. And they learn all the values they see graphically documented in front of them. It’s the working person’s tranquilizer. “It’s been a rough day, my nerves are on edge, the boss was on my case today. Everything seemed to go wrong, I need to relax, to escape from it all ... deliver me, stereo, deliver me, TV, deliver me, computer bulletin board ... for thou art my god.”
     Hear the words of the prophets:
     “They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship. They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: Yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble. Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors” (Isaiah 46:6,7).
     “They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good” (Jeremiah 10:5).
     “Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the Lord will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols” (Ezekiel 14:4,5).
     “Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god” (Habakkuk 1:11). “Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous” (Habakkuk 1:16). There are those who think their power and their resources come from the gods of their own making.
     What God has said in these scriptures is as relevant today as it was then. “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29).
     The Apostle Paul admonishes us in the New Testament: “Wherefore, my dearly beloved,
flee from idolatry” (I Corinthians 10:14).
     In Ephesians 5:5: “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
     “(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” (Philippians 3:18,19). Paul uses the word “belly” here as equating to sensuality and worldliness.
     “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them” (Colossians 3:5-7).
     “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen” (I John 5:21).
     God has promised that we’ll be above only, and have rewards and unity of the body, and of Jew and Gentile. We’ll have life and righteousness. The Word of God not only promises availability of all these blessings, but says they’ll overtake us. In the city or the field. We’ll have healthy children, an abundance of food and wealth and we’ll be blessed as we come and go. Our enemies will flee before us in seven ways. God will take away all sickness and will command blessings upon thee in thy storehouses and in all that you set your hand unto. We’ll be a holy people unto God, and called by the name of the Lord. All the people of the earth shall be afraid of us. We’ll be plenteous in goods, well-watered, and lenders, not borrowers. We will be the head, i.e., the highest in God’s hierarchy. Everything will be provided for us.
     There are conditions we must meet.
     We must hearken diligently to the voice of God, and observe and do all His commandments. We must get “in the land.” That land is the kingdom of God, where God’s rule is acknowledged and voluntarily submitted to. Leviticus 26:7-9 says we’ll chase our enemies and they’ll fall before us by the sword. Five will chase a hundred, and a hundred will put ten thousand to flight, and our enemies will fall before us by the sword. God says He will have respect unto us. He’ll make us fruitful and multiply us. He’ll establish His covenant with us. Allegorizing those three verses gives us a clear picture of evangelism and witnessing. We must also win souls to Christ.
     Separation from the world while in the land is mandatory. We must stop serving the gods and idols of the world and of our own making. Then we’ll free up the time needed to get into the Word of God. We’ll learn truth, and the truth will set us free. We’ll win the lost. As we do so we’ll hear the voice of God, louder and louder in our lives. We’ll want to do all His commandments.
     Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. If we know Jesus, we’ll know what to do. Doesn’t that make it easy?
     “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Treat others the same way you would like to be treated. It gets easier, doesn’t it?
     “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13:10). Simple – love is the fulfilling of the law.
Curses

     Deuteronomy 28:15:
But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

     The next 53 verses contain curses. These are for failure to hearken to God’s voice. For failure to do all of His commandments and statues which He commanded.
     The penalties for disobeying God are awesome.
     Jesus said “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
     “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). We must meet the “if” conditions to exercise our rights to receive the kingdom of heaven.
     Seeking the kingdom of God, i.e., being “in the land” must be our priority. Seeking His righteousness is just as much a priority.

Chapter Two—The Gift Of Righteousness

God is a rock, fortress and deliverer for the consistently righteous.

... And His Righteousness; ...

     II Samuel 22:1-4:
And David spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

     David is thanking and praising God here. This passage of scripture is almost identical with Psalm 18. A careful comparison of the two will bring out the fine points of meaning. This is a very beautiful portion of scripture, with a lot of meaning. In verse two, David says the Lord is his rock, fortress and deliverer. A rock is a place you stand upon (Psalm 27:5,6; 40:2), while a fortress is a place you stand in (Proverbs 18:10). A rock suggests strength and stability, something you stand on and build on. It is a firm support. The Bible in various places calls the Lord:
     The Rock of salvation
     The Rock that begat thee
     The Rock of defense
     The Rock of strength
     The Rock of refuge
(Deuteronomy 32:15,18; Psalms 62:2,6,7; Psalms 94:22).
     If He begat thee, He’s your father. That’s a good firm support. You stand on that Rock of salvation, that Rock of defense, that Rock of strength, that Rock of refuge.
     A fortress is a fortified place of defense, safety and security — a good place to stand.
     We stand on the Rock, and we stand in the fortress. As if that’s not enough, God is also our deliverer — One Who releases or rescues. If we’re standing on the Rock and standing in the fortress, we still stand. We don’t have to go anywhere. Our deliverer will come and release and rescue us when our situation, circumstance or environment requires it.
     There is a sequence of events starting in verse five, that typifies God’s faithful care of us when we are upright and righteous.
Crisis

     II Samuel 22:5-6:
When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;

     Waves of death surrounded him. He was overcome by floods of destructive wicked men. The sorrows of hell entangled him. The snares of death were staring him in the face.
     Death, hell and destruction threatened David. But David was standing on the Rock.
Cry For Help, Call Heard

     II Samuel 22:7:
In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.

     David, standing on the Rock, cried out “Rock that begat me — Father; Rock of my salvation, Rock of my defense, Rock of my strength, Rock of my refuge, I need help!” Then the assurance of being heard “... he did hear my voice ...” and “... my cry did enter into his ears.”
Circumstances Begin To Change

     II Samuel 22:8:
Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.

     God’s getting ready to move!
Coming Of The Lord

     II Samuel 22:9-11:
There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down; and darkness was under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.

     God’s in motion, now ...!
Circumstances Continue To Change

     II Samuel 22:12-15:
And he made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies. Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled. The Lord thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice. And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.

     Comparing with the corresponding passages in Psalm 18, there were also hail stones. There are lots of activities going on in and from the heavenlies, and David is not concerned. He’s standing in the fortress, safe and secure from all alarm!
Changed Circumstances Now Visible

     II Samuel 22:16:
And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the Lord, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

Catching Away And Delivery From Enemies

     
II Samuel 22:17-20:
He sent me from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters; He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

     In verses five and six, waves of death, floods of destructive wicked men, sorrows of hell and the snares of death surrounded him. Here he says “... he drew me out of many waters ...” He delivered David from ... not just an enemy ... “... from my strong enemy ...” From them that hated him, that were too strong for him. It was not just an average day, but “... the day of my calamity ...” “... but the Lord was my stay ...” (support). David had the firm support of the solid Rock. From a place of confinement of waves, floods, sorrows and snares “... into a large place ...”
     Why did God do all that for David? “... because he delighted in me.” Why did He delight in David?
Consistently Righteous

     II Samuel 22:21-29:
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them. I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity. Therefore the Lord hath recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight. With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright. With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury. And the afflicted people thou wilt save: but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down. For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.

     God was David’s Rock, his Fortress, his Deliverer.
     Be righteous, have clean hands and keep the ways of the Lord. Righteousness is God’s holiness expressed by His condemnation of sin. Don’t wickedly depart from your God. Keep His judgments and statutes before you. Keep yourself upright before God and keep yourself from iniquity. God will recompense and reward and delight in you.
     Be merciful, upright and pure. God will show Himself to be merciful, upright and pure to you. Don’t be froward, i.e., crooked and wilful. If you are, God will show Himself to be shrewd and wilful to you. If you’re afflicted God will save you. If you’re haughty, i.e., proud, God will bring you down.
     Let God be your lamp and He will lighten your darkness.
     He’ll be your Rock, your firm support to stand on. He’ll be your fortress, your place of safety and security to stand in. He’ll be your deliverer, the One to come to you and release and rescue you.

Chapter Three—The Gift Of Godly Provisions

God's concern and care of us as a Shepherd to His sheep, as the source of Living Water, the restorer of our dignity, rank, authority and heavenly residency, and our hope of glory.

... And All These Things Shall Be Added Unto You.

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? ...”

     Mark 6:45:
And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

Multitude Fed
     Jesus had fed the multitude and sent everyone away. He had sent the disciples into a ship to go to the other side of the sea, to go ahead of him.

     Mark 6:46:
And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

     Jesus had ministered to the multitude. He had compassion for their hunger for a shepherd and taught them. Then He apparently had compassion on their human hunger and fed them. He then sent them home better equipped to handle the problems of this life.
Solitude Sought
     It was not unusual for Jesus to go into a place of solitude to pray. John 6:15 gives us a practical reason why he chose that particular moment. “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” He had to get away from the crowd he had ministered to because they wanted to honor Him in a way that wasn’t yet in the Fathers plan for Him.
     Revelation 19:16 tells us that when Jesus comes again “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” The time is coming when Jesus will be King, and rule. A king is a male ruler of a nation or state usually called a kingdom. Therefore a king has to have a kingdom. He’s got to have rule over that kingdom. There have to be people in the kingdom. The king, the kingdom and the people in the kingdom have to be recognizable as such, or there’s no validity, no authority, no power to it.
     We see from these two verses that there comes a time of separation from those ministered to. This is to provide a time and place of solitude for those who minister. Jesus had sought that solitude, for Himself, and for His disciples. However, the people knew where they were and followed them. Jesus saw their needs “ ... because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things” (verse 34). He was moved with compassion toward them. He ministered to them and sent them away. He wanted that time of solitude He was seeking.
Man Compared To Sheep
     Jesus compares mankind to sheep. Sheep are not noted for their mental abilities, their theories or their philosophies. Sheep are followers. They need a shepherd and they need to follow. When a sheep breaks loose from the flock, he’s liable to head straight for a pack of hungry wolves and try to introduce himself. He’ll be devoured before he has a chance to clear his throat and say hello. The other sheep, when they see him, will start to follow him. They know he’s in motion and it’s something to follow. So they do.
     The world is in motion with doctrines, dogmas and dissertation. Many sheep think that’s the thing to follow. That’s motion without direction. It leads nowhere ... except to places like Jonestown, and the various cults that pollute this world.
     Don’t follow man, a ministry or a method. Follow only the Master ... He’s the Good Shepherd. He knows our sheep mentality. He’s the God-man to follow. His is the ministry that blesses us. His methods are the ones that work for us.

     Mark 6:47:
And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

Jesus Prayed
     It was evening now and dark (John 6:17). Jesus was all alone on the land. The disciples had been sent by Jesus to go on ahead of him. Jesus had told them to get into the ship and to go to the other side. As men under authority they obeyed and got caught up in a contrary wind. They were 25 or 30 furlongs distant, which is three or four miles out (John 6:19). It was about three or four o’clock in the morning. Between eight and 10 hours had passed since the disciples embarked on their journey.
     The question might arise: Why had Jesus delayed? Didn’t He know the disciples were in trouble? Jesus knew their problem and chose the best course of action. He stayed up on the mountain praying, interceding (Hebrews 7:25).

     Mark 6:48:
And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

Focused On The Problem
     Intent on completing their mission, they focused on the technical and natural problems. Getting to the other side had become their priority.
     In our daily toil against the contrary winds of life we, too, begin to focus on the problem. We may forget, for a time, Who controls the winds and waves. But Jesus is praying for you. He’ll manifest Himself in your life in a miraculous way.
     Twelve stubborn men, determined to accomplish the task at hand by their own power. Bent to the task of using all their strength in rowing against the wind and seas. Never looking in the right direction. Eyes downcast with despair or determination.
Jesus, The Solution
     “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help” (Psalms 121:1). “... and would have passed by them.” Jesus knew they were looking in the wrong direction. He had to bring Himself into their line of vision. He knew when they saw Him they would focus on Him as the solution to their problem.

     Mark 6:49,50:
But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out. For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

     Matthew and John’s account say they cried out for fear, and were afraid. Jesus immediately talked with them. His sheep know His voice and Jesus doesn’t want His disciples to be afraid.

     Mark 6:51:
And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

     John’s account reads “Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went” (John 6:21). Matthew’s account reads “Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33). When Jesus miraculously appears in your time of trouble, the winds of contrariness will cease. You will reach your destination immediately through His miracle working powers. As a true disciple you will also say “Of a truth thou art the Son of God.”

     Mark 6:52:
For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

Spiritually Dull
     “... they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.” Somehow the miracle of the loaves had not been spiritually perceived and received by the disciples. Their heart was hardened, or dull. Having only the reference point of our known dimensions and five senses leaves us lacking in spiritual reception. However, despite the limitations of our humanity, Jesus will continue to work miracles in our lives.
Jesus’ Compassion

     Mark 6:53-56:
And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

     Jesus has compassion for our hunger for a shepherd. He is the Good Shepherd and is our teacher. He has compassion for our human hunger and will provide for us. He will better equip us to handle the problems of this life.
Lift Up Your Eyes
     When you obey the voice of Jesus, and begin to toil upon the way He has sent you, the winds of adversity will come against you. Jesus knows your every problem. He will come to you at an hour, a place and in a manner totally unexpected by you. He may have to do something that appears unusual to you. He may have to do this to get your attention. So that you will lift up your eyes from your despair, determination and distraction. So that you will look in the right direction and see Him. You will recognize His voice when He speaks and He will dispel your fear. Jesus will continue working miracles in spite of your dull and hardened heart.
The Bread Of Life
     “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). “This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat therof, and not die” (John 6:50).
     As you eat of this Bread of Life, something else wonderful will happen. When you draw to the shore of your destination, the people will come. They’ll recognize Jesus in you. They’ll run through the whole region round about. They’ll bring the sick. As many as touch Jesus, through you, will be made whole.

“... or, What shall we drink? ...”

Drink Of Christ

     John 7:37-39:
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

     In Exodus 15:25 Moses cried out to God Who showed him a tree (or piece of wood). Moses cast it into the bitter waters as a type of the cross. Jesus removes the bitterness from our life. In Exodus 17:6, Moses struck the rock at God’s command and water flowed out, another type of Christ. (Refer also to Isaiah 58:11; Jeremiah 2:13; 17:13).
Christ, the Prophet?

     John 7:40:
Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

     We hear a variation of the theme of this conversation from diverse groups of people. They don’t recognize and accept Jesus as the Son of God.
Christ Of Galilee?

     John 7:41,42:
Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

     These “others” endlessly debate the origin of Christ. In this way they rationalize their non-acceptance of Christ as God. When their intellect is satisfied, they say they’ll accept Him.
Christ Divides

     John 7:43,44:
So there was a division among the people because of him. And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

     That division still exists today. Throughout human history, some who would have taken (arrested) Him continue to fail. Jesus continues to provide our river of Living Water.

“... or, Wherewithall shall we be clothed?” (Matthew 6:31).

     “And he said, A certain man had two sons:
     And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
     And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
     And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
     And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
     And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
     And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
     I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
     And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
     And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
     And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
     But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
     And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
     For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
     Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
     And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
     And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
     And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
     And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
     But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
     And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
     It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found”
(Luke 15:11-32).

     This story, told by Jesus, is a beautiful study of the Father’s character, compassion and conscience. The full restoration of the prodigal son is expressed in symbology.
Clothed With Rank And Dignity
     The robe, a long robe, was the mark of a person of rank and dignity. In the original language the word “robe” is literally the “first” robe. First by being the chief, or principal robe. The father gave his younger son the chief robe, and restored him to a higher place of rank. In so doing, he gave his son dignity.
Wearing Authority
     The ring is a symbol of authority. The father restored his son’s authority.
Rightful Place Emphasized
     The shoes, or sandals are, here, a symbol of occupancy. The son’s rightful place of occupancy was restored to him.
A Festive Occasion
     This was declared to be a festive occasion, with the preparation of the fatted calf.
God’s Forgiveness
     We may be pulled into the lust of the flesh, and lust of the eyes, which leads to pride of life. When we recognize what we’re doing, and repent, God’s forgiveness is readily available when we ask Him for it.
Our Restoration
     And He rushes to meet us, while we are yet a great way off. In His compassion He restores us. He returns to us our dignity, even while the stench of the filth of the world is still on us. He restores us to a higher place of rank in His kingdom. He endorses our authority which we thought we lost. He lets us know that our rightful place of occupancy is in the heavenly realm, with Him.
      Every time we go astray and then repent and return to the Father, He places more value upon us. Yes, we shall be clothed, church. Clothed with dignity, rank, authority and residency.

“... neither by ye of doubtful mind” (Luke 12:29).

Hope
     Our mind, emotions and will constantly generate desires. Hope for fulfillment accompanies our desires. Hope, therefore, is an attitude of favorable and confident expectation.
Doubt
     Unfavorable lack of confidence is doubt. Therefore, the opposite of hope is doubt. In Deuteronomy, we find doubt grouped in with the curses of chapter 28. “And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life” (Deuteronomy 28:66).
     Doubt in this verse concerns a lack of assurance in our lives, i.e., lack of self-confidence. A lack of self-confidence that would cause fear. A constant expectation of fear, day and night.
Faith
     Faith is the substance, or materialization, of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. We have faith in an object to cause our hope to materialize. Faith comes as decisions are made based on the best evidence available that proves the strength of that object. Faith is fulfilled, satisfied hope that has materialized.
Disappointment
     Unfulfilled, unsatisfied hope that has not materialized is disappointment. Therefore, the opposite of faith is disappointment.
Little Faith
     Jesus mentioned our “little faith” several times. Lack of confidence causes doubt. Doubt is insufficient hope. Insufficient hope comes from lack of favorable expectations.
     “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:28-31). (See also Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 16:8).
     Peter had favorable expectations when he saw Jesus walking on the water, which gave him hope. His hope materialized into the substance of faith as he also walked on the water.
     The wind distracted him from focusing on Jesus, the object of his faith. He then focused on himself and his human limitations. He recognized that he could not, by himself, walk on the water. He began to anticipate unfavorable expectations from what he was, in fact, doing by faith. He began to expect that his faith (in walking on the water) would not continue to materialize by his hope. With this lack of confidence came doubt, which replaced his hope. Disappointed, he began to sink and placed his expectations, hope and faith in Jesus. Jesus caught him and reproved him for being of little faith and doubting.
Doubt Experienced By All
     Faith and hope, however, are not the absence of all doubt. We all experience some degree of doubt from time to time.
     Scripture records that even among the first disciples, there was doubt.
     “And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted” (Matthew 28:17).
(See also Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36-39; John 20:24,25).
Have Faith, And Doubt Not
     Jesus, however, urges us to have faith, and not to doubt.
     “Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done” (Matthew 21:21).
     “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith” (Mark 11:23).
Our Hope
     To conquer our doubt, which has its roots in a curse (Deuteronomy 28:66), God has made a provision for us. That provision is Jesus Christ our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27; see also Romans 5:2; I Peter 1:21).

Chapter Four—The Gift Of Authority

Jesus has authority on earth and has given His church authority.

     In this chapter the word “power” is in four scriptural texts, Matthew 9:6,8; Mark 2:10 and Luke 5:24. In each instance the original word is exousia, privilege, i.e., a right to exercise power based on demonstrated ability. This word is more correctly translated as “authority.” These scriptural texts are selected to demonstrate the authority of Jesus. And that He has given His church the same authority.
Jesus Teaching

     Mark 2:1:
And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

     Luke 5:17 tells us Jesus was teaching and that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, come out of every town in Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem.

     Mark 2:2:
And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

Jesus Preaching
     Luke said Jesus was teaching (Luke 5:17). Here, the text in Mark says He was preaching. Overlaying the Gospel accounts of the same incidence reveals important details. Matthew 4:23 and 9:35 both state, almost exactly, the same thing. Jesus went about teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people. Knowing Jesus’ sequence of teaching, preaching and healing alerts us to the fact that He is going to heal.
Healing Power Present
     In Luke 5:17, the latter part of the verse reads “... and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.” This does not mean that there were times when the power of the Lord was not present to heal. Luke, a physician, a healer himself, as a doctor, is simply reminding us of this. It was written under the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Lord was present to heal “them.” “Them” indicates a plurality of people.
The Sick

     Mark 2:3:
And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

     They brought “one,” sick of the palsy. The power of the Lord was present to heal “them.” How many physically responded to the healing power present? Four men, no more. The man on the bed was paralyzed, and he might have responded inside. Outwardly he was incapable of it.
Need
     Four men who saw a need.

     Mark 2:4:
And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

Intercession
     Luke 5:19 reads “And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.” The text says they could not find by what way they might bring him in. That implies that they were looking for a way. Looking for a way to get to Jesus. They saw the crowd, that there was no room to receive them, not so much as about the door.
Prompted By Love
     They didn’t say, well, it’s too crowded. I’m too tired. It’s too far away. I didn’t like the preachers last message. No, they were seeking the presence of Jesus. The Word says they went upon the housetop. Nowhere does the text say the paralyzed man was a friend, or a relative, or a neighbor of the four men who took him there. Not only took him there, but upon not finding a way in, determined to find a way to get him in. To the extent of climbing up on a roof, and making a hole in it. All that effort to let a sick man down into the presence of Jesus.
     Just four believers, interceding, prompted by love.

     Mark 2:5:
When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

     This is incredible insight into the heart of Jesus!
     He was teaching and preaching in a home so crowded with people, there wasn’t room to stand by the door and hear. There was noise on the roof, and suddenly a hole appeared. Four men were peering down. Then they begin letting a stretcher down with a paralyzed man in it. That’s what everybody saw.
Full Of Hope
     Everybody except Jesus. Jesus overlooked the obvious in the natural. He discerned the thoughts and intents of their hearts. He felt their hope.
Expressing Faith
     The text says Jesus saw their faith. He saw their faith by their actions.
Persistent
     Four believers, full of hope, expressing their faith. And being persistent.
     Who did the house belong to? The text doesn’t say. It also doesn’t say anything about the host worrying about the hole in the roof.
     Matthew 9:2 reads “... and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy ...” Luke 5:20 reads “And when he saw their faith, he said unto him ...” It’s clear that Jesus was referring to all of them, and spoke to the man with the palsy.
Doubt And Unbelief
     In the midst of all this, Jesus had to stop for a minute and deal with some unbelief. Not with the four, or the paralytic. They all had housetop-climbing faith. With the religious leaders and teachers of the law. They all had house-sitting doubt and unbelief.

     Mark 2:6-8:
But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

Evil Manifested
     Matthew 9:4 reads “... Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” Entertaining thoughts of doubt and unbelief about the Son of God is thinking evil in your hearts.

     Mark 2:9-11:
Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

Sin
     At the pool of Bethesda, Jesus said to the man with an infirmity for 38 years “... Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” The man was made whole, took up his bed and walked (John 5:8,9). In verse 14 “Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” The man had been sick for 38 years. What could be worse? Was Jesus referring to sin before that time or during that time? Was Jesus talking about from the short time he had healed him until he found him in the temple? We don’t know. We only know there was sin in his life.
Death
     We know that sin brings death (Proverbs 11:19; Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). What always precedes death ... as a cause? What comes before death? Conditions that destroy life precede death. We know sin is a condition that destroys life and brings death. There are many other conditions that destroy life. There’s old age, accidents, murder, suicide ... to name some. But our text focuses on the specifics of sin and sickness.
     Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality. He destroyed him that had the power of death. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (Refer to II Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:14; I Corinthians 15:26). In these three verses the word “abolished” and the words “destroy and “destroyed” is the same word in the original. It means literally, to reduce to inactivity. The devil has been, and death will be, reduced to an inactive status in our lives. (In I John 3:8 the word “destroy” means to undo, loosen or dissolve). Jesus has reduced to inactivity and undone the devils power of death (Hebrews 2:14; I John 3:8). He has also made inactive and undone the conditions which always precede, or cause, death. Conditions that destroy life. He has done this by forgiving our sins and by healing our bodies.
     When Jesus removes those conditions that destroy life and cause death (sin), he removes them in their entirety (by healing) ... as a whole unit.
     We still have the terminal illness of sin in our bodies because of Adam’s sin. That corruption and imperfection will, ultimately, affect our bodies by death. (Unless we’re raptured first). However, God, in His sovereign power, can rebuke sin and sickness in our bodies. And He has delegated authority to His church to do the same.
Forgiveness
     Our sins are forgiven. That’s why there can be no sickness in heaven. The sickness we suffer on earth is due to our corruption and imperfection.
     When Jesus told the paralytic in Mark 2:5 “... Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” that settled the matter. All the conditions had been removed. That included sickness, disease and infirmity. Then, He had to stop his ministry to the man and deal with the religious leaders and teachers of the law. He picked up their doubt and unbelief in His Spirit. He asked them: which is easier to say, your sins be forgiven, or to say, arise and walk?
     He had already forgiven the man. Now He said in verse 10 “But that ye may know ...” The word “know,” here, suggests a fullness of knowledge based on seeing and observing. Jesus was telling the man “...(he saith to the sick of the palsy,)” and letting the unbelievers hear Him. What was He going to let them know? “... that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins ...” He was saying to them: ‘I’m going to show you the manifestation in this man’s physical body of the results of the forgiveness of his sins. It includes everything else which destroys life and causes death.’
Pardoned According To Thy Word
     (Moses speaking) “Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to thy word” (Numbers 14:19,20).
     “Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job” (Job 42:8).
     “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it” (I John 5:16).
     “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him” (James 5:14,15).
     There is a recurring theme here. Variations of “I have pardoned according to thy word.”
     James sums it up: “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19,20).
Sin And Healing
     Another theme relating sin and healing is found in Numbers chapter 12. Miriam and Aaron challenged Moses’ authority. In verse nine the anger of the Lord was kindled against them. In verse 10 Miriam became leprous. In verses 11 and 12 Aaron interceded for Miriam and himself. He said to Moses “... Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb.”
     “And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee” (Numbers 13:13). In verse 14 God healed her although she was shut out from the camp seven days.
     “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal”(rapha) “their land” (II Chronicles 7:14).
     In II Chronicles 30:18-20 a multitude of the people had not cleansed themselves for the passover. They ate of the passover otherwise that it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them and asked God’s pardon. He asked pardon for every one that had prepared his heart to seek God. Those that were not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary. “And the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed” (rapha) “the people” (II Chronicles 30:20).
     “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (rapha) (Isaiah 53:5).
     “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (I Peter 2:24).
The Power Of Love
     A powerful scripture demonstrating the power of love in forgiving is in Luke. “Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, They faith hath saved thee; go in peace” (Luke 7:47-50).
     With little love there is little forgiveness. With much love there is forgiveness of many sins.
Man’s Authority
     We have authority to say “rise up and walk” or any other healing command in Jesus’ name. When we do, we are removing conditions which destroy life. They are pardoned according to our word. We bring life and immortality to light through the gospel. This abolishes by rendering death inactive.
     Jesus said “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19). (Also Matthew 18:18). The original language indicates that what we bind or loose is already bound or loosed in heaven. There is some argument about these scriptures. Binding and loosing are rabbinical terms indicating permitting and forbidding. This view of these scriptures fits well with the theme of “pardoned according to thy word.” In the larger sense, our binding and loosing must line up with the Word of God. (No matter how you interpret binding and loosing).
     After His resurrection Jesus said “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained” (John 20:23). All we have to do is say nothing, and mens sins and sickness are retained. Without preaching, evangelism, and prayer there is no remittance of sins and healing of bodies. With teaching, preaching, healing and salvation there is remittance of sins. God does the forgiving and the healing. They are “pardoned according to thy word.”
     We use the authority and power of the name and person of Jesus Christ to give sinners access into the kingdom of God. It’s up to their free will to determine whether to step across that threshold into the throne room of God’s grace.
Home
     In Mark 2:11 Jesus said to the healed man “... Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.” A miracle of healing had just taken place. Jesus didn’t say, stand up and testify, or hang around later for fellowship. He didn’t even say to come and follow me. No, He told this man to go on home. The man had been paralyzed, he couldn’t walk or work. Many things he couldn’t do. Jesus knew that, so he told the man to go home. Where’s home? That’s the place you belong, and the place you long to be.
     When Jesus forgives and heals you, go home. Go home to that place you belong, and long to be.
     Does that mean we shouldn’t testify and fellowship? Not, it doesn’t. Jesus used this incident to dramatize a point to us.

     Mark 2:12:
And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

     To give due credit to the healed man, Luke 5:25 says “And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.” He recognized the source of his forgiveness and healing and glorified God.
     Mark ends the account there, but Luke adds “And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day” Luke 5:26). Matthew adds “But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men” (Matthew 9:8).
Obedience
     The healed man was obedient to the voice of Jesus. This was the determinant cause of his miracle.
     He got up, picked up that which he had been lying on and went home. At this point he probably wanted to jump and shout. He might have wanted to climb up on the roof and thank the four men who brought him to the meeting. The men who had brought him to a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, Who brought salvation and healing to him. Why would he want to leave the presence of Jesus? But he was obedient to the voice of Jesus.
Use Your Authority
     The multitudes saw it and marvelled. They glorified God which had given such power (authority) unto men. The Word says you are forgiven by the power (authority) of a Man. You are to arise from your bed of affliction and take up that bed. You are to turn it into a place of rest. Take that bed of rest home, home to the place where you belong, and where you long to be. And use your authority to help others do the same.

Chapter Five—The Gift Of Service

God has graciously called, chosen and separated men to accomplish His tasks on earth.

Called, Chosen And Separated

Our Response
     God, in His sovereign wisdom, creates circumstances favorable for us to serve Him. Exodus, chapters three and four records the events in the life of Moses when God called, chose and separated him as the deliverer of Israel. Our response to the call of God is, in many ways, no different than that of Moses.

     Exodus 3:1:
Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mount of God, even to Horeb.

     Moses was now 80 years old. He had spent 40 years in the land of Midian. Acts 7:22 tells us “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.” Verses 23 through 25 explain how he wound up tending the sheep. “And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.” His crime was discovered, and then verse 29 tells us “Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.”
     Moses had felt the call of God upon his life. At age 40 he “... supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.” Although Moses knew he was called, he had not yet been chosen and separated by God. The story of Moses’ calling is a type of our calling today.
     Being called is part of a process. The beginning of this process is when Christ called us when we were still sinners. Jesus said He didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:13; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:32).
     We are also called as saints of God. There are many scriptures on this. (Romans 1:6,7; 8:28-30; 9:24-26; I Corinthians 1:2,9,24,26; 7:17-24; Galatians 1:6; Ephesians 1:18; 4:1-4; Philippians 3:14; Colossians 3:15; I Thessalonians 2:12; II Thessalonians 1:11; 2:14; I Timothy 6:12; II Timothy 1:9; Hebrews 3:1; 9:15; James 2:7; I Peter 1:15; 2:9,21; 3:9; 5:10; II Peter 1:3,10; Revelation 17:14).
     Jesus said many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 20:16; 22:14).
     The Apostle Paul was chosen by God (Acts 9:15). His calling and separation were confirmed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2). His calling was identified as a prophet and teacher (Acts 13:1). He is identified in Acts 14:14 as an apostle. Paul says later he was called to be an apostle (I Corinthians 1:1; 15:9). God separated Paul and called him from his mother’s womb (Galatians 1:15).
     “For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” (Hebrews 5:1-6).
     The writer of Hebrews makes it clear that you don’t take the honor of a call from God unto yourself. You cannot appoint yourself in this matter. He used the examples of Aaron, and of Christ, Himself. Notice also the qualifications: compassion for the ignorant and those who have been led astray. Someone who is also surrounded by all the human frailties that others suffer from.
     In Acts 13:2 Barnabas and Saul (Paul) were separated. Paul was separated unto the gospel of God (Romans 1:1). He was also separated and called (Galatians 1:15). This separating is setting apart for the work of the good news of Jesus Christ.

     Exodus 3:2,3:
And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

Attracted By The Unusual
     Moses was attracted by the unusual. In the same way God may have attempted, or may attempt, to attract your attention by the unusual.

     Exodus 3:4:
And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

     Moses went out of his way to see the unusual thing God had showed him. God saw that he turned aside to see the burning bush. From this we see that we have a choice in paying attention to the miracles God shows us to get our attention. Because Moses went to go see what God was doing, God spoke to him. God actually called him by name. When God gets your attention He’ll call you by name. You’ll know in your heart that you’ve prepared yourself. You’ll know that He has equipped, enabled and empowered (anointed) you for service.
     The response of Moses when called by God was “... Here am I.” Moses had his problems with this, but he had the honesty to stand up and say: Here am I. Many have been called, but have not responded, and consequently, not chosen (Matthew 20:16; 22:14; Revelation 17:14). When God calls you by name, there’s no mistake, it’s you He wants.

     Exodus 3:5,6:
And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

     The sequence of events here is important. God first told Moses to act appropriately, for he was standing on holy ground. Then God told Moses Who He was. As soon as Moses responded to the call of God, he was to keep and maintain an attitude of holiness and reverence toward God and the call he was responding to. That’s the first order of priority in the call of God and responding to it. Know that when in the presence of God you are on holy ground. Know that when you respond to the call of God you are doing holy service. “Holy” means “separate, or set apart.” Your service to God must be separate, or set apart from the world.
Afraid Of God
     Moses was afraid ... afraid of the awesome presence of God. The God Who had called him, Who had told him that he was on holy ground. Moses was also afraid of the unknown. He didn’t know why God had called him. He didn’t know what God had called him for.

     Exodus 3:7-9:
And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.

     God said he has seen the affliction, and heard their cry; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them and to bring them up ... Now therefore, ... the cry of the children is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression.
     Notice that seeing and hearing are repeated. God sees, hears and knows your afflictions, and has come down to bring you up. He came down in the person of Jesus Christ ... He came down to bring you up.

     Exodus 3:10:
Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

     God told Moses, who is a type of Jesus, ‘I’m sending you to confront satan, to take away from him the keys of death and of hell, to spoil principalities and powers, make a show of them openly, and triumph over them, and bring My people out of the world.’
     In verse 8 God said “And I am come down to deliver them ...” In verse 10 he told Moses “Come now therefore, and I will send thee ...” We understand those two statements are reconciled in Christ. He came to deliver us, and He is also sending us. He is sending us if we can say to God, ‘Here am I.’

     Exodus 3:11,12:
And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

Awareness Of Inadequacy
     Moses was aware of his inadequacy. God had given Moses a powerful commission to go out and deliver His people. Moses then responded very much like most of us today: Who? Me? With the assurance of Almighty God, Moses still had a problem with his commission.

     Exodus 3:13:
And Moses said unto God, Behold when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?

Authoritative Endorsement Sought
     Moses was seeking an authoritative endorsement. He wanted a sign, certificate, diploma – anything that would show God’s endorsement of him. He was seeking a visible indicator of God’s approval of his calling and commission.

     Exodus 3:14,15:
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

     He is El Shaddai, the Almighty God, the all sufficient one. He is all you need in your life, and we are to remember that unto all generations.

     Exodus 3:16:
Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt:

     God has now sent Moses “Go ...” In verses 17 through 20, God gives detailed instructions of what Moses is to say and do. He also tells Moses what will happen when he does. Then God tells Moses how He will smite Egypt with His wonders. After that, the king of Egypt will let Israel go.

     Exodus 3:17-20:
And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God. And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

     Exodus 3:21,22:
And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.

     The Israelites numbered about six hundred thousand men, besides the women and children. When they left Egypt, they took silver, gold and raiment. In addition they had large droves of livestock, flocks and herds.
     God says all the gold and silver is His (Haggai 2:8), and every beast of the forest, and the cattle upon a thousand hills (Psalms 50:10). In Exodus 25:1,2 God spoke to Moses and told him to have the people bring Him a willing offering. In verse 8 He said “... let them make me a sanctuary; that I dwell among them.” God had pre-planned the source of everything they’d need, and it came from Egypt. Egypt is a type of the world. Everything we need to finance the kingdom of God is available to us also.
     You may be called to do something you consider to be financially impossible. God delights in making it possible for you.

     Exodus 4:1:
And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee.

Apology For Anticipated Lack Of Credibility
     Moses’ reply is an apology for anticipated lack of credibility. Moses was attracted by the unusual and then he was afraid. Aware of his inadequacy, he sought an authoritative endorsement. Now he apologizes for anticipated lack of credibility. Our response to the call of God isn’t much different than that of Moses.

     Exodus 4:2:
And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

     When God calls you, He uses what’s in your hand.

     Exodus 4:3-7:
And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee. And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.

     God turned Moses’ rod into a serpent and back into a rod again. Then He had Moses put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out his hand was leprous as snow. God turned his hand back to normal again. From this we can see if we have nothing in our hand God will use our own physical hand.

     Exodus 4:8:
And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

     God equipped Moses to overcome the unbelief of Israel by signs. When you step out in faith to obey your call, God will also equip you.

     Exodus 4:9:
And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land.

     God knows our unbelief. He equipped Moses with signs, and He’ll equip you with what you need.

     Exodus 4:10:
And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

Awkwardness Felt
     Moses is feeling his awkwardness. His ability to invent excuses isn’t much better than ours is today.

     Exodus 4:11,12:
And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

     God reminds Moses He has power to make mouths, ears and eyes. He has power to cause speech, hearing and seeing. He tells Moses not to concern himself about natural ability, or lack of it. Moses gets further assurance from God He will teach him what he should say.

     Exodus 4:13:
And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.

Alternate Requested
     Moses is requesting an alternate. He has run out of excuses and requests God to please send someone else.

     Exodus 4:14-16:
And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.

     God has performed miracles in front of Moses. He has countered Moses’ excuses of being slow of speech and of a slow tongue. He has reminded Moses He has power to make mouths and to cause speech.
     Was it within God’s power to heal Moses of his speech problem? Instantly? Yes, but it was not in the plan and purpose He had for Moses. Instead, God focused Moses’ attention on Aaron the Levite thy brother. He told Moses that Aaron can speak well. God had a higher purpose than just healing Moses. That purpose included a plan for redeeming and healing all of mankind – those who would receive it.
     God, in His sovereignty, had a plan and a purpose. He instituted an ekklelsia–an assembly of the called out ones–where the members needed and depended upon each other. Needed each other, just as Moses needed Aaron. God also said that Aaron is coming and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. Jesus said “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Are you glad in your heart when you see your brother coming?

     Exodus 4:17:
And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.

     God makes sure Moses has the rod with which he will do miracles.

     Exodus 4:18:
And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

Assignment Accepted
     Finally, Moses’ assignment is accepted.
     Moses spent 40 years tending sheep on the backside of the desert. “... Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian ...” In Exodus chapter 2 Moses married Zipporah, Jethro’s daughter. She bare him a son (and later another son). God spoke to Moses, who was now 80 years old, out of a burning bush. Moses had his problems with readiness and receptivity, but he did what God called him to do.
     Moses was attracted by the unusual. He responded to the presence of God by being afraid. He was afraid of the awesomeness of God. He was also afraid by not knowing why God had called him and what he had called him for.
     We are all aware of our inadequacy. God says “... Certainly I will be with thee ...”
     Don’t worry about an authoritative endorsement. God will supply what you need.
     Don’t apologize to God for an anticipated lack of credibility. He’ll take what you have in your hand. You’ll work signs, wonders and miracles by the power of God.
     If your awkwardness is felt, know that God will teach thee what thou shalt say. He’ll give you the help you need.
     God calls you for a specific task. Don’t request an alternate. God has called others for different specific tasks. Love one another, each member of the body.
     When your assignment is accepted, go on your mission, or into your ministry. Walk in the fellowship of the body. Don’t neglect the rod in your hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.
     Moses was called by God as a deliverer, a law-giver, a mediator and a prophet. God was with him. He worked miracles and he delegated authority.
     The people of Israel rejected God’s laws. They rejected the human authority He appointed. They rejected His provisions for their daily needs. They preferred to worship the work of their own hands. They wound up back in captivity in Babylon.

Chapter Six—The Gift Of Responsibility

God has gifted us with responsibilities on earth to fulfill His heavenly purposes.

     We have many responsibilities. Some of these are more along the line of commands or ordinances. Some of these are to love God, love one another, water baptism, communion and prayer. There are many more activities that could be added to the list. These activities and the ones following may not be thought of as gifts. In a very real sense, everything our Creator has given us is a gift from Him. And we are responsible to Him for the proper usage of those gifts. Our alternative is, of course, to reject them. Many people have done this. Upon acceptance of Jesus as Saviour and Lord of our lives, however, we continue to display our love for Him by proper use of His gifts. Responsibility is to be no less regarded.
Seek God
     God is our Creator. He is the cause and we, and all of creation, are the effect. Cause is greater in power and intelligence than the effect. Cause requires a response from what has been effected. God demands a response from us. Therefore we have a responsibility to God.
     Scripture makes it clear we are to seek God.
     God created us from one man, and has scattered all the nations throughout the earth. He determined where they would settle. His purpose in this is that all men should seek Him with all their heart and soul. God Has commanded men everywhere to repent. He has specifically commanded Israel to seek Him. God has promised that Israel will find Him. He has set a date on which He will judge the world. Then the world will be judged righteously by Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 4:27-31; Acts 17:26-31; Jeremiah 29:13,14).
     We are to seek the Lord, and His strength (Psalms 105:4). We are to seek Him while He’s near and we can find Him (Isaiah 55:6). We are to break up the fallow ground of our hard hearts, plant seeds of righteousness and reap love. As we seek the Lord, he will rain right-eousness upon us (Hosea 10:12). The humble, those who obey His commands, are called to seek God, and His righteousness. They are to continue to seek humility. Then they will be hid in the day of God’s anger (Zephaniah 2:3).
     Jesus summed up our responsibility to seek God: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
Embrace The Truth
     We have the promise and the oath of God that tell us it’s impossible for Him to lie (Hebrews 6:13-18). Those who reject the truth of God are subject to His wrath. Because of this, their heart is darkened (Romans 1:18-32). Relying upon human wisdom, they become fools (verse 22). They create idols (verse 23). God gives them up to the sexual promiscuity they desire (verse 24; Isaiah 64:6,7). They change the truth of God into a lie. (verse 25; Psalms 81:12). As they continue, God will give them up to vile things. They will begin to practice homosexuality (verses 26,27). When they cease to even acknowledge God, He will give them over to a reprobate (depraved) mind (verse 28). Verses 29 through 31 describe the behavior of a depraved mind. They end up exhibiting self-destructive and suicidal behavior. They encourage others to follow their example (verse 32).
     The truth of God is in the conscience of man and displayed throughout nature. Rejection of that truth brings God’s wrath. It causes a perverse desire for sensual satisfaction. The minds of these people become reprobate (literally, not approved, rejected). Among other things they become disobedient to parents. “Disobedient” means unwilling to be persuaded, obstinate rejection. These people reject all logic, even from their own parents. This shows a dependency upon their own logic, developing into self-sufficiency. They know they are worthy of death.
     “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good” (Ezekiel 16:49-50).
     This text says pride was the iniquity of Sodom. This may be a variation on the theme of the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life. In this instance, however, God is the One Who gives them over to the lust of the flesh (desire to over-satisfy sensual appetites). This leads to lust of the eyes (unbridled imagination desiring the latest and greatest of new things and worldly stuff). It culminates in the pride of life (depending upon one’s own ability, human facility and the stability of earthly things).
     When a person has knowledge of Christ they either accept or reject Him. (Postponement, procrastination and indecision are all really a decision to reject Christ). Upon acceptance of Christ, we attempt to wean ourselves from self- to God-dependency. That includes not over-satisfying our sensual appetites. We have our problems with it, but we also have the Holy Spirit of God to help us. We continue to focus on Christ, and depend upon His supernatural strengthening (through His Holy Spirit).
     Those who have knowledge of God and Christ and reject Him continue to focus upon self. Awareness of the human body becomes intense. Pursuit of physical pleasures of the body is escalated beyond normal limits. Sensual pleasure, or what is perceived as such, becomes dominant. The imagination invents ways to utilize all the senses for sensual pleasure and satisfaction. Desire to see things, hear things, smell, taste and touch things that are pervertedly associated with sensual pleasure becomes an obsession. The body becomes gorged with sensuality and old things fail to satisfy any more. New things so far transcend the bounds of normalcy and decency as to become repugnant and offensive to those not caught up in this horror. When they cease to even acknowledge God, He will give them over to a reprobate mind. Their mind becomes depraved, not approved, rejected. Insane arguments and rationalizations are presented by these minds. Knowing that these activities will result in death for them and others, they continue to pursue them. They continue to enlist others to their cause.
     Christ destroyed him that had the power of death. He removed the things that always precede death.
     These people who reject Christ embrace him that had the power of death. They enthrone the devil as lord over their lives. In so doing they make active all the conditions that precede death.
Accept Christ’s Provisions
     In Ephesians 1:3-10 we are to be holy and blameless in God’s presence. We are to reflect to the world the love that God has extended to us. Jesus has given us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm. We have been redeemed by His blood and our sins have been forgiven (Colossians 1:14). He has enriched us with His grace. In the fullness of time He will gather us together and we will be with Him forever (Romans 8:29,30).
Know The Lord
     “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 8:10-12). (Refer also to Jeremiah 31:31-24).
     God’s laws are in our minds (consciences) and written in our hearts. We are to continue in our study of God’s written word. We are to etch His Word deeper into our beings.
Study The New Testament
     “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:11-15).
     Christ shed His Own blood and obtained eternal redemption for us. Our conscience is purged from dead works so that we may serve the living God. Christ is the mediator of the New Testament. He died for the sins we had committed.
Recognize God’s Wisdom Expressed In Christ
     Christ is our wisdom (I Corinthians 1:24), righteousness (Philippians 3:9), sanctification (Ephesians 5:26) and redemption (I Corinthians 1:18-31).
Rejoice
     We are to rejoice in our hope (Romans 12:12), in the Lord (Philippians 3:1; 4:4) and forevermore (I Thessalonians 5:16). We are also to rejoice as partakers of Christ’s sufferings (I Peter 4:13).
Abide In Christ
     In John 15, verses four through 16, in the King James Version, you’ll find the word “abide” nine times, “remain” twice, and “continue” once. It’s the same word in the original, meno. It means to remain, continue, dwell or stay. The text makes it clear that if you want the promises, power and purity of Jesus, you must remain, continue and stay with Jesus. He must dwell in you. Twelve times in thirteen verses Jesus uses meno.
Follow Christ
     “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:38) (See also Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23).
     “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).
     The word “followeth”is akoloutheo, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany, one going in the same way, expressing union and likeness. “It is used 77 times in the Gospels, of following Christ.” – Vines Expository Dictionary.
     “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame” (Hebrews 6:4-6).
Do The Will Of God
     “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven”(Matthew 7:21).
     “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (I John 2:17).
     “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure” (will) “they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11).
Prepare For His Return
     “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:44).
     “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thessalonians 5:23).
     “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
     “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).
     “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (II Peter 3:9-13).
Confess Our Sins
     “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unright-eousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (I John 1:8-10).
Don’t Sin Willfully
     “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10:26-29).
     “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire” (II Peter 2:20-22).
Recognize The Times
     “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (II Thessalonians 2:1-10).
Recognize The Anti-Christs
     “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also” (I John 2:18-23).
Warn The Wicked
     “And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand” (Ezekiel 3:16-20).
     “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (II Timothy 4:2-4).

Chapter Seven—The Gift Of Overcoming

God has provided for us, in the person and power of Jesus Christ, more than ample provisions for overcoming our every conflict.

     Revelation 2:7:
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

     This is the glorified Jesus speaking to John.
     The word “overcome” means “to gain the victory.” To gain a victory there has to be a conflict. Jesus says that overcomers will eat of the tree of life, in the midst of God’s paradise. We are here talking of eternal life and paradise.
The Second Death

     Revelation 2:11:
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

     The second death is the lake of fire. A place of torment day and night for ever and ever. The beast and the false prophet will be cast into it, and the devil. Also death and hell, and whosoever was not found written in the book of life. And the fearful, unbelieving, the abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters and all liars. (Revelation 19:20; 20:10;14,15; 21:8).
Hidden Manna, A White Stone

     Revelation 2:17:
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

     You’ll be able to feast on Jesus, the bread of heaven. This is the manna the world has despised and tried to hide for thousands of years.
     In Jesus’ time, when a man was tried in a court and condemned, he was given a black stone. If acquitted of a crime, he was given a white stone. Also, a host would show appreciation and honor a special guest. He was given a white stone with his name or a message written on it.
     Jesus is saying ... ‘I have acquitted you of the crime of eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.’ He is giving us honor in addition to that.
Power Over The Nations

     Revelation 2:26:
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

     We will be a ruler with Jesus Christ.
White Raiment, Name Confessed

     Revelation 3:5:
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

     A personal testimony from Jesus Christ, Himself as we stand before the Father and His angels in white raiment.
A Pillar

     Revelation 3:12:
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

     From living stones (I Peter 2:4,5) to a pillar in the temple of God and permanent residency.
Sitting On Jesus’ Throne

     Revelation 3:21:
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

     We will sit with Christ in His throne. In the same relationship as Jesus is to the Father.
Overcomers Inherit All Things

     Revelation 21:1-7:
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”


     How do we overcome?
The Blood And The Word Of Testimony

     Revelation 12:11:
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

     They (the brethren of verse 10) overcame by the blood, or life, of the Lamb, Jesus. They overcame by the word, or their thoughts expressed in speech, of their testimony, or evidence given. And they did not love their lives, or souls, up to, or until death.
     The brethren lived, as much as is humanly possible, the life of Jesus. They thought and spoke the thoughts and words of Jesus. Tenaciously denying their own opinions up to the very point of death, they did not love their own thoughts, feelings and choices.
     In Revelation 3:21 Jesus said “... even as I also overcame ...” The brethren overcame even as Jesus overcame. Jesus, and the brethren, gained the victory over conflict. Conflict in their lives and ministries.
Jesus Misunderstood
     The birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus tell us many things. The Old Testament prophets and the Psalms foretold us of His comings. He spoke of His sufferings, His rejection, His death, His resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father. He spoke of these things to His disciples, who did not understand Him.
     In much the same way, His life speaks to us today. As His disciples, we also do not understand Him. His teachings prepare us for many things. One of the most important lessons we must learn appears to have been ignored.
God’s Power
     God is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent as One in essence, manifesting as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and He is righteous. That is to say that He is invincible, all-wise, everywhere simultaneously while retaining His essence as One, and totally good.
God In The Flesh
     Yet He came to earth as a human being and suffered as we do. He laid aside His deity to suffer on our behalf. To suffer human suffering. Yet He says “... even as I also overcame ...” And He holds out glorious promises to those of us who also overcome. Who overcome as He and the brethren of Revelation 12:11 overcame.
     God, Who is perfect, created mankind perfectly. Because of our free will, we rebelled against God and have become imperfected and corrupt. God in His love has made every provision to make us perfect again. All of the teaching, preaching and healing associated with the ministry of Jesus show us the way to be perfect.
     His life also further demonstrates the plan of God to perfect us.
     Let’s look a closer look at His life. All these things are well documented in the Bible.
The Life Of Jesus
     Jesus had to give up His omnipotency when God sent Him. No longer all-powerful and invincible, He was prey to all the imperfection and corruption being devised in the human hearts all around Him. He became capable of being conquered, of losing the victory, of being overcome. He was unprotected and helpless. As an infant, Herod attempted to kill Him. As an adult, His death was sought by the religious establishment. As our risen Saviour, He is the target of many in the world who would assassinate Him.
     No longer omniscient, i.e., all-knowing, Jesus had to depend upon human teachers as a human being. A more than capable student, Luke, chapter 2 records that the teachers of the law were astonished at His understanding and answers at His then age 12.
     Jesus recognized Who He was, part of the essence of One, manifesting as the Son of God. He knew He and the Father were One. If you had seen Him, you had seen the Father.
     Jesus was well aware of His sinless life, and His righteousness, even while He was a human being.
     God’s love, grace, mercy, wisdom, judgment and justice are perfect. God sent Jesus into the midst of imperfection and corruption to bring us perfection and incorruption. He showed us the way to overcome. The brethren of Revelation 12:10 overcame. We can overcome.
     God is omniscient, all knowing. Within that knowledge are values, meaning, purpose and morality. We are not omniscient. Jesus was not omniscient as a human being. He had to depend upon human teachers, and the Holy Spirit of God. Jesus lived in a world with imperfect and corrupted values, meaning, purpose and morality. He showed us the way to overcome. The brethren of Revelation 12:10 overcame. We can overcome.
     Jesus was righteous, totally good in a totally bad world. Jesus has told us our number one priority is to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
     How can we cling to righteousness and justice and fairness when everything around us is the opposite? Jesus showed us the way to overcome. The brethren of Revelation 12:10 overcame. We can overcome.
     Who are we in this confused predatory society which makes no sense, which is so unfair? Jesus knew He and the Father were One. We are one with Jesus and the Father. Jesus prayed that it be so. He sent the Holy Spirit to live in us. He said He and the Father would make their abode with us. Who are we? We are sons of the living God. We will be one with the essence of God, when we are glorified.
     Jesus, in His moments of feeling human frailty prayed that His Father’s will be done. He showed us the way to overcome. The brethren of Revelation 12:10 overcame. We can overcome.
The Life Of Man
     We are now in the process of being sanctified, weaned from self- to God-dependency. We must live, as much as is humanly possible, the life of Jesus. We must think and speak the thoughts and words of Jesus. We must tenaciously deny our own opinions up to the very point of death, and not love our own thoughts, feelings and choices.
     We are weak, fragile human beings. We have not yet attained the glorification of our bodies. We still see through a glass darkly. We still do not know as we are known. If we overcome, we will see clearly and know as we are known. Then we shall be the bride of Christ, part of Him. Then we will understand omnipotency.
     Now we are capable of being conquered, of losing the victory, of being overcome. But we are no longer unprotected and helpless. We have Jesus and His Holy Spirit to help us overcome. The example of the life of Jesus on earth tells us to expect conflict. As saved human beings, washed by the blood of Jesus, we are to expect conflict.
     The church of Jesus Christ, His ekklesia, i.e., the individual saints who make up that ekklesia, is ill-prepared for conflict. Natural and man-made disasters, lying, cheating, theft, rape, robbery, violent crimes – they all take their toll on our human souls. They strip us of our possessions, self-worth, peace of mind and dignity. Alcohol, tranquilizers, drugs, promiscuity, divorce and irresponsibility are our answers.
     We are traumatized, lose our drive and ambition, seek counseling and therapy for our shattered lives. Countless physical ailments have been traced to this lack of wholeness of the totality of our beings. What is the solution for this problem?
     Our answer is in Christ, if we will but learn the answer He has taught us.
     Don’t expect that you have power to overcome a wicked environment. You don’t. Don’t expect the world to respond logically and knowledgeably to your logic and knowledge. It won’t. Don’t expect immorality, unfairness and injustice to flee as you approach with righteousness. They won’t. Don’t expect that you are what you do, what you know, where you work and what your relationships and hobbies are. You’re not.
     Jesus has taught us that we are not invincible to adversarial attacks and to expect them. He has taught us that in our limited logic and knowledge we should expect illogical and unknowledgeable approaches to solving human problems. He has taught us that our being righteous will be countered by immorality, unfairness and injustice.
     Jesus has provided a defense for adversarial attacks by telling us to expect them. He has given us logic and knowledge to expect the illogical and unknowledgeable. He has given us righteousness that we may recognize and come against the expected immorality, unfairness and injustice in our lives.
     Most important of all He has taught us who we are in Him. And who we are in relationship to the Godhead. He has taught us by His Words, and He has clearly taught us by His life, to expect these things.
     We said in Chapter Three that the opposite of faith is disappointment. Disappointment is accompanied by a sense of rejection, and vice-versa. Disappointment and rejection are ugly companions. You can’t host one without also entertaining the other. Guilt, which is assuming responsibility for the problem, intensifies those feelings.
     There is a tremendous amount of rejection and disappointment in the body of Christ. It tears up the individual, their families, their witness and their ministries. It tears up the very heart of God, Who warned us beforehand, and gave us Jesus to help us overcome.
     Disappointment and rejection can lead to:
            1—Humiliation (feeling inferior to others)
            2—Embarrassment (feeling self-consciously deficient)
            3—Shame (feeling unworthy)
     Those feelings cause the following losses:
            4—Fear (loss of courage)
            5—Shortsightedness (loss of vision)
            6—Discontentment (loss of peace)
            7—Frustration (loss of purpose)
            8—Defeat (loss of effort)
            9—Bitterness (loss of happiness)
          10—Anger (loss of self-control)
     Those losses, in turn, cause the following feelings:
          11—Loneliness (feeling separated from others)
          12—Misery (feeling pain, an unpleasant, stressful sensation)
          13—Self-pity (feeling intense personal suffering while enduring pain)
     Those feelings then cause the following losses:
          14—Depression (loss of joy)
          15—Hopelessness (loss of all hope)
          16—Grief (loss of comfort)
          17—Thoughts of death or suicide (loss of life)
     There appears to be a descending spiral that comes from our feelings, which cause losses in our lives. These feelings overwhelm us, then losses follow. These losses cause other feelings, with more losses. If these feelings are not checked, they may lead to depression, which will lead to thoughts of death or suicide.
     We must maintain healthy family relationships. That especially includes brothers and sisters in Christ. It will provide you with rich resources for friendship, prayer and counseling.
     “Is any among you afflicted?” (kakopatheo – suffering hardship) “let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick” (astheneo – lacking strength, feeble) “among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer” (euche – prayer of petition) “of faith shall save the sick,” (kamno – those who are weary and tired) “and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults” (hamartia – sins) “one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent” (energeo – putting forth power – or it may also mean it’s powerful in working changes in the one praying) “prayer” (deesis – prayer of supplication for a need) “of a righteous man availeth” (ischuo – powerfully prevails) “much” (James 5:13-16).
     The last sentence could possibly translated as: ‘The energetic prayer of a righteous man generates an abundance of power’. It’s important that you be righteous. It’s important that you have righteous friends and family. It’s important you pray energetically. It could mean the difference between life, and life more abundantly, or a death preceded by depression.
     Every one of us has been and will continue to be affected by these adverse factors in our lives. You will have to redefine the parameters of your life. You must begin to expect from every circumstance, situation and environment these attacks upon yourself, family and friends. Attacks that would paralyze you, traumatize you, make you nothing but a bowl of quivering jello bowing before the gods of adversity. Forewarned, you will expect them.
Remember Christ
        After having endured these expected things, we are to remember Him.
        “... this do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19. See also I Corinthians 11:24,25).
        This has come to be known as communion or the Eucharist. Unfortunately, we human beings have taken a simple command from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and turned it into a ritualistic practice devoid of the intent Jesus assigned to it.
        The word “communion” in the Greek is koinonia, which encompasses in its meaning three different aspects—those of sharing, socializing and supporting.
        The very meaning of the word should tell us that it involves a time of sharing with other like-minded saints. The setting of the Last Supper should tell us that that time of sharing should be while eating a meal together with other saints. While sharing that meal, we will be socializing with each other and we are also to support those in need. This is also made clear in Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians.
        Because this time of communion [read: sharing, socializing and supporting] involves participation with other saints the idea of “taking communion” is invalid. Particularly when we religiously take our little thimble-full of grape juice and a piece of stale cracker all by ourselves for a warm fuzzie feeling thinking we are really closer to God because of it.
        Jesus wants us to share and socialize and support those in need while eating a common meal with them, and during or after that time to take time to eat from a common loaf and a common source of wine (or grape juice).
        At that point in our fellowship time with each other we are to remember the blood and body of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ blood was shed so that we would have forgiveness of our sins. It is also the blood of the covenant of the New Testament (Covenant). His body was given for us, i.e., every person who will ever live on this earth.
        In this process of remembrance we are to recall to mind the greatness of the sacrifice of Jesus—and the greatness of our own personal sins—which is part of the symbology of the blood of Jesus as represented by the wine.
        We are also to remember the body of Jesus—the totality of His Person—from all that we know from reading the Bible and learning of Him, i.e., His power, His presence, His passion and His purpose.
        We are to remember that because of the shed blood of Jesus we have forgiveness of our sins. We are to remember that we are to be disciples of Jesus Christ, i.e., learners, followers, supporters and imitators of all that He thought, said and did. In this time of private remembrance we are to fellowship with our Creator, God, Redeemer, Lord and Saviour as we share with Him and socialize with Him and support Him as we give to the fatherless, widows, travelling strangers in the land and those who are publically recognized as having been called as spiritual Levites in the body of Christ. Selah ...
        This is a very personal time of fellowship with the Lord, and with each other. The language that Paul the apostle uses in the 11th chapter of I Corinthians emphasizes this fact. Don’t eat or drink “unworthily” anaxios, here, meaning to treat the elements as common and ignoring the symbolic importance. It’s implied the individual must decide their own understanding of their symbolic importance.
        A man should examine himself. “Examine” is dokimazo, used of metals, it means to test, or scrutinize, to prove with an expectation of approving ... again a personal inventory. We are to judge, diakrino, to separate thoroughly or throughout, ourselves. Here it means to make a conscious decision of what the elements of communion represent. All speak of a personal estimate of one’s internal state.
        We must understand the symbolic importance of what we are doing. We must make a conscious decision of what they represent.
        If we don’t perform this personal assessment, the Apostle Paul says in verse 27, we shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. “Guilty” is enochos, “liable to.” It is used in the legal sense of being liable to the penalty for a misdeed. In this instance the misdeed would be a crime against the body and blood of the Lord.
        When we eat and drink the bread and the wine without an understanding of their significance we eat and drink damnation to ourselves. “Damnation” is krima, a pronounced decision made based on opinions. Here it means the person passes a sentence, or verdict, upon himself. We are guilty of a crime against the body and blood of the Lord. Without that understanding, we are passing a sentence upon ourselves.
        Paul says because of this many are “weak” astheneo, feeble, lacking strength. And “sickly” arrhostos, weak, sickly. Others die, Paul says. This is a terrible penalty for not understanding what we are doing. Today, in the universal ekklesia of Jesus, many are weak, sickly and dying.
        If we judge ourselves, verse 31, we won’t be “judged” krino, to form an opinion as a process leading to a decision.
        If God judges us, because we haven’t judged ourselves, we are chastened of the Lord. “Chastened” paideuo, means to train or discipline children. It also has the meaning to chastise with blows or scourging (Luke 23:16,22). It appears to encompass training and discipline ranging from words to wounds. Many in the church today are being chastened by the Lord.
        The reason we are “chastened” by God, Paul says, is so that we should not be condemned with the world. “Condemned” katakrino is a stronger form of krino meaning judged against or to pass sentence on.
        Paul also admonishes us in verse 33 that when we come together to eat the Lord’s supper we should tarry for one another. “Tarry” ekdechomai, means to await, expect. It suggests reaching out in readiness to receive from another.
        In verse 34 we are told not to come together unto condemnation, krima, a pronounced decision made based on opinions. We are not to gather to have our attitude and actions judged as guilty for not knowing the purpose for which we are there.
        We are to shew the Lord’s death until He comes (verse 26). “Shew” katangello, literally, to report down, means to proclaim or declare, frequently translated as “preach.” We are to proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. In proclaiming His death, we must start with His life. In proclaiming His life and death, we must start with the prophets who foretold of His life and death. We must include His purpose in coming and dying for us. These things are all to be considered while we examine ourselves.
        Remember Christ. And remember His sufferings. Remember the sufferings of your fellow believers. Reach out in readiness and receive from one another. Remember your own sufferings. The trauma, shock, mental instability, stress, fear and physical diseases spawned by that which Jesus had already told us to expect.
        Remember these things. Be comforted by the knowledge that as you went through these horrible, awful, nightmare ordeals Jesus was with you. And now you are to remember them and remember that He went through the same things. And He overcame.
        Remember that Jesus was punished in your place. Because of that, you are forgiven.
        Remember that Jesus became a sin offering. Because of that, you are made righteous.
        Remember that Jesus became a curse. You are blessed.
        Jesus was beaten and whipped. You are healed.
        Jesus died in your place. You have been given life eternal.
        Jesus was rejected by man. Jesus was also rejected by God. He cried out on the cross “... My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” My God, the Father. My God the Holy Spirit. Because Jesus was rejected by man and God, you have been accepted in the Beloved. You will never know the pain of Jesus, because you will never be forsaken by God.
        The unbearable trauma suffered by Jesus is documented by the prophets, the Psalms and in the New Testament. You have been given peace.
        When Jesus was resurrected the third day, you were made a new creature.
        Remember that Jesus suffered vicariously on your behalf. Everything that you have ever suffered, every time you suffered, Jesus was there.
        Jesus is your hope of glory. He showed us the way to overcome. The brethren of Revelation 12:10 overcame. We can overcome.

The End

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