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What is a "church"?
Let us be very clear on that which FATHER'S Word refers to as
"churches".
CHURCH
A local assembly of believers as well as the redeemed of all
the ages who follow Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
In the four gospels of the New Testament, the term church is found only
in Matt 16:18 and 18:17. This scarcity of usage in those books that
report on the life and ministry of Jesus is perhaps best explained by
the fact that the church as the body of Christ did not begin until the
day of PENTECOST after the ASCENSION of Jesus (Acts 1:1-4).
That the church began on the day of Pentecost may be demonstrated in
various ways: (1) Christ Himself declared the church to be yet future;
(2) it was founded upon the death, resurrection, and ascension of
Christ, and such an accomplished fact was not possible until Pentecost
(Gal 3:23-25); (3) there could be no church until it was fully purchased
with Christ's blood (Eph 1:20).
Nature. The Greek word for church is ekklesia. This word is used
115 times in the New Testament, mostly in the Book of Acts and the
writings of the apostle Paul and the general epistles. At least 92 times
this word refers to a local congregation. The other references are to
the church general, or all believers everywhere for all ages.
When the church general is implied, church refers to all who follow
Christ, without respect to locality or time. The most general reference
to the church occurs in Eph 1:22; 3:10-21; 5:23-32. Since the church
general refers to all believers of all ages, it will not be complete
until after the judgment; and the assembly of all the redeemed in one
place will become a reality only after the return of Christ (Heb 12:23;
Rev 21:1-22:21).
Because the church general will not become a tangible reality until
after Christ's return, the greatest emphasis in the New Testament is
placed upon the idea of the local church. The local church is the
visible operation of the church general in a given time and place.
Commission. Speaking to His followers after His resurrection,
Jesus commissioned the church to make disciples and teach them what He
had taught (Matt 28:16). The entire Book of Acts is the story of the
early church's struggle to be loyal to this commission. As one reads
this book, he is impressed by the reality that Christ, through the
presence of the Holy Spirit, continues to direct His church as it
carries out its commission.
Activities. The early church met in the Temple and Jewish
synagogues, as well as private homes of believers (Acts 5:42). Later, in
recognition of Christ's resurrection on the first day of the week,
Sunday became the principal time for public worship (1 Cor 16:2). At
these public worship services, missionary teachings and outreach in the
name of Christ were offered to all within reach.
In the worship services of early Christians, prayer was offered, not
only on the Lord's Day, but on special occasions as well (Acts 12:5),
and Scripture was read (James 1:22; 1 Thess 5:27). The breaking of bread
and the sharing of the cup on the Lord's Day were observed as a
continuing proclamation of Jesus' death, an anticipation of His return,
and a participation in His "body and blood" (1 Cor 11:20-29).
Offerings for the needy were also received (1 Cor 16:2).
Organization. At first, church organization was flexible to meet
changing needs. As the church became more established, however, church
officers came into existence. These included the APOSTLES; PROPHETS;
EVANGELISTS; ELDERS; BISHOPS; MINISTERS or teachers, DEACONS; and
DEACONESSES.
Although church organization varies from denomination to denomination
today, the pattern and purpose of the New Testament remains a model for
churches as they pursue their mission in the world.
(from
Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
--------------------
FATHER'S Word is utilizing these "seven
churches" as examples for the seven different 'types' of
"Christians"
that can be found in these last days. These examples are given unto and
for the benefit of HIS servants, so that they may be able to discern
that which is right and good from that which is not.
"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto
his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and
signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the
word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things
that he saw."
This puts these things to occur at a specific time in this earth age,
"to
shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass".
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they
that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are
written therein: for the time is at hand."
==========
Rev 2:1-29
1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he
that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst
of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst
not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they
are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast
laboured, and hast not fainted.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy
first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the
first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy
candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans,
which I also hate.
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.
EPHESUS
[EFF uh sus] -- a large and important city on the west coast of Asia
Minor where the apostle Paul founded a church (see Map 7, C-2). A number
of factors contributed to the prominence which Ephesus enjoyed.
The first factor was economics. Situated at the mouth of the river
Cayster, Ephesus was the most favorable seaport in the province of Asia
and the most important trade center west of Tarsus. Today, because of
silting from the river, the ruins of the city lie in a swamp 8 to 11
kilometers (5 to 7 miles) inland.
Another factor was size. Although Pergamum was the capital of the
province of Asia in Roman times, Ephesus was the largest city in the
province, having a population of perhaps 300,000 people.
A third factor was culture. Ephesus contained a theater that seated an
estimated 25,000 people. A main thoroughfare, some 35 meters (105 feet)
wide, ran from the theater to the harbor, at each end of which stood an
impressive gate. The thoroughfare was flanked on each side by rows of
columns 15 meters (50 feet) deep. Behind these columns were baths,
gymnasiums, and impressive buildings.
The fourth, and perhaps most significant, reason for the prominence of
Ephesus was religion. The Temple of Artemis (or Diana, according to her
Roman name) at Ephesus ranked as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World. As the twin sister of Apollo and the daughter of Zeus, Artemis
was known variously as the moon goddess, the goddess of hunting, and the
patroness of young girls. The temple at Ephesus housed the
multi-breasted image of Artemis which was reputed to have come directly
from Zeus (Acts 19:35).
The temple of Artemis in Paul's day was supported by 127 columns, each
of them 60 meters (197 feet) high. The Ephesians took great pride in
this grand edifice. During the Roman period, they promoted the worship
of Artemis by minting coins with the inscription, "Diana of
Ephesus."
The history of Christianity at Ephesus began probably about A.D.
50 AD, perhaps as a result of the efforts of Priscilla and Aquila (Acts
18:18). Paul came to Ephesus in about A.D. 52 AD, establishing a
resident ministry for the better part of three years (Acts 20:31).
During his Ephesian ministry, Paul wrote 1 Corinthians (1 Cor 16:8).
The Book of Acts reports that "all who dwelt in Asia heard the word
of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:10), while Paul taught during the hot
midday hours in the lecture hall of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9). Influence from
his ministry undoubtedly resulted in the founding of churches in the
Lycus River valley at Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossae.
So influential, in fact, was Paul's ministry at Ephesus that the
silversmith's league, which fashioned souvenirs of the temple, feared
that the preaching of the gospel would undermine the great temple of
Artemis (Acts 19:27). As a result, one of the silversmiths, a man named
Demetrius, stirred up a riot against Paul.
During his stay in Ephesus, Paul encountered both great opportunities
and great dangers. He baptized believers who apparently came to know the
gospel through disciples of John the Baptist (Acts 19:1-5), and he
countered the strong influence of magic in Ephesus (Acts 19:11-20).
After Paul departed from Ephesus, Timothy remained to combat false
teaching (1 Tim 1:3; 2 Tim 4:3; Acts 20:29). Many traditions testify
that the apostle John lived in Ephesus toward the end of the first
century. In his vision from the island of Patmos off the coast of Asia
Minor, John described the church of Ephesus as flourishing, although it
was troubled with false teachers and had lost its first love (Rev
2:1-7). In the sixth century A.D. the Roman emperor Justinian (A.D.
527-565) raised a magnificent church to John's memory in this city.
Ephesus continued to play a prominent role in the history of the early
church. A long line of bishops in the Eastern church lived there. In
A.D. 431 AD the Council of Ephesus officially condemned the Nestorian
heresy, which taught that there were two separate persons, one divine
and one human, in the person of Jesus Christ.
(from
Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
"I know thy works, and thy labour, and
thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou
hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found
them liars: And hast borne, and hast
patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted."
The works of these people, in this particular assembly likened
unto the one at "Ephesus",
have been fairly commendable.
They have worked hard for CHRIST'S sake.
"Nevertheless I have somewhat against
thee, because thou hast left thy first love."
"Remember therefore from whence
thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come
unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place,
except thou repent."
Yet, they have one very big problem.
These do not or shall not be able to know the difference between the
'disguised false 'Jesus', and the 'True, YAHSHUA, JESUS CHRIST'.
Why?
Because of false teachings and doctrines among these peoples, these have
or shall 'fall away'.
What could cause these goodly people to fall away?
False doctrines such as 'rapture' have caused these to think that they
shall not go through the "great
tribulation".
These honestly, but mistakenly, believe that CHRIST shall come and fly
them away to heaven before the anti-Christ arrives.
Let us look to that which FATHER'S HOLY Word teaches concerning those
things which must occur before the true SAVIOUR arrives.
2 Thess 2:1-14
1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and by our gathering together unto him,
2 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.
3 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;
4 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.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these
things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his
time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth
will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 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:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power
and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;
because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be
saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they
should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had
pleasure in unrighteousness.
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren
beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to
salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory
of our Lord Jesus Christ KJV
This was written unto "the angel
of the church of Ephesus" and unto those peoples following
this assembly's particular doctrines and traditions. The word "angel" simply means "messenger" or "teacher"
in these studies of the "churches".
Each individual is held responsible for learning YHVH'S Word of Truth.
Yet, many peoples allow misguided or evil men to do their thinking for
them.
Therefore, they have put their faith and trust into 'men' rather than in
YAHSHUA, JESUS CHRIST, thereby leaving their "first love" (Christ). And,
this 'trust in men' will also cause these peoples, by their doctrines
and traditions, to work for Satan's governmental/religious "beast"
when the fallen angels arrive in the sight of man.
These 'types' of peoples may also have been taught false doctrines such
as "soul sleep".
Yet, FATHER'S Word has also addressed this issue.
1 Thess 4:1-18
1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord
Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please
God, so ye would abound more and more.
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should
abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in
sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not
God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because
that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you
and testified.
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also
given unto us his holy Spirit.
9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for
ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all
Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to
work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye
may have lack of nothing.
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them
which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them
also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which
are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them
which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in
Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with
them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be
with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. KJV
The false doctrines of 'rapture' and 'soul sleep', taught to these
peoples, is confusing, dangerous, and distorts YHVH'S Truth and HIS HOLY
Plan.
"For the Lord himself shall descend
from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the
trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are
alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to
meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
These verses do not say that all dead bodies will arise from their
graves.
It says, very clearly, that "For if we
believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in
Jesus will God bring with him".
The phrase "in Jesus"
speaks of those people who have overcome by the blood of The LAMB.
All Christians should know that CHRIST "died
and rose again", otherwise, they could not call themselves a
Christian.
And, if CHRIST "died and rose again",
so do all others.
Some of those, who are once again in Heaven (the 2nd Heaven age), which
had lived and died an earthly flesh death, are individuals who were
"in Jesus" when they died.
And, these same 'saints' (overcomers "in
Jesus") shall "God"
(The Triune GODHEAD) cause to be present at the 7th trump with YAHSHUA,
JESUS CHRIST, when HE comes.
At this point of time, HE will cause all remaining earthly flesh
peoples to be changed.
1 Cor 15:1-58
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached
unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto
you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how
that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third
day according to the scriptures:
5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of
whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen
asleep.
7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due
time.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an
apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was
bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than
they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye
believed.
1 Cor 15:
12
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some
among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not
risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your
faith is also vain.
15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have
testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so
be that the dead rise not.
16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in
your sins.
18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most
miserable.
1 Cor 15:
20
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of
them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the
dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward
they that are Christ's at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the
kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule
and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all
things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did
put all things under him.
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son
also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God
may be all in all.
29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the
dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I
die daily.
1 Cor 15:
32
If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what
advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for
to morrow we die.
33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the
knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
1 Cor 15:
35
But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body
do they come?
36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be,
but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed
his own body.
39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of
men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial:
but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial
is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and
another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in
glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in
corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in
weakness; it is raised in power:
44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a
natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
1 Cor 15:
45
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the
last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is
natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord
from heaven.
48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the
heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the
image of the heavenly.
1 Cor 15:
50
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the
kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall
all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for
the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and
we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must
put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this
mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the
saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord
Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour
is not in vain in the Lord. KJV
To be "in Christ" is
to be HIS servant, whether one is in their earthly flesh body or in
their heavenly dimensional body.
The soul and spirit, of those who are truly "in
Christ", honestly and earnestly are working for HIM.
Yet, many who claim to be "in Christ"
are simply "playing church" because they are "in
men" ('in the doctrines and traditions of men') instead of being
"in JESUS".
FATHER does have one more good thing to say about these peoples likened
unto "the church of Ephesus".
"But this thou hast, that thou hatest
the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."
Who are the Nicolaitans? And, what do these types of people teach?
NICOLAITANS
[nick oh LAY ih tuns] -- an early Christian heretical sect made up of
followers of Nicolas, who was possibly the deacon of Acts 6:5. The group
is mentioned explicitly only in Rev 2:6,14-15, where it is equated with
a group holding "the doctrine of Balaam," who taught Israel
"to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual
immorality."
Balaam probably was responsible for the cohabitation of the men of
Israel with the women of Moab (Num 25:1-2; 31:16). Therefore, the error
of this group was moral rather than doctrinal. If the
"Jezebel" of Rev 2:20-23 was a teacher of this sect, as many
believe, their sexual laxity was indeed strong. Most likely, they were a
group of anti-law practitioners who supported a freedom that became
self-indulgence. It may have been the same heresy condemned in 2 Peter
2:15 and Jude 11. Some early church leaders believed the Nicolaitans
later became a GNOSTIC sect.
(from
Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
GNOSTICISM
[NOS tuh siz em] -- a system of false teachings that existed during the
early centuries of Christianity. Its name came from the Greek word for
knowledge, gnosis. The Gnostics believed that knowledge was the way to
salvation. For this reason, Gnosticism was condemned as false and
heretical by several writers of the New Testament.
Sources. Our knowledge of Gnosticism comes from several sources. First,
there are the Gnostic texts, which are known as the New Testament
APOCRYPHA. These texts are not recognized as Scripture because they
contain teachings which differ from those in the Bible. Then, there are
the refutations of the Gnostics by the early church fathers. Some of the
more important ones are Irenaeus, Against Heresies; Hippolytus,
Refutations of All Heresies; Epiphanius, Panarion; and Tertullian,
Against Marcion.
Still a third source about Gnosticism is the New Testament itself. Many
Gnostic teachings were condemned by the writers of the New Testament.
Paul emphasized a wisdom and knowledge that comes from God and does not
concern itself with idle speculations, fables, and moral laxity (Col
2:8-23; 1 Tim 1:4; 2 Tim 2:16-19; Titus 1:10-16). John, both in his
gospel and in the epistles, countered heretical teaching which, in a
broad sense, can be considered Gnostic.
Teachings of the Gnostics. The Gnostics accepted the Greek idea of a
radical dualism between God (spirit) and the world (matter). According
to their world view, the created order was evil, inferior, and opposed
to the good. God may have created the first order, but each successive
order was the work of anti-gods, archons, or a demiurge (a subordinate
deity).
The Gnostics believed that the earth is surrounded by a number of cosmic
spheres (usually seven) which separate man from God. These spheres are
ruled by archons (spiritual principalities and powers) who guard their
spheres by barring the souls who are seeking to ascend from the realm of
darkness and captivity which is below to the realm of light which is
above.
The Gnostics also taught that man is composed of body, soul, and spirit.
Since the body and the soul are part of man's earthly existence, they
are evil. Enclosed in the soul, however, is the spirit, the only divine
substance of man. This "spirit" is asleep and ignorant; it
needs to be awakened and liberated by knowledge.
According to the Gnostics, the aim of salvation is for the spirit to be
awakened by knowledge so the inner man can be released from his earthly
dungeon and return to the realm of light where the soul becomes reunited
with God. As the soul ascends, however, it needs to penetrate the cosmic
spheres which separate it from its heavenly destiny. This, too, is
accomplished by knowledge. One must understand certain formulas which
are revealed only to the initiated.
Ethical behavior among the Gnostics varied considerably. Some sought to
separate themselves from all evil matter in order to avoid
contamination. Paul may be opposing such a view in 1 Tim 4:1-5. For
other Gnostics, ethical life took the form of libertinism. For them
knowledge meant freedom to participate in all sorts of indulgences. Many
reasoned that since they had received divine knowledge and were truly
informed as to their divine nature, it didn't matter how they lived.
Such an attitude is a misunderstanding of the gospel. Paul, on a number
of occasions, reminded his readers that they were saved from sin to
holiness. They were not to have an attitude of indifference toward the
law. They had died to sin in their baptism into Christ (Rom 6:1-11) and
so were to walk "in newness of life." John reminded the
Christians that once they had been saved they were not to continue
living in sin (1 John 3:4-10).
These Gnostic teachings also had a disruptive effect on fellowship in
the church. Those who were "enlightened" thought of themselves
as being superior to those who did not have such knowledge. Divisions
arose between the spiritual and the fleshly. This attitude of
superiority is severely condemned in the New Testament. Christians are
"one body" (1 Cor 12) who should love one another (1 Cor 13; 1
John 1:1-5:21). Spiritual gifts are for the Christian community rather
than individual use; they should promote humility rather than pride (1
Cor 12-14; Eph 4:11-16).
(from
Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
===========
"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."
FATHER is warning and speaking unto all the "churches".
HE has just shown HIS servants how to discern those who think as do
those peoples who are likened unto "the
church of Ephesus".
With this discernment, those who are servants unto YHVH, can be ready
and able to help any who may desire to break free of the false doctrines
and traditions that are taught in assemblies likened unto those of
"the church of Ephesus".
Yet, YHVH'S HOLY Word of Truth can not be forced upon anyone.
And, all who have not been fore-ordained, have freewill to choose their
own path.
YHVH'S servants are to make available YHVH'S HOLY Word of Truth to any
who desires HIS HOLY Word.
Therefore, they must also know YHVH'S HOLY Word of Truth, for
themselves, in order to help others come unto HIM and HIS HOLY Word.
Matt 13:1-58
13:1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went
into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold,
a sower went forth to sow;
4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came
and devoured them up:
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and
forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no
root, they withered away.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an
hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Matt 13:
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou
unto them in parables?
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know
the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more
abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even
that he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not;
and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By
hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall
see, and shall not perceive:
15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of
hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should
see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand
with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
FATHER protects many from being able to commit the "unforgivable
sin", by keeping them "innocent" of HIS complete Word of
Truth.
Until one is given "ears to hear" and "eyes to see",
FATHER will not hold these people responsible.
Yet, if one has received "ears to hear" and "eyes to
see", and then works against YHVH, knowingly disallowing HIM from
speaking and working through them, then will FATHER hold them
responsible.
Matt 13:
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for
they hear.
17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have
desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to
hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Matt 13:
18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it
not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown
in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that
heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when
tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is
offended.
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the
word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke
the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the
word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth
forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Matt 13:
24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of
heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat,
and went his way.
26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then
appeared the tares also.
27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst
not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto
him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also
the wheat with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest
I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind
them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Matt 13:
31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of
heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed
in his field:
32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is
the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the
air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
Matt 13:
33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is
like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal,
till the whole was leavened.
Matt 13:
34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables;
and without a parable spake he not unto them:
35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I
will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept
secret from the foundation of the world.
Matt 13:
36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house:
and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of
the tares of the field.
37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the
Son of man;
38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the
kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the
world; and the reapers are the angels.
40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall
it be in the end of this world.
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out
of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing
and gnashing of teeth.
43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of
their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Matt 13:
44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a
field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof
goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Matt 13:
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man,
seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all
that he had, and bought it.
Matt 13:
47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast
into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and
gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth,
and sever the wicked from among the just,
50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing
and gnashing of teeth.
Matt 13:
51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things?
They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed
unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder,
which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
Matt 13:
53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these
parables, he departed thence.
54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their
synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath
this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and
his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man
all these things?
57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is
not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. KJV
Rev 2:
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things
saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)
and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not,
but are the synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil
shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall
have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give
thee a crown of life.
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.
SMYRNA
[SMER nuh] (myrrh) - a city in western Asia Minor (modern Turkey) where
one of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation was situated (Rev
1:11; 2:8-11). Smyrna's superb natural harbor made the city an important
commercial center. In spite of keen competition from the neighboring
cities of Ephesus and Pergamum, Smyrna called itself "the first
city of Asia."
As early as 195 BC, Smyrna foresaw the rising power of Rome and built a
temple for pagan Roman worship. In 23 BC, Smyrna was given the honor of
building a temple to the Emperor Tiberius because of its years of
faithfulness to Rome. Thus, the city became a center for the cult of
emperor worship-a fanatical "religion" that later, under such
emperors as Nero (ruled A.D. 54 AD - 68 AD) and Domitian (ruled A.D. 81
AD - 96 AD), brought on severe persecution for the early church. The
apostle John encouraged the persecuted Christians of Smyrna to be
"faithful unto death" and they would receive a "crown of
life" (Rev 2:10).
Smyrna, known today as Izmir, is the chief city of Anatolia and one of
the strongest cities in modern Turkey. Excavations in the central part
of Izmir have uncovered a Roman marketplace from the second century A.D.
(from
Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
It is important that we read these verses as they were originally
written.
{Although the translators did a fair job in
translating the ancient Greek into English, occasionally
they will have omitted a word or phrase or will have added a word or
phrase. Therefore, it is important that we rightly divide YHVH'S HOLY
Word as it was originally scribed. These additions and omissions can be
checked out by using the Interlinear
Transliterated Bible.}
Rev 2:8-11
8 Kaí toó angéloo teés en Smúrnee ekkleesías grápson Táde légei
ho Proótos kaí ho éschatos hós egéneto nekrós kaí ézeesen
9 Oídá sou teén thlípsin kaí teén ptoocheían allá ploúsios eí
kaí teén blasfeemían ek toón legóntoon Ioudaíous eínai heautoús
kaí ouk eisín allá sunagoogeé toú Sataná
10 Meedén foboú há mélleis páschein Idoú méllei bállein ho diábolos
ex humoón eis fulakeén hína peirastheéte kaí héxete thlípsin
heemeroón déka Gínou pistós áchri thanátou kaí doósoo soi tón
stéfanon teés zooeés
11 Ho échoon oús akousátoo tí tó Pneúma légei taís ekkleesíais
Ho nikoón ou-meé adikeetheé ek toú thanátou toú deutérou
(Interlinear
Transliterated Bible. Copyright (c)1994 by Biblesoft)
These verses would therefore read as such in the English:
"And unto
the angel of the Smyrna church write: These things saith the first and
the last, which was dead and and is alive;"
"I know of
thee your tribulation and your poverty (but
rich) thou art and I know the blasphemy of
them which
say Jews, are they and not, are but are the synagogue of
Satan."
"None fear
which thou shalt suffer: behold, shall cast some the
devil of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye
shall have tribulation days: ten be thou faithful unto
death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
"He that
hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He
that overcometh not shall be hurt of that
death the second."
Who is this "angel of the church in
Smyrna"?
An earthly flesh human being, living in this last generation, who is the
pastor/teacher of those within this assembly which are likened unto the
early church/assembly in "Smyrna".
How, do we know this?
We know this because the Book of Revelations was written specifically
for those peoples (YHVH'S/YAHSHUA'S servants) who would be living in
their earthly flesh in this last generation.
"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which
God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things
which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified
it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of
God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he
saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this
prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the
time is at hand."
What was written unto this "angel of
the church in Smyrna" concerning the assembly of whom he was
pastor/teacher?
YAHSHUA was speaking. How do we know this? Because it is written, "These
things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive".
What does CHRIST desire HIS servants and their pastor/teacher, likened
unto that assembly in Smyrna, to understand?
HE said that HE knows the hearts, minds, and souls of those who are HIS
servants (in this assembly of these likened unto those of Smyrna). HE
understands the tribulation that they have experienced and shall
continue to experience in this world, because these are HIS servants.
Therefore, as Christians who have been fore-ordained for specific tasks
in the end times, these particular peoples of this assembly will
experience many tribulations for CHRIST'S sake.
Now, CHRIST broaches the subject of "your poverty".
What are real, true blessings from YHVH/YAHSHUA? Is it money and things
of the earthly flesh?
No, for you can't take those things with you into Heaven. The riches of
this world are temporal.
YHVH'S Word of Truth is priceless, and more precious than anything else
one might desire. And, HIS HOLY Word of Truth is everlasting.
YAHSHUA reminds and awakens these servants to the fact that they are
quite "rich" indeed. For
their knowledge and ability to understand, comprehend, and share HIS
HOLY Word of Truth, is much more lasting and rewarding. And, HIS HOLY
Word of Truth brings forth assurance and certainty, which can not be
obtained any other way except through The COMFORTER, YHVH'S HOLY SPIRIT.
YAHSHUA, JESUS CHRIST, said "I know the
blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the
synagogue of Satan."
HE knows the blasphemous words and acts of those sons of Cain, who say
that they are of the tribe of Judah.
HE knows these who belong to and work for Satan's church.
CHRIST, in this declaration, is letting these likened unto the church of
Smyrna, to know that there is a difference in those who are Kenites, and
those who are of the misguided peoples of Judah.
Did HE tell them to point fingers at these Kenites?
No.
Did HE tell these servants to separate these Kenites from those who are
of the tribe of Judah?
No.
What did HE teach in HIS Word?
Matt 13:24-30
24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven
is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat,
and went his way.
26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then
appeared the tares also.
27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst
not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto
him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also
the wheat with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest
I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind
them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. KJV
Even a Kenite can be healed, and brought into YHVH'S HOLY Word of Truth.
YAHSHUA would have these servants to understand the difference between
those who "are the synagogue of Satan",
and those who are actually of the tribe of Judah (although they may
still yet be unaware of YHVH'S Truth, because many of these have not yet
come to accept YAHSHUA, JESUS CHRIST, as their SAVIOUR).
But, HE shall be the ONE who will separate the "wheat"
from the "tares", according
to HIS HOLY Plan.
FATHER'S servants are to leave them alone.
YAHSHUA tells these servants, likened unto the church in Smyrna, to have
no fear.
Now, how does one accomplish that?
Through diligent study of YHVH'S HOLY Word of Truth, the servant can
become so very secure in YHVH'S HOLY Word and HIS Simple Truth, that it
leaves no room for fear.
Most "fear" comes about because of a lack of knowledge and
understanding.
Trust YHVH, do HIS Will and Work, and leave the rest to HIM.
Matt 10:28
28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the
soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in
hell. KJV
Have faith, and rely of the knowledge
that YHVH/YAHSHUA has shown you in HIS HOLY Word.
Who exactly are these servants, which are likened unto that church in
Smyrna?
"Fear none of those things which
thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison,
that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou
faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
These servants have and are being prepared for a specific task.
They are meant to be "tried"
during a particular period of "ten
days".
Who will cause some of these servants of CHRIST to be "cast"
"into
prison"?
"the devil"
NT:1228
diabolos (dee-ab'-ol-os); from NT:1225; a traducer; specially,
Satan [compare OT:7854]:
KJV - false accuser, devil, slanderer.
NT:1225
diaballo (dee-ab-al'-lo); from NT:1223 and NT:906; (figuratively) to
traduce:
KJV - accuse.
OT:7854
satan (saw-tawn'); from OT:7853; an opponent; especially (with the
article prefixed) Satan, the arch-enemy of good:
KJV - adversary, Satan, withstand.
OT:7853
satan (saw-tan'); a primitive root; to attack, (figuratively) accuse:
KJV - (be an) adversary, resist.
(Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded
Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
This "devil" speaks of
Satan, his government, his religion, and any and all things connected to
Satan.
Remember, Satan's religious/governmental 'one world beast' will be
disguised along with the fallen angels disguised as 'kings' and
'prophets' of old times, and at the end, Satan (himself), disguised as
'Jesus'.
So, who are these servants likened unto the church in Smyrna?
Specifically, these are the servants which shall become YAHSHUA'S
144,000 Election of Grace.
And, the "angel of the church in Smyrna"
is their pastor/teacher, who has been leading them out of the bondage of
ignorance for a long time.
What has FATHER said concerning YAHSHUA'S Election of Grace, the
144,000?
Isa 9:6-7
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the
government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The
Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no
end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to
establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for
ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. KJV
Rom 11:1-12:1
11:1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also
am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what
the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against
Israel, saying,
3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and
I am left alone, and they seek my life.
4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself
seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according
to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no
more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise
work is no more work.
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the
election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
8(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber,
eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto
this day.
9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a
stumbling block, and a recompence unto them:
10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their
back alway.
11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but
rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to
provoke them to jealousy.
12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the
diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their
fulness?
13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the
Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh,
and might save some of them.
15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what
shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root
be holy, so are the branches.
17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild
olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the
root and fatness of the olive tree;
18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not
the root, but the root thee.
19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be
graffed in.
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by
faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also
spare not thee.
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which
fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his
goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed
in: for God is able to graff them in again.
24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature,
and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much
more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their
own olive tree?
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this
mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in
part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come
in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come
out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as
touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained
mercy through their unbelief:
31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy
they also may obtain mercy.
32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy
upon all.
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his
counseller?
35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him
again?
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be
glory for ever. Amen. KJV
Who are of YAHSHUA'S Government to be in these end times?
Rev 7:4-8
4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were
sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the
children of Israel.
5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed
twelve thousand.
6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were
sealed twelve thousand.
7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed
twelve thousand.
8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed
twelve thousand.
KJV
The number "twelve" means "Governmental Perfection".
We can see this number throughout YHVH'S Word, especially in connection
to "government", which is to say "YHVH'S Law".
We can see types for YAHSHUA'S Election of Grace in the "twelve
disciples" who were first to be called into YAHSHUA'S Ministry.
And, the number "twelve" can be found throughout the Old and
New Testaments.
What else has FATHER'S Word shown us, by example, of that which shall
come about with and unto YAHSHUA'S Election of Grace, the 144,000 of
Israel?
Mark 13:9-13
9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to
councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be
brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against
them.
10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought
beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but
whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not
ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the
son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause
them to be put to death.
13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that
shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. KJV
In the days of the original twelve
disciples, they were subject to being put to an actual, physical
"death"
for having followed YAHSHUA, and YHVH'S Word.
But, in these last days, Satan's government/religion shall be disguised
and pretending to be servants unto God.
And, Satan shall be disguised as 'Jesus'.
Therefore, acting as though they are 'good', they will not literally
kill anyone, except for YHVH'S Two Witnesses.
And, YHVH'S Two Witnesses shall only have their flesh killed by Satan
(himself) disguised as 'Jesus', in the last three and a half days of
this earthly dispensation.
Luke 12:1-12
12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable
multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began
to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the
Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid,
that shall not be known.
3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the
light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be
proclaimed upon the housetops.
4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the
body, and after that have no more that they can do.
5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he
hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is
forgotten before God?
7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear
not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall
the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of
God.
10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be
forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it
shall not be forgiven.
11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates,
and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or
what ye shall say:
12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought
to say. KJV
YHVH has a plan for YAHSHUA'S Election of Grace.
HIS HOLY SPIRIT shall speak through these servants, therefore, HE will
not allow them to be killed.
Acts 1:1-26
1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus
began both to do and teach,
2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy
Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many
infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the
things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they
should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the
Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the
Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying,
Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the
seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon
you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all
Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken
up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold,
two men stood by them in white apparel;
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into
heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall
so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which
is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where
abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas,
Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes,
and Judas the brother of James.
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with
the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and
said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled,
which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning
Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and
falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels
gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that
field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The
field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be
desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another
take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that
the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was
taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his
resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed
Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of
all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which
Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and
he was numbered with the eleven apostles. KJV
Acts 2:1-47
2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one
accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty
wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it
sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with
other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every
nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were
confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold,
are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia,
and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about
Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the
wonderful works of God.
12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another,
What meaneth this?
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said
unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this
known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third
hour of the day.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour
out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall
dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those
days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth
beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood,
before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of
the Lord shall be saved.
22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved
of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him
in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of
God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it
was not possible that he should be holden of it.
25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before
my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also
my flesh shall rest in hope:
27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer
thine Holy One to see corruption.
28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full
of joy with thy countenance.
29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch
David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us
unto this day.
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an
oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he
would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his
soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received
of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this,
which ye now see and hear.
34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The
LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath
made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said
unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall
we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you
in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that
are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save
yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same
day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and
fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done
by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as
every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and
breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and
singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord
added to the church daily such as should be saved. KJV
YAHSHUA'S Election of Grace shall have need of "forty
days of infallible proofs" after the disguised fallen angels
arrive in the sight of earthly flesh men.
And, then, they shall be delivered up to be "tried"
("and ye shall have tribulation
ten days").
Rev 2:
12
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he
which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is:
and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those
days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you,
where Satan dwelleth.
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that
hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock
before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to
commit fornication.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which
thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against
them with the sword of my mouth.
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.
PERGAMOS
[PURR guh mos] (citadel) - the chief city of Mysia, near the Caicus River
in northwest Asia Minor (modern Turkey) and the site of one of the seven
churches of Asia (Rev 1:11; 2:12-17; Pergamum, RSV, NIV, NEB, NASB). The
city, situated opposite the island of Lesbos, was about 24 kilometers (15
miles) from the Aegean Sea.
In its early history Pergamos became a city-state, then a powerful nation
after Attalus I (241 BC - 197 BC) defeated the Gauls (Galatians). It stood
as a symbol of Greek superiority over the barbarians. Great buildings were
erected and a library containing over 200,000 items was established. The
Egyptians, concerned with this library which rivaled their own at
ALEXANDRIA, refused to ship papyrus to Pergamos. As a result, a new form
of writing material, Pergamena charta, or parchment, was developed.
In the days of Roman dominance throughout Asia Minor, Pergamos became the
capital of the Roman province of Asia. In a gesture of friendship, Mark
Antony gave Pergamos' library to Cleopatra; its volumes were moved to
Alexandria.
Not only was Pergamos a government center with three imperial temples, but
it was also the site of the temple of Asklepios (the Greco-Roman god of
medicine and healing), and the medical center where the physician Galen
worked (about A.D. 160 AD). Here also was a temple to Athena and a temple
to Zeus with an altar showing Zeus defeating snake-like giants. In the
Book of Revelation, John spoke of Pergamos as the place "where
Satan's throne is" (Rev 2:13). This could be a reference to the cult
of EMPEROR WORSHIP, because Pergamos was a center where this form of
loyalty was pledged to the emperor of the Roman Empire.
(from Nelson's
Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
Rev 2:12-17
12 Kaí toó angéloo teés en Pergámoo ekkleesías grápson Táde légei
ho échoon teén romfaían teén dístomon teén oxeían
13 Oída poú katoikeís hópou ho thrónos toú Sataná kaí krateís tó
ónomá mou kaí ouk eerneésoo teén pístin mou kaí en taís heemérais
Antipás ho mártus mou ho pistós mou hós apektánthee par humín hópou
ho Satanás katoikeí
14 All échoo katá soú olíga hóti écheis ekeí kratoúntas teén
didacheén Balaám hós edídasken toó Balák baleín skándalon enoópion
toón huioón Israeél fageín eidoolóthuta kaí porneúsai
15 Hoútoos écheis kaí sú kratoúntas teén didacheén toón Nikolaitoón
homoíoos
16 Metanóeeson oún Ei-dé-meé érchomaí soi tachú kaí polemeésoo
met autoón en teé romfaía toú stómatós mou
17 Ho échoon oús akousátoo tí tó Pneúma légei taís ekkleesíais Toó
nikoónti doósoo autoó toú mánna toú kekrumménou kaí doósoo autoó
pseéfon leukeén kaí epí teén pseéfon ónoma kainón gegramménon hó
oudeís oíden ei-meé ho lambánoon
(Interlinear
Transliterated Bible. Copyright (c)1994 by Biblesoft)
Again, we
have need to read that which was originally written.
"I know thy works, and where thou
dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and
hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my
faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth."
"I know where thou dwellest,
therein is the seat of that Satan:
and, evenso, thou holdest fast this My Name and has not denied your faith
in Me, even in those days of Antipas the
martyr My own faithful who was
slain among you where that Satan
dwelleth."
What is The LORD saying unto these peoples who are likened unto that early
church in Pergamos and to their teacher/pastor?
We must remember that these are "Christians".
They have a very rough time being "Christians" because this
assembly is primarily in reference to those who are of the tribe of
Judah.
Now, part of the problem with this assembly is that they have allowed
certain people (with their own agendas, traditions, and ways of thinking)
to enter into their assembly, which are not YHVH'S servants.
The first thing against this assembly, likened unto the church in
Pergamos, is that "thou hast there them
that hold the doctrine of Balaam who
taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to
eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication".
BALAAM
[BAY lum] (lord of the people) - a magician or soothsayer (Josh 13:22) who
was summoned by the Moabite king BALAK to curse the Israelites before they
entered Canaan (Num 22:5-24:25; Deut 23:4-5).
Balaam lived in ARAM in the town of Pethor on the Euphrates River. A
curious mixture of good and evil, Balaam wavered when he was asked by
Balak to curse the Israelites. But he finally agreed to go when the Lord
specifically instructed him to go to Balak (Num 22:20).
The exact meaning of the account of Balaam's "stubborn" donkey
is not clear. After telling Balaam it was all right to go, God either
tried to forbid him from going or wanted to impress upon him that he
should speak only what he was told to say. When the angel of the Lord
blocked their way, the donkey balked three times and was beaten by Balaam,
who had not seen the angel. Finally, after the third beating, the donkey
spoke, reproving Balaam.
When the angel told Balaam, "Your way is perverse before Me"
(Num 22:32), Balaam offered to return home. The angel told him to go on,
however, and reminded him to speak only the words which God gave him to
speak.
Balaam and Balak met at the River Arnon and traveled to "the high
places of Baal" (Num 22:41). From there they could see part of the
Israelite encampment at Acacia Grove (Num 25:1). After sacrificing on
seven altars, Balaam went off alone. When he heard the word of God, he
returned to Balak and blessed the people whom Balak wanted him to curse.
The New Testament mentions Balaam in three passages. Peter speaks of false
teachers who "have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following
the way of Balaam" (2 Peter 2:15). Jude speaks of backsliders who
"have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit" (Jude 11).
Balaam's error was greed or covetousness; he was well paid to bring a
curse upon the people of Israel.
The nature of Balaam's curse is made clear by John in the Book of
Revelation. It refers to some members of the church in Pergamos who held
"the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block
before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to
commit sexual immorality" (Rev 2:14).
Before leaving Balak, Balaam apparently told the Moabite leader that
Israel could be defeated if its people were seduced to worship Baal,
"to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual
immorality" (Rev 2:14). Indeed, this was exactly what happened:
"The people [of Israel] began to commit harlotry with the women of
Moab. They invited the people to the sacrifice of their gods, and the
people ate and bowed down to their gods. So Israel was joined to Baal of
Peor, and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel" (Num
25:1-3).
In condemning "the way of Balaam," the New Testament condemns
the greed of all who are well paid to tempt God's people to compromise
their moral standards.
(from Nelson's
Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
2 Peter 2:1-22
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall
be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,
even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift
destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way
of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise
of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their
damnation slumbereth not.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to
hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto
judgment;
5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a
preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the
ungodly;
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them
with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should
live ungodly;
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the
wicked:
8(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed
his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to
reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness,
and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not
afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing
accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed,
speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly
perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it
pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting
themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling
unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices;
cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the
way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's
voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest;
to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through
the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean
escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of
corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in
bondage.
20 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.
21 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.
22 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. KJV
Jude 1- 25
1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that
are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and
called:
2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common
salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye
should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the
saints.
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old
ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God
into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus
Christ.
5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how
that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward
destroyed them that believed not.
6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own
habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the
judgment of the great day.
7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner,
giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are
set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion,
and speak evil of dignities.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed
about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation,
but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they
know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily
after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of
Core.
12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you,
feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried
about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead,
plucked up by the roots;
13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars,
to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying,
Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly
among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed,
and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against
him.
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and
their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in
admiration because of advantage.
17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the
apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who
should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith,
praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord
Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even
the garment spotted by the flesh.
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you
faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and
power, both now and ever. Amen. KJV
Num 25:1-18
1 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom
with the daughters of Moab.
2 And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the
people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.
3 And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor: and the anger of the LORD was
kindled against Israel.
4 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang
them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD
may be turned away from Israel.
5 And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that
were joined unto Baal-peor.
6 And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his
brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of
all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before
the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
7 And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw
it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his
hand;
8 And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of
them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the
plague was stayed from the children of Israel.
9 And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.
10 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
11 Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned
my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my
sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my
jealousy.
12 Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace:
13 And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an
everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an
atonement for the children of Israel.
14 Now the name of the Israelite that was slain, even that was slain with
the Midianitish woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a chief
house among the Simeonites.
15 And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain was Cozbi, the
daughter of Zur; he was head over a people, and of a chief house in
Midian.
16 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
17 Vex the Midianites, and smite them:
18 For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in
the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince
of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for
Peor's sake. KJV
"So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine
of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate."
NICOLAITANS
[nick oh LAY ih tuns] -- an early Christian heretical sect made up of
followers of Nicolas, who was possibly the deacon of Acts 6:5. The group
is mentioned explicitly only in Rev 2:6,14-15, where it is equated with a
group holding "the doctrine of Balaam," who taught Israel
"to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual
immorality."
Balaam probably was responsible for the cohabitation of the men of Israel
with the women of Moab (Num 25:1-2; 31:16). Therefore, the error of this
group was moral rather than doctrinal. If the "Jezebel" of Rev
2:20-23 was a teacher of this sect, as many believe, their sexual laxity
was indeed strong. Most likely, they were a group of anti-law
practitioners who supported a freedom that became self-indulgence. It may
have been the same heresy condemned in 2 Peter 2:15 and Jude 11. Some
early church leaders believed the Nicolaitans later became a GNOSTIC sect.
(from Nelson's
Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
These in
this assembly are warned to clean up their act.
"Repent; or else I will come unto thee
quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."
Their "angel of the church in Pergamos"
has not been diligent enough to keep these evil ways and false teachings
from entering into his flock.
The people of this assembly have also been too lax in their study of
YHVH'S Truth, and therefore, have allowed all sorts of evil into their
midst.
FATHER knows that the Kenites have worked 'their ways of Satan' into every
aspect of life in these end times.
Now, these of Judah, who are Christians, should understand that which was
written.
"I know the blasphemy of them which say
they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan."
FATHER knows who these (of "the synagogue
of Satan") are, and so should these Christians of Judah, since
it has been their people that "them
which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan"
have inserted themselves.
FATHER is not happy that this assembly, likened unto the church in
Pergamos, has been so easily swayed and manipulated into accepting the
ways of Balaam, and the Nicolaitans.
But, monetary greed and desire for power in this earth age have caused
many to be easily deceived into accepting that which is evil.
We can see an example of this with that which came about because of Judas
(who was of the tribe of Judah).
Luke 22:1-6
1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the
Passover.
2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him;
for they feared the people.
3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the
number of the twelve.
4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and
captains, how he might betray him unto them.
5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the
absence of the multitude. KJV
Luke 22:47-48
47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called
Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to
kiss him.
48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a
kiss? KJV
John 12:3-6
3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and
anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the
house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which
should betray him,
5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given
to the poor?
6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was
a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. KJV
John 13:21-30
21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and
said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus
loved.
24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should
be of whom he spake.
25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have
dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot,
the son of Simon.
27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him,
That thou doest, do quickly.
28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had
said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast;
or, that he should give something to the poor.
30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
KJV
Matt 27:3-5
3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was
condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces
of silver to the chief priests and elders,
4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And
they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and
went and hanged himself. KJV
In this, we can see the example of one who was of Judah, who because of
monetary greed and his own desire for power (thinking he could change
YHVH'S HOLY Plan, and bring about the last advent at that time) was easily
used and manipulated by the so-called "chief
priests and elders", who were actually "of
them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan".
Our FATHER, YHVH, is so very good to us, giving us every part of HIS HOLY
Plan over and over again throughout HIS HOLY Word.
"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."
Rev 2:
18
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith
the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his
feet are like fine brass;
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy
patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou
sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to
teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things
sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented
not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery
with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall
know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give
unto every one of you according to your works.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have
not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they
speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him
will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter
shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches. KJV
--------
Rev 2:18-29
18 Kaí toó angéloo teés en Thuateírois ekkleesías grápson Táde légei
ho Huiós toú Theoú ho échoon toús ofthalmoús autoú hoos flóga
purós kaí hoi pódes autoú hómoioi chalkolibánoo
19 Oídá sou tá érga kaí teén agápeen kaí teén pístin kaí teén
diakonían kaí teén hupomoneén sou kaí tá érga sou tá éschata
pleíona toón proótoon
20 Allá échoo katá soú hóti afeís teén gunaíka Iezábel hee légousa
heauteén profeétin kaí didáskei kaí planá toús emoús doúlous
porneúsai kaí fageín eidoolóthuta
21 Kaí édooka auteé chrónon hína metanoeésee kaí ou thélei
metanoeésai ek teés porneías auteés
22 Idoú bálloo auteén eis klíneen kaí toús moicheúontas met auteés
eis thlípsin megáleen eán-meé metanoeésoosin ek toón érgoon auteés
23 kaí tá tékna auteés apoktenoó en thanátoo Kaí gnoósontai pásai
hai ekkleesíai hóti egoó eimi ho eraunoón nefroús kaí kardías kaí
doósoo humín hekástoo katá tá érga humoón
24 Humín dé légoo toís loipoís toís en Thuateírois hósoi ouk échousin
teén didacheén taúteen hoítines ouk égnoosan tá bathéa toú Sataná
hoos légousin ou bálloo ef humás állo báros
25 pleén hó échete krateésate áchris hoú án heéxoo
26 Kaí ho nikoón kaí ho teeroón áchri télous tá érga mou doósoo
autoó exousían epí toón ethnoón
27 kaí poimaneí autoús en rábdoo sideerá hoos tá skeúee tá
keramiká suntríbetai hoos kagoó eíleefa pará toú Patrós mou
28 Kaí doósoo autoó tón Astéra tón Prooinón
29 Ho échoon oús akousátoo tí tó Pneúma légei taís ekkleesíais
(Interlinear Transliterated Bible. Copyright (c)1994 by Biblesoft)
[The words "a few things"
in verse 20 were not written originally, but was added by man.]
------
THYATIRA
[thigh uh TIE ruh] -- a city of the province of LYDIA in western Asia
Minor (modern Turkey) situated on the road from Pergamos to Sardis. The
city was on the southem bank of the Lycus River, a branch of the Hermus
River.
Although never a large city, Thyatira was a thriving manufacturing and
commercial center during New Testament times. Archaeologists have
uncovered evidence of many trade guilds and unions here. Membership in
these trade guilds, necessary for financial and social success, often
involved pagan customs and practices such as superstitious worship,
union feasts using food sacrificed to pagan gods, and loose sexual
morality.
The Book of Revelation refers to a certain woman known as
"Jezebel" who taught and beguiled the Christians at Thyatira
to conform to the paganism and sexual immorality of their surroundings
(Rev 1:11; 2:18-29). In the church in Thyatira, one of the "seven
churches which are in Asia" (Rev 1:4), Jezebel's followers seem to
have been a minority because the majority of Christians in this church
are commended.
The apostle Paul's first convert in Europe was "a certain woman
named LYDIA...a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira" (Acts
16:14). The modern name of Thyatira is Akhisar, which means "white
castle."
(from
Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
Acts 16:1-40
1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was
there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess,
and believed; but his father was a Greek:
2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and
Iconium.
3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him
because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that
his father was a Greek.
4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees
for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at
Jerusalem.
5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in
number daily.
6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia,
and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but
the Spirit suffered them not.
8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of
Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help
us.
10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go
into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to
preach the gospel unto them.
11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to
Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of
Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where
prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women
which resorted thither.
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city
of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart
the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken
of Paul.
15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us,
saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my
house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed
with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain
by soothsaying:
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the
servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said
to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of
her. And he came out the same hour.
19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they
caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the
rulers,
20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews,
do exceedingly trouble our city,
21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to
observe, being Romans.
22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates
rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into
prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner
prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and
the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of
the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and
every one's bands were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the
prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we
are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and
fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be
saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in
his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their
stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them,
and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let
those men go.
36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The
magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in
peace.
37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned,
being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us
out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they
feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired
them to depart out of the city.
40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia
and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
KJV
JEZEBEL
[JEZ uh bel] (meaning unknown) - the name of two women in the Bible:
1. The wife of Ahab, king of Israel, and mother of Ahaziah,
Jehoram, and Athaliah (1 Kings 16:31). Jezebel was a tyrant who
corrupted her husband, as well as the nation, by promoting pagan
worship.
She was reared in Sidon, a commercial city on the coast of the
Mediterranean Sea, known for its idolatry and vice. When she married
Ahab and moved to Jezreel, a city that served Jehovah, she decided to
turn it into a city that worshiped BAAL, a Phoenician god.
The wicked, idolatrous queen soon became the power behind the throne.
Obedient to her wishes Ahab erected a sanctuary for Baal and supported
hundreds of pagan prophets (1 Kings 18:19).
When the prophets of Jehovah opposed Jezebel, she had them
"massacred" (1 Kings 18:4,13). After Elijah defeated her
prophets on Mount Carmel, she swore revenge. She was such a fearsome
figure that the great prophet was afraid and "ran for his
life" (1 Kings 19:3).
After her husband Ahab was killed in battle, Jezebel reigned for 10
years through her sons Ahaziah and Joram (or Jehoram). These sons were
killed by Jehu, who also disposed of Jezebel by having her thrown from
the palace window. In fulfillment of the prediction of the prophet
Elijah, Jezebel was trampled by the horses and eaten by the dogs (1
Kings 21:19). Only Jezebel's skull, feet, and the palms of her hands
were left to bury when the dogs were finished (2 Kings 9:30-37). One
truth which emerges from Jezebel's life is that God always balances the
scales of justice. Wickedness may prevail for a season, but His
righteousness will eventually triumph over the forces of evil.
2. A prophetess of Thyatira who enticed the Christians in that church
"to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to
idols" (Rev 2:20). John probably called this woman
"Jezebel" because of her similarity to Ahab's idolatrous and
wicked queen.
(from
Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
Who are these people who think in a manner as did "the church in Thyatira"?
Who is their teacher/pastor? And, what has been taught?
"I know thy works, and charity, and
service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be
more than the first."
These of this assembly have worked for YHVH, bringing forth Christ unto
their own peoples, the various peoples of those referenced as
"Ethnos".
How do we know this?
"And he that overcometh, and keepeth my
works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:"
The word "nations" is
specific in revealing who these goodly servants of GOD are.
"nations"
NT:1484
ethnos (eth'-nos); probably from NT:1486; a race (as of the same habit),
i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by
implication, pagan):
KJV - Gentile, heathen, nation, people.
NT:1486
etho (eth'-o); a primary verb; to be used (by habit or conventionality);
neuter perfect participle usage:
KJV - be custom (manner, wont).
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with
Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and
International Bible Translators, Inc.)
These Christians are from many different 'races'. And, each of
these from the different races/peoples/tribes "that
overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power
over the nations" shall become rulers over their own peoples
during The LORD'S Day and into The Eternity.
Has FATHER spoken of these Christians, likened unto "the
church in Thyatira" before it was written in Revelations?
Yes; they are referenced as "a wild
olive tree" grafted into the Tree of Life, in Romans 11.
The word rendered "nations"
in Revelations is the same Greek word interpreted as "Gentiles" in Romans.
Rom 11:1-36
1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am
an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what
the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against
Israel, saying,
3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and
I am left alone, and they seek my life.
4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself
seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to
the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no
more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise
work is no more work.
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the
election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
8(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber,
eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto
this day.
9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a
stumbling block, and a recompence unto them:
10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their
back alway.
11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but
rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to
provoke them to jealousy.
12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the
diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their
fulness?
13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the
Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh,
and might save some of them.
15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what
shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root
be holy, so are the branches.
Rom 11:
17
And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild
olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the
root and fatness of the olive tree;
18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not
the root, but the root thee.
19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be
graffed in.
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by
faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also
spare not thee.
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which
fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his
goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed
in: for God is able to graff them in again.
24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature,
and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much
more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their
own olive tree?
Rom 11:
25
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,
lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part
is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come
in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come
out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as
touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained
mercy through their unbelief:
31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy
they also may obtain mercy.
32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy
upon all.
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his
counseller?
35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him
again?
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be
glory for ever. Amen. KJV
{As you read this article, please understand that those who are
referenced as "Jews", calls themselves "Jews", and
those who are of the "tribe of Judah" are not necessarily the
same. We must remember that which was revealed in Revelations 2: "them
which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan".
}
GENTILES
A term used by Jewish people to refer to foreigners, or any other people
who were not a part of the Jewish race.
The Jews were the Chosen People of God who had entered a covenant with
God. God initiated the covenant with Abraham (Gen 12:1-7) and affirmed
it repeatedly through Israel's leaders and prophets.
Because of this covenant relationship, a feeling of exclusivism
gradually developed among the Jews over a period of several centuries.
In early Hebrew history, Gentiles or non-Jews were treated cordially by
the Israelites (Deut 10:19; Num 35:15; Ezek 47:2). Men of Israel often
married Gentile women, including Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. However,
after the Hebrews returned from their period of CAPTIVITY in Babylon,
the practice of intermarriage was discouraged (Ezra 9:12; 10:2-44; Neh
10:30). Separation between Jews and Gentiles became increasingly strict;
by the New Testament period the hostility was complete. The persecution
of the Jews by the Greeks and Romans from about 400 BC to the New
Testament era caused the Jews to retaliate with hatred for all Gentiles
and to avoid all contact with foreigners.
The life and teachings of Jesus set the ideal for positive relationships
between Jews and Gentiles, as recorded in the apostle Paul's writings
(Rom 1:16; Eph 2:14; Col 3:11). But the process of such idealism
becoming a reality was a struggle for the early church.
The Book of Acts pictures the struggle of the early church to include
the Gentiles in its life. When Peter, taught by the vision at Joppa,
broke with Jewish tradition by visiting and eating with the Gentile
Cornelius, it gave offense even to the Christian Jews (Acts 10:28;
11:3).
The apostle Paul became an effective missionary to the Gentiles (Acts
13:46-49; 15:14). At first the early church was composed of converted
Jews who accepted Jesus as the Messiah, God's Anointed One. But more and
more Gentiles came to accept the teaching of the gospel. Some Jewish
leaders warned that they could not enter the church unless they also
submitted to the Jewish ritual of CIRCUMCISION (Acts 15:1-31). But Paul
fought against this requirement as a denial of the gospel and ultimately
convinced the churches. The only condition of salvation is repentance
from sin and faith in Christ Jesus (Acts 20:21). "There is neither
Jew nor Greek...for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:28).
(from Nelson's
Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
We must recall that which occurred in Exodus. Not only was Israel
brought out of bondage, but also "a
mixed multitude went up also with them".
Ex 12:37-38
37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about
six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.
38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks,
and herds, even very much cattle. KJV
FATHER loves those who love and obey HIM.
HE created all the souls in the beginning (1st Heaven age), and caused
all (who would have the opportunity to overcome) a time to be born in
their earthly flesh (2nd Earth age).
Gen 1:26-2:1
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and
let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of
the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every
creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he
him; male and female created he them.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and
multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over
the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living
thing that moveth upon the earth.
29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which
is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the
fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to
every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have
given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very
good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. KJV
Gen 2:6-9
6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of
the ground.
7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed
into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put
the man whom he had formed.
9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is
pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the
midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. KJV
The 8th day man YHVH "formed" "of
the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of
life; and man became a living soul" would be the first in the lineage to CHRIST, and he
was created on the 8th day (8,000th year of this earth age).
Also, the Ethnos who would would have a specific part in YHVH'S HOLY
Plan, who would also carry forth YHVH'S Truth to YHVH'S other goodly
family lineages, were caused to come forth "out of the ground"
in that 8th day. These Ethnos were referred to as "every
tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food".
In Genesis 10, in speaking of the generations of the sons of Noah, we
see that the Ethnos lived nearby.
Gen 10:5
5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every
one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
KJV
The whole earth was of one language at that time.
All peoples, at that time, used but one language.
Therefore, all whom YHVH had created in the 6th day and those particular
family lineages created in the beginning of the 8th day could comprehend
that which every other man in flesh would speak.
Gen 11:1-9
1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.
2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found
a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them
throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top
may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered
abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the
children of men builded.
6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one
language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained
from them, which they have imagined to do.
7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they
may not understand one another's speech.
8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the
earth: and they left off to build the city.
9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there
confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD
scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. KJV
Who is "us" in "Go
to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not
understand one another's speech."?
FATHER is speaking unto HIS 'Elohiym, HIS Supreme Council of Archangels
in Heaven.
Each 'people/race' had representatives in YHVH'S Supreme Council of
Archangels, who had been rulers over them in the 1st Heaven age.
The various peoples of the world were separated by their speech, at that
time because of the evilness of men in their attempt to bypass YHVH'S
HOLY Plan.
FATHER created each different 'race' in their earthly flesh to look as
they did in the 1st Heaven age.
Yet, in the 2nd Heaven age and the 2nd earth age, each 'race' was also
separated according to 'their ways of thinking'.
Why?
Because of the attempted overthrow of YHVH'S KINGDOM, by Satan and those
'Elohiym who aided him, all of YHVH'S creation found themselves in a
position where they had need to make a choice between YHVH, Satan, or
neither.
The decisions made by each soul, at that time, would determine where
each was placed in the 2nd Heaven age and then later in the 2nd earth
age.
The first of those who made an immediate decision to remain loyal to
YHVH, their Creator, would be given duties for YHVH in the 2nd earth
age.
Each individual has 'earned' (is deserving of) their place in YHVH'S
HOLY Plan.
This includes those Ethnos, who became Christians, likened unto the
"church
in Thyatira".
Their tasks, as Christians, are to teach and pass on YHVH'S Word to
their own peoples.
-------
"I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy
patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first."
These Christian's "works" for YHVH have been more difficult
to achieve.
Why?
Because their efforts to bring forth YHVH'S HOLY Word of Truth has come
face to face with the traditions of many false gods and religious
practices which have developed among their own people.
It is often much more difficult to bring someone into YHVH'S Truth when
they have grown up in the midst of heathenistic practices and cultural
beliefs of separate gods for separate things, or another 'god'.
Even in this last generation, there are those men who teach 'gods' other
than YHVH, throughout the majority of the world.
The vast majority of the world do not know, recognize, or accept
YAHSHUA, JESUS CHRIST as their Savior.
In America, most everyone has been at least exposed to YHVH'S Word and
JESUS CHRIST.
Yet, much of the world does not have access or opportunity to hear the
Truth of YHVH and YAHSHUA, JESUS CHRIST.
Many of those who are Christians, in countries abroad in the world, must
teach in secrecy, because it is dangerous or even illegal, in some
cases, to teach YHVH and YAHSHUA, JESUS CHRIST.
Therefore, their "works" are pointed out as being the
greatest of all their attributes.
"I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy
patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first."
Yet, The LORD is not completely satisfied with these likened unto the
"church in Thyatira"
(Christians of the Ethnos).
"Notwithstanding I have a few things
against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth
herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit
fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols."
These goodly Christians of the Ethnos have allowed heathenistic
practices to be combined with their teaching of CHRIST, and YHVH.
What types of heathenistic practices have they allowed to be taught unto
their peoples?
Most of these assemblies have removed the most sacred day of Passover,
replacing it with the heathen based practices which are now called
Easter.
They have confused the time of the birth of CHRIST (in HIS earthly
flesh), and also, the conception of CHRIST in the womb of Mary.
Their calendars have been altered to fit lunar dates (of Satan), instead
solar dates (of YHVH).
All of these confusions and allowances of heathenistic practices has
furthered the ignorance and deceptive practices within and among the
Christians of the Ethnos... and even beyond... among many peoples of the
tribes of Israel.
The majority of Christians among the Ethnos, who have promoted these
heathenist practices, will be deceived when the fallen angels arrive, in
the sight of men, disguised as great prophets and kings of ancient
times.
And, these deceived Christians of the Ethnos (nations) shall experience
"great tribulation" because
they have allowed the heathenistic practices, passed down to them, to
distort their perception of YHVH'S HOLY Word and Plan.
FATHER shall gives these peoples the opportunity to repent.
"Behold, I will cast her into a bed,
and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except
they repent of their deeds."
"And I will kill her children with
death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the
reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to
your works."
FATHER is speaking of the "children"
of "Jezebel". "And
I will kill her children with death"
This to say, those peoples who are 'spiritually begotten' of the
heathenistic practices brought in through those likened unto 'Jezebel',
will be spiritually slain by the deception that the disguised fallen
angels shall set up, and then by Satan, disguised as 'Jesus/God' (Satan
is "death", himself).
"and
all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the
reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according
to your works."
Each individual earns the rewards of their goodly works, and/or of the
their evil works...."just deserves".
"But unto you I say, and unto
the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and
which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will
put upon you none other burden."
I will put upon you none other burden."
This is to say, that these goodly servants unto YHVH shall have YHVH'S
HOLY SPIRIT upon them during the time of the
"great tribulation". Therefore, they shall not be burdened,
for it shall be YHVH'S HOLY SPIRIT carrying forth HIS HOLY Truth,
through them, unto their peoples and the world.
"But
that which ye have already hold fast till I come."
These goodly servants will need to hang tight to YHVH'S Truth, until HIS
HOLY SPIRIT comes upon them, Baptizing them of HIS HOLY SPIRIT, in the
2nd Baptism.
Until the fallen angels arrive, FATHER'S servants may experience
tribulations at the hands and mouths of YHVH'S enemies.
"And
he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I
give power over the nations:
And
he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall
they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father."
"And I will give him the morning star."
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what
the Spirit saith unto the churches."
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