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THE BODY AND THE BRIDE. #1

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Understanding the Body and Bride of Christ

new jerusalem

By E. A. Rawlence.

(Note: The original article has been edited because of its length. However, the argument and purpose of the author is clear. We do not necessarily condone all  the writer says, but it seems to be the best answer to an age old question. The publishing of this article does not imply that we agree with any departure from the KJV, should the author do so.)

The words “body” and “bride” are figurative of one and the same, or two different spiritual groups. I believe practicing right divisions will solve the problem. An understanding between Israel, the gentiles, and the church of God will, hopefully, clear up the matter.

God created the nation of Israel to be the custodians of the Truth, and the means through which He would establish His kingdom from heaven upon the earth. He would do this through Jesus Christ. “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, Counsellor, 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.” Isaiah 9:6-7. Daniel explains it like this…  “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. 45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” Daniel 2:44-45. This kingdom of heaven will be set up on earth, and will never be destroyed.  John the Baptist and Jesus preached that that kingdom was at hand.”

The Pharisees saw this as a threat to their control and position, and they sought to kill Him.

After Matthew 13, most of our Lord’s public preaching was in parables. His stated purpose for this was to hide from the religious leaders the mysteries of the kingdom. However, He would explain their meaning to His disciples. It is abundantly clear from Matt. 12 that the kingdom He spoke of was an earthly kingdom. Satan destroyed the original kingdom of heaven on earth, and he would do all within his power to defile the efforts to reestablish it on earth. This is illustrated repeatedly in the eight parables in Matthew 13.  The kingdom in heaven is perfect, and God is in complete control. That is one reason Israel was instructed to pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Although the King and the kingdom were rejected, and He was crucified, the offer was re-offered to the children of Israel after His resurrection. It is noteworthy that the first recorded question in Acts 1:6 is, “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6. Peter preached to Jews only and said, “Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities” Three thousand  Jews, out of every nation were converted. God had His band of missionaries, out of every language, prepared to take the gospel of the kingdom to every nation. However, it was not to be so. Wherever they went with the kingdom message, the Jews in leadership opposed it, and murdered the messengers.

Israel was guilty of three great offences: 1. Spiritual whoredom, which led to their divorce as the wife of Jehovah: “And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery, I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce ; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also” (Jer. 3:8). “Plead with your mother, plead : for she is not My wife, neither am I her husband : let her, therefore, put away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts” (Hos. 2:2).

2, They “killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets” (1 Thess. 2:15).

3. “ they persecuted us ; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men : forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sin alway : for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost” (1 Thess. 2:15, 16).

(Lord willing, we will post part 2 in a few days)

LET’S STUDY REVELATION # 35

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REVELON BOOK

CHAPTER TWELVE

 

The Temple and Two Witnesses (11:1-14)

 “And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.”  Revelation 11:1

Israel will rebuild their temple in Jerusalem prior to the opening of the first seal. That it “will be built” is a fact of Scripture. Paul’s comforting words to the Thessalonians was that the Day of the Lord had not come during their day. He says, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).  Before the Antichrist comes and defiles the temple, it must first be rebuilt.

 

Five Jewish temples are mentioned in Scripture:

 

1.   Solomon‘s temple (1 Kings 5-8). It was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 583 B.C.

2.  Zerubbabel’s temple (Haggai 1-2; Ezra 3:4-13; Ezra 6:1-22). It was destroyed by Antiochus Epiphanies in 168 B.C.

3.  Herod‘s temple (John 2:19-20; Matthew 24). It was destroyed in AD 70.

4.   The future Jewish temple that could be built any day now and will be desecrated by the Antichrist (Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:45; Daniel 12:7; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thes. 2:3-4; Rev. 11:1-2).

5.   The Millennial temple (Ezekiel 40-48; Zech. 6:12-13; see Ezekiel 45:7), which will be built by Christ.

When the seven-year tribulation begins, the temple will already exist and many Jews will worship in it. John is told to measure this temple, the altar, and those who worship therein. The measuring is not for dimension but for judgment. The Jews will be worshiping there, in apostasy, when the abomination spoken of by Daniel takes it over.

This rebuilding of the temple is not an act of righteousness nor is it pleasing to God. See Isaiah 66:3-4, “He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.  I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.” It is further testimony to their rejection of the Messiah and their Scriptures. God will judge the rebellious nation and their temple. As we said, the measuring of the temple, the altar, and the people is for judgment.

When the Antichrist is seen in that temple, it is a sign to the believing Jews to get out of Jerusalem. “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:  Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!  But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:” (Matthew 24:15-20). Some will flee and survive, others will remain, and many will be killed. Today, there are many Jews determined and eager to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

 

Anyone with connection to the World Wide Web can access the Temple Mount Faithful and read their newsletter. You will see a corner stone ready to be laid for the new temple.

The temple that will be built is the one Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:15. “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)” The holy place may be within the temple, or it could be the temple site itself. It is believed the Antichrist will enter the temple in the three and one-half year mid-point of The Lord’s Day. (See Daniel 8:9-14; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:45; Daniel 12:1,7,11; Revelation 13:1-18; Revelation 14:9-11; Revelation 20:4-6.)

 

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

The temple will be built in troublesome times. The Jews will not be able to take possession of its outer court or the old city of Jerusalem. During the six-day war (June 5-10, 1967), Israel took possession of old Jerusalem, and the place of the temple mount. However, the Jews have not been able to enter the Dome of the Rock nor build their temple on the site. Events will develop which will destroy the Dome of the Rock and a new temple will be built on its site, or the new Temple will be built on a site near the Dome. There will probably be an agreement between the Jews and the Ten Kings, which will allow them to rebuild the temple.

The time of this full takeover by the Antichrist will be at the mid-point of Daniel’s seventieth week. Only three and one-half years of Gentile hostilities against Israel remain from that mid-point.

The Antichrist will enter the holy land and take over Jerusalem and the temple. “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months” (Revelation 13:5). Forty-two months is exactly three and one-half years. The prophecy, that only three and one-half years remain, was given by John to encourage the Hebrew to overcome and reject the mark of the beast.

 “And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.”  (Revelation 11:3).

The two witnesses (v.3-13) of verse three will begin their ministry of three and one-half years at the week’s mid-point, “And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth” (Revelation 11:3). The Hebrew calendar has thirty days per month. One thousand two hundred and sixty days divided by thirty equals 42 months. That comes out to three and one-half years.

 

The two witnesses are clothed in sackcloth, which is symbolic of great mourning and contrition. This illustrates the gravity of their ministry.  (See Genesis 37:34; 1 Chronicles 21:16; Esther 4:1-2; Job 16:15; Isaiah 22:12; Lamentations 2:10; John 3:5-8.)

 

UNTO, INTO, BY, AND WITH

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words

 

 

 

 

By Ken Blue

 

There is no possibility of understanding the Bible unless one interpreters the word within the context. The structure must first be discovered,  then the scope of the passage can be ascertained. From that, one can correctly determine what the words mean in the context of the passage.

The mistake by many, who study the Bible, is to assume that the same word will have the identical meaning wherever it is found. The key to any passage is the meaning of the word usage within that passage. With that in mind, we will look at four words where it is imperative that these rules be followed.

  • Baptized unto Moses- “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;” 1 Corinthians 10:1-2. Here we have the baptism of an entire nation. They had no knowledge that it was a baptism, and no one got wet. The key is that the nation was “baptized unto Moses.”

How is the word “unto” used in this passage? The Oxford English Dictionary says it is “Denoting attachment, union, adherence, or kinship to a person.” Thus, when they followed Moses through the Red Sea, under the cloud, they were demonstrating the above definition of the word “unto.”  They were not baptized “into” Moses, but “unto” him. They would follow his leadership.

  •  Baptized into Christ- The first use of the word “baptize” in Romans, is 6:3. “ Know  ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were  baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death…”There is no water in the passage.  No one is baptized into Christ by water. The context and the word usage make that clear. When we arrive at the book of Romans, we are beginning the doctrinal section of      the church epistles. This is a spiritual operation.  Neither is there is a resurrection of the believer in the text. The believer, in the passage, is in a state of death and burial. Thus, this is his standing in Christ. He is out of site, and      nothing can touch him!

 

The word “into” shows placement, and position.  Every believer has been baptized “into” His death and burial.  We are not baptized unto Christ, but into Him. There is a world of difference. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27.  You were put “into” Christ in His death and burial by the Holy Spirit.

 

  • Baptized by the Spirit– “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or      Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into  one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13. The third word one must understand is “by.” When God baptized the Nation of Israel, He was the baptizer, and  no one got wet. When we were baptized “into” Christ death and burial, water was not involved. Also, when we were      baptized “by” the Holy Spirit, there was no water present. The Holy Spirit is doing the baptizing.

 

Some Baptist, like Church of Christ, Mormons, and Catholics see water just about every time baptism is mentioned. That is a great error.  Paul says, it is the Holy Spirit who does the baptizing. All believers are baptized “by” the Spirit into Christ’s body. That body comprises all believers in this dispensation. There is no water is this passage.

Paul reinforces this when he says, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism,” Ephesians 4:5. We know of at least seven different kinds of baptisms, but Paul is saying there is really only one Lord that matters, one body of faith for the church, and one baptism that puts one into Christ.  That baptism is the only one that puts you into Christ, and it is “by” the Holy Spirit.

 

  • Baptized “with” the Spirit-“I indeed baptize you “with” water “unto” repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and “with”  fire:” Matthew 3:11. In this baptism, Christ is the baptizer, the Spirit is the element, and Israel is the recipient. Notice it “with” the Spirit they would be baptized. No water here either. This baptism was      prophesied throughout the Old Testament, and it involves the nation of Israel.

 

Notice the following promises to Israel. “Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Proverbs 1:23 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: Isaiah 44:3  And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Zechariah 12:10 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Acts 8:16. So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Isaiah 52:15 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. Ezekiel 36:25.

So, no Christian should be confused by the words “unto, into, by,” and “with.” The nation of Israel was baptized “unto” Moses. The believer today in baptized “into” Christ “by” the Holy Spirit, and at Pentecost, the Apostles, and believing Jews were baptized “with” the Spirit. That baptism will happen again at the end of the Tribulation when a Jewish remnant repents. God will “pour out”  His Spirit and a new nation will be born. John’s baptism my have symbolized that baptism.

“WHERE IS THY GOD?”

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Where is God?
where is God

By Ken Blue

“…My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?” Psalm 42:3. “Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see…” John 1:38,39.

Very little is more painful than memories of former days when we experienced the joy and personal fellowship with God and His people, then discover all has been destroyed by our enemies. To add to David’s pain, he was taunted daily by his enemies with, “Where is God?”

That question has been asked by millions. When life seems to be at its worst, then the taunt, “where is thy God?”, usually follows. But, God was there all the time, though we may not be aware of His presence.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]God is there all the time…[/perfectpullquote]

  • Israel in Egypt 400 years- I am sure God was forgotten by many Israelites. No doubt they were taunted every day with, “Where is God?”      Yet, He was there all the time. First, he led them there to protect them, and allow them to multiply. Next, He led them out to make a great nation of them. God was with them every day although they didn’t know it.
  • The Red Sea- When Israel came to the Red Sea, the Egyptian armies were hot on their heels, and the Red Sea lay before them. It appeared that they were trapped. Many ask, “Where is God?” He was there all the time. The sea opened to let Israel cross, and it closed to destroy Egypt’s army.
  • Bitter water- Soon Israel was out of drinking water. They came to a pool that appeared to solve the problem, but the water was poison. Where was God in their time of need? Moses was instructed to cut a branch from a tree and cast it into the water. The water was healed, and all could drink. God was there all the time.
  • Water from a rock– Some days later, they were in need of water again, but this time there wasn’t a pool nearby. Moses was commanded to strike the rock. He did, and water came powering out. Where was God? He was there all the time.

Time would fail to tell of the Manna, and the quail, of Daniel’s captivity in Babylon, of Queen Esther, the birth of Christ, the death of Christ, the Resurrection of Christ, the absence of Christ, the Tribulation, the Second Advent of Christ, your sickness, and your death. He was there, and is still there all the time! Trust Him.  Where is God?  “…he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5

“DON’T CALL ME A SINNER!”

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commandments

(Shall I call you a coward because you are afraid to read this article?)

 

 

 

 

 

By Ken Blue

I had a “friend” of Face Book until I called into question a vulgar sign she had posted. Her response was to tell me where to go, which I cannot because of Jesus, and to stay off her page. I was glad to do the latter. I did not mention sin, nor did I accuse her of sinning. Regardless, I was informed that she did not like anyone telling her she was a sinner.

None of us likes to be called sinners, or face what we really are. But, the facts can’t be hidden, even on Face Book.

I will not call YOU a sinner; I’ll let you decide for yourself. If you don’t like the word “sinner,” find a more appealing synonym. Let’s run the test.

  1. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3.  I am sure you don’t have anyone or anything you have replaced God with. GUILTY!
  2. “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is  in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is      in the water under the earth:”  Exodus 20:4. Do you have any material objects you put ahead of God? GUILTY!
  3. “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7. Do I need      to say anything about this? GUILTY!
  4. “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8. I am sure you have always set aside a day, just for God. GUILTY!
  5. “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12. I am sure your mother and dad would be proud of you, if they knew you like you know you. GUILTY!
  6. “Thou shalt not kill.” Exodus 20:13. Ah, you say, I have never killed anyone. Did you ever want to? Then you are a murder in your heart. GUILTY!
  7. “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14. Jesus says, if you have lusted after someone, you have committed adultery in your heart. GUILTY!
  8. “Thou shalt not steal.” Exodus 20:15. GUILTY!
  9. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16. Ever tell a lie? GUILTY!
  10. Thou shalt not covet…” Exodus 20:17. Ever want that which belonged to another? GUILTY!

You see, when you go by your own standards, you can be better than anyone. But, when you judge yourself by God’s truth, you are GUILTY on all accounts. That’s not good.

Now, if you don’t want to be classified as a sinner, we will help you with some other descriptions. In fact, we will let God describe you.

“There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:11-23.

Is this a correct description of you?