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Sha vu ot is a harvest festival. This is also called the Feast of Pentecost. It
was during this time of year, that the Holy Spirit was poured out in Acts 2:1-4,
upon Jews who had come to the city to celebrate the feast. Those observing this phenomena wondered what this was, and the Apostle Peter quoting from scripture, explained that "This is that" spoken by the Prophet Joel." (Joel 2:23) At the end of the
Apostle Peter's sermon, (Acts 2:18-39) Peter drew the
message to a close with an invitation. The import of this message for our day, cannot
be over-emphasized. Why? Because these instructions in Acts 2:38, are the heart of God for mankind, in that they contain the empowerment too often lacking, to do the work of Christian ministry.
Some equate the term "Christianity" with Catholic, but biblical Christianity is not Catholicism. When you witness of Christ and His salvation, a person's mind may immediately turn,to what they feel they know--of the Roman Empire, and an endless succession of popes and bishops at Rome. This does not in any way, resemble what God's wonderous works at Sha vu ot, the Feast of Pentecost. The purpose of Sha Vo Ot and it's fulfillment on the Day of Pentecost is seen in Deut. 28:9, where we read:
"The Lord shall establish you unto Himself, as he has sword to you, if you keep his commandments and walk in his ways. And all the people of the earth will see that you are called by his name, and they will be afraid of you.
I believe this "fear that will fall upon the nations is a reverencial fear, because the presence of the Lord is in His people. It's the proper feeling one has toward godly authority.
SHAVUOT & THE RECEIVING OF MESSIAH BY THE JEWISH DISCIPLES:
Because one of the earmarks of Sha vu ot, is that it is a "Feast or a Festival (Celebration) of Revelation!!!" This "revelation" is the "Revelation of Jesus Christ."
Through repenting of sin, and receiving forgiveness, obeying instructions on being baptized in Messiah Yeshua's/Jesus name, and receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit, you begin a life of walking in the Spirit. Your heart becomes illuminated or enlightened with a "spirit of wisdom and revelation" in the knowledge of the Lord. (Eph. 1:17-18)
As you study the New Testament, you will see that from this New Testament Feast of Sha Vu Ot, believers in Messiah live by "revelation." I will talk more walking in "revelation" in your own personal life, later in this article. your
Here is the story of the true Judeo-Christianity, and those who were born by atoning sacrifice; and power of the Spirit of the Living Christ, as a Jewish apostle named Peter came under the anointing on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 9:5, Acts 9:10-17,Acts 16:7) Speaking to a crowd from many nations who had gathered at Jerusalem of the prophetic promise to the Jewish Prophet Joel hundreds of years before.
PREPARATION OF THE MOTHER CHURCH AT JERUSALEM:
Yeshua/Jesus said to them: Behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you... But tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:49) Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is a sabbath days journey from Jerusalem. And when they came in, they went 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. And all these continued in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren." (Acts 1:12-14)
Yeshua ministered in many places. We are told that the synagogues were just one place. He also taught out doors. Or in people's homes. The instructions of Sha Vu Ot were that the disciples "wait, or tarry for the promise of the Father which they had heard of from Messiah. (Luke 24:49)So the first two chapters of the book of Acts, record this.
The Feast of Pentecost
Sha Vu Ot is the fourth feast. This second pilgrimage festival is known as "the festival of revelation". It falls in Sivan (May-June) As Hanukkah is a Festival of Light, Sha Vu Ot is a water festival, because God's word is compared to living water. Jesus said:SHA VU OT WAS AND IS NOT FALSE ECUMENICISM This message preached at the Feast of Sha Vu Ot, which we read of in Acts, was a uniting factor. This was not a "false ecumenicism," based on compromise; such as many embrace today, in which doctrine is unimportant. They say: We will put Christ as focus. But Messiah said: I am the truth, the life and the way, no man comes to the Father but through Me." How can you put Christ first, if you do not read the scriptures, and determine that you will obey them, over tradition if your traditions do not line up with the word of God?
"He that believes on Me, out of his innermost bring shall flow rivers of living water. This He spoke of the Spirit... (John 7:38-39Some Sephardic people celebrate Shavuot by throwing water on each other.
The Jewish Feast of Pentecost, was also called the Feast of First Fruits. It falls on the 50th day after the Passover. This feast reminds us, of God's power to produce spiritual fruit in the ground of the human human heart through salvation. The literal first fruits of the ground are merely the physical types or expressions of the true first fruits of the Holy Spirit.
The first fruits of the Holy Spirit are the "true believers" won to God by through His Yeshua haMashiach/Son Jesus Christ, the firstborn of many brethren. (1 Cor. 15:20-23, James 1:18, Rev. 14:4) This feast is first of all, a festival of Thanksgiving to the Lord. A grateful response to God for blessing and providing the early harvest.
SHA VU OT: THE FEAST OF FIRST FRUITS
The ancient ceremony of presenting the Almighty with the firstfruits of the earth, is seen in Deut. 26:1-11, where two oven-baked loaves of hallah, or leavened bread form part of the wheat offering, (Lev. 23:15-17), in contrast to the unleavened matzah of weeks before. These represent the spiritual harvest of human souls both Jewish and Gentile. The experience recorded in Acts 2 was the early harvest, a kind of "firstfruits" of a greater latter day out-pouring of God's power as God continues to pour out of His Spirit and the end-time harvest of souls is gathered in.
Shavuot is also a time for "night watch." An all night prayer meeting is customary. Or some devout Jewish people will stay up all night, during the first night of this holiday studying scripture. Greens are used to decorate, as symbol of harvest. These are also a reminder that the desert will be made to blossom.
SHAVUOT: THE UNVEILING OF REVELATION:
In looking into the out-pouring of promised spiritual rain at Pentecost, we see this aspect of Pentecost or Sha Vu Ot being a "Festival of Revelation." In Peter's words is disclosed the "Revelation of Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ," later seen in the Revelation or Unveiling of Christ in the Apostle John's visions. This revelation of Christ unlocked the hearts of 3000 at Pentecost, and it continues to add daily to the church such as will be saved!
"Ye men of Israel, hear these words...Yeshua/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 you yourselves know.Him being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God has raised up, having loosed the pains of : because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
For David speaks concerning Him, "I saw the Lord always before my face; for He is at My right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover my flesh shall rest in hope because you will not leave my soul in hell, nor suffer your Holy ONe to see corruption... You have made known to Me the ways of life; you will make Me full of joy with your countenance.
Men and brethren, let me freely speak to you of the patriarch David, that he is both and buried and his sepulcre is with us to this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn 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.
He seeing this before, spoke of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus has God raised up, whereof you are all witnesses. Therefore, being by the right hand of the Father exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He (Jesus) has shed forth this which you now see and hear.
For David is not ascended into the heavens, but he said himself: "The Lord said unto my Lord: it on My right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool." Therefore let all the house of Israel know, assuredly; that God has made that same Messiah/Jesus whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:22-36)
WHEN THE DAY OF PENTECOST (SHAVUOT) WAS FULLY COME:
This Acts 2:1-38 outpouring of Pentecost, was the origin of the early Judeo-Christian church which began in Jerusalem, where the promise of the Father which Jesus had spoken of in Luke 24:49, was poured out on the Day of Pentecost, upon the Jewish believers in Jesus Christ. This event was witness by men of many nations such as Galileans, Partheans, Medes, Elamites, Mesopotamians, Judeans, Cappadocians, dwellers from Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia in Egypt, those from Libya around Cyrene as well as strangers of Rome, Jews, proselytes, Cretes and Arabians. Peter, a Jewish apostle who had been with Jesus during his 3 1/2 year ministry, preached a message to the wondering crowd, basing it upon the prophetic passage of Joel 2:23:
Be glad then you children of Zion and rejoice in the Lord your God: for He has given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil.And I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten, the cankerworm, and the catapiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And you shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that has dealt wonderously with you: and My people shall never be ashamed."
SHA VU OT: WALKING IN REVELATION KNOWLEDGE
The number of those that responded acording to Acts 2:38's clearcut message of salvation, 1) Repented. 2) Were baptized in Jesus Christ's name for the remission of sinss. 3) They experienced the infilling of God's Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues supernaturally on the Day of Pentecost was 3000. . (Acts 3:41-42) As they shared this exciting good news of the gosspel, and of their marvellous Pentecostal experience, God worked through the apostles, confirming His word with miraculous signs and wonders, just as Peter declared to them in Acts 2:17f, quoting from the Prophet Joel's message in Joel 2:23.
It shall come to pass in the last days says 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.And on My servants and on My hand-maidens, I will pour out of My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, fire, and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood before the great and notable day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Expressed in this passage is a portent of the last days, the perilous times that will come, and the need to walk by the Spirit. It's not an option, but a dire necessity. On the one hand there is the aspect of "The Revelation of Yeshua/Jesus Christ," and preaching Messiah's salvation to a lost and dying world. On the other, there is the divine protection afforded by hearing God's voice and walking in the Spirit. Those who "contrive" their own Pentecost, because they are unwilling to "Walk in God's ways, we out-lined in scripture. Or who lack the knowledge of how to do this, at best can only reproduce their lack of understanding, and rebellion in Christendom, as Korah and his band in Israel.
We read in Acts 4:4, that Peter and John spoke to the people, to priests,to the captain of the temple, and to the Sadducees, preaching Jesus Christ's resurrection from the grave. Many of them which heard believed; and the number of the men was about 5000.
Obeying Jesus command that they be witnesses first in Jerusalem, then Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth; daily in every house, the apostles ceased not to teach and to preach Christ. (Acts 1:8, Acts 5:42)
Apostle Paul, seeking assistance from Peter in Jerusalem after conversion, states the following: "other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother" (Gal. 1:19). In time, James assumed the leadership of the Jerusalem church, originally held by Peter. Evidently, this was not achieved through a power struggle but by James' constancy with the church while Peter and other apostles traveled. In a Jerusalem conference called regarding Paul's Gentile mission, James presided as spokesman for the Jerusalem church (Acts 15).
James perceived his calling as to the "circumcised," that is, the Jews (Gal. 2:9), and is portrayed as loyal to Jewish tradition. He was, however, unwilling to make the law normative for all responding to God's new action in Christ. The execution of James reportedly was at the order of the high priest Ananus, and was either by stoning (according to Flavius Josephus, first century historian of the Jews) or by being cast down from the Temple tower (after Hegesippus, early Christian writer, quoted by the third-century Christian historian Eusebius). These accounts of James's death (about A.D. 66), are not confirmed in the New Testament.
SHAVUOT THE FEAST OF UNITY
The New Testament Feast of Sha Vu Ot, was an invitation to all who to receive the salvation of Messiah, including the empowering by God to be His witnesses in all the earth. This invitation is still extended today. It's an invitation without regard of race or creed. But God commands obedience to His word. He states that there is salvation in no other name under heaven, than in the name of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:10-12)
"Be it known to you all, and to the people of Israel; that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you have crucified, whom God has raised from the dead, even by Him, does this man stand here whole.
This is the Stone which was set at nought by the builders,which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Some of the examples of the unity of the early church are seen in such verses as Acts 1:14, in which the women are not segregated during the time of prayer, as they await the promise of the Holy Spirit. Included in the 120 waiting for the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit, are Messiah Yeshua's/Jesus mother Mary, and other women. (Acts 1:14-16)
They continued stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, breaking bread from house to house.(Acts 2:42) They did not go out and start a new denomination because they disagreed with speaking in tongues, and did not feel it was necessary. Yet today, we have denominations who have done away with this aspect of Sha Vu Ot, and celebrate what they call "Whitsuntide," or Pentecost, without it! Sha Vu Ot is not and was never intended to be a denomination. It was cross cultural. God was gathering the scattered, that He might fulfill the promise:
"And David my servant shall be king over them, and they shall have one shepherd. They shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes and do them."(Ezek. 37:24)
During the Charismatic, we see an absolute classic example of this, with the "ecumenical movement," where they had parades, celebrations, and marches incorporating many demoninations. The Charismatic Catholics marched with banners reading: "To Jesus Through Mary!" This, is not what we see at the Feast of Sha Vu Ot, in the book of Acts. The trumpet did not give an uncertain sound there! The apostle Peter preached, commanding in Acts 2:38 what needed to be done to be saved. It was doctrine which united these believers. The apostles doctrine. 1) Repent. 2) Be baptized in the name of Yeshua for the remission of sins. 3) You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 3000 responded to the drawing of the Holy Spirit of God, and they received exactly what was promised: Full and complete salvation, and power from on high to be witnesses first in Jerusalem, then in all Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
THE HELLENIZATION OF EARLY JUDEO-CHRISTIANITY God hates schism and division. Why? It genders the "spirit of ." When Israel left Egypt, they were a unified people. It took all 12 tribes to take the land. Yet the bible records in Judges 5:15-18, in the Song of Deborah, that at this time, all Israel were not one heart. Some were of a mind to work others were not.
Satan uses schism and division to accomplish what he can accomplish no other way. Sschism typified the environment of the kingdom that Emperor Constantine the Great was destined to inherit. Even the church of this era was divided. It was a "faulty" frame-work to begin with.
At Pentecost, the church was birthed. Like the church today, the surropunding cultures included cults and mystery religions such as that of Isis, (Egyptian) Tammuz (Assyrian) and those of Greece. In the messages to the 7 Churches of Asia; Jesus is already rebuking them for drifting from their foundational teachings into "false doctrine."
THE LIVES OF THE JEWISH APOSTLES OF JESUS CONTRASTED TO LATER CHURCH AGES::
Tradition states that the Jewish Apostle Peter also died as a martyr in Rome in the 60s. As long as the Jerusalem congregation and its leaders existed, the church had a Hebrew perspective and background. However, a catastrophic event happened to this congregation beginning in 66 AD. They were warned in advance of the coming fall of Jerusalem 70 AD. Around the time of James , most of the brethren fled to a small city called Pella and their influence was greatly weakened.
This Jerusalem in which Jesus walked was destroyed by the Roman general Titus in A.D. 70 after zealous Jews revolted against Rome. Not one stone of the Temple building remained standing on another, and widespread destruction engulfed the city. “
The apostolic doctrine which went forth from Jerusalem has great theological significance. The four Gospels convey the central theme of the Christian faith: The crucifixion, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ which took place in Jerusalem. New Testament writers emphasize Jerusalem. The Jewish Apostle John relates to us more than any other Gospel writer about Jesus Christ's visits to the city of Jerusalem during His earthly public ministry. The Apostle Luke, also Jewish; places the most emphasis upon the city of Jerusalem. In Luke's gospel, Luke, one of the 12 Apostles of the Lamb; opens with the marvellous announcement of the birth of Messiah. This was an incredible truth to these Jewish men, whose culture had now experienced relationship with their long awaited Messiah.
During Jesus Christ's life on earth, he had visited Jerusalem with his step father Joseph, and mother Mary at age twelve. After his public ministry began, at one point He took Peter, James and John to the mount of transfiguration with Him, He spoke with Moses and Elijah of His departure (exodus) which He was to accomplish at Jerusalem. All of the resurrection appearances, which Luke records; took place at or near Jerusalem, and the disciples were instructed, as I said; to stay in the city of Jerusalem until they were empowered by God. This "empowering, occurred on the Day of Pentecost.
In Acts 1, the disciples asked if Jesus would bring in the kingdom at this time. Jesus spoke to them of the empowering of the Holy Spirit, and the necessity to expand the kingsom, first in Jerusalem, then in Judea, and the uttermost parts of the earth.
Jerusalem is seen then as the very epi-center of early Christianity. The very center of missionary activity among the disciples and apostles of Jesus Christ, which must extend into all the earth (Acts 1:8).
The Apostle Paul, who was commissioned by the Lord on a missionary journey from Antioch, looked to Jerusalem as the center of the earthly church. He remained in contact with the saints at Jerusalem, and brought them a sizable offering towards the close of his ministry. Jerusalem is spoken of in John's Apocalypse of Jesus Christ, the book of Revelation.
Here in this book, the earthly Jerusalem appears for the final time after the thousand-year reign of Christ when the deceived nations, led by the temporarily loosed Satan, come against the beloved city and are destroyed by fire from heaven (Rev. 20:7-9).
The dispersion of the saints of the Jerusalem congregation left a leadership vacancy. By 70 AD, the disciples who had known Christ aged men, of their 60’s or 70’s. Who would fill this leadership vacuum? It would be gentile leaders with Greco-Roman backgrounds. Due to Paul’s ministry to Gentiles, the church was had a predominently Gentile population from all over the Roman Empire.
It was now Jewish believers that were becoming a small minority within the church. The most natural location for church leadership to arise was in Rome! It was the capital of the Roman Empire. Rome was a veritable crossroads as a center of pagan religious tradition. It was the major city with power, money and influence. The congregation and leadership in Rome was gentile. Its converts were of Greek and Roman background and were educated in Greek culture and philosophy.
AS THE WORLD TURNS:
Beginning in Rome Gentile Christians were eager to separate themselves from any association with Jews. By 49 a.d. Emperor Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome because of riots. Other Christians were expelled because of their associations with the Messianic segment of the church. The Romans viewed all believers as a sect within Judaism.
In 63 a.d. Nero found that he could distinguish between Christians and Jews by blaming the Christians only for the fire that swept throughout Rome. In 62 a.d he married a Jewish proselyte. Rebellion broke out among Jews in 66-70 a.d. and kindled the anger of the emporer against the Jews. The Christian citizens of Rome wanted to avoid further persecution from .
In 69 a.d. Emperor Vespasien introduced the fiscus judaicus or (Jewish Fiscal Tax) on all Jews. They were the only religious group in Roman society required to pay such a tax. The tax increased dramatically under Emperor Domitian (81-96 a.d. Gentile Christian leaders in Rome desired to separate themselves in every possible way, from the Jews at this time. They wanted a distinction in the way they worshiped, and in doctrinal beliefs. Primarily, the Jewish apostles preached Jesus Christ, expounding on the prophetic scriptures. The feasts were always a major focus, as Jesus is prefigured in each of them. Other churches in the Roman Empire relied now on the leaders in Rome leadership and approval.
In later church history, most of the common people of Europe could neither read nor write, and only the clergy possessed copies of the scriptures? In the New Testament, the inspired word of the Lord flows from speaking of Jesus Christ as Creator, right into God's purpose in Christ to bring forth a glorious church without spot or blemish, or any such thing.(Romans 8:22, Romans 1:20-25, I Peter 4:19)
FALSE ECUNICISM: THE BABEL OF CONFUSION VS UNITY THROUGH YESHUA
He commanded that "Sol Invictus" the "invincible sun," be
prominently displayed on imperial banners and coinage of the realm. Until
Constantine's decree, Christ's birth was celebrated on January 6th, but
Constantine arranged for December 25, which is the festival of Natalis
Invictus, the birth or rebirth of the sun to be the commenoration of Jesus
birth.
The Council of Nicea helped to establish the Nicolaitanism which followed,
by defining the authority of bishops. This ultimately paved the way for the
concentration of power in ecclesiastical hands. One year after the Council of
Nicea; Constantine sanctioned the confiscation and destruction of all works
which challenged "orthodox" teachings. He installed the bishop of Rome in the
Latern Palace. And in 331 Constantine financed new copies of the bible.
The Council of Nicea in 325 a.d. was held as a veritable stage for
Constantine to vaunt himself, before the bishops present. Had they cried:
"Give us Barabus," it couldn't have been more evident. As much as some
people call Emporer Constantine a "saint," He was not the "religious type."
The man was a military stradegist. He waged war on his own family,
suffocating his wife in a Roman bath, and having his own son Crispus put to
death. He had his sister's son flogged to death, and her husband strangled.
The Council of Nicea, for all it's pomp and ceremony, is touted to be some
sort of "save the day" event, but it was, in actuality; a bit of a
circus with the opponents actually singing to each other like
some sort of an operetta; their rhetorical remarks.
There's a certain humor to it all...Pagan sun-worship banners flying...
Constantine, the Great Emporer, as the Master of Ceremonies, takes in the
entire show, listening for weeks and monthes to wrangling bishops brought to
the council at his own expense. The Emporer was responsible to feed and house
these men.. Then at the end of his life, has himself baptized by the one of
the chief proponents of the "heretical" party: Eusebius of
Nicomedia.
HOW GLORIOUS IS THE NICEAN "NEW DAY?"
So how glorious a "new and sun-lit morning" did the Council of Nicea
create? The light is more like neon than sunlight. You would be
amazed...Because Satan himself can transform himself into an angel of
light...here's the subtility of the serpent of Nicea written into the Nicean
Creed itself:
The Nicean
Creed We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and
earth, of all that is, both seen and unseen.
CONCEPTS TAUGHT IN THE NICEAN CREED:
1) My major complaint with regard to the Nicean creed, or any
extra-biblical creed, is that I have observed that it takes you off of the
word of God, which is the foundation the wise man builds his house upon. With
regard to the Council of Nicea in 325 a.d., they formulated and espoused the
creed, burned all apostolic writings which did not agree with it. From then
on, the creed was the only test of Christian orthodoxy. The ball began to
roll, and within several centuries, those who were truly born again and Spirit
filled, were being martyred in the Inquisition. You couldn't even say things
like "I believe water baptism should be administered by immersion, or they
placed you in a special chair over a tank and dunked you till you drowned.
Why? Because this differed with the state church's (the majority rule) on
credal orthodoxy.
If you did not conform, even though you were legally married, you were
treated as if you were living with your mate outside of marriage. Your
children were considered profane, if they were not "baptized," though this is
an unscriptural belief. Once the Council of Nicea was able to get a foothold, the Catholic church grew in power, bringing in the worship of relics, Mary
(Queen of Heaven) worship and all manner of Catholic trappings. My advice is
read your bible, memorize scripture, and this will do serious damage to the
"spirit of apostacy" that has infiltrated the church and land. 2) In "The
Nicean Creed," The Lord Jesus is called "The ONLY Son of God." Were it
worded "The only begotten Son of God," we would all comprehend that it is
speaking of the Saviour of the world, who died on the cross for all mankind.
But with the recitation of creeds, comes a subliminal endoctrination, that can
shape the masses. This was the stradegy of Satan through the Nicean Council.
This may not seem significant, but for the fact that the bible teaches us
that Jesus died, that He might bring many sons unto glory. Romans speaks of
the manifestation of the "sons of God." For hundreds of years, bible
believing people have not moved into walking in the fulness of the stature of
Christ, because of this "endoctrination," which plants within the minds
and hearts a false message. Don't let it happen to you. For now are we the
sons of God, the bible says. And he that says he abides in Him, (Jesus Christ)
ought also to walk, even as he walked. (I John 2:6)
) The creed states Jesus was is "begotten not made." This phrase in itself
sounds like gnosticism, because it denies Jesus as Son of Man. This "begotten
not made" phrase is a misleading concept, which is not true. They do add the
virgin birth in later. But this "begotten not made" phraseology is at best an
unscriptural way to state Christ's deity. He is both. ..."In the fulness of
time God sent forth His Son--made of a woman, made under the law, that
he might redeem them that were under the law. That we might receive the
adoption of sons. (Galatians 4:4)made of a woman."
3) Although I've been told that the term "Catholic" means universal,
I could never bring myself to make the confession of my mouth: I believe in
the Catholic church. This is primarily because of the errors taught by the
Roman Catholic church. It presents another Jesus and another gospel, such as
Apostle Paul warned of. Moreover, the title" The Holy Catholic church is
really a misnomer. The Catholic church is not holy, by the biblical
definition.
Here the Harlot has enthroned herself, calling herself "Christian."
4) The Catholic church doesn't believe in the real "apostolic church." If
they did, they would confess apostolic doctrine as faith and true witnesses,
and live as if what the apostles taught was truth.
5) The creed says: We believe in ONE GOD, the Father Almighty." In Rev.
1:8, Jesus calls Himself "THE ALMIGHTY." If the trinity teaches that
there are 3 persons of God, does this mean that there are "two Almighties?" He
says:
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, says the
Lord. Which was and is and is to come, THE ALMIGHTY."
In Jesus Christ dwells all the fulness of the godhead in bodily form.
(Colossians 2:9)
It is high time that the corporate church left off with man-made creeds,
for some are inspired by the seducing spirits warned of in God's word and are
become the doctrines of devils.(I Tim. 4:1) The focus of the New
Testament is "ONE GOD," not the Catholic tradition of three persons of God.
God's word warns of the Harlot system, Mystery Babylon: "Come out of her,
my people, that you be not partaker of her plagues." (Rev. 18:4)
Memorize scripture, and passages of the bible, as the early Jewish apostles
of the church, such as Stephen; committed chapters of the bible to memory. I
would add that an "anti-semitic spirit" was one of the other factors that
contributed to the weakening and apostacy of the church.
The church began with the Judeo heritage of Jewish apostles who had a total
belief in ONE GOD, for they were commanded by God to recite "THE
SHEMA:" Hear O Israel, the Lord your God is ONE LORD."
These men were thoroughly instructed in the holy scriptures, and very
familiar with the Messianic promises, concerning Jesus Christ.
Many of these Jewish apostles, prophets and teachers were martyred. As time
progressed, anti-semitism was
openly taught by the bishops and so called "church fathers."
The writings of the so-called apostolic fathers followed by the early
church fathers began to center on Greco-Roman philosophy. It differs greatly
from the doctrines and philosophy revealed in the book of Acts. What
historical events happened to produce this dramatic change?
THE THIRTEENTH APOSTLE? A MAGIC NUMBER?
Constantine viewed himself as, and left instructions when he died, that it
be inscribed on his tomb; that he was to be remembered as the 13th Apostle
of the Lord Jesus Christ. The bible warns of those "who love the
preeminence." On the day of Pentecost, 22 May, Constantine died at Nicomedia,
still wearing the white robes of a Christian neophyte. His body was escorted
to Constantinople and lay in state in the imperial palace. His sarcophagus was
then placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles, as he himself had directed; it
was surrounded by the memorial steles of the Twelve Apostles, making him
symbolically the thirteenth Apostle.
He was responsible for the fact that there were known or so-called
heretics among those who sat at the Council of Nicea and signed the
Nicean Creed. He paid the expenses of the voters at the Nicean Council, and
gave lavish gifts, much like has happened in past presidential campaigns, to
achieve certain goals. Some scholars have written on the anti-semitism which
was so prevelent at the time of the Nicean Council in 325 a.d, stating that of
the hundreds of church leaders in attendance, not one was Jewish. This no
doubt was due to the blatent presence of idolatry in these religious sessions.
It was at this Nicean council that the first Edict of the "Venerable Day of
the Sun" was established.
But do you realize that Isaiah (9:6) prophesied that Jesus name would be
called "The Everlasting Father?" or that the Holy Spirit speaks through
the mouth of Jesus Christ today, and not of Himself? (Acts 9:5, 9:17,
Acts 16:7 (Greek says "The Spirit of Jesus" Rev. 2-3) But God has
promised that the path of the just shall shine brighter and brighter till the
perfect day...We are involved in a great "spiritual battle" between the
forces of darkness and the "True Light."
"...The True Light, which lights every man that comes into the world. He
was in the world and the world was made by Him; and the world knew Him not. He
came unto His own and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him,
to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on
His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of
the will of man, but of God. (John 1:9)
Having researched this Council of Nicea which occurred in 325 a.d, I
observe that the seeds of change were planted here for much more than many
ever discuss. But from scripture, I believe that "in the beginning God
created...(Genesis 1:1) God who has no beginning nor end created the heavens
and the earth and all that is therein...Then that same God, the Almighty,
Sovereign and Eternal Rock, and King, robed Himself in flesh and we call this
the incarnation. Jesus Christ existed as "God" but He did not come into
existence as "the Son of Man" till the "fulness of time..." when He was made
under the law and born of woman, whom the power of the Highest had
over-shadowed...
THE SAGA OF THE GREAT GOD & KING
This is the saga of our great God and King and His territory that extends
over all the earth...And of the Stone cut out without hands, that will
smite the "idolatrous image" (The image of the beast, which was
authored by the beast) on the feet, and will break them in pieces. And the
iron, the clay, the silver, and the gold; broken to pieces together, shall
become like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind of God
shall carry them away, that no place will be found for them. And the Stone
that smote the image and that became a great mountain (kingdom) will continue
to spread throughout the earth. (Dan. 2:34-35)
Every kingdom has a territory and a throne, and subjects...And every
kingdom has an opposing kingdom that is determined to conquer and to usurp the
throne, and to make the subjects "it's captives."
God is raising the fallen tabernacle of David in these last days that the
residue or remnant (from kataloipos, meaning: "remaining;" which is
taken from two Greek words: 1)left down 2)behind) might seek after the Lord,
and the Gentiles upon whom God's name is called. The two sticks will be
one in the hand of the Lord.
When "prophetic speech" is used, it is often used as an allegory. When I
use this "two sticks" terminology, it that you will understand only the
"oneness" concept, of the body of Christ in covenant relationship with
the Lord Jesus Christ. Not the fragmented, dis-jointed, disunified people
Satan has tried to produce. This was so rebuked by the apostles teaching. Paul
who baptized believers "into Jesus name." (Acts 19:5) said:
Now I say this, that everyone of you says: I'm of Cephus,
and I'm of Apollos, and I'm of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified
for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Cor. 1:12) With the
phrase "everyone of you, you get the idea that this problem was wide-spread in
the church of Corinth. For Jesus said:
How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided
against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. (Mark 3:24)
He that is joined to the Lord is "one Spirit." (1 Cor. 6:17)
The church was created to be "one body through Christ Jesus." In
actuality, there has been warfare against this type of unity. The Day of
Pentecost saw this "glorious unified church with oneness of purpose." The
end-time church must be as glorious, and more so---doing the "greater works
Jesus promised we would do. For though we do not have the original 12 living
Apostles of the Lamb in our midst, we have their God-breathed writings to form
the New Testament, and we have the Great Apostle Himself, who laid the
foundations of the church, with His own blood.
The "hands of Zerubabbel"(i.e. Christ) laid the foundations of the
house, and His hands also shall finish it.
"Who are you O great mountain? Before Zerubabbel you shall become a
plain; and He shall bring forth the capstone (Not a headstone like a
grave-stone) thereof with shoutings, crying: Grace, grace unto it!" (Zech.
4)
SATAN'S MORE OPPORTUNE SEASON:
"Jesus answered: It is written, you shall not tempt the Lord your
God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for
a season." (Greek: A more opportune season)
Where the Jerusalem Council succeeded marvellously in warding off
the Satanic assault against them, the church failed miserably in later years,
allowing Satan to come in like a flood. Why? This was due to a major lack of
discernment on the part of church leaders, as well as the congregations
themselves.
What the devil could not swallow in one gulp, he decided to take "bite by
bite," and over the next 300 years, Satan built the infra-structure for
demonic takeover using "who else," but deceived church leaders
to do it. But lets discuss the Jerusalem Council first.
In the days of the early church, Satan's military stradegy was to
spread heresies throughout the fledgling church, through the deployment
of "sectarian spirits" which arrayed themselves against the early
Christian church.
The strongman in this was the "spirit of doctrinal controversy." You
can read more about this spirit in Derek Prince books, because he and some
ministers dealt with this spirit during a period of revival.
As the early church spread and churches were being planted; God used the
truth of the "Tabernacle of David," to prevent a major church split, or
polazation into camps, or sects. The doctrine of the Tabernacle of David is
the very infra-structure of the kingdom of God. It's framework is the
"doctrine of the Godhead" itself. Here is the scriptural New Testament account
of this:
THE RESTORATION OF THE TABERNACLE IS FOR THE
SALVATION OF ALL MEN:
THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL'S WISDOM CAME THROUGH
THE REVELATION KNOWLEDGE :
And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, saying:
Except you be circumcized after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved."
Apparently these were Jews. Paul and Barnabus had a major confrontation with
these "Judaisers," and it was decided that certain other of them should go to
Jerusalem to the apostles and elders with this question.
When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the church, and the
elders and apostles there. A council was called together, and Peter arose,
saying: "Men and brethren, you know how that a good while ago; God made choice
among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the world of the gospel and
believe.
And God which knows the hearts bare them witness, giving them the Holy
Ghost like He did us, and putting no difference between us and them, purifying
their hearts by faith. Now why tempt God to put a yoke on the neck of the
disciples which neither you not your fathers could bear? But we believe that
through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ; we shall be saved even as they."
(Acts 15)
At the Jerusalem Council, there was silence after the Apostle Peter spoke.
Then James received what appeared to be a clear-cut "word of knowledge" from
God Himself, from the scriptures. And here is the word which allowed the
gospel to go forward, with a unified church.
James answered:
Simeonhas declared how God at first visited the Gentiles to take
from among them a people for His name. And this agrees with the words of the
prophets: "After this, I will return, and will build again the tabernacle
of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof,
and I will set it up: That the remnant might seek after the Lord, and all the
Gentiles, upon whom My name is called, says the Lord who does all these
things. Known of God are all His works from the beginning of the world."
Yeshua is the Lord of all of our Breakthroughs! 1 Samuel 5:19)
The Breaker is come up (gone up) before them; they have
broken through and have passed the gate and go forth."
(Micah 2:13, I Chron. 14:11)
The tall, 51 year old pagan Emperor who called the
Council of Nicea together, was a worshipper of the sun-god. Under Emporer
Constantine's reign, the official state religion was pagan sun-worship. His
reign began with an edict of toloration the toloration which beagn to
be gradually minimized, first toward Arians, then Jews, then women, and even
toward the books of the bible themselves.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus
Christ, the only Son of God eternally begotten of the Father, God from God,
Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being
with the Father.
Through him all things were made. For us men and for our
salvation he came down from heaven:
By the power of the Holy Spirit he was
born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified
under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried.
On the third day
he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures;
He ascended into heaven and
is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to
judge the living and the , and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in
the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and
the Son.
With the Father and Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has
spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic
Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for
the resurrection of the , and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
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