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In the historic milltown of Lowell, Washington in the Pacific Northwest where we live, we enjoy sharing the richness of holiday traditions. Whether singing carols together around the piano, or riding the red trolley which they bring down, for a tour of the historic sites in Lowell as part of the an annual neighborhood Christmas party, it's a special time, when the neighborhood is transformed into a virtual wonderland of brightly coloured lights. These are the traditions which have knit the Lowell community together through the years, and formed special memories in the hearts and lives of the families and friends, who have had the priviledge of participating in these holiday festivities together.
The Twelve Days of Christmas, or "Christmastide," is an olde European festival, but also a popular celebration in Britain, which originally began December 17th and ended as late as January 17th. The Council of Tours in AD 567 changed the date of this feast to the 12 days occurring between Christmas and January 6th. The "Feast of Saint Stephens Day," on December 26th, honoured the poor. Under Protestantism, the more pagan practices, called "Fooltide," were eliminated. In like manner, modern Christians prefer to set this time aside to focus upon the birth of Christ, and to send Christian Christmas cards as a testimony of their faith in Messiah, as the prophesied "Saviour of the World."
Scholars today, believe Christ's birth took place approximately 4-6 B.C., during the Jewish fall feast of Succot, and certainly not in winter, for the shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks in the field, and had not brought them down from the hillsides. Concerning Epiphany on January 6th, just 12 days after the celebration of Christ's birth, in actuality, the wise men did not visit the Christ child till he was about 2 years old, and the holy family at this time were no longer living in a stable.
Herod who sought to kill the infant Yeshua/Jesus, died in March/April of 4 B.C. It probably did not occur earlier than 6 B.C., because the governor of Syria,Publius Sulpicius Quirinius (Luke 2:2) though ordered to conduct a census of Palestine in 8 BC, did not accomplish the task until 2-4 years later. As early as AD 492, Candlemas Day, (40 days after Christmas) was celebrated, as a memorial to when Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ, was presented at the Temple, "a light to the Gentiles, and the glory of my people Israel." (Luke 2:32) This seems to reflect back upon the Jewish "Festival of Dedication, or Festival of Lights," which is now called Hanukkah and falls in the month of December. It commemmorates the victory of the Maccabees over Antiochus Epiphanes, and the cleansing of the Temple, Antiochus desecrated.
The Roman Catholic church coined the phrase "Christmas," in the 4th century. The Old English word "Christmas," dates to 1050 A.D. and is derived from the phrase "Christes Maesse," or Mass of Christ. The Roman Catholic church did not begin it's "Feast of the Nativity, till AD 336. The city of Rome itself celebrated Christmas by AD 354, the commemoration of the sun-god's festival, having been established to observe the birth of the Saviour, by Emperor Constantine's merger of Christianity and paganism.
The traditional Christmas carol entitled "The Twelve Days of Christmas," is far more than a Christmas song, evoking memories of holidays past. It
goes beyond the meaning of Christmas lights, tinsel, and the gathering of family members around a cozy fire, to sing those old familiar carols.
The old French Christmas carol entitled "The 12 Days of Christmas," refers to the twelve days from the traditional Christmas Day of Dec. 25th, to Epiphany, on January 6th, which represents the day when the wise men, or Magi, arrived to present gifts to the Christ child. (Matthew 2:1-12) Twelve basic tenets of the Christian faith are symbolized by gifts from a suitor (Christ) to his true love, (the Church). January 6th was established as "The Feast of Epiphany Or Appearance, ("To Show Forth Upon") by the Roman Catholic church in the 4th century a.d. By medieval times, on the eve of Epiphany masked merry makers called "mummers," visited friends and neighbors, with songs and dances, and in return would receive eggnog, and small cakes. On "Twelvth Night," there was a special King's Cake" in honour of the Magi.
The song is believed to have been written in France, during a time of severe religious persecution, thus symbols were chosen which represent those primary biblical truthes which believers wanted to teach to their children. The "Twelve Days," originates with the Jewish custom of days beginning at sunset, and the "days" spoken of span the time period beginning with Sunset on Dec. 25th, to sunset of January 6. The days" are not 24 hour days, as we think of a day today, but rather a "biblical time period," or day, because Messiah promised to never leave us nor forsake us, but to be with us even to the end of the world. (Matt. 28:20) He is with us 12 monthes of the year. Even to the end of the world. "True Love" in this song, brought something very important to his Beloved. Encoded in the words of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," is the Christian gospel message of salvation, which Messiah (Yeshua haMashiach/Lord Jesus Christ) brought to all people, through His , burial and resurrection.
The partridge is an ancient symbol of Christ, because it chooses to defend it's young.
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!"(Luke 13:34)
As the single partridge who sits in a tree, we see the symbolism that God is one." That God is in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself. (1 Cor. 5:18-19) Unlike the heathen, the people or body of Yeshua haMashiach are not have "lords many." For even if there be so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods andmany lords,yet for us there is one God, the Father from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. (1 Cor. 8:5) To mix Mashiach/Christ with Belial (meaning mixture) is a sin.
How do we perceive our relationship with this "one God?" We must first and foremost must recognize that He is our glorified Lord, Saviour, and God intends Messiah to be the focus of the Gospel, the bible saying: Looking unto Yeshua/Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. The Jewish disciple Thomas put it aptly when He cried: My Lord and My God. In Rev. 1:8, He Himself declares: "I Am the Alpha and Omega, says the Lord God who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." There is no power greater than Almighty.
We see God in the face of Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ. "For God who said: Light shine out of darkness, is the one who has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Yeshua hamashiach/Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 4:6) The Apostle Paul saw God's glory in the face of Christ. "But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was lead by the hand of those who were with me, and came into Damascus." (Acts 22:11)
Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. (Col. 1:15) The gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of the invisible God. (2 Cor. 4:4
He is the King Immortal, Invisible, the ONLY wise God." The blessed and ONLY Potentate. (Jude 25, 1 Tim. 1:17, 1 Tim. 6:15) In Rev. 21:21-23, we read that the Godhead emmanates forth from Jesus Christ, who is the Lamb that is the Lamp of Heaven.
To receive a pear tree as a gift, would be potential for an entire orchard. Even so, in Christ, we have the potential to be fruitful in our labor for the Master as Christians.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
2 Timothy 3:16
The Christian virtues abiding and accompanying God's love which is shed abroad in the heart of the believer. (1 Cor. 13:13)
"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
The Greek word for love in this verse is AGAPE, denoting the sacrificial love which God demonstrated in sending His Son Yeshua haMashich/Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of all mankind, providing the ransom price for man's total redemption, of body, soul and spirit, by His shed , when he died on the cross of calvary. This word "love," has been translated in the King James Version, as "charity," because God anointed the Apostle James to write unto believers that "faith without works is ." (James 2:17)
In the Apostle Peter's message on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:38-39, he states: "For this promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even to as many as the Lord our God shall call."
These 4 gospels, declare to all mankind the joyful message of salvation, and especially the gospel of John.
In the original version, this was worded as "colly birds." Colly birds are black birds, and in olde English, Colley means as black as a lump of coal.Black birds had a positive, rather than a negative connotation in olde England. The 4 calling birds, or colley birds or black birds of this Christmas carol, seem to hail back to the time, when like the popular children's nursery rhyme says, the pie is opened and the 4 and 20 blackbirds, began to sing, from a daity dish set before the king (of England) himself. The blackbirds of that poem, seemed to celebrate the printing of the first English Bible--the 'Blackbirds' being the letters of the alphabet set in pica type ('baked in a pie').
Another theory, from an Italian cookbook of 1549, translated into English in 1598, actually contains a recipe 'to make pies so that birds may be alive in them and flie out when it is cut up." So again, the birds can speak of real people, who are called "blackbirds" as a code term. Reformers always prayed for those in positions of authority.
Calling birds on the other hand, were birds tethered or tied to attract other birds to an area. The 4 evangelists were tethered as bond-servants of Messiah, to share their biblical faith in Him. Or the 4 calling birds may represent the four major Old Testament prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel). Or the 4 calling birds may even be four horsemen of the Apocalypse, depending on the times, or region in which you live.
The original text of the song, called these "golden ring-necked pheasants," and not "gold rings" as jewelry.These record the fall of Adam and Eve, and the giving of God's Law.
6 GEESE A LAYING= the Six Days of Creation. (Genesis 1)
"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. Genesis 1:31 (Read entire chapter of Genesis 1)
7 SWANS A SWIMMING = The Seven Ministry Gifts To The Church Given By the Holy Spirit:
Prophecy, Ministry, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Leading and Compassion, 7 Stars symbolizing "The Seven Churches."
"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us.(Romans 12:6)
8 MAIDS A MILKING = The Eight Beatitudes:
- "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
- Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
- Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
- Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3-10)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."(Galatians 5:22,23) Or the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 12:) 4-11) The bible tells us to "Covet to prophesy!" (1 Cor. 14:39) Where are all those who are covetous for God's holy presence? That's a command that if heeded, could really make a difference, and bring the fires of revival, across this land. Go to church "prayed up," and believe God to use you, in this way! Coveting to prophesy, and being zealous of spiritual gifts, means that when we meet together as a church, "one will have a psalm, a doctrine, a revelation, an interpretation, that is edifying! (I cor. 14:26) God's word shows us that it's the coveting of what God has identified as sinful, that is wrong. He has commanded us to "love the Lord with our all of our heart, mind, soul and strength, and to earnestly desire spiritual things. (1 Cor. 14)
10 LORDS A LEAPING= The Ten Commandments
The 10 Lord's are a-leaping, show us a "joyful, dancing church." Even when persecuted, the bible tells us to "Leap for joy!" One of the first things gnosticism, or ascetism does away with, is the scriptural expression of dancing for joy in the presence of the Lord, as an expression of praise and worship in the church. In certain centuries, the upbeat music of scriptural carols written in dance metre, was changed to more somber dirges. For many centuries, there was absolutely no lifting of holy hands, toe tapping, finger snapping, hand clapping, andespecially no dancing allowed, as we see in scripture. Although in Medieval Europe, in places like the south of France, the troubadors went from town to town, often playing their songs in symolism, as is the case in the old carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and the Catholic church waged a bitter battle against areas such as this, hundreds, forcing them to flee into neighboring countries, or driving their families into the alps to freeze in the snow.
11 Pipers Piping = The Eleven Faithful Apostles
"And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor. Luke 6:13-16 (Judas Iscariot was not included since it was he, who betrayed Jesus.)
12 DRUMMERS DRUMMING = Twelve basic truthes of the faith.
If the 12 Drummers drumming, symbolizes the "Apostle's Creed," it is not a flawless catechism. While it contains essential facets of the Christian faith, it omits as many others. If the "12 drummers" i.e. is the 12 apostles, this does omit important facets of the Godhead which Paul the Apostle brings out. The recitation of the Apostles Creed isn't like a Mantra or talisman, the reciting of which is guaranteed to get you a ticket to heaven, without holy character, and the virtuous Holy Spirit lead life, which reveals those who are "sons of God." (Romans 8:14) Therefore, the Apostle's Creed has let people off the hook, with misconceptions, ushering them into hell.
Individuals should not be forced to confess faith in the "holy?" Catholic church," in order to be considered "orthodox." Individuals point out that this means, "universal church," but it's offensive to Protestant thought. Let's examine the Apostle's Creed, and line it up with the truth of scripture, which is the true test of doctrine.
God taught Israel: "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is one Lord. (Deut. 6:4) Messiah reiterated this "one God" doctrine in Mark 12:28-29, They asked Him: Which commandment is greatest of all? Jesus answered them: The foremost is: Hear O Israel, the Lord they God is one Lord."
I know from scripture that "God is one." Or I believe in one God. (Deut. 4:35-39, Psalm 86:10,Is. 43:10, Is. 44;6) Nobody can convince me otherwise. Jesus said: If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. (John 14:7-9) I and My Father are one. (John 10:30) But it is not definitive enough, as in this creed, to say that the world was created by the Father. It would be specific to state that the world was created by the Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ, for He is the Godhead revealed. In Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead in bodily form. (Col. 2:9) The New Testament states Messiah is the Creator. And He is the image of the invisible God. For by Him, all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth,visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers, or authorities--all things were created by Him and for Him, and he is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:16)
How is Messiah the Godhead revealed? Rev. 1:8, states "I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End--THE ALMIGHTY.
The Psalmist, in speaking of creation, wrote: "Thou dost send forth Thy Spirit and they are created." (Psalm 104:30)
Genesis opens with "In the beginning God..." He also existed prior to "the beginning," for God is eternal. a) God is Spirit, and those that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit andin truth. (John 4:24) b) God is Light. (1 John 1:5) c) God is love. (1 John 4:17) It is His love which compels Him to set rules, governing His creation. Whoever dwells in love dwells in God. (1 Jn. 4:16-19) God wants His love to be in the hearts of His people. (Jn. 17:24-26, 13:34-35) d) God is a consuming fire. (Heb 12:29)
I believe in Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ-God's Son, my Saviour as Lord of all. The doctrine of Christ is much fuller than a statement of a few words. In the New Testament times, "To confess Christ," meant more than a one-liner from the Apostle's Creed, but their testimony as the righteousness of God in Christ, was of those who are as bold as a lion, sons amid a crooked and perverse generation, lead of the Spirit of God. (Romans 8:14, Gal. 5:18) With a life-style, complete with the power of God evidenced in speaking with new tongues supernaturally, as on the Day of Pentecost, laying hands on the sick, casting out demons, and walking in divine protection, by the power of God, as it states in Mark 16:16-18)
Thus we understand what we read: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but try the spiritus to see whether they be of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God; every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, is from God. Every spirit that does NOT confess Jesus is not from God; and this is the spirit of antichrist. (1 John 4:2-3)
In the Greek text, this verse declaring "Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is in the continuing action. He is alive! He is manifesting His presence in and through the lives of believers. While is is true that Yeshua/Jesus has come and is coming again, this verse focuses upon the deity of Christ. He is no longer in the tomb, but has risen just as He said. (Matt. 26:32)
The Deity of Jesus Christ
The Humanity of Jesus Christ
Messiah will be the Lord and Saviour of all those who repent and turn from their sins, being baptized in haShem/the name of Yeshua/Jesus, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, as stated in Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:46-48, Acts 19:5)
If you don't want the whole package purchased at Calvary, don't salve your conscience with a portion of it. There's no guarantee you'll make it to heaven, because pride is as the sin of witchcraft.
Biblical doctrine of Mary states that the Angel Gabriel was sent to a Hebrew virgin named Mary, and the power of the Highest, over-shadowed her, and she conceived with no human intervention, but by the Holy Spirit. (Jeremiah 31:22, Luke 1:26-35)
Biblically Yeshua/Jesus descended into Sheol, which was divided into two compartments, and not into "hell." There is a difference! The Hebrew term Sheol is translated as the unseen state, the grave, and the pit. (Deut. 32:22, 11 Sam. 22:6, Psalm 18:5, Job 11:8, 26:6, Psalm 9:17, 16:10, 55:15; 86:13, Prov. 23:14, 15:11, 27:20, Amos 9:2, Jonah 2:2, Isaiah 14:9, 15.) However if you read a description of hell, and it has quite a different appearance than Sheol! Gehenna is hell, and is derived from the Hebrew word "ge hinnom," or Valley of Hinnom, which was the garbage dump outside Jerusalem. In the Old Testament, when Israel fell into the worship of Baal, they sacrificed their children to him. This was called "making them pass through the fire." (Deut. 18:10,Lev 18:21, Ezek. 23:27,39, 2 Chron 28:3-4, 33:6, Jer 7:31,19:1-12) In the New Testament it symbolizes a place of eternal fire and final punishment. (Matt. 5:22, 29, 30; 23:15-33, Mark 9:43-47, Luke 12:5, James 3:6.)
Yeshua/Jesus parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus, bears out that this is the case. (Luke 16:19-31) a) One side was for the righteous . b) The other side was for the unrighteous , or wicked. When Messiah ascended into heaven, "he led captivity captive," and paradize was "caught up."
Sheol means "the grave," or state of the ." In 1 Pet. 3:9, we read: "By which also he (Yeshua/Jesus) went and preached unto the spirits in prison." Sheol, the place of departed spirits, held even the righteous , because at the fall of mankind, all had sinned, so all were imprisoned in Sheol. However, God witnessed that there were men and women of faith, and provided a chamber for them in Sheol. Satan was given the mortgage to the whole human race, for that all had sinned. After the of the Lamb was applied to the Heavenly Mercy Seat, this imprisonment was illegal! Messiah went to declare the release of those souls "unjustly held." "For until the Law, sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the simultude of Adams transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. (Romans 5:12-14) In 1 Peter 3:19:
"By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited, in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is 8 souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth now save us, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities, and powers being made subject to him." (Acts 2:28, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:46-48, Acts 19:5)
"For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned but delivered them in chains of darkness, having cast them to the deepest abyss (Tartarus) to be kept for judgement". Tartarus, then, was also a place of waiting--a jail or prison for the angels that fell. Obviously they have been found guilty but they await the sentence which comes at the Great White Throne judgement. (1 Cor. 6:3, Rev. 20:11-15, 2 Pet. 2:4, Jude 6.) This judgement is graphically described in Revelation 20:11 - 15 when and Hades and all whose names are not in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire.
In Rev. 5:5-6, we see Apostle John given a vision in which he sees nobody worthy to open the scroll sealed front and back. He is told to "Weep not!" for the Lion of the Tribe of Judah has prevailed" to open the scroll." He looked and in the midst of the throne stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having 7 horns and 7 eyes which are the 7 Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.
Catholics may favor saying "Jesus descended into HELL, for it fits better with the idea of being released by saying enough "Hail Marys!" But again, this is not an accurate translation. If you change your view, you will not go to hell, for feeling that this is something you do not want to confess because it's not biblically accurate.
For thousands of years Protestants, have been coerced and intimidated into confessing religious creeds, or risk "excommunication." Messiah promised: "You will be brought before kings... and rulers for my names sake, and it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it in your hearts not to meditate before what you shall answer. For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which ALL your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. (Luke 21:15) Yeshua/Jesus says in Rev. 2:7, that if we refuse to tolorate false apostles who appear as angels of light, He will grant us access to the tree of life in the midst of the paradize of God.
Constantine, who called forth the Council of Nicea and got the creed thing going-- was no minister of the gospel. He saw himself more like the First Pope, presiding as an overlord over the body of Christ! Yet he ed his wife and other family members for political expediency. He paid the way of 318 bishops, to the church council at Nicea. Then when he was finally baptized on his bed, he chose the very man whose doctrine the council had met to depose to baptise him. In church history, whole nations were bought and sold with intimidation. Man cannot make subjection to "a man-made creed" the judge of orthodoxy, in a persons life. We've read a number of these "creeds," and have yet to see one that squares with the bible. Well "close enough," some say! This shows that they do not mind being "somewhat off the plumb-line." But when the Builder and maker is God, and he drew up the plans, He cares! God's written word alone is the true test of biblical orthodoxy.
Messiah did not take the unrepentant wicked to heaven when paradize was "caught up," and no amount of "Hail Mary's" will pray them in or through! Through the church ages, when the Nicolaitans were hammering out false doctrines and ratifying them at church councils, while they validated sinners, the word of the Lord stood true. "To him that overcomes, I will give to eat of the hidden manna, and I will give him a "white stone." In ancient times, the legal system was such that the jury tossed a black stone in the pot if they believed a man to be guilty, or a white stone for acquittal. Religious kangaroo courts may judge you falsely, but remain true to God's word, and Messiah will give you a white stone upon which a "new name" is written. Better a "white stone" than a white cane religion, I always say!
Again in 1 Pet. 4:6, we read: "For this cause, was the gospel preached also to them that are , that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the Spirit."
This phrase: "He descended into hell," was one of those phrases put in without judging doctrine as the bible admonishes. Hell is the placeof eternal torment from which there is no release. (Rev. 14:11, 2 Thess. 1:9)
God raised Him to be: a) Because of His perfect obedience to His Father's will. (Phil. 2:0) b) To be Head over the church. Eph. 1:19-23, c) To confirm His deity. (Rom. 1:4) d) To be the baptizer in the Holy Spirit. (John 1:33, Acts 2:32-33) e) To be our Great Advocate and Intercessor. (Heb. 7:26-28, Rom. 8:34)
As a sign and a wonder, when Christ raised from the , the graves of 500 people were opened, and walked about the city, and were seen. (Matt. 27:53)
"And the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city snd appeared unto many."
True believers must appear before the judgment seat of haMashiach/Christ. (1 Cor. 3:11-15, 11 Cor. 5:10-11) Believers shall be rewarded.
Unbelievers shall appear before God's Great White Throne. (Rev. 20:11-15) They shall receive the wages of sin, and unrighteousness, which is eternal . (11 Pet. 2:13-15, Acts 1:18) The modern cities of Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, and San Francisco, and nations such as Europe, Britain, America, and Africa, shall be judged. (Matt. 10:15; 11:20-24; 12:38-42, Ecc. 11:9, 12:14
The doctrine of the Holy Spirit is found throughout the bible, but primarily in this: "God is Spirit," and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) The Holy Spirit is spoken of in the terms of titles, such as "The Comforter, and the Spirit of Truth," (John 16:13) whom the world cannot receive for it does not behold Him nor know Him. (John 14:17) Jesus said: He is with you, but shall be in you. But again, the Lord said to His disciples: "I will not leave you comfortless, but I will come to you." (John 14:18) Modern philosophies would contradict this statement, but the word of God is true.
Many have attempted to define the Spirit of God. In speaking of the Father, I wonder how many consider this a title for the Eternal Spirit of God, for Ephesians states there is "one Spirit." Father cannot be one Spirit and the Holy Spirit another Spirit of God, for God is one.
Whenever I hear the Apostle's Creed," I cannot bring myself to confess belief in the Catholic church, as stated in the creed. I believe there was one, similar to a wine press, from which flowed the of the martyrs, but not the church as defined in the New Testament.
The "communion of saints, witnessed by the Catholic church, was along the lines of arrest, betrayal, and s. The long list of saints claimed as Catholics, were for the large part, early Christians in Rome and out-lying areas, long before antisemitic spirits, ostracized the Messianic Jewish leaders of the church, drumming them out of the corps, and the spirits of error, which crept into the church brought about the enslavement of the Roman Catholic church and it's centuries in the Dark Ages.
Although I am aware of the Charismatic Movement's influence on various denominations, I have lived long enough to have also seen the l of confusion, which came with it when people compromised the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Catholics loaded with familiar spirits, (demons) marching in the streets with pagan banners, publicly declaring "To Jesus through Mary," or the necromancy of Maryology, praying to Mary as Mediator instead of Christ, or rosary's said to saints, much like the Witch of Endor in the bible did, (1 Samuel 28:7) and of late, the plans to add her to the Godhead.
Evangelism by the Catholic Church has too frequently shown themto be false apostles, and angels of light (demons) masquerading, and has brought many into it's fold, but to a "another Jesus and another gospel, as warned about by Apostle Paul. (Gal. 1:7)
The doctrine or definition of the church, which the Apostle Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:38, doesn't entirely resemble church doctrine of today. (Acts 8:16, Acts 10:46-48, Acts 19:5) Don't we have any reformers these days? Is it indifference, intimidation or what, that people fail to line up what's taught to them with the bible?
There is but one way to become a member of the body of Christ, and it's through true repentance and turning from sin, being water baptized according to the apostles command in Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:46-48, Acts 19:5. By obeying Yeshua/Jesus Acts 1:8 command, we are empowered for service, by being filled with God's Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.
Sin covers a broad spectrum in the bible. a) Foolish thoughts. (Proverbs 24:9) b) Transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4) c) All unrighteousness is sin. (1 John 5:17) d) Not doing good is sin. (James 4:17) e) All unbelief is sinful. (Romans 14:23)
The Greek word "repent," is used over 60 times in the New Testament. Before Christ went away, He said that repentance must be preached in all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:49) The first message Peter preached at Pentecost was a call to repentance. Apostle Paul preached repentance to both Jew and Gentile. (Acts 26:20-21)
None are excluded from repentance because the bible says ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God. The wages of sin is , but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23) If your minister disagrees, don't believe him, or you'll be sitting in hell with him, one day, and you won't be a happy camper.
In the first resurrection of Rev.20:4-6, the resurrection of the just in Acts 24:15; Luke 14:14, the resurrection of life in John 5:29, the awakening to everlasting life in Daniel 12:2, and the better resurrection of Heb. 11:35.
I also believe in the resurrection of the unrighteous in Rev. 20:4-6, the resurrection of the unjust in Acts 24:15, the resurrection unto damnation in John 5:29, and the awakening to shame and contempt in Daniel 12:2.
The nature of the resurrected body is described in scripture, as being like Christ's own glorious body.
For the unredeemed, this will not be so. Jesus said: Fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matt. 10:28) Hell will be the destruction of ones total identity, for eternity.
The Eternal Abode of the Righteous:
There's a heaven to gain and a hell to shun! In heaven, the dwelling place of God, and land of endless light, all worship centers around God and the Lamb, from whom the glory of God emmanates, forever, for God has ordained that glory and honour and praise be ascribed to the One True & Living God.
God's heaven will be shared for it is called the dwelling place of the redeemed. (Dan. 4:26, Zech. 12:1,) In John 14:2-3, Yeshua/Jesus said He was going away, to prepare a place, that where He is, there the believer may be also. The Hebrew term SHAMAYIN means "heavens or things heaved up." When Messiah died, rose, and ascended, "paradize" was caught up." The Greek word OURANOI is translated as "heaven or skies." There will be a new heaven and a new earth, with a new Jerusalem. (Rev. 21:1-2)
Who Will Go To Heaven?
a) Those who have believed in Yeshua hamashiahc/Jesus Christ, as the means of salvation. For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him, might not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
The Gifts The Lord Will Give At His Appearing
He Who Was, And Is, And Is To Come, the Almighty)
(Rev. 1:8)
(Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ promised He will return to earth again, and when He comes, His reward is with Him, to render to every man according as his work shall be. (Romans 2:6) The righteous will receive crowns and other rewards.
There is a real sense in which the believer lives the resurrected life here and now, as a fore-taste of the life to come. God's word says it this way:
"And has raised us up with Him and seated us together with Him in heavenly places, in Christ Jesus." (Eph. 2:6)
Just as heaven is a literal place, Hell is forever the abode of the wicked, prepared for all those whose names are not found written in the Book of Life. (Rev. 2:11, 20:14,20:11-15, 21:8) Hell is a place where sin and shame can never be erased. The time to erase the sin and shame is now, through the atoning of Yeshua/Jesus. (Daniel 12:2, Rom. 2:16) Hell will be a fiery furnace of eternal torment, from which there is no escape. (Matt. 13:42, 50, 25:41,46)
Who Will Go To Hell?
The scripture identifies those who will go to hell, as a) The unredeemed, or wicked, who have not believed in the only begotten Son of God, for the salvation of their souls, who will stand before God's Great White Throne to receive His judgment. (Rev. 14:9-11, Rev. 20:11-15) b) The devil. (Rev. 20:1-15) c) The Anti-christ and False Prophet (Rev. 20:1-10) d) The angels that fell (2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6) e) The demons or evil spirits. (Luke 8:26-31)
Descriptins of the hoardes of hell
- Being Cast Into Outer Darkness (Matt. 25:30)
- The state of being eternally lost. (John 17:2)
- Dying In Ones Sins Without Pardon. (John 8:21-24)
- God taking flaming vengeance on the disobedient. (2 Thess. 1:8)
- The Second Death. (Rev. 2:11, 21:8)
- Burning in unquenchable fire. (Mark 9:43)
- The smoke of your torment will ascend forever. (Rev. 14:11)
- Weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. (Luke 13:28, Matt. 13:42,50, 8:12, 22:13, 24:51,25:30)
- Perdition (Hebrews 10:39, 2 Peter 3:7)
- A resurrection of damnation. (John 5:29)
Eternal life begins the day you appropriate the Apostle Peter's words on the Day of Pentecost: "Repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:46-48, Acts 19:5) If you die in the faith, your life that is hid in Christ with God, goes on eternally. You will forever be with the Lord.
