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| Misuse of Power Part IV - The Church In Haste For The Finish Line |
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| KING DAVID (to be) LEAVES WITHOUT HIS SWORD | |
| And David said...And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine...is here wrapped in a cloth...if thou wilt take that, take it...And David said, There is none like that; give it me. I Samuel 21:8-9. The Church, with the Word of God which is the Sword of the Lord, has to go forth in the power of the Spirit to get herself ready and to finish the work she has been commissioned to do. The letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. II Corinthians 3:5-6. It is time the Church walked by faith and not by sight. (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) II Corinthians 5:7. Let the Church make haste and do her work well, but leave the harvest up to our great God through our Lord Jesus Christ. |
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| RUNNING FOR THE PRIZE . . . | |
| Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. I Corinthians 9:24. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things... I Corinthians 9:25. I therefore so run... I Corinthians 9:26. | |
| . . . WITH FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH | |
| But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection... I Corinthians 9:27. Everybody who runs lawfully (living by all the Word of God and teaching others to do so) will for sure receive a prize. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built...he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss... I Corinthians 3:12-15. Which do you think has the greater chance of surviving fire: wood, hay, and stubble or gold, silver, and precious stones? Obviously, this does not mean the literal materials, but it means the more lasting work when it refers to that which would "abide". In comparison, let's look at this scripture: Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19. |
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| THE CHURCH REACHES MATURITY MAKING HERSELF READY CHRIST IN US SHOULD PRODUCE CHRIST-LIKENESS (in this world) |
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| For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? I Corinthians 4:20-21. It is God's wonderful Word made alive in our hearts by our obedience there unto, that brings the Church to maturity. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:22-27. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:30, 32. |
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| IN THIS PRESENT WORLD, THE CHURCH MUST BECOME LIKE CHRIST | |
| Jesus said, Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48. | |
| PERFECT LOVE CASTETH OUT FEAR | |
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. I John 4:13-21.The Church must overcome all sin and evil (here) before the rapture in order to be in the Bride of Christ. But that is no trouble, because ...greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. I John 4:4. So, the Church being wholly surrendered to God and His services (not my will but Thine be done), will make herself ready for anything. She will also be like Christ. So lift up your head and rejoice! For sure, here comes the Bride! For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. I Thessalonians 4:16-18. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Revelation 3:10-11. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Revelation 22:12. Not Grace: Grace is a gift. Works is something that man does here in this world. |
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| LIGHT VERSUS DARKNESS | |
The preaching of the Gospel versus Darkness:And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. Revelation 14:1-5.Prayer: Father, we thank You for the inspiration and for the direction of the Holy Spirit which gives us the knowledge of Your most wonderful truth. We pray to be used by God this day for His glory. In Jesus' name, Amen. I do feel at liberty to bring you this message, which I firmly believe to be the overall teaching of the Bible. It is not necessarily the doctrine of any denomination, but my understanding of the Truth of God. |
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| SHALL WE TAKE A LOOK NOW AT WHAT SHALL COME TO PASS | |
| The hundred and forty-four thousand-twelve thousand from each tribe of Israel-are sealed by the Almighty God to serve on Earth during the first half of the tribulation period. They shall be caught up to Heaven for a special service there. Being protected from the anti-Christ and those that work with him in those days of God's wrath upon the Earth, I believe they, while in Heaven, will serve with the Bridegroom at the Great Supper of the Lamb. Back to earth after that glorious time in Heaven: When the King of Kings sets up His reign in Jerusalem for one thousand years, the sheep we read about in Matthew 25 that go into the Kingdom, will be the second fruits from the Earth. In other words, they will be the first and second harvest, and will repopulate the Earth. The overcoming saints, having been given a body like Christ's, will serve during the thousand years, more like the Holy Spirit which serves the world today. Regarding the 144,000: they will serve as kings and priests of God during Christ's literal kingdom here on Earth. This will be in the same fashion as our state, city, and county officials serve now (but on a much higher plane). What a day that will be! It will be a day when righteousness will cover the Earth like water covers the sea. There will be no tempter then. The devil will be chained and cast into the bottomless pit: And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled... Revelation 20:1-3. But we must be mindful of the fact that it will not be a perfect day. A man's will shall control him at that time: And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. Zechariah 14:16-19.It is understood that all that is judged faithful and go into the Kingdom Age (1,000 year reign), have been given life eternal. But the ones born to each family during that time must made a decision to willingly follow Christ and keep His commandments or rain will be withheld from their crops. The riches that the obedient enjoy in their fullness will not be so with the disobedient. Let us consider now: The devil will be loosed for a little season at the ending of the 1,000 year reign: ...after that he must be loosed a little season. Revelation 20:3. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. Revelation 20:7-8. The fact is, the number to begin the 1,000 year reign are given life eternal. It is very clear to me that the number ...as the sand of the sea... who follow Satan (at the ending thereof), are born to the families but did not wholly follow the Lord Jesus Christ, keeping all His Word. A call to be saved: Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near. Isaiah 55:6. While we therefore have opportunity to be saved, let us do so. When the gospel is preached, the door is opened. So why not walk in and be saved? Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7. A call to prayer: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. II Chronicles 7:14-15. Some of the benefits of being a Christian: I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. Proverbs 8:17-21. |
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| THE NEW HEAVEN: "BEHOLD, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW" | |
| Jesus Reigns: So John saw it coming down from God out of Heaven: And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2. Would you believe? Yes, believe that is the city that all of God's most wonderful people both have been, and are, at the time of this writing, looking for. Cheer up, you Saints of God! There is nothing to make you fear, nothing to make you afraid, nothing to make you doubt. Remember, God has never failed, so why not trust Him and shout, "We'll be sorry we worried at all tomorrow morning!" It's time to look up, don't you think? The sun is down already, the midnight cry is being hurled forth with great power and glory. The Son is about to make His appearance in the clouds. The trumpet is in fine tune, being lifted to the lips of the trumpeter. The great day is almost here! If we are hitched too tightly to this old world, we'll miss the ride (catching away). If the church is ever going to do anything for God any more, we had better get busy for it won't be very long. Just one bat of the eye will be forever too late to be in that number. Don't, please don't put it off any longer, for these light afflictions which are but for a moment work for us and not against us. (That is, if our affections are set on things above.) |
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| WE COME NOW TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE GREAT CITY | |
| If we don't start right, we will never arrive there. The bypasses will never lead us there. We must travel straight through. Yes, the traffic is heavy and there is danger every step of the way. So, it is a must to have a guide (The Bible). Yes, Yes, Yes: a Living Word. The Great Shepherd, His name is Jesus. Are we close enough to Him to hear what He has to say? Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. John 10:7. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10:9. "He shall be saved": born from above, which is the greatest miracle ever. After we are born again, it is our privilege to walk in the light, for in Him there is no darkness at all. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. I John 1:7. Keeping in fellowship with God through Jesus Christ our Lord and with one another, keeps us ready to go at any time. |
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| OPEN DOOR | |
| I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Revelation 3:8. The Essence of God Dealing With Noah God's Grace Period For All Flesh: And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. Genesis 6:3, 8, 13-14, 17-18. |
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| CLOSED DOOR | |
| And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him. And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. Genesis 7:1, 5, 16. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thessalonians 2:10-12. Bear in mind, after all of this is over, including the Grace Period, God saves seed for a new beginning on Earth: When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matthew 25:31-34. For sure, there is to be one more closed door and it is to be to this generation, we believe: Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:1-13. |
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| End Part IV, "Misuse of Power" | |
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