HE WILL EXHALT HIMSELF. He is a first class promoter and con artist who will boast concerning his powers and abilities. This is also a spirit that is much in evidence in the world and in the church today. Self must surely be his middle name. Because of his ability to produce signs and wonders he will convince many naive individuals in the church that he is indeed, God manifest in the flesh. Multitudes will be believe him and follow him into perdition. The book of Revelation introduces him as a beast. That illustrates to us the nature of this individual. It does not say that his appearance is like an animal of some sort. He will be an object of worship. As the devil was worshipped so he will be also. Devil worship will increase more and more as we approach the end. Rev. 13:4 Imagine the deception that will take place in the hearts of people in that day causing them to say, \Who is like unto the beast.\” He has completely bewitched the greater segment of the population of the earth who will now follow him. He is the hero of the ten kingdom empire. The ten leaders of the ten kingdoms will have but a brief period of authority. He will persuade them to surrender their power to him. They will make a unified decision to support him in all of his wicked ways. Their power and authority will be completely surrendered to the anti-christ, the beast. Rev. 17:12-13 He is the leader of the ten toes of the great image. The next statement is like a challenge. \”Who is able to make war with him.\” Foolishly, and in complete deception they will attempt to make war with the Lamb. This is a bad mistake, for not only is Jesus the Lamb of God but He is Lord of lords and King of kings. The supreme authority ruling over all other possible authorities. Rev. 17:14.
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Seattle, August 29, 2005. (71)
TEN HORNS, TEN KINGDOMS. Daniel saw the great kingdoms of this world, which are for us, in the past and in the immediate future. Among them periodically appeared what is termed as a \little horn.\” While little, indicates small or insignificant, in this case this \”little horn\” was to be greatly significant. Daniel saw the last day ten kingdom empire and described its dreadfulness. Exceptionally strong, with tremendous ability to tear apart any that would dare challenge it. It also had the ability to stamp them into the ground. Obviously, all will be in submission to this ungodly empire. Dan. 7:7 The ability of the \”little horn\” is amazing in the light that this empire is already of great strength and is so exceedingly cruel. Nevertheless, he is able to move in on the powers that be and completely uproot three of them and assume full power. The seven remaining will be in complete submission to him. He is Mr. Big mouth. A master at propaganda and possessing tremendous ability to sway the peoples of the earth with his philosophy. Dan. 7:8.
THIS SYSTEM IS DESTINED FOR DEFEAT. The vision given to Daniel continued unto the end. He saw the defeat of this last day world system of government and the casting down of its thrones. Dan. 7:9 The Ancient of days then assumed all power and authority. Daniel saw the Lord, clothed in white and with snow white hair. He sits enthroned in His very own light. Ps. 104:2 The king of righteousness sits enthroned in the righteous kingdom of the ALMIGHTY. His throne is most majestic with the glory of the Lord seen as fire and encircled with fire. Fire can be very destructive. The coming of the Lord Jesus will be with flaming fire. 2 Thess. 1:9 However, fire, if it is the fire of the Holy Spirit can be very profitable and is most certainly a pleasant thing to experience. Mt. 3:11 Our God is a consuming fire. Heb. 12:29 To be purged by the fire of the Lord Should be the desire of every child of the Lord. Mt. 3:12 When the Lord comes the very brilliancy of His coming will in a matter of moments, judge and destroy the false kingdoms and all of the citizens of the same. Dan. 7:10 In the New Testament it is the brilliancy [brightness, epiphaniea] of the rapture [parousia]. 2 Thess. 2:8 His coming is the most spectacular event of the ages. It is a most blessed moment for those who are in Christ and ready to meet Him at His coming. The Bride hath made Herself ready.
Seattle, August 30, 2005. (72)
THE GOD OF BLAZING GLORY. Isaiah, in prophetic vein, proclaimed the Name of the LORD. There is one who bears the glory and the right to be called by that precious name and that is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. His coming is from afar, from the very portals of heaven. He will come with righteous but burning anger and thick clouds of smoke. NIV. His lips will speak with great indignation, His tongue will be as a flaming and devouring fire. Isa. 30:27 Again, Isaiah when proclaimed the coming of the Lord spoke of His coming with fire and His chariots like a hurricane. Most likely the strongest to ever have visited the earth. The time of His coming is a time of great and intense extremities. Events that have never happened before, or the mightiest that have ever occurred. He will rebuke the world for rejecting Him and refusing His salvation so generously offered to all, and it will be by fire. By His fire and His sword, His Word He will judge the inhabitants of the earth. Those slain will constitute a great multitude. Isa. 66:15-16.
THE RIVER OF FIRE. What an awesome sight that will be, like the river of lava flowing from a volcano. So, a river of fire will flow before Him. While a great multitude of the redeemed of all ages will minister unto Him. They are the cloud of His coming. The judgment is set, the court is convened. The books of remembrance are to be opened and mankind will be judged according to the recordings found there. Dan. 7:10 Remember, Our God is a consuming fire. Heb. 12:29.
THE LITTLE HORN OF DANIEL EIGHT. Historically, this horn represent a man who called himself Antiochus Epiphanes, \”the illustrious.\” But the people of his day called him Antiochus Epimanes, \”the furious.\” That speaks volumes of his character and conduct. Prophetically, he represents the one who will come under the instigation of the devil himself. Dan. 8:9 Consider, he will possess the ability to deceive even those who are called, \”the host of heaven.\” Dan. 8:10 When Lucifer fell from heaven he deceived some of the angels into revolting with him. They too were cast out. A segment of the last day church will be deceived into following the forces of darkness and will fall and follow him. Stars represent the redeemed. The tail of the dragon [the devil] will cause a third of the church to follow him. Rev. 12:4 This is that of which Paul wrote in his letter. 2 Thess. 2:3 There is a specific moment when this takes place.
Seattle, August 31, 2005. (73)
THE HUGE RED DRAGON. The woman of Revelation twelve is of such great importance that the devil [the dragon] will focus his attention on her and in particular her offspring. Rev. 12:3-4 We have here, pictured for us, the last day political force of the amalgamated nations. The ten kingdom empire. It must be stated here that the woman is not the virgin Mary, nor is the man child that is born, Christ. The book of Revelation was not given to John as a lesson in history, the past. Rather, it is just what is proclaimed to be, a Revelation. An unfolding of the future. See what is says about itself. It contains a message concerning the \”things which must shortly come to pass.\” Or in the future. Rev. 1:1 \”The time is at hand.\” Rev. 1:3 A statement that we find related to the messages to the seven churches. The time element is considered to be about the year 94 AD. Which is long after the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ. Contained in the book is to be found, \”the things that are, and the things which shall be hereafter.\” Rev. 1:19 From the time of John on Patmos, the futuristic vein of the book is further verified by the words, \”I will show you things which must be hereafter.\” Rev. 4:1 Furthermore, when the prophecy of the book is about to be fully enacted, it says, \”the time is at hand.\” Rev. 22:10 With such a persistent witness we have to know that the book is to be fulfilled in our day and not the past.
WHO WANTS TO PREACH THIS MESSAGE? This generation of Christians will see persecution such as none other have known. The easy going, bless me, bless you gospel, will not prepare hearts and lives for the tests that some are already experiencing and many others will before we are through with our sojourn here in this world. To whom does the kingdom of heaven belong? Jesus said, \”they which are persecuted for righteousness sake.\” Mt. 5:10 So, we are going to be popular with the political leaders? Jesus listed the last day order of things. Under the beginning of sorrows. Mt. 24:8 They will afflict you. They shall kill you. \”Ye shall be hated of all nations for my names sake.\” Mt. 24:9 If you lived in some countries of this world, you would know that this is a fact of life today. Those who are recorded as the heroes of faith written in Hebrews eleven, knew, that in suffering the horrors of hated and persecution, leading to death as martyrs, they would be granted a \”better resurrection.\” Heb. 11:38 even the precious woman of Revelation twelve will suffer persecution. Rev. 12:13 As will those Christians who are not sheltered with her in that very special place, prepared by the Lord. Rev. 12:17 Some will be left behind because they were not wearing a wedding garment.
Seattle, September 1, 2005. (74)
WAR WITH THE SAINTS. We know, and well agree that the saints are the redeemed. The scripture has just shown us a concerted attack on what is called, \”the remnant of her seed.\” That they are Christians is self apparent, for they keep the commandments and have the testimony of Jesus. Rev. 12:17 They are composed of those who were unprepared to be a part of the delivered woman, the Bride of Christ. One cannot partake of the wedding without a wedding dress. Also with them will be those, mostly Jews who will believe the witness of the two witnesses and will accept Jesus as their Messiah. The two witnesses are the two olive trees or trees of oil, the anointing. The two candlesticks, light bearers, who are in the immediate presence of the Lord. They are Moses, the law, and Elijah, the prophet. Zech. 4:2-3 Note the similarity of their work during the three and one-half year tribulation with their first visit to earth. Rev. 11:4-6.
THE ANTICHRIST WARRING WITH THE SAINTS. If all are caught up at the beginning of the tribulation, who on earth are these saints? Except they are the group that we have already identified. The ability to conqueror them is given him. They will give their lives for Christ. He will have complete control over the entire world. Rev. 13:7 Working in harmony with him will be the great harlot church. The church of compromise. A merging of every religion on the face of the earth. The beginnings of this religious conglomeration is already in the process of formation. She will be noted as the religious butcher. One who delighted in persecuting the believers in Christ, and killing them. It is apparent that her responsibility was to murder the saints. Here again we find some saints in the tribulation and in conjunction with the harlot church. Rev. 17:7 The church and world powers will be so elated and filled with pride over their successes that they will think to make war with the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. Their defeat is certain. He, Jesus, is Lord over every lord and King over every king or earthly power, dictator, president, prime minister or potentate. As always, the docile, slain Lamb is more than conqueror. Rev. 17:14 The last to die as martyrs will be the two witnesses. Only after the conclusion of their testimony will war be waged against them and they will be slain. Rev. 11:6-7 For three and one-half days their bodies will lie on display in Jerusalem. The same city where our Lord was crucified. The world will greatly celebrate their deaths. However, they await the resurrection of the righteous dead. Rev. 11:8-12.
Seattle, September 2, 2005. (75)
NOT ONLY IS HE LOVE, HE IS A LOVER. In a great variety of ways the Lord expresses His majestic love in the lives of His people. He daily loads us with His benefits. Ps. 68:19 There has been no greater manifestation of His love than that which will be known, by His church, in the last days. He has proclaimed and demonstrated the absolute greatness of His love for Her. The beginning of His love is to be found in John 3:16 \”For God so loved.\” That love of redemption, of new birth. Birth is the beginning of life. The ultimate of His love is found in His desire to have a true friend, a faithful companion, a wife who is totally dedicated to Him. Paul said that, \”Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. Eph. 5:25 Paul was not speaking of the great buildings and cathedrals of today. His vision was the \”ekklesia,\” the called out ones. A people meeting the standard that has been established by the Lord Jesus.
HE GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT. The sacrifice of Himself contains many elements which are foreign to us. We see the physical suffering only. While the one who was crucified had spent eternity in the glories of heaven. The praise and honor that had been His, was all laid aside, as an evidence of His love. The eternal, the everlasting one tasted death for all men. Heb. 2:9 The scriptural revelation of God staggers the imagination. He is so great. He is so infinite. So supreme, that the mind of man cannot fully comprehend Him. When we understand one aspect of Him, we discover that there is yet more to know about Him. He is inexhaustible. Throughout eternity we will still be learning more and more about Him. It was not just any man hanging on the cross. It was Jesus, the Son of God of whom the Word declared that, He was GOD, \”manifest in the flesh.\” 1 Tim. 3:16 To try to measure the extent of His love is an impossibility. It cannot be over stated how tremendously the heart of the Lord Jesus longs to be with that one who is engaged to Him. The true bride to be is esteemed to be a \”chaste virgin\” who is espoused to Christ Jesus and to Him alone. 2 Cor. 11:2 A real heart felt relationship with Christ is to be found in the consecration that is made to Him. He has said that, \”My yoke is easy and my burden is light.\” Mt. 11:30 He has certain requirements and stipulations for the bride to meet. For the carnal man they are impossible but the spiritual man will lovingly and gladly fulfill them. Those who are in His Bride will seek to please Him, in all things, in all ways.
Seattle, September5, 2005. (76)
A HUSBAND. The Lord considered Himself to be married unto Israel. The creator, their Maker, proclaimed Himself to be a husband unto them. Not only was He their creator as the creator of all men, but He was also the one who brought Israel into existence. Isa. 54:5 In His love covenant with them He had promised to sustain them in every area of life. He established for them a pattern of life that would have made their lives full and complete, had they but followed Him fully. As Jehovah Sabaoth, LORD over all the hosts of earth and heaven, all were in and under His command. In delivering them from Egypt and establishing the Passover as the feast of redemption and communication with them He revealed Himself as their Redeemer. Think of it, He was the Holy One, the only true God to Israel. There are none greater than the LORD. They had a perfect guide and protector. They were privileged to have an intimate relationship with the God of the whole earth.
FEAR NOT. Words spoken to Israel from the One who created and formed them according to His very own will. They were redeemed by the Lord who knew them by name. He was not a God afar off but cherished them in a close relationship. He dwelt among them in the tabernacle and made His presence known in the revelation of His glory. Isa. 43:1 Consider carefully His promises to them. He did not say that adverse circumstances would never overtake them. Nor that they would not face difficulties in their walk through this life. Unwanted and unhappy circumstances will come to us. They are unavoidable. He did promise His presence with them and that they would not be overwhelmed by their problems. Deliverance was assured as long as a proper relationship was maintained. Isa. 43:2 Victory is found in His being, in a knowledge of who He is as revealed in His name. He is Jehovah, the One who is Holiness, the Savior. Isa. 43:3 In His love for them as a nation they were precious, valuable and greatly prized, in His sight. When they had acted honorable The Lord would go to no end to manifest Himself as a husband, a shield and protector. He was willing to move heaven and earth on their behalf. All others He considered to be but gross heathen that Israel might be blest of the Lord and that He might fulfill His perfect will in their lives. Isa. 43:4 Israel had it made and did not appreciate all the provisions of the Lord. The scriptures show us that, unfortunately, they turned from the true and living Lord and sinned by worshiping strange gods and lost their status that they had with the Lord.
Seattle, September 6, 2005. (77)
HE IS A COVENANT MAKING LORD. In the making and preparation of a covenant He intertwines Himself so generously that He literally becomes the covenant. In making covenant with Abraham, because the Lord could swear by none greater, He made promises and sealed the covenant by Himself. He took full responsibility for the fulfilling of its promises. It was based solely on the goodness and strength of the Lord. Heb. 6:13 The old covenant broken. Now the promise of a New Covenant. The Lord considered Himself to be a husband to Israel when He delivered them from Egypt. Jer. 31:32 Disobedience in seeking out other lovers caused the Lord to withdraw Himself from them. He called unto them to repent, acknowledge their iniquities and turn from their sin. What mercy, what amazing grace He showed towards them for He yet recognized their marriage relationship. Jer. 3:12-14.
PROMISES DETERMINED BY THEIR REPENTANCE. Promises that are only applicably to a people who return and confess their wickedness and rebellion to the Lord. The key to obtaining all of the promises of the Lord are contingent upon a truly repentant heart. The very first promise the Lord made to a returning people was that He would give them pastors, shepherds, men of His own heart. How necessary it is that every pastor know the heart of the Lord. Not displaying our learning and wisdom, but His knowledge. Heart knowledge, not head knowledge. Jer. 3:15.
A CHANGE IN THE MANNER OF WORSHIP. The ark of the covenant no longer to be the center of their worship. So much so that the past is forgotten. Jer. 3:16 The ark was but a type of the true Mercy Seat, the throne of the Lord, where the real Lamb is seen as the eternal sacrifice. The eternal evidence of the perfect, everlasting Atonement provided by God’s Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. Rev. 5:6 There is only one door of salvation and Jesus said that He was that door. Any and all men may enter there, providing they confess their sin to Him. John 10:9 Jesus is the only sacrifice that can bring redemption. All sacrifices offered under the Law were but types of the true act of propitiation which was performed by the Lord Jesus. All, past [under the Law], current and into the future, until He returns, must come by way of the blood of Christ. There is no other way, nor has there ever been nor shall there ever be. Rom. 3:25.
Seattle, September 7, 2005. (78)
THE CREATOR OF A NEW CREATION. Since the birth, death and resurrection of Christ the old has been laid aside. It was not practical nor did it function as the Lord desired. The fault was not with the Lord but with those who supposedly were practicing their religion. Therefore Paul was led to say to the Galatian church that neither circumcision or uncircumcision were of any meaning before the Lord. What counts with Him is a new creature in Christ. Gal. 6:15 Likewise, to the Corinthian church he wrote the only spiritual experience of value was a new creature in Christ. \”THE OLD HAS PASSED AWAY.\” 2 Cor. 5:17 \”ALL THINGS\” are now new. Paul was very positive in placing a real emphases on this particular point. To try and revive the old or even a portion of the former sacrifices is a travesty before the Lord.
THE LORD IS INSULTED. Who would knowingly dare commit such an act? Jesus has opened up the \”new and living way,\” Whereby we pass through the veil, that is His sacrificed body, into the holy of holies or the throne presence of the Lord. Heb. 10:20 By His one offering He has wrought an eternal work of salvation by blood, His blood and His alone. There is no other way possible to gain entrance into His holy presence. Heb. 10:14 To rebuild the temple and inaugurate animal sacrifices once again would be the ultimate affront. Please carefully consider the heart of the Lord in this matter. Here is His attitude toward animal sacrifices. The killing of an ox as a sacrifice is equal to the murder of another human being in His sight. To sacrifice a lamb is comparable to the slitting of a dog’s neck and offering it to the Lord. Those bringing an oblation, an offering of a sacrifice commit an act that is equal to the offering of the blood of a swine before the Lord. Those who burn incense in a worship or a religious service are violating even the tenets of the law by an act that is paramount to blessing an idol. From the Law itself we learn that to enact any of these forms of past worship, is a direct violation of the will of the Lord. Never, ever can the Lord in any way bless such actions or for that matter even tolerate them. Isa. 66:3 This verse is a direct, thus saith the Lord. He has given us His Word that we might know the truth and not be misled in the end of the age. Great deceptions are being perpetrated on the people of the Lord. The big one is yet to come. It behooves us to know the Word and hide it in our hearts that we be not easily deceived.
Seattle, September 8, 2005. (79)
GOD WAS IN CHRIST. Ah, the mystery of the Godhead. Yet, so simple if we just follow the statements of the Word. Paul wrote that \”God was in Christ.\” 2 Cor. 5:19 As simple and as understandable a statement that could be made concerning the God, who is a Spirit. John 4:24 Therefore we find that the Spirit nature of God dwelt, that is made residence within the Lord Jesus. Paul affirmed this by writing that \”in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form.\” Col. 2:9 NIV. The key is found in \”bodily form.\” Jesus was the receptacle, His human body is the only human body of God. This is that which is physical, made in the likeness of man. He was conceived of His Father and is the God/man. He possesses all the attributes of His Father and yet was subject to the temptations of men. He is our link to all that is Godlike. Through Jesus we have access to the Father and to the throne of God. Isaiah, when prophesying concerning the birth of Christ declared that He would be called \”Immanuel.\” Isa. 7:14 \”which being interpreted, is God with us.\” Mt. 1:23.
HOW CLOSE WAS THAT AFFINITY? It was closer than we can imagine or visualize. Here are the words of the Lord Jesus, \” I am in the Father and the Father in me.\” John 14:10 That is as close and as tight a relationship as there can be. Here is a beautiful statement, \”It pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell.\” Col. 1:19 The unity of the Godhead is so absolute. It is perfect in every aspect of its existence. The problem is, not that we cannot understand but that we will not understand. How can we truly worship a God whom we do not comprehend, at least to the measure that He has chosen to reveal Himself in His word? The statement of the Lord Jesus Should be taken at face value when He said,\” I and my Father are one.\” John 10:30 If any one should know, Jesus should. As the unity of the Godhead is seen in the scriptures so the Triunity is also revealed. All that the Father possessed and represented belonged also to the Lord Jesus. Again, expressing that unity that exists in the Godhead. John 16:15 The true \”Lord’s prayer\” expands this unity to include those who are His sheep. Jesus prayed that the same agreement that existed between Himself and His Father would also be among those who are His followers. He desired not only that they be in one accord among themselves but that they have the same unison with the Godhead. John 17:21.
Seattle, September 9, 2005. (80)
UNDERSTANDING WHO GOD IS. If we are to fully comprehend Him we must do so by the scriptures, and our very own relationship with the Lord. That is, we too have been born of the Spirit. Therefore we know that His Spirit can dwell within our spirit and produce tremendous changes in nature and attitude. John 3:16 If an individual is truly \”in Christ\” then the life of the Spirit will become the predominate character in them. For they walk after the leading of the Spirit and not after the works of the flesh. Rom. 8:1 The life of the Spirit is not without order but is directed after a heavenly manner, after the life and works of the Lord Jesus. There is freedom in the Spirit life. We are not in bondage to the works of the law of sin and death. Rom. 8:2.
A TYPE WITH WHICH WE LIVE EVERY DAY. The complete man is a triunity. Paul acknowledged man as being spirit, soul and body, three yet one man. 1 Thess. 5:23 It is the Word of the Lord which divides and distinguishes the difference between spirit, soul and body. The body is that which is earthly, mortal and will under ordinary circumstances die. It is for this life only. It is but the seed of that which will be manifest at the time of the first resurrection. The resurrected body is of an eternal, heavenly order fashioned after the resurrected body of the Lord Jesus. It is a spiritual, Christ like body which will never again know sin, sickness nor death. 1 Cor. 15:44 Amazingly, His desire toward us is that we might find the life of Christ to be made manifest while we are yet in our mortal bodies. 2 Cor. 4:10 Now, this very moment of time, it is His will that our bodies become totally surrendered to His perfect will and we become the temple of the Holy Ghost. He wants to dwell in His church! 1 Cor. 6:19.
GOD IN HUMAN FORM. A mystery which some of the wisest of men are still trying to unravel. In the simplicity of the gospel, He has revealed Himself, by being \”manifest in the flesh.\” In Christ, who in the eternities past had been known as the Logos, He was revealed as God in the flesh. 1 Tim. 3:16 He became a man, that as a man He might be tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. In this manner He set an example for us. He not only is able to deliver us from habitual sin but He has the capability to keep us from all sin. In His faithfulness to His very own, we have the promise that He is able to keep us from evil. Victory over sin is our goal.2 Thess. 3:3.
Seattle, September 12, 2005. (81)
THE LIFE OF THE FLESH. That which activates and motivates the body, is the blood. Our blood warms and cools the body. It feeds and carries oxygen to every cell of the body. On its return it carries off the waste and carbon dioxide. It fights disease and coagulates to prevent its own loss. It has been called a river of life to the bodies of all animals, including man. Lev. 17:11 Associated with it is the organ which pumps so faithfully this stream of blood through the body day and night. That is why a sound heart also gives life to the body. Prov. 14:30 Man can live without some organs of the body but not the heart and blood. They are vital to our well being. A heart of rejoicing, a merry heart does good like a medicine. Prov. 17:22.
BLOOD IS AN ESSENTIAL TO NATURAL AND SPIRITUAL LIFE. The very first blood that was shed was an act of atonement. The Lord Himself, slew animals for their skins that He might cover the sin of Adam and Eve. Gen. 3: 21 We are not told which of the animals was slain would the conjecture of a lamb be to far off? They understood the principle of blood atonement for when their sons prepared altars to worship the Lord. Able offered of his flock and was accepted. Cain offered of the fruit of the ground, of his own labors. His offering was rejected. No doubt an act of pride on his behalf. Gen. 4:3-5 They were not in ignorance of that which was necessary for atonement. The only acceptable atonement is the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. \”Without the shedding of blood there it no remission, no forgiveness, no atonement. Heb. 9:22.
\”HE POURED OUT HIS SOUL UNTO DEATH. Isa. 53:12 Most generally something that is \”poured out\” is in liquid form. The fact that it was prophesied of Him that \”He poured out His soul an OFFERING FOR SIN,\” verifies that His soul, His life’s blood is the only atonement possible. Isa. 53:10 All other sacrifices were but symbolic of that which was to come. The word of the Lord has the ability to differentiate between soul and spirit and so it does. Heb. 4:12 They are close, intertwined yet different entities. The soul life is for this world. The Spirit is for that which is to come. The word soul is used by the scriptures in a manner which can not only be defined as being resident in the blood, but is used to describe the whole nature of man. At times, in describing the nature of a person, we may refer to them as being \”hot blooded,\” or \”cold blooded,\” showing a relationship between the blood and the evidenced character of a person.
Seattle, September 13, 2005. (82)
GOD IS A SPIRIT. He is not a man, He is that which is timeless, belonging to an entirely different manner of life. The Spirit life is life eternal. God, who is Spirit is substance. That which is Spirit is far more real than the worldly, for it is everlasting. The natural man was created to live in this world, having a body, soul and spirit. The Lord breathed into the nostrils of Adam, the \”breath of life,\” and he became a living soul. The Lord had completed the man whom He had made. The body with its life sustaining blood lay before the Lord. Not until the \”breath of life from the Lord was breathed into Adam did his heart begin to beat and his blood circulate throughout his body. Gen. 2:7 His body and soul were activated by the breath of the Lord. Note, Adam is called \”a living soul.\” In the order ordained of the Lord the body lives by the blood and the blood [soul] lives because of the very breath [Spirit] of the Lord. The first act at the birth of a child is to make certain that it is breathing. It must breathe life giving oxygen into its lungs that the oxygen might be circulated through the body, by the blood, in order to live. The breath we breathe is unseen, yet its existence cannot be denied. We cannot touch it, or grasp it but we are very aware of it as it fills our lungs. So with the Spirit of the Lord. We may not see Him. We may not lay hold of Him, but we are very much aware of His presence when we are filled with the baptism of the Spirit.
THE LORD IS THAT SPIRIT. Paul is not relating to just any spirit and most certainly not to the spirit of man. He is emphasizing the fact that the Lord, is THAT SPIRIT. The true Spirit as well as the Spirit of truth. He is that Spirit which brings human kind into a real affiliation with the Lord. The presence of the Spirit of the Lord always brings freedom wherever He is manifest. He is the means whereby we are able to live in liberty from all that binds. 2 Cor. 3:17 All natural life has it beginning in Adam, who was but a living soul like all of us, having life only for this world. So, now in Christ and by the Spirit, He who is known as the last Adam is a life giving spirit. Real life, eternal life is found in Him and only in Him. 1 Cor. 15:45 Because the Word is Spirit and Life it can only be made effective by the anointing of the Spirit. John 6:63 The Word without the Spirit is unproductive. It must be motivated by the Spirit. 2 Cor. 3:6 The Word and the Spirit work together in full harmony. The Word, is the recorded knowledge of whom and what the Lord is. It is the Spirit who reveals the Christ of God, using the Word, and making known to us how very real and precious He can be to those who love Him.
Seattle, September 14, 2005. (83)
LET US. In every act of the Lord He reveals Himself in some way. In the creation of man, the Lord chose to make Himself known, first of all in the personal pronoun, us, in plural form. Indicating more than one was to be involved in the act. The plural is again used when He said, \”in OUR image and after OUR likeness.\” Gen. 1:26 Of identical interest and perhaps more dramatic is the word that is use in the Hebrew identifying the God of creation as Elohim. Elohim, is in the plural and as one of the names of the God of creation, shows both the unity, the oneness of His person and the Triunity of His being. Mankind, the Lord made in His \”own likeness.\” The Lord when seen, generally reveals Himself as a man. Actually the reverse is the true order, for man was created following the pattern of the Lord. Man was made with the likeness of Elohim stamped upon him. Man bears His resemblance in general appearance and shape. We have the same physical shape but there the similitude ends. The Lord is perfect in every aspect of His being and we are far from such perfection. As Elohim is a Triunity, so man is a triunity of body, soul and spirit.
The Lord of creation after having created all other things, determined to bring forth His highest creation, man. The unequaled intelligence of the Lord is made manifest in man His supreme and final creation. No created creature has equal status with man. None have the love and care that the Lord bestows upon man. When His Son was sent to the earth He did no
