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The Cadre of the Kingdom

“These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14

Do you believe that God reigns Supreme? That the Bible is the inspired Word of God? Do you believe the Truth as taught and practiced by Jesus Christ and His apostles? That God’s Word is Truth? Do you believe that this Truth was corrupted with false doctrines and practices, to be labeled Christianity by men? My writing will be grounded by God’s Truth. My writing will contain warts and blemishes. I’m not a teacher. I write simply and plainly, backed by Scripture. My hope is to uplift, edify, encourage, and refresh God’s called on their pilgrimage toward His Kingdom.

“Revelation Begets Understanding”

It’s 6:00 am in the Northeast United States. The thermometer reads a perky minus seven degrees fahrenheit. To stand outside looking up into the frigid January night sky is to understand just how weak and puny man is before God. Could a man survive through a night like this except by God’s provision? Mankind must learn to dwell in the understanding God produces through revelation. This applies throughout the course of a physical lifetime and to the “lifetime” from God’s calling to the indwelling of His Holy Spirit and beyond. Receiving the Holy Spirit is the start of one’s spiritual gestation, regardless of duration.

A key component of man learning to dwell in the understanding God produces is thankfulness. Thankfulness is backward looking, present looking, and forward looking. It never hurts to pray for increase, but the foundation of contentment is upon that which has already been received. Getting back to the cold and God’s provision. The aspect of fire fits nicely here. Mankind leans on secular knowledge to help understand this basic building block of life. Apart from revealed understanding he will sometimes ponder, “how did man discover fire?” Belief in the Genesis account of Adam and Eve produces understanding that God did reveal fire to their understanding while they were in the Garden of Eden. A revealed necessity that would help sustain them after they were driven from the Garden. After all, they wouldn’t be running back to the flaming sword that guards the way to the Tree of Life whenever they needed fire. Throughout the entire Bible Godly revelation meant for man’s understanding is visible. Woven together throughout the “mind of God.” God’s revelation is intended to be mankind’s understanding. God’s revelation will be his understanding. Understanding is intended to grow. How? God’s revelation begets His understanding. Does not God beget His baptized with the Holy Spirit? To put it simply, God’s Spirit produces the power to comprehend. Growing in spiritual understanding is impossible without His Spirit. At work is the Power in Christ forming, nurturing, growing and through revelation refining the “gestating” Spirit that will be “born again” at the last trump in the resurrection of God’s saints.

The first step in the process to being “born again” is taken by God, not by man. God calls (yes, there is a calling!) those predestined to hear. They are drawn, carrying the gifts of repentance and belief toward Jesus Christ. (This would be the True Jesus Christ seated at the right hand of our Father. The Helper. “Paracletos” of the Living God, El Shaddai. The One by which the power of God creates and accomplishes. The Power and Authority of the Father move with Him.) God’s gifts of repentance and belief are active (alive) in His calling. A malleable mind is opened to receive understanding through revelation to the Way of God, the Word of God, the Truth and Life of God: Jesus Christ. A supple mind is responsive and willing to answer God’s calling. Repentance and belief flow into the gift of faith. In the words of Jesus Christ, “the spirit of God is among you.” Christ Shepherds “the walk to the water.” Faith in Christ draws one to baptism and it is Christ who draws up from the water- our Deliverer. A New Covenant with the Living God has begun. By the laying on of hands (a gift from God is a true minister of Jesus Christ) one is placed under God’s Authority in Jesus Christ to receive His Holy Spirit, thus becoming a living vessel of the Living God. The “Paracletos” is in the house, so to speak. The baptised, being drawn up from the water unto Power, now walk forward in God’s gift of “newness of life.” The Shepherd is followed away from evil and toward abiding with Him. The journey proceeds into the Way of living in Christ (John 17:6-26). One grows in grace and knowledge revealed by the Word of God. True understanding blossoms. The fruit is Jesus Christ living in the baptised, reflecting His mind and Life to this “world” while preaching the coming Kingdom of God as a witness- revealing the True God to all other nations.

Faith “in the name of Jesus Christ” convicts and impels one beyond this flesh (seeing the big picture). Throughout life’s fleshy battles Godly revelation produces a more profound understanding to abiding together with Jesus Christ and God our Father. The working of the indwelled Christ creates and will complete the “born again” spiritual self. Christ will inculcate the “new man” with the Truth, both physically and spiritually, instilling the mind of God. Consider what Merriam-Webster offers on the definition and meaning of inculcate:

“Sometimes before a lesson sinks in, you’ve got to go over it in your mind for a long time. The same is true for when you want to make a path: you have to walk over it again and again. The connection between walking and learning is at the heart of inculcate, which comes from a form of the Latin verb inculcare, meaning “to tread on.” In Latin inculcare possesses both literal and figurative meanings, referring to either the act of walking over something or to that of impressing something upon the mind, often by way of steady repetition. It is the figurative sense that survives with inculcate, which was first used in English in the 16th century. Since then, the word has kept the meaning of impressing facts, ideas or ideals on someone through repetition. If you have trouble remembering inculcate’s definition, you may find it helpful to know that it’s a synonym of the word instill (“to impart gradually”), which shares the Latin prefix in-.”

Jesus Christ inculcate’s the “new man” – instilling the mind of God and the Way to life in His family. Godly character is laid up. Spiritual lessons are learned. During one’s physical lifetime of trials, tests and myriad of sin, Christ uses what is learned to help shape the “new” spirit. Yes, Christ is at work sculpting the spirit that will be born in the first resurrection. In the blink of an eye a perfectly mature God family creation. Begotten of God by His power in revelation to transform one’s understanding. This is Jesus Christ “living in us.” The “Paracletos” revealing the Truth and producing spiritual increase. This is the “mystery of Christ in us.” The power to change the “new man’s” earthy, carnal direction while at the same time shaping and forming the spirit to come. From begettal to birth the physical formation in the womb pictures the “new man’s” gestation toward spirit. Formed where the eye cannot see, nor the brain understand.

Ancient Israel floundered in God’s physical Way, not comprehending the spiritual. Lacking faith, Israel turned from the True God and the body of His Law. Thusly, blinded to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and deaf to the Gospel of the coming Kingdom of God He preached (God having withdrawn revelation, Israel’s understanding ceased). The “called” of God, spiritual Israel, have received the gift of faith yet, “hardheadedness” can rear it’s ugly head and give rise to rebellion just as in ancient Israel. Be it a rejecting of the Holy Spirit or to being disqualified (God is judging His “ekklesia” now), either choice (it would be a choice) will withdraw revelation as understanding evaporates. God’s begettal being trod underfoot. Understand that this begettal is not in the same way that a man begets a child, but it is more of a depiction of a relationship with God.

Being endued with power from on high, one is now learning not only physical lessons but spiritual lessons as well, building up Godly character. This is part and parcel to the mystery of abiding in Christ. God’s revelation promises that Christ will finish His spiritual work. A lifetime of physical, worldly exposure is traveled as Christ imprints spiritual glad tidings within. Yes, those who believe and are baptized are being revealed by the Living God unto understanding – spiritual understanding – a blueprint to fulfilling the opportunity to live in God’s family with the power and authority of eternal spirit – with Godly agape. Created from the dust of the earth to be like Christ. To the praise and glory of God Almighty.

“Hope Believed”

In our hope there is life. This is Jesus Christ.

H – Holiness

O – Oneness

P – Perfectness

E – Eternalness

Confess the name of Jesus Christ

“How to Kiss the Face of God”

Every so often a real gem can be recovered from professing Christianity. Keep in mind that today’s Christianity is a mixture of Truth and error. First it must be cleaned up in the running water of God’s Word. God trains His called out to discern Truth from error, good from evil, clean from unclean, and holy from unholy. One of these gems will provide the jump off point. Michelle Lesley in her article “Kissing the Face of God” writes, “A few Sunday’s ago as we were getting ready to go to church, I picked up my five year old, hugged him, and asked, ‘Are you ready to go to worship?’ He smiled and nodded, gave me a kiss on the cheek and then said something he will never recall, but which I will never forget. He said, ‘I just kissed you and God at the same time.'” Think about the words of that child. Stare directly into those words. Home in on the desire of this child, his objective and how he acheives it. Is it a personal desire of God’s saints to kiss His face? What does this mean and how would one accomplish it?

Wading into the water, one must first understand what a kiss implies. Online AI informs that “A kiss can symbolize a wide range of emotions and concepts, including love, affection, and passion, as well as respect, greeting, and peace.” Other resources add the aspect of reverence to this and travel in a direction further from an “earthy” understanding with personifications such as “The wind gently kissing the trees” or “The water kissing the shore.” The meaning here is to touch (someone or something) gently or lightly. Personification is a type of metaphor. Broadly defined a metaphor is figurative language, turning the water into which we have waded into a gentle stream. A perfunctory look at the use of the words kiss, kissed, and kisses in the Bible appears to show only a physical meaning. Upon closer inspection underlying attitudes and desires move to the forefront. There are kisses delivered with an attitude and desire that is pure and good. There are kisses delivered with an attitude and desire that is deceitful and evil. There is even a kiss illustrating the unholy attitudes and desires of paganism. But what about this holy kiss thing? The holy kiss is a step in the process of building Godly character. It is intended to be a sincere, non sexual and spiritually pure display of affection. God desires it to demonstrate the family bond and unity within the body of Jesus Christ. It is to be given with the purity and sincerity of an undefiled spirit. Yet, as with carnal man, it can also be delivered with deception and evil intent, flavored with perversion. Luke 7:45 displays kisses of Godly passion. A physical example of intense spiritual desire is used here to help one identify with Godly love. Godly love is a work He is perfecting in His saints.

Understanding of the word kiss in spiritual terms is pooling – now let it flow! The “Song of Solomon” provides metaphoric meaning to the “kiss” and the desires of God. This beautiful inspired writing illuminates the pure desire and love flowing toward Christ from His Church as His betrothed bride and the reciprocated love of God for His people and Christ for His Church. A harkening to a spiritual begettal of God’s cascading desire and ultimate fulfillment of His Word. Outflowing love from both involved being meshed together as one. Love and desire are intrinsically united by holiness in this metaphoric visualization of a kiss.

The outward display of a kiss transposes the inward perspective of love and desire. What does our God of love desire for His people? In His plethora of desires here are just a few, in no particular order: to choose life, that none will perish, to come to repentance, to believe and abide as one in Jesus Christ, to love Him with all our heart and soul, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to be forgiving, to be merciful, to endure to the end, to overcome, to be holy, to have a part in the first resurrection, to be in His family. In essence God’s longing is for mankinds desires to reflect those of His Son Jesus Christ. God will progress those carnal physical feelings prevelant in a kiss into something much more pure and spiritual in nature. This will be understood in one’s “heart of hearts” as a craving to please God – not because one feels they should, in order to follow others, or because of what one may think they will receive in return – desires of agape are sown by Jesus Christ in the “new man.” Those called by God are being transformed internally by His Spirit now. Consider this in contrast with God’s feelings toward David as revealed in 1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22. Despite his carnality, God understood David’s ultimate desire was to fulfill His will. To further illustrate this, search Abram’s heart in the Genesis 12:1-5 account and, as Abraham, his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac as written in Genesis 22 and as brilliantly highlighted in Hebrews 11:17-19. It is where one’s desire and God’s will meet at a point of action and the ultimate choice is expressed through behavior. A willingness to obey God born from a heart of love and faith. It is understanding the good and perfect will of God and acting with the overriding attitude of love toward God. Understand that flesh and blood cannot kiss spirit per se. Yet, Abraham did “Kiss the Face of God” by his yielded obedience and his outwardly and inwardly visible love and faith.

The ebb and flow of the titled topic culminates here. Physical desires are fine so long as they are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praise worthy. But in the physical state of man one needs to cry out in prayer for what is eternal, holy, and righteous. Pray Christ refine the desires of the heart to reflect His desires – to be one with Him and in Him – to be filled with undefiled, outflowing love. Craving to abide with Christ and the Father in His Kingdom on earth – to see the new heaven, the new earth, and the new Jerusalem. To see the big picture and display that ultimate choice. Pray this not only personally but for the called brethren and for God’s Creation as a whole [ find Mr. Ken Franks Living Church of God sermon titled “How to Pray for Your Brethren” ]. “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). Then at that last trumpet you will rise to meet Jesus in the air. You will be a part of the Marriage Supper. You will have an office in His Kingdom. You will be a spirit child of God and part of His family. You will have “Kissed the Face of God!” To the praise and glory of Almighty God!

“Mystery for the Ages”

Most people as they age tend to, on occasion, look back across their lives and wonder where it all went. It is a mystery that is usually and quickly pushed from their minds. No sense in spending time on something you cannot know. The vast majority will pass from this life with no understanding of the mystery and either not caring about it or in a state of deception, gripped by a lie. After all, is not the lie easier to take upon one’s self than the full weight of the mystery? However, within a scant few is this awesome Truth (and it is not burdensome). It is not in the wondering of where it all went, but in the knowing of why it all went. This is Power. Thank You God.

“The Holiness of Conviction”

In his article “I Believe – Help My Unbelief” Mr. Dibar K. Apartian asks “Do you know the difference between conviction and belief?” He goes on to make this statement “There is a difference between believing with conviction and believing without conviction.” Think of this, you dig a post hole and place a post into it. The post will wobble in every direction until you fill around it with soil, tamping firmly around the post until it no longer wobbles but is solid in the ground. Belief without conviction is a lot like the wobbly post. The Word of God is convicting and makes one solid, tamped down and straight.

Being called into a God centered life begins with His gift of belief. However, it does not just end there as if God has finished His work with the individual. The Spirit of God continues working with him/her. He uses a basic pattern in working with them. Belief – Conviction – Repentance – Faith – Baptism (laying on of hands, indwelling of His Holy Spirit) – Conversion. A quick side note, it can be easy to become confused (because of Satan’s interference) on the path to conversion. Don’t get too wrapped up in trying to figure out each “phase” (or step) along the way, just stay committed and God will finish His work. Also, don’t get weighted down by man’s words and definitions about each phase. But through Bible study, prayer, and occasional fasting follow God with heartfelt love. According to His pattern conviction is the next step in the process of conversion. As was previously mentioned, don’t get caught up in the steps of the pattern. God will work them out according to His wisdom. Conviction is not about emotion, but about being convinced of His Truth. It is about knowing that without the sacrifice of Jesus Christ one’s result would be receiving the wages of sin – death. It is knowing that the heart and mind must be corrected by God and cannot be done without Him. Conviction is the deep seated, unwavering belief in God’s Truth and principles that leads to action. That action is repentance. A complete turning toward God and away from sin, while striving to lead the life God desires. Repentance is godly sorrow for a life lived wrongly, not just sadness or regret which can involve only short lived feelings. Convicted repentance leads to life in Christ and allows one to share in the inner conviction of Jesus. Conviction through repentance flows into faith. Convicted faith is knowing what God has done for mankind in Jesus Christ and a willingness to participate in Christ’s own conviction as One who was sent by the Father. One’s belief and intellectual assent to Truth becomes a deeply held living certainty and trust. Simple belief has turned into a trust which is so full that it shapes one’s life and actions. Convicted faith progresses through practice, not just thought. God accomplishes this in an individual by His Holy Spirit working with him/her. Christ then invites that person into the water of baptism to receive the indwelling of His Spirit of Power. The baptismal Covenant is Holy. The Conviction which has led to this point is Holy. It has been initiated by God. A continuation of growth deeper into conviction through Jesus Christ will blossom into convicted conversion. This is the ultimate aim in the Godly (spiritual) evolution (growth) of the flesh.

When God starts working with someone He has chosen His Holy Spirit is with them, not yet in them until baptism. At any point in the process to conversion the individual can exercise free will and reject whatever gift(s) God has given to them. God’s Spirit (Power) in conviction will inspire one to strive for holiness through Jesus Christ. Strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistant effort. Throughout God’s process conviction does manifest itself to the physical eyes of the world. Unseen to the world is the spiritual, internal manifestation that is visible only to the eyes of God. It’s a journey that takes them toward His Holiness, simultaneously developing His mind which will be complete in the first resurrection. Many are called by God but fewer are convicted. It is a thorough lifelong conviction which is needed to ultimately be chosen. Most professing Christians can and do exhibit faith, but without their conviction to the Word of God as absolute Truth, their faith lacks His Holiness. God will not bestow His Holiness to ultimately strengthen the lie of counterfeit Christianity.

True Godly conviction is recorded throughout the Bible. One can hear the Spirit of conviction in the voices. In John 17, listen to conviction in the voice of Jesus Christ throughout the chapter. In John 11 belief is evident in the minds of Mary and Martha, but is conviction? Jesus, in verses 40-43, speaks with conviction toward the raising of Lazarus from the dead and prays God help those present forward into His conviction. The verse “Jesus wept” is often tied to their lack of hope in Him that they were demonstrating. Conviction must be present in oneself to have hope. True hope in Jesus Christ carries that conviction. You also hear conviction in the voice of David (1 Samuel 17:45-47) and from Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 13:30, 14:6-9). Conviction is heard in the words of Peter (Acts 2-4) and in Stephen’s words (Acts 6-7). In the midst of God’s process toward Salvation lays conviction as an essential part in each step.

The process of Belief – Conviction – Repentance – Faith – Baptism – Conversion unto Salvation is like a divine recepie being prepared by Almighty God in those He has called. Man in his natural carnal state possesses no holiness he can call his own. God is Holiness and God is Spirit. There is an innate Holiness within each gift as it is accepted and acted upon by the individual. Growing in conviction is vital. Put forth the effort – God will provide the increase. God’s Holy Spirit is our Convictor through Jesus Christ. Whether working with someone or indwelled, God illuminates His path to Salvation. Build a personal relationship with Him through prayer, Bible study, and occasional fasting. These help Christ to live His life within oneself and produce the fruit thereof. One can strive for but cannot force abiding together with Christ in Truth. Jesus Christ was convicted to the will of the Father. Conviction is born of the Power and leads to life. One must be baptised for true conversion. Without the indwelling of His Holy Spirit eternal growth is not possible. Make Holiness an ultimate desire and God will fill to the full, pressed down and overflowing. This external look at an internal process is intended to impart a glimmer of light upon God’s work in those He has drawn to Jesus Christ. To the praise and glory of Almighty God.

“The Three P’s”

How many p’s are in deception? Consider these three and how they would relate in the deception of oneself and others.

Pride : Can be defined as elevating one’s opinions and thoughts above God’s authoritative Word.

Pretend: Putting on an act, playing a role, or claiming something you’re not, from simple make believe to sophiscated deception, and it can describe both playful acts and serious misrepresentation.

Pervert: To alter (something) from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corruption of what was first intended.

Regardless of attached suffix, all can cause seperation from God’s Truth and are in opposition to God’s character. Be assured, these instruments of deception are in Satan’s tool box.

“The Importance of Confession”

Have you ever listened to the Righteous Brothers singing duo? One of their most remembered songs is “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling.” It is a song of confession about reclaiming an emotion that had been eroded in order to “bring back that loving feeling.” Love is a powerful emotion which usually involves equally powerful action. Those called by God will hopefully have a loving feeling for Him. Both in emotion and in action. Satan is a destroyer and would like nothing better than to destroy one’s love for God. He attempts to create a seperation from God through his broadcasting of wrong attitudes, emotions, and actions to cause sin in the lives of those who love God. Sin can have an extinguishing effect upon love. Satan will leverage a person’s carnality to promote sin and seperation. He feeds upon the great exhilaration he receives when a person, especially the elect, begins to pile one sin upon another. There has been a way provided by God to short circuit his madness and that way is through the confession of sin. Once a person realizes whats being done and confesses quickly, it prohibits a snowball effect to sin.

To whom does one confess? Do not think of confession in the same light that most of mainstream Christianity views it. Mankind has a High Priest, an Intercessor, and an Advocate in Heavenly places. Confession is made directly to Jesus Christ. Man of his own volition has no effect upon sin. It is only through the death and life of Jesus Christ that one can overcome sin and its wages. It is by His broken flesh and shed blood that one has hope of forgiveness and healing from sin in this desperately evil world. God addresses the panoramic view of sin and its effects early on in the Genesis account of Adam and Eve. Highlighted are the consequences attached to sin even when confessed and forgiven. But by His Mercy and Grace, hope is also attached. The physical parents of mankind showcase one’s human imperfections and God’s faithfulness. Despite a heart that is continually evil, a carnal mind that is enmity against God, and a righteousness that is like filthy rags before Him, God loves His creation and allows humankind to march on in His master plan.

God hates sin and has provided a mechanism for reconciliation from what He hates. Confession is seen in both the Old and New Testaments as a tool to help recover from the seperation caused by sin. Throughout the history of man, from his creation to present times, little has changed in his propensity to sin. In his walk through the knowledge of good and evil he has transcended great heights and descended into unfathomable depths. There has been two constants that have walked this walk with man. They are Almighty God (Malachi 3:6; Romans 5:8-10) and that serpent of old, Satan the devil. He (Satan) is a formidable pied piper of sin who wants mankind to follow and worship him not the True and Living God. Leviticus 5 illustrates the unclean state of man before God in the sinning flesh. It also describes the mechanism God provided then(confession of sin, shedding of blood by animal sacrifice) in order for forgiveness, atonement, and reconciliation to Him. Leviticus 16 illustrates the unclean state of the physical nation of Israel ( spiritual Israel in the flesh, although striving to come out of sin, is still afflicted by it). On the Day of Atonement a priestly confession of all the sins of the children of Israel was placed on the head of the Azezal (represented by a goat) and it was removed from God’s people into desolation. A second goat (the LORD’s lot) was sacrificed to atone for the sins of the people. This ceremony pointed directly to Jesus Christ and His Sacrifice, the role of Satan and his removal as part of God’s master plan. These two chapters display and forcast God’s desire to be at one with His chosen people (and ultimately mankind). It also illustrates man’s desperate need to be at one with God (one cannot choose life and remain in an unrepentant sinful state).

Adam and Eve were created in perfect innocence of sin and its consequences until they broke God’s command not to take from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Their disobedience caused a seperation between God and man that remains to this very day. They were at one with God until they weren’t anymore. In the Heavenly spiritual realm the archangel Lucifer, the seal of perfection, was perfect until iniquity was found in him. Perfectly innocent from sin and its consequences until he wasn’t anymore. He now rules the earth working in the sons of disobedience. No Biblical patriarch, major or minor prophet, or apostle has been perfect where sin is concerned. No man or woman, in the flesh, has not needed forgiveness from sin save One who is Jesus Christ. Sin will be the bane of man from the time sin enters him/her until the day he/she dies. Thus the need for confession and forgiveness of sin through the sacrificial system to the coming of the Messiah, the Savior of all mankind Jesus Christ. God’s commandments are the physical foundation upon which man is placed to identify what sin is and what is not sin. What is sin? Sin is Lawlessness, the transgression of God’s Laws. What isn’t sin? The two great Commandments (Matthew 22:36-40). It is freedom, walking in harmony with God, and the ability to live life to the fullest. Jesus Christ came in the flesh to fulfill the Law, to fill it to the full (spiritually), as one point in fulfilling the will of the Father.

Now comes the segway into the dual recognition that underpins the importance of confession. Dual recognition is not something that happens first one then the other or vice versa. It is something which occurs simultaneously in the heart and mind of the person confessing. Confession is understanding that he/she is before the throne of the Creator, the Governor of the universe, the Living God, the Power and the Glory of I AM. One must come before Him correct, with a humble and contrite spirit. It is understanding that He is the One in control, the Supreme God. He, God the Father and Jesus Christ are as One. There is Salvation in no other name (Acts 4:12) and it is spelled J-E-S-U-S C-H-R-I-S-T. This is who is confessed before. He forgives sins and cleanses those who confess their sins to Him from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). No one can say they do not sin (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8, 10). The act of confession displays one’s acceptance of guilt, whose sin belongs to no other. A type of restitution is made to God, a re-dedication of one’s life through repentance and the hope that lives in the forgiveness of God. Confession tells God of one’s fight against sin and of his/her desire to return to Him, the desire to be holy, to be like Jesus Christ in all points. It is a return from evil (no matter how long or how fleeting) to one’s love for God. Not only must this return be voiced to God it must display the fruit of repentance, a striving will against sin which God will honor even if one fails on multiple occasions. God is constant. Confession is a way to display discernment of His Laws and the love that He shows to mankind through them. It displays one’s knowledge of the name of Jesus Christ and all that His name places on the table before them. It shows conviction to the Word of God and His promises, and a deep heartfelt desperation to enter through the door of Christ and abide with Him. Confession voices a daily need for His forgiveness, love, mercy, and grace which He will provide to those who are truthfully trying to overcome sin. One must remember that he/she stands not before a man but before Almighty God. God knows the heart. Confession is a professing of Christ as his/her King and Judge. It is an affirmation of Christ as the Son of God, the Messanger of God, and the Revelator of the Father. It affirms everything of His life, His death, and His resurrection . It gives thanks for all He has given and does for the sons/daughters of men- past, present, and future. It glorifies Him and the Father. Confession is recognizing our Savior, our sin, and the weakness of Satan before the Power of God. When God’s people sigh and cry over the condition of a nation or this world they confess the sins that are the cause and pray for repentance – forgiveness – mercy – healing. It is important to make confession for those who do not recognize the True God of the Bible nor distinguish good from evil. All mankind is made in the image of God and while He is not trying to save the whole world now, until the time He does offer a first chance of Salvation to all, the unknowing, the rebellious in the the flesh are in need of someone to stand before God and confess their sins until that time of Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) and the will of God is fulfilled (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Confession allows one the opportunity to be honest with God. It shows a desire for a close relationship with Him. It validates a desire to endure to the end in His Way within this violence driven, over sexualized, and Satan deceived world. Confession is a valuable mechanism that God has provided to all His chosen people. It should not be taken lightly or cast aside as in professing Christianity. It is an opportunity to come before the throne of God seeking forgiveness, to be reconcilled to Him, and to be set straight and upright again. Jesus gave His broken flesh and His blood, taking the sins of mankind upon Himself, one must take their sins upon themself and confess them to Jesus Christ for forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness. Confession gives one claim to the complete, total name of Jesus Christ and by it declare His fullness to the glory of God. It speaks of one’s desire for Truth, Faithfulness, and Righteousness. It takes from Satan the control over one’s life that he desires. It weakens his grip and releases his hold, restoring one to a right relationship with Almighty God. An honest look into confession should show one the Power of God. Confession opens the way to repentance and a peaceful, humble walk with the Creator. It lifts one from their wretched and desolate state brought on by sin. It heals the brokenhearted and the hopeless. It brings back that loving feeling that is lost to sin. It refreshes one’s first love. It is more important for God to see one’s works through confession than for man to see one’s works. Confession displays the attitude of the overcomer and intimates the longing that there be no seperation from the doctrines of God and one’s own doctrines. It is co-partnered with repentance and God’s Holy Spirit to bring about spiritual growth and change. In short, confess often, confess daily, seeking His forgiveness and draw closer to God. Jesus Christ is the name that makes this possible. He is the Hope. Hope is the coming King. To the praise and glory of Almighty God.

“L-G-B-T-Q Spells D-E-A-T-H”

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” He was in the beginning with God. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness’; so God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them and God said to them ‘Be fruitful and multiply’; ‘Therefore a man shall leave father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.’ Then God saw everything that He had made and indeed it was very good.”

The paragraph above outlines God’s intent and desire for humankind. Man and woman were created with purpose. Their purpose is to bear the fruit of a Godly union and to raise their fruit (children) according to His Way. A Way He designed in the best interest of His Creation. They were to populate the earth with Godly offspring and walk the earth in His image and likeness (not only in physical likeness but also in spiritual likeness) – Love, Truth, Holiness, Righteousness, and Mercy. He also bestowed upon humankind (Adam and Eve) the freedom of choice. He desired them to make thier choices based upon what He had given to them and shown to them. God had provided everything they needed to live abundantly. God had provided (given to them) and shown them love in it’s purest form (agape). Love that was free from pride, lust, greed, get, self, and sin. Enter Satan to work toward the things that they did not know and to make those things seem desirable and worthy to possess. Satan wanted them to believe in him, to believe that God wasn’t working in their best interest and that He, God, was misleading them. The “want” (or “get”) of pride was leveraged by deception through the doubt that Satan had cast before Eve. There is no “need” (or “give” as God had given to them or as in their “giving” of obedience to God) in pride, only “want.” They had returned to God love in it’s rawest (basest) form, love for self. Love that was not refined by the Holy Spirit of God. So the Command and Love of God was cast to the ground like slop before a hog. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil now had the preeminence, separating Adam and Eve (humankind) from God and keeping them from returning to the tree of life. The choice had been theirs. They, by way of their descendants, would now spend the next 6,000 years in self-rule to hopefully see (realize) the error of their way (choice). Yet, to this very day the realization has not overcome the pride of humankind.

It is interesting to see how early in the Genesis account that the words evil (Genesis 2) and violence (Genesis 6) appear. Both are inextricably connected. Evil is violence. Violence is a physical, emotional, or mental attack intended to crush or annihilate another. Violence can also be used to describe a spiritual attack upon God Himself with the intent to inflict a “similar” damage. Violence is evil toward both man and God. This is part of the knowledge that was imparted to Adam and Eve through the tree. Evil took root quickly blossoming into the violence of killing (Genesis 4). It would grow unabated among humankind and toward God leading to the flood.

Jumping ahead through the generations of man one will find a type of sin which is the focus, LGBTQ. It’s comprised of sin perpetrated under the influence of the “godfather” of sin, Satan, a father to deception. There are generally three “P’s” associated with deception. The first is pride. The second is pretend. The third is pervert. The definitions of these three words need not be broadly examined in their entire scope. They will be pared down to practical, working definitions as they relate to God’s Way to life and the working of Satan in regard to the focus. Pride can be defined as elevating one’s opinions and thoughts above God’s authoritative Word. Pretend can be defined as playing a role, claiming to be something you are not, a misrepresentation. Pervert can be defined as altering something from it’s original course, a corruption of what was first intended. Consider five of God’s straightforward commands and extrapolate the principles that encompass the entirety of LGBTQ. “And God spoke all these words, saying: ‘I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me'” (Exodus 20:1-3). “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22). And in verse 24 of Leviticus 18, “Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for by all these things the nations are defiled, which I am casting out before you.” Next is “If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them” (Leviticus 20:13). “A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 22:5). Every letter in the acronym LGBTQ represents a behavior that is an abomination to God. The intent within each letter is that of the individual placing themself above God. Each letter is a rebellion against God’s design, intent, and purpose for His Creation of man and woman. The acronym points to a Satan influenced idea that God does not mean what He says, nor say what He means. Each behavior represents a bold statement of sin in which humankind is the master of his/her own flesh and can pretend to be something which they are not. LGBTQ perverts God’s intent for their fleshy existence to fit their own depraved ideation’s while Satan drives the power of their pride, placing God’s intent behind his own deceptive intent. It is a lie that is given preeminence over Truth. Those who stand behind the LGBTQ acronym are blinded by darkness and unseeing in light. They profess to know what is right instead of understanding what the Eternal defines as right. Do they believe that they can out-create the Creator with a lie? “Professing to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:22).

Jesus Christ and His apostles taught and practiced the True worship of God along with the behavior and characteristics associated with it. In the apostle Paul’s inspired epistle to the Romans he points out God’s indictment and Judgment of humankind in the second half of chapter one. Verses 28-32 illustrate what LGBTQ doctrines and beliefs encompass. Also pointed out are those who foolishly go along with and most often defend as the individuals right to live in this manner of behavior. Frequently LGBTQ uses the “my body, my choice” defense as do others who practice what God calls abominations. They do not realize that their body belongs to the One who created it and that they only occupy said body for a short time. The dispensation of a myriad of choices throughout life displays one’s proclivities, leading to life or death. The death here is not the death of the physical flesh but is the death of non-existance, of never having been, the second death. The choices made by LGBTQ are very similar to the disobedience of God’s command chosen by Adam and Eve. It is rooted in the ability to make their own decisions for themselves in regard to what is good and what is evil. This type of attitude excites Satan as he leads a good percentage of human kind toward death. The doctrine and attitude of (but not limited to) LGBTQ behavior is further revealed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:5-6, and Romans 2:1-9. Their perceived way of life, in fact, does not lead to life. Yet, in His indictments, God follows up with hope and the behaviors and attitudes to, through repentance, seek. Just look at Romans 2:10, Ephesians 5:7-10, Galatians 5:22-24, and 1 Corinthians 6:11. Only God’s Way will lead them to life through the door of repentance. The rebellion against God is one of the utmost examples of behaviors that are anti-Christ. There is only one Way of life and it is not spelled L-G-B-T-Q. It is spelled J-e-s-u-s C-h-r-i-s-t. An individual cannot claim a part in one and have any part in the other. There is a time of Judgment coming and the hope is that LGBTQ will not let the pride of life extinguish the hope that God has in His plan and purpose for humankind.

Overall, what befell Adam and Eve is a microcosm of the next 6,000 years for humankind. The deception of Satan, disobedience toward God, all wrapped in the desire to make his/her own decisions. Is this not what LGBTQ represents at it’s core? They are deceived that the life they have chosen is the way to go. They rebel against God and His purpose for life in the flesh. They possess a want to use one’s own discretion, apart from God, to make decisions about a life that they mistakenly call their own. Overall, the way that humankind has mapped out for themself has not gone well. God’s Creation has gone from what He viewed as “very good” to what one sees in 2026. Both humankind and LGBTQ have chosen lifestyles that cannot be maintained, as God intended, and it leads to the non-existance of death. Down through the generations of humanity both men and women have, for the most part, have lived lives of “get” not “give.” A getting to the fulfillment of their own desires and rebelling against the giving of themselves to God. They have exhibited a penchant for iniquity, tilted toward the self, possessing mind and a heart that are riddled with the deceptions of the adversary. For the most part, the path they walk is one of ignorance, oblivious that the lake of fire is their destination. If it were possible to be in a worse state it would be LGBTQ. Spiritually blinded by self pride and fully given to a lie that they can physically see, they pervert the purpose of the human body designed and created by God. They misuse, mutilate, and disrespect their flesh, lashing out in violence toward the Great God Himself. They run their race hellbent and headlong into the extinguishing of the self, a self that they so proudly proclaim, by the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8). God does not want, desire, or hope for this. His Judgment will be Righteous, but His Love, Longsuffering, and Mercy will also be seen. God the Father and Jesus Christ are a God of choices. Hope is always present for those who choose to see it. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). This is the love of a merciful God who is worthy of praise, worship, and obedience. A God that one should lovingly acknowledge, not disregard. LGBTQ must be willing to sacrifice their self pride upon the altar of Godly Wisdom. A person has only one life in this flesh and only one life to lose for eternity, their own (Philippians 2:12b). To the praise and glory of Almighty God whose Mercy endures forever.

“The Fear of Heaven Sent”

The Book of Proverbs is always a good starting point toward the building of understanding. Chapter 1, verse 7 reveals this, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” The word fear in this verse refers to the reverence that is owed the Creator and piety in the knowledge of the Lord. It indicates that people are to know God and look to Him for what they are incapable of attaining apart from Him. It also represents a submission to God. Proverbs 1:29 reveals, “Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord.” The word fear in this verse is the same fear that is used in verse 7 except that it is disregarded in the spirit of pride. A rejecting of God that leads to destruction. There is no awe or dread of the Eternal and His Power in an attitude of rebellion, not wanting to revere Him nor seek His knowledge. It indicates one who looks away from God and toward his/her own knowledge. Author Bruce K. Waltke in his commentary “The Book of Proverbs” states this about fear as it relates to knowledge, ” What the alphabet is to reading, notes are to reading music, the fear of the Lord is to attaining the revealed knowledge of this book.” Stepping away from the Book of Proverbs, 2 Corinthians 7:1 reveals this added element, “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” The word fear used here means to be exceedingly afraid. Afraid of what God is capable of doing in righteousness. This fear should lead one toward His holiness and to great respect and awe. These three Scriptures offer an invitation to see inside the title “The Fear of Heaven Sent.” They provide a view not only into the physical aspect of the title, but into the spiritual aspect as well.

The secular definition of heaven sent as it appears in the Cambridge Dictionary reads, “If someone or something is heaven-sent, he, she, or it arrives or happens, usually unexpectedly, at the time when most useful.” The terms God sent and Godsend are basically extensions of heaven sent. Other definitions of heaven sent attach terms like lucky break, and good fortune. Plainly, that which comes from God is heaven sent, from the seat of His throne. There is no fortune, or luck associated with God. While there can be some truth in the definition of heaven sent, there are other aspects that are not addressed. What are two of the basic things that come from God? Blessings for obedience (life) and curses for disobedience (death). Both are righteous judgments of God, depending upon one’s choice to walk in light or in darkness. A man or a woman has no argument against righteousness. God is love. God is righteous. God loves what He has created in His image, humankind. God also loves righteousness. People are to seek God and His righteousness. Do not be fooled, love and righteousness dwell together.

Modern Christianity has a warm and fuzzy concept about what is sent by God. It is usually depicted only in terms of happiness and goodness as in the secular definition of heaven sent. Thinking about what is heaven sent in terms of correction, chastening, or heaven forbid, judgment is avoided. Professing Christians tend to think only of going to heaven and much less about their so called eternal punishment in hell. God’s Church understands the lie of these mythical destinations all too well. To those who have come out of a false Christian church, consider this: When, during a funeral service has there ever been a declaration made about the deceased person going to hell? Only the destination is mentioned according to the lie that defines their definition of grace. A definition in which sin has no consequences. This is not Biblical. Yes, both blessings and curses are heaven sent. Blessings resulting from obedience and repentance from sin leading to life. Curses resulting from disobedience and unrepentant sin leading to death. This is the fairness and righteousness of God, an opportunity to make the choice to repent or not. To again choose life or death. God cannot be fooled in His judgments.

Deuteronomy 28 contains a detailed record of God’s blessings for obedience and His curses for disobedience. They are both outlined here- For obedience: protection, prosperity, fertility, victory, status as God’s people, provision, health. For disobedience: defeat, disease, famine, poverty, national ruin, exile. If one follows the Words of the Law written in the Bible, blessings. If one chooses not to follow them, curses. Why curses? “That you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD…” (Deuteronomy 28:58). The Egyptians were shown the fear of heaven sent in the days of Moses, but they were unwilling students to the lessons God provided. The great flood of Noah’s day was also sent as a judgment upon mankind. In these judgments as in others throughout the Bible it was God’s intent that His curses would be witnessed and spoken of among men to learn to fear Him and that these examples would be recorded and used by future humankind to learn the lesson that sin does have consequences. Just as it was then, today’s modern societies are poor students of history. They too are unwilling learners of what God has clearly put before them- judgments in blessings or of sin and it’s consequences. One is witness to this pattern unfold, physically throughout the Old Testament and spiritually in the New Testament. Being blinded by deception people, for the most part, do not see nor believe this pattern in God’s written Word. Only a select few understand it’s full intent and learn from it. Some may see various bits and pieces but cannot put them together. In the Wisdom and Mercy of our most Benevolent Creator there is coming a time when all will understand the fulness of it’s meaning. In the White Throne Judgment, when the Books are opened, there will be either joyous acceptance or the weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Love is an integral component of fear, flowing both from God and toward God. All things sent from heaven work for both the immediate and longterm good of humankind. Both blessings and curses. Blessings as something precious to be held onto and learned from and curses to hopefully be learned from. Consider how tightly a child will hold onto what they consider their most precious and valuable possessesion. This is how one should hold onto the fear of God. Fear of what comes down from heaven. Humankind must learn from the Bible what God sends down upon them, both to build up and to tear down, in their best interest. All are heaven sent in righteousness and judgment, not only during the brief lifetime of a person, but as an admonition to learn from what has gone before. Do not forget, take for granted, or dismiss what God has done for His Creation. Now, the penultimate in understanding the fear of heaven sent. This is our God who is in control, who reigns Supreme. His Judgments fall upon the earth. They fall upon the heads of men in righteousness, not in the pettiness of malice. It is this big picture fear that God supplies to His saints, those that love Him and keep His Commandments:

“In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die and death will flee from them. But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hand, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory. And they gnawed their tongues because of their pain. They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds. And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.” (Revelation 9:6, 20-21; 16:9, 10b-11, 21).

From this unto this:

“After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.’ Again they said, ‘Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!’ And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, ‘Praise our God, all you His servants, and those who fear Him, both small and great!’ And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.'” (Revelation 19:1-7).

The two preceeding Scriptural examples vividly display the fear of the ungodly and Godly fear. Curses in righteous judgment and blessings in righteousness. The pattern is repeated for emphasis over and over throughout God’s written Word. Faithlessness and faithfulness reap what is sown. Christ our Savior was given to reconcile all humankind to the God of all Creation. A one time Sacrifice for the sins of every son of man ever born. A leveling of the playing field, so to speak, in the loosest of terms. But it does not exempt man from the wages of continued sin, unrepentant and running wild, making the body and blood of Christ a vain thing. There is a time of Judgment just ahead for humankind. Unfortunately, counterfeit Christianity has blurred the meaning of the Sacrifice of the Lamb of God and instead has brought into focus unlimited grace- a concept that does not exist. Within the modern societies present on earth in 2026, Godly fear is on the endangered list, heading toward extinction along with faith (an extension of Godly fear). As man approaches the time of the end and the day of Judgment, plagues, sickness, famine, fear, terror, the Great Tribulation, the Day of the Lord, and the lake of fire among many other things will be heaven sent. But so also will be trials, correction, chastening, repentance, understanding, the lack of fear, peace, His Holy Spirit, the Millennium, and most importantly, Jesus Christ to establish the Kingdom of God here on earth. Salvation has a purpose in God’s plan. As His chosen people- spiritual Israel- awe should be mixed with humility and Thanksgiving for the blessing of His purpose for mankind and for the understanding of the title “The Fear of Heaven Sent.” The fear of God runs throughout His Church as it has been taught and passed down by faithful ministers within the body just as they have received it from Jesus Christ. To the praise and glory of Almighty God!

“The Lord of Rest”

“In the beginning…” What a way to begin a written record intended to be passed down through the generations of mankind. In Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1 it’s a real attention grabber. Does it seem coincidental or part of a pattern, Old Testament – New Testament? It has been said that the Bible is God’s instruction book for mankind. It can also be said that it is a book of patterns. Patterns of behaviors and characteristics that result in life and patterns of behaviors and characteristics that result in death. Patterns of the physical and patterns of the spiritual. Patterns to build or to destroy by freedom of choice. The most basic interpretation for “pattern” is something to follow or imitate. A good pattern is something that is reliable, something you can trust. A bad pattern is, well, the opposite. The Bible is the pattern for flesh, leading to spirit. In general it is written for mankind, but more focused, it is written for those who God calls. You see, God is not trying to “save” the entirety of mankind. But He is patterning the way for those He has called to overcome the flesh, this first step, and “graduate” to the state of spirit, to serve under Jesus Christ in His Kingdom, as part of His family. Jesus Christ is the first born from the dead, the pattern, and the called are His cadre. Those who are already judged to be born again in the first resurrection. A backtracking from this point is now necessary.

God created man from the dust of the ground and in “Our image, according to our likeness…” This describes the physical man and the spiritual being that will spring forth in the “twinkling of an eye” at the first resurrection. The first resurrection is referring only to those who God has chosen, His saints. Do not forget this. Moving on, Genesis 2:2 reveals that God rested on the seventh day. Rested? What does that mean? Rested as used here, means that God ceased to create (the work of His hands). At that particular point in time (after six days) His creation was complete. This does not imply that He would create no more, only that this “phase” of creation was complete. In ceasing from creating (His works) on the seventh day, God provided the pattern for man’s existance and the vision to look toward Him for His provision in all things with awe, praise, and glory. God was looking toward man’s best interest with the seventh, or Sabbath day. The Sabbath day would be an opportunity for mankind to “rest” or to cease creating (the work of their hands). It would be a ceasing from the toil and sweat of the labors of man. Physical man is a far cry from our God who never tires, never slumbers, and never sleeps, eternally so. God knew the needs of His Creation both physically and spiritually, so this pattern, by His example. Man would also cease from the cares of this world and the attitudes that Satan sows into it. It allows one to lay fallow in Jesus Christ, being refreshed and restored. On the seventh day one learns to develop the faith of Jesus, to rely upon His provision and to surrender to Him. Those who keep the Sabbath abide with Jesus on this day. Matthew 12:8 reads, “For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” The idea of rest or ceasing all has to do with faith in God and His promises. Think of this when reading Matthew 11:29, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” The rest mentioned here is complete faith and trust in God for ALL things- provision, protection, deliverance, redemption, and salvation. It is a looking past that which is physical into that which is spiritual. Jesus Christ relied totally upon the will of the Father and dwelt in His promises. God provided ALL to Him, sometimes through human instruments, to live and complete His work according to the plan and purpose of the Father (1 Peter 1:17-21). The vast majority of supposed Christians rely upon the work of their own hands and hearts, living life according to what they imagine is right. They seldom cease from labor or self indulgent pleasure and give to God the faith and praise He deserves. Few follow the Godly example to cease for a full twenty- four hours on the day specifically created by God for man. Those called by God turn to Him as their Omnipotent God, have faith in all His promises, worshiping and revering Him with thanksgiving on the seventh day. This is in keeping with the pattern to totally trust in Him, as Christ did, to fulfill all their needs. Overall, mankind would rather look to itself to make his/her own breaks in life. This attitude is driven by the deception of Satan, to create their own “riches” and push God out of the picture, not giving to Him what is due. It is not necessarily wrong to have worldly wealth, but not at God’s forsaking. Ceasing or resting on one day for the purpose of focusing on the Creator, our Father and His Word Jesus Christ, will not “break the bank,” so to speak. In fact you will be blessed when you do this from the heart- and do not forget, God understands how much “heart” you put into your Sabbath. Not your physical rest but your spiritual rest- placing yourself upon/in Him is His desire.

The idea of the pattern of rest flows throughout His written Word. Here are just a few examples that illustrate this: the ark, the tabernacle, the temple, the Law, the Gospel, Jesus Christ, the body as His temple. They all depict the need of man to: 1. Lie fallow in Him. 2. Have faith in Him. 3. Rely upon Him. 4. Look toward Him for one’s ultimate deliverance. He gave the gift of the seventh day to mankind to do exactly that. Remember, this life in the flesh is fleeting and designed to learn these four lessons among many others. God is training up His chosen just as Scripture reveals that a parent should (Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6:7). It is each persons responsibility to avail themselves to His training and to walk in it. But, the gift of the seventh day provides much more. On this day God ceased creating. What He had created was deemed by Him as “very good.” It is safe to conclude that He was very satisfied. Satisfied in what He had created in the prior six days (the physical creation) and satisfied in what He was creating (spiritually) in/for man. Both of these creations were planned by God from before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:17-21). Each Sabbath as one ceases from their works he/she should also look back on the week that was. Can one say that their works were very good? What was created in their prior six days? Was it love? Was love shown to God or to their neighbor? Was forgiveness, service, sacrifice in the spirit of give cultivated? What about the attitude of obedience and yielding to the will of God that leads to life? Or did one create strife, envy, greed, pride, lust, malice, and the spirit of get? What about seeing the needs of others? Was sin leading to death cultivated? On the seventh day one should also consider the upcoming week. One can make correction to their shortcomings and attitudes. It is a time to ask forgiveness, for confession of sin and repenting, to put one’s focus back on God in prayer, Bible study and, of course, worship. Of course one should not limit these things to just the Sabbath day but it is a good time to focus. As previously stated the seventh day provides the opportunity to cease and rest from the cares of the world. It is a time to consider adjusting course to navigate the way, with God’s help (His Holy Spirit), toward His Kingdom and His family. For those called it is a unique time of rest, to recline upon the bosom of Jesus Christ and learn from Him.

God’s pattern of rest is also visible elsewhere. These “rests” all present clear physical and spiritual benefit. In no particular order and not limited to these examples, they are: God’s design built into the land Sabbath. Land is cultivated and sown for six years then rests (lays fallow) in the seventh year. The seventh year allows the land to be refreshed and restored to a productive end. It also points directly to God who provides the increase. Then there is the 7,000 year plan of God. In it are 6,000 years of mankinds rule, seperated from Him. Then comes the 1,000 year Millennium (a type of rest) in which the earth is refreshed and restored and the remaining remnant of mankind is “reintroduced” to the Way of the Living God and His Truth. The Kingdom of God is established on earth at this time by the triumphant return of Jesus Christ. Next is the Jubilee year. It is a 50th year observance following seven cycles of seven years. Sometimes referred to as a “super Sabbath” it includes land rest, liberation of “debt slaves,” and restoration of property to it’s original owners. It is also referred to as the “year of release,” and the “year of the Lord’s favor” (Isaiah 61:1-2). It foreshadows the spiritual liberty brought by Jesus Christ (Luke 4:18-19). Illuminated is God’s Mercy with a rest from permanent poverty and the rest that is found in the peace of a fresh start (Micah 4:4). This is followed by the Festival of Pentecost. It is seven cycles of seven days between the Days of Unleavened Bread and the actual Day of Pentecost which marks the 50th day. Pentecost points to the Truth that God is calling only a few in this age. It marks the giving (pouring out) of God’s Holy Spirit upon His Church on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38-42) and through His Spirit understanding of His Word. In receiving His Holy Spirit (Power) by entering into His baptismal Covenant, one receives “rest” from “going it alone” through this physical life. The examples of rest are summed up in the seven annual Sabbaths (Holy Days) that lay out God’s master plan. From coming out of sin and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to the return of Jesus Christ and the first resurrection through the binding and removal of Satan to the establishment of the Kingdom of God and the Millennial rest until the second resurrection and the White Throne Judgment, the pattern for rest is carried full circle. The context of the last sentence, above, is brought into focus by 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, it reveals, “But I do not want you in to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means proceed those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” These words directly point at God’s Church, those who He has called and chosen, not to mankind in it’s entirety. So this question must be put to those called out ones. Do you believe it or not? This is your Salvation. Professing Christianity desperately wants to believe that this part of Scripture applies to everyone, but it does not. God created fleshy man for the purpose of those He would call into the first resurrection, His cadre, and secondarily (this is not the best word to use as God does not show partiality but it best describes this understandably) for those whose part is the second resurrection.

All mankind will have the experience of the first death. Those who He has called and chosen will “graduate” through the doorway that is Jesus Christ into the first resurrection. It is this “better resurrection” that is the focus. This is God’s design from the beginning. The days of man are laid out in Psalm 90:10-12. The life in the flesh is not the be all, end all for man. The apostle Paul makes this abundantly clear throughout his inspired writings. For those called by God you do not exit the flesh through death’s door but through life’s door. First Thessalonians 4:13-18 speaks to those called who sleep in Jesus and to those called who remain alive, both of whom lived and live confidently and convictedly in God’s Word. God has pointed this out all along, “a rest.” For those called out, His saints, what is the first death really but a type of rest. A rest or sleep that will be even more fleeting than life in the flesh. When one has come into the fullness of life in the flesh (Psalm 90:10-12) be accepting of the time to sleep when it arrives. One should not kick against God for more time in the flesh when he/she has already been blessed with length of days. In sleep Satan has no influence or power, there is no more sin, perfection awaits after this perfect rest. The flesh is conquered and spiritual life is ahead. The race has been won. Enter into sleep with faith. Faith in God’s promises. God’s Kingdom awaits those who sleep in Jesus. Jesus Christ awaits as does a place at the Kings table forever.

In closing this gets personal. As God imparts the wisdom of how to rest in Him during this fleshy existance, it is important to understand that resting in Christ is abiding in Christ. So tarry with Him, rest in Him. Immerse yourself in Him. Fill your mind with Him. Feed on Him. And as we rest in Christ on each weekly Sabbath, delicately weigh your works of the previous week. The works of the hand, heart, and mind. Then ask, is faith visible in them? If not seek Christ to reveal to you where you are wanting and make the necessary corrections to your course. For this is the sum of man, for those God has called out from this world. As God imprints the magnitude of rest upon us, remember that you do not have to give up anything of importance in this life to learn to rest in Him- it’s loves, it’s joys, it’s ups and downs, or any things both small and great that are beautiful, upright, and pure. Through this flesh and overcoming the world you are actually inheriting life, the spiritual life that was intended from the beginning. As spirit we rest from the flesh. Being perfected our training in the flesh has been completed. The called out will experience the glory of God when the entire creation rests from the effects brought on it by mankind. You are chosen to view, with awe, the New World from the New Jerusalem. It is part of the humbling and remarkable life that awaits. Feel the hair upon your flesh rise up in reading 1 Corinthians 15:50-54, it reveals, “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: we shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory.” All praise and glory to Almighty God and His Word. Use His Holy Spirit. Discover the ability to rest in Him. Jesus Christ will show you how. Ask Him!