CROWNS OF MEMORIAL

This is the ninth vision given to Zechariah or, rather, a special command after the eight visions.

It is the crowning revelation of a twofold sense.

It is to give great faith in the certainty of the Messiah’s coming and peculiar honours to be conferred upon him.

To watch the video link: http://youtu.be/DwrFoIRiARQ

Zec 6:9-15 KJV

(9) And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

(10) Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah;

(11) Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;

(12) And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:

(13) Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

(14) And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the LORD.

(15) And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.

It indicates the intense desire that God manifested to show Israel that the coming of the Messiah was near; that the temple construction was secondary in importance, although necessary, to hasten that event and how Joshua the high priest was a REPRESENTATIVE character.

He is crowned as King to show that the future Messianic office will unite both the priestly with the kingly.

This powerfully supports the teaching of Hebrews, only he approaches from the Levitical side as representative, rather than from the Melchisedek side which was typical.

Melchisedek was king and priest. Joshua was a priest and could not be King because he was not of David’s line, but he is crowned representatively of the coming priest – King – the BRANCH.

Isa 11:1-10 KJV

(1) And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

(2) And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

(3) And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

(4) But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

(5) And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

(6) The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

(7) And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

(8) And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.

(9) They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

(10) And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

[KJV] Jeremiah 23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

~The Branch

[KJV] Zechariah 3:8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.

WORD REPLACES ANGEL

Zechariah is now brought under a new operation. The angelic interpreter is not mentioned. The extreme importance of the message is such that the WORD of the Lord is mentioned as coming to the prophet. All agencies are obliterated as unimportant – the word alone being exalted. The coming revelation, dealing so effectively with the coming of the word made flesh, was hence presented in a seemly manner.

~The Word Made Flesh

[KJV] John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

The last sentence in this revelation speaks of obedience to the voice of God and hence supplants the introductory verse.

The word, “hear his voice” is to be obeyed and, in its new dispensation with the setting the crowning of Jesus as priest in King, is to be the major act of obedience, if he is to make us kings and priests to God

EXALTING THE BUILDING ABOVE THE BUILDER

Three men had come from Babylon and were evidently guests in the house of a priest called Josiah. These men had brought gifts of silver and gold to go towards the temple construction. It was a noble, generous and highly ideal and the impulse reminds us of that of David who decided to build a house for God.

However, as is often the case, God overreached man’s highest ambition with something of far superior worth, indicating the truth of the word, thoughts are not your thoughts.

[KJV] Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

God took advantage of David’s impulse and promised to build him a house and that his seed, that is Christ, was to be more worthy than any outward building.

So the builder of the house is greater than the building, for God himself was the builder and he should be crowned supreme as such.

[KJV] Hebrews 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

In case the glory of the temple took a great a hold on the imagination of the donors of the gifts, God steps in and claims that the gifts be used for a special purpose, relative to the priesthood rather than to the temple.

God commands that the gifts are to be used to make crowns, to crown Joshua, the high priest with all that as representative in the name of the priestly office of the Christ, so that he might show in what direction he was going to be pleased to bestow honour.

You remember that when Peter talked about building the Tabernacles when on the Mount, that the voice of the father interrupted by drawing attention to the Son. This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.

Mat 17:1-9 KJV

(1) And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

(2) And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

(3) And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

(4) Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

(5) While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

(6) And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

(7) And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

(8) And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

(9) And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

Hence God forestalled a future failing of Israel; to exalt the temple above the Christ. This spirit was responsible to some extent for the death of Stephen, and was rebuked by Christ himself when he said that in this place is someone greater than the temple.

[KJV] Matthew 12:6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.

[KJV] Acts 7:48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

The tendency to exalt building above the builder is shown today in the sectarian spirit. We must be continually reminded that our gifts are for the crowning of Christ, and the putting him in his rightful place. A lot is said in the New Testament about the support of men and ministry, Christ anointed servants, but the Scripture is silent about funds for church building. When Scripture is silent on the thing it pays to be silent too.

The changing of Joshua’s name to The BRANCH

Haste – the same day

Zachariah was commanded to make the crowns on the same day. The work was not to be delayed. Today if you will hear his voice harden not your hearts.

[KJV] Hebrews 3:15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

The ceremony as taught in this passage in Zechariah 6 points so clearly to Christ twofold office of King and priest is naturally rich in reference to the of book of Hebrews.

God was urgent in that the glory of the latter house be realised by the prophecies first and later by the presence of the Son in the temple itself. As it was unknown in the priesthood line of Aaron that the high priest be crowned king we see Joshua purely advanced as a representative character.

BEHOLD THE MAN

[KJV] John 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

Pilot use this same words before the Jewish mob. Jesus was crowned then but with thorns and the flowing blood spoke of redemption and the priestly work his purple robe spoke of his royalty. This man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses.

[KJV] Hebrews 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

The text means this, behold the man Joshua is a remarkable foreshadowing of the Christ. It is not for his own sake that the Crown is placed upon him but as a type of Messiah, about to be at once both King and priest.

The branch & the glory.

Secure and permanent, the Council of peace sits between both the King & the Priest. Christ unites the religious and the civil office. Christ is the head of his own church state. The link between the church and state is shown today in the worldly setups. This is only an imitation and the counterfeit of the real spiritual rule of our priest king. The concurrence of the two offices in Christ results in peace being purchased. The priestly office being sustained by the kingly. Justice and mercy are harnessed in Christ the councillor. Peace be unto thee. Justice is met and mercy has triumphed.

Remembrance

The crowns were kept as a memorial of the donors who have come from afar. This indicates that the Gentiles would come and build under Christ in the true temple.

These crowns were a reminder to those building that the Christ would indeed come and his glory would be seen in the temple.

So sanctified souls who crown Jesus is king and priest are

1 always remembered before God

2 are those building with the vision of his return to glorify himself in his saints.

3 the sanctified walk itself is a guarantee that he is coming. (Those that have this hope in them and purify themselves even as he is pure)

[KJV] 1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Thus people are prepared and made ready for his return.

The true building then can be measured by one thing and one thing alone…..

People are getting saved and walking in holiness and separation from the world.

This can only happen if we diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord and to the one now speaking from heaven.

~The Unshaken Kingdom

[KJV] Hebrews 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

If we do not enter into this experience of true building – the obedience of the word – then another believing generation will be raised up to take our place.

Rom 11:13-36 KJV

(13) For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

(14) If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

(15) For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

(16) For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

(17) And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

(18) Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

(19) Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.

(20) Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

(21) For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

(22) Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

(23) And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.

(24) For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

(25) For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

(26) And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

(27) For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

(28) As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.

(29) For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

(30) For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:

(31) Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

(32) For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

(33) O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

(34) For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

(35) Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

(36) For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

I have always found this passage humbling. We have been given the gift of faith so we can walk in holiness & separation from the world before the Lord Jesus. We now have the power to do only those things that please him. The question remains; do we really want to do only those things that please him? The history of the future will tell.

I hope that you have seen and understood the gravity of our times, through looking at these visions, given so long ago to stir God’s people to press towards the mark of our high calling.

[KJV] Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

To watch the video link: http://youtu.be/DwrFoIRiARQ

Joshua the high priest gets fresh garments.

The high priest at Jerusalem in Zachariah 3 is an outstanding type of Christ. In order to get the setting we must understand that the Jews had returned from captivity, but weak in numbers and also with a painful sense that they had been people who had failed God.

Link to watch the video: http://youtu.be/Go-Q7KupUGA

Zec 3:1-10 KJV

1. And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
   

    

2. And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
   

    

3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
   

    

4. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
   

    

5. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.
   

    

6. And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying,
   

    

7. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.
   

    

8. Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.
   

    

9. For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
   

    

(10) In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.

Don’t forget that when they were first released from captivity they returned to Jerusalem with great joy and enthusiasm. They set about with a strong determination and purpose to rebuild the temple and establish the walls around Jerusalem. They then hit numerous difficulties and setbacks and gradually the enthusiasm and determination to fulfil the purpose of escaping from slavery in the sunless north in Babylon evaporated. They lost hope, vision and purpose. The city lay in ruins and the temple look like a deserted building site. Nothing was finished. The faith of the people dwindled under the heavy burden of the job at hand. Their persistence was gradually whittled away by the constant dripping of opposition and dissension.

The city and the temple lay about in ruins and the enemies of God, their foes filled the land. They were under the control and subject to the whims of a Gentile power, the Persians. Two Jewish leaders had arisen, the high priest Joshua and Zerubbabel the prince or ruler at Jerusalem. However the people were not strong in faith and so Zachariah the prophet was raised up with a series of visions and prophecies he encouraged the leaders and the people to go ahead with the building of the temple.

VISION RELATIVE TO JOSHUA

In Zachariah 3 Joshua the high priest is seen being opposed by Satan. As the spiritual head of the Jews, he is shown clothed in filthy garments. The inhabitants of Jerusalem had returned with a heavy sense of guilt, and there is iniquity is shown laid upon Joshua.

Satan, is represented as a legal adversary in contending the issue. It is that the people at Jerusalem, represented by their high priest, are not fit to carry out the work of God.

The position of Satan, at the right-hand is often the usual position of a prosecutor or an accuser in court. The whole setting is forensic. Psalm 109:6 – let Satan stand at his right hand.

Psa 109:6 KJV

(6) Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.

SATAN REBUKED.

However, there is also an advocate for God on the scene. It is the Lord himself, he says, “the Lord rebuke thee, Satan.” The Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem, rebuke thee…”

Zec 3:2 KJV

(2) And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

It is a very powerful term showing the immense strength of God. This rebuke is in the light of a future event. God states that he will bring forth his servant the BRANCH and also that the foundation stone will be engraved. This stone is seen with the seven eyes, and is the stone which Joshua had seen laid: that stone being the foundation stone of the temple.

Zec 3:8 KJV …….: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.

Zec 3:9 KJV For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

This has a greater fulfilment in A STONE WITH SEVEN EYES, God states that upon this spiritual stone he will open up the markings on the stone. To engrave has this meaning. Then God goes on to state that he will remove the iniquity of the land in the one day.

God himself as the judge of all opened up the flesh of his own son and caused a profuse stream of blood to pour forth which has removed iniquity. The lamb, freshly slain in the book of Revelation, has seven horns and seven eyes which are the seven spirits of God, or the sevenfold Ministry of the Holy Ghost. In the light of the future event of Calvary, God in a legal sense, rebukes the devil, who fades out of site.

[KJV] Revelation 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

THE CHANGING OF THE GARMENTS

The Lord has chosen Jerusalem for sanctification (Separation from the world, the ways of the world and the thinking of the world – complete separation from patterning themselves from anything other than the plans and purposes laid out within the word of God. Separation from sin and iniquity as well is the wisdom of the world because this wisdom does not come from above) The Lord has chosen sanctification for the high priest, representative of the people, who is now clothed with the beautiful garments of his office. Holiness unto the Lord shines forth in the fair mitre on his head, and garments of grace and glory are placed upon him. Jerusalem is now accepted in the righteousness of their high priest and can go on without any fear of condemnation, in the work of the temple building.

Don’t forget that the operation of the cleansing of the blood is to provide a clear conscience so that the worshipper can serve the living God.

[KJV] Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

The whole scene is one meant to convey to the consciously polluted Jews, the fact that God has put away their sin as he has put away the filthy garments from off the high priest (the putting off from him suggests taking from him something that was pressing with an overwhelming burden) and they were accepted in his righteousness as typified by the change of raiment. Our great high priest, the Branch, the scion of the line of David has taken our place under the burden of sin and guilt and having discharged the debt, he is clothed with the glory of God. We are now free to have our faith invigorated to serve the limping guard and complete his mission on this earth for souls to be saved, a holy security within our worship and the truth of the gospel taught and preached from the lives of zealous and righteous living ministry.

That glory of the putting away of iniquity and the indwelling of the pure life of God, has been given to us. The high priest of our profession prays that prayer. [KJV] John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

This is undoubtedly the wedding garment which lets us into the feast of eternity.

THE PRIEST AND THE PEOPLE ARE TO BE SIGNS AND WONDERS.

[KJV] Isaiah 8:18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.

Earlier in that chapter it speaks of the one who is a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence……

[KJV] Isaiah 8:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Now in Zachariah 3 the high priest and his people are to be men wondered that and later in the chapter we read of a stone with seven eyes. Hebrews 2:13 bears all this out as we read again, “behold I and the children which God have given me.” The chapter in Hebrews concludes with reference to our merciful and faithful high priest – and the power of the devil in the same chapter is shown to be inoperative.

[KJV] Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Signs and wonders – the whole order of things goes into supernatural – his zeal performs it – we cannot live the life or perform the service without the life of another surging through us.

The Jews having returned from the captivity with the vessels of the Lord and commenced the work of rebuilding the temple. They’ve gone forth with great joy, but opposition has darkened down upon them in and now their courage and their witness were going to fail. This was due to a stage of un-satisfaction. Joshua, who represented them, stood before the Lord, but clothed in filthy garments. The foundation had been laid, but a fresh administration was necessary to complete the building of the temple.

Hence Joshua & Zerubbabel along with Haggie & Zachariah are raised up.

The change of garments, this experience taught that they needed a state of sanctification to carry on with the work of witness and rebuilding. As they realise their position in their priest they were emboldened to continue with their God appointed task.

They have a revelation of their position in Christ, their high priest and they know how to appropriate the administration that comes from his legal standing in Christ. The stone with the seven eyes is particularly interesting as it shows how they will be a very searching ministry by the spirit.

The signs and wonders aspect of their relationship to Joshua and hence to Christ shows that the experience of possessing the wedding garment will have with it a multitude of supernatural powers, but the vital thing is the need of the priestly garments. These garments, especially given for Sanctuary ministration, speak of how their state will be one of prayer and praise and ministration to the Lord. They were to get back to zeal that they had when they first marched out of captivity as pioneers flooding across the borders into a new life and purpose.

Just as filthy garments had been upon the priest so their lives had been weighed down with doubts, grumbling and disappointment, their garment are filthy with stains of the broth of abominable things; (Isaiah 65:4) instead of the oil of sanctification.

[KJV] Isaiah 65:4 Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;

Joshua and Jerusalem are identified. The new Jerusalem will be as a bride adorned with beautiful garments.

The whole setting can be wonderfully spiritualised in the New Testament. Hebrews 12.

The new and heavenly Jerusalem.

Angels are mentioned in both places.

The fellows that sit before them; the church of the firstborn.

Joshua at the high priest; Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant.

The blood of sprinkling; the result of God opening up the stone. God the judge of all; the legal (totally righteous) aspect of the whole setup.

Distinct charge given to Joshua to obedience; conscience cleared to serve the Lord Jesus.

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh; serve God acceptably and with fear.

(all these must wait for another time)

The last verse holds this hope that all those who hear the voice of the Lord Jesus will be able call his neighbour in unified love wherever they sit under the vine or under the fig tree. The place will be filled with those who have no guile. What an expectation!

Link to watch the video: http://youtu.be/Go-Q7KupUGA

The Builder and His Blueprints

This is Zachariah’s third vision.

God continues to encourage the prophet as to his plan to build.

So see this video link:  http://youtu.be/eQuduvAUhi0

Zec 2:1-13 KJV

(1) I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.

(2) Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof.

(3) And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,

(4) And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein:

(5) For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

(6) Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.

(7) Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon.

(8) For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

(9) For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.

(10) Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.

(11) And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

(12) And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.

(13) Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.

He sees a man with a measuring line and discovers, after he asking him about his mission, that this man is going to a survey the site of Jerusalem. He is going to measure the length and the breadth of Jerusalem with his measuring line.

This man is Jehovah the Son, the Messiah, who plans his own house and city of habitation.

The planning of men must cease. God will build his church. “I will build my church” is a tactic way of telling us to cooperate rather than imagine we the master builders.

[KJV] Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The angel that talked with Zachariah, the interpreting angel, left Zachariah with the intention of getting a further message but another angel came from the man with the measuring line to meet the interpreting angel. He is told to run and convey his message to Zachariah.

The setup is one of haste. God’s servants must neither creep nor walk. God would have us know that the gospel must run and be glorified. Philip, the evangelist, ran and joined himself to the chariot. We must obey with speed. The spirit of the verse is that the building of the city is not to be delayed. God would have us plan and labour for spiritual, scriptural unity. Are we content to fit in with the status quo and trust that this unity will come in its own good time?

MAN’S PLANS MUST BE PUT ASIDE.

WE MUST COOPERATE WITH GOD NOW.

The message was a faith vision of the future. A promise of great increase of men and cattle, and Jerusalem was going to be as a town without walls.

This message points directly to Jerusalem having no divisions. There should be no sectarian divisions. No internal walls. Although the wall of unity was to be built there was going to be no walls of division. Cattle would increase. Cattle are a type of service. The new worship order would be distinguished by numerous assemblies and no limited one man ministry. It was going to be the body functioning in body ministry ministered to by the body ministry of ascension (called by God) ministers. The body would function in this unified state. God, himself, would be a wall of fire around about the work. The spiritual anointing would break the yoke and the fire of the Holy Ghost would protect. Also, God’s glory would be manifest in the midst of that united body. The glory of God has its fullest expression in raising Jesus from the dead. The spirit of glory is that resurrection spirit. We are in touch by the Holy Ghost with the resurrection and the life.

The new order embraces multiplication, service for all, protection from the foes without, and a powerful life and glory within. It is the Messiah indwelling his holy habitation.

The faith vision however must be realised.

Ho! Ho! Come forth.

A mighty, urgent and vigorous cry goes out to the remnant, who, as yet, has not returned, to come from the cold sunless north back into their warm and subtropical home. In fact God, who has, in wrath, scattered them to all places now, in favour, declares he is able to gather them back into unity from all places.

But they must respond, for it is not irresistible grace, but grace willingly received that world draw them back.

Zion must deliver herself, for her very name implies that she has no right to be with Babylon or to be motivated by Babylonian is principles. She should be God’s fortress and not the sister of the devils order of things.

There were some reasons why Zion should return

1. There were special blessings now to be enjoyed in the land.

2. Babylon was soon to revolt and terrific judgement was to come upon her.

Come out from among her my people and be not partakers of her sins.

[KJV] Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

There is an insistent call to God’s people to get together in true spiritual unity and worship. God is now moving for unity with the word of God and we must obey. The time of captivity is over and we must deliver ourselves. God, who scattered because of sin and rebellion, now sees the broken, humbled and willing state which merits restoration.

God will not irresistibly move us to true spiritual unity; we must plan and cooperate for it.

The Babylonian-ish estate of the church must be revolted against as our disgraceful bondage. Also, God’s judgements will come severely upon Babylon and beware that we are not involved by being too tardy in our obedience.

Darius punished with great wrath the revolting the Babylon.

The Jews were tardy to return under the following heads.

1. Unbelief. They did not believe God’s promises relative to the restoration after the 70 years captivity. So long as leaders tell their people that the exact fulfilment of John 17 is not possible and that the Acts church government pattern today is not advisable – unbelief will delay God’s programme or later rob us of our part in it.

Believe God is able to affect unity by his wonderful wisdom and grace

2. The land was waste and surrounded with bitter foes. Unity is not in evidence around us and requires hard work and the opposition looks strong. Yet we must move in faith Satan will oppose such a move to the greatest extent possible for it is the most glorious move of the church and will consummate the age. God has promised not to let the difficulties deter.

Three. The Jews were suspicious of the liberty given by Cyrus and Darius, as if those monarchs designed suddenly to crush them. The opportunity for spiritual unity seems too good to be true. The devil has deceived us in the past, our confidence has been misplaced – hence be cautious. There will be misfits and setbacks but the decree to build has gone forth and we must push on with that task knowing that the supreme power of God is with us and reject those who are deceitful in their cooperation.

Four. The Jews has stayed a long time in Babylon and their remembrance of their own land was to a degree obliterated.

We have dwelt so long in association with Roman-ish principles that the memory of any other system is forgotten. However we have the New Testament pattern of the word of God and the Holy Spirit will enable us to return to it and manifest the word of wisdom and the spirit of prophecy.

The pattern for government is in the book of Acts. It can be followed.

Five. There was wellbeing and seeming security in the land of their captivity. A ruined temple and a wasteland were before them. The parting from homes, acquired possessions, a long journey and the transfer wives and children all boded ill for the pioneers. They would not leave under these conditions. Yet the Laodicean loiterers rich and increased with goods are to be spewed out of his mouth.

It was base ingratitude and wicked disregard of God’s extraordinary favour to remain as slaves in Babylon.

Anyhow, after the glory of God was to be manifested at Jerusalem, upon the faithful remnant, God was going to judge their enemies. He could do nothing with the Sodom while Lot remained in it. And the obedience of Israel had to be fulfilled before he would avenge disobedience.

Hence, before a powerful revival is possible and our satanic oppressors disbursed and defeated, we must return and spiritually unite with the vision of the word of God.

God also states that the believing remnant is most precious to him. The very apple of his eye and they will be very sure of jealous care and precious intimate communion which will compensate all those sacrifices.

In verse nine, God will visit judgement on their foes and they will be spoil for to the Jews who before were their slaves.

We cannot expect Roman Catholic and other historic churches to just flow into the Pentecostal blessings without changing those blessings. Actually the Pentecostal saints have flocked into the historic churches or become snared in fables, teachings of men & science falsely so called; this has seen the biblical teachings of the spirit filled doctrine change beyond all recognition. And we have seen that happen absolutely since the 1970′s so that the once pure doctrine of the Pentecostal experience has been changed and polluted by modern Bible verses and dubious practices. This sad state will continue while ever we adopt their principles of government and management. Leaders have tried to stir people to give to the work of the Lord. First to go was the concept of tithing, next to come was the highlighting of needs & projects and now we have selling of church services & products. We are becoming more & more like the corporate world with our investments and tax breaks. Compared to the example in the New Testament it is a disgrace. Let us unite in true biblical worship and under God’s spiritual control and God will give them to be our spoil.

The daughter of Zion is promised that the Lord is coming to dwell in her midst. This is his first coming which followed on this minor restoration. So the Lord will dwell in the land – in the midst of his church when we have restored spiritual and scriptural unity and worship. Christ is the sent one of God. He has come; is coming and will come yet in visible form.

In choosing Jerusalem AGAIN we see second coming promises. The natural and the spiritual order of things is developing together

Finally, as the prophet contemplates the full restoration of God’s power, he commands all the enemies of the Lord to be still. So shall all flesh be overruled and crucified as he takes control of the united biblical spiritual church. He will rise up to minister in great power to save and then to judge through a united church

Hence we see the Christ, who goes forth to measure – who plans this church, finally taking up his abode with power in that which he has perfected for himself. Enemies are routed and the remnant in full possession of their possession.

What a day to live for.

Watch the video at: http://youtu.be/eQuduvAUhi0

Terrified Opponents

Zachariah sees 4 horns that fray & scatter the work of God and then 4 workmen (carpenters) that destroy the horns. The horns become terrified opponents.

This is the link to watch the video: http://youtu.be/s9oKwtLEiZw

Zec 1:18-21 KJV

(18) Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.

(19) And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.

(20) And the LORD shewed me four carpenters.

(21) Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.

Zachariah sees four horns which symbolise the powers that scattered Israel, Judah and Jerusalem.

Four stands for the four points of the compass. The Assyrians, Chaldeans and Samaritans on the North, Egyptians, Arabians on the south and the old enemies the Philistine’s on the West were all united in purpose to crush God’s people.

However, after the intercession of the man among the myrtles (intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ) we see four destroying workmen get on-the-job of counteracting these powers and striking terror into their hearts.

Thus, the restored people were made to realise that God would look after their enemies, but they were to go on with their job – the building up of the house of God and Jerusalem. In fact God’s carpenters would strike such terror into the hearts of their former foes that they would be too occupied with their own fate to worry about the people of God’s plans and endeavors.

Doubtless, there is a wider prophetic message to the church today. Four mighty gentile powers were to arise as empires and the fourth is still in existence (all be it greatly weakened) in the form of the Roman Catholic hierarchy.

The four horns were original world powers – Assyria – Medes and Persians – Greece – Rome – were afraid and destroyed by forces which later became horns themselves to some extent. Medes and Persians destroyed Assyria. Greece destroyed the Medes and Persians. Rome destroyed Greece. Later, pagan Rome failed but ecclesiastical Rome replaced Pagan Rome.

The lesson we need to grasp is that God it is concerned about building up of his cause. As each new horn rises threatening to scatter the work of God, new opposing forces will scatter them, striking terror in their hearts, and so, leave the people of God free to get on with the work of the LORD

The last horn has scattered and persecuted church but God is working and an opposing power (the rise of Muslim faith) is striking terror into the hearts of Catholic leadership. Where ever the light of the gospel penetrates the darkness recedes. Communism rose up full of hate and was full of the ability to fray and destroy.

There are other horns that have delayed and opposed the spread of the gospel.

Mohammedism, Nationalism and Imperialism (for instance the release of India has not contributed to the release of the gospel) Catholicism and Communism all seemed to be engaged in a deadly work of scattering.

The forces which disrupt, which have scattered, have been destroyed. It is in God’s counsel that these horns are overcome by counteracting powers. We must, hence, realise that our opponents are being terrified and that we can proceed boldly with our God appointed task of restoring worship, building the walls of spiritual unity and planning for increase and the intake and growth of souls.

Although we always seem to be surrounded by dark horns, scattering forces, never lose sight of the fact that God has his workmen already in the sidelines, ready to bring those opposing, scattering forces to nought so that we can concentrate on doing the work of God and see his plan for the salvation of souls and the preparation of the body of Christ for the Lord’s return to proceed unhindered and unfettered by the works of darkness. Praise God we are on the winning side.

This is the link to watch the video: http://youtu.be/s9oKwtLEiZw

Cheers Danny

Vision One

To see the video link: http://youtu.be/ukVB4BK418M

The Intercessor among the Myrtles

Zachariah had nine visions given to him in one night to encourage Judah to continue with the temple building projects; the temple, the city wall, the restoration of Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah.

Zec 1:7-17 KJV

(7) Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

(8) I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white.

(9) Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.

(10) And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.

(11) And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the amyrtlesearth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.

(12) Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?

(13) And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.

(14) So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

(15) And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

(16) Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.

(17) Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

In this first vision he sees a man mounted on a red steed riding swiftly along and eventually taking up a position amongst some myrtle trees growing in a shady river bottom. Behind this man are angelic beings mounted on various coloured horses indicating the various ministries of God’s angelic servants – Some to judge, some to bless & others with the mixed ministry of chastening.

There, these angelic servants report to the man amongst the myrtles, they report that there is a state of carnal security, ease and prosperity amongst nations.

This man, an angelic manifestation of the second person of the Godhead, is standing amongst the myrtles. This is beautifully symbolic of Jehovah the Son ministering in the midst of his restored & redeemed creation.

Instead of the briars & thorns – the myrtle trees, delighting to grow by the river banks of the Holy Spirit, have sprung up & flourished.

The angel of the covenant, upon hearing the report of the ease of the heathen, immediately intercedes for Judah: the temple and Jerusalem. He intercedes that the time of judgement was fulfilled and now the Lord of Hosts is entreated to do them good. Immediately his prayer is heard, the Father always hears the Son.

Comfortable words – words of peace – spoken to the prophet: Jerusalem is to be built, the temple finished and Judah filled with cities. (I love this phrase “comfortable words – words of comfort) [KJV] Zechariah 1:13 And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.

Spiritual worship, spiritual unity with growth and spiritual prosperity are promised and prophesied.

The word of the Lord did indeed come to pass. Spiritual worship (the completed temple) unification (the completed wall) multiplication (growth of the cities) was hence ensured upon the intercession of Jehovah – Jesus – for his people’s welfare. There was no promise of further ease for the heathen.

These days in Australia are ones of carnal security for the unsaved. Peace, prosperity, good wages, abundant food, good prices and multiplied pleasures are on every hand. Australia is faring reasonably well against the tragedies of the rest of the world.

Thus, we can report to God, the state of the unbelieving and he will be sore displeased to see the poverty and backwardness of his work set over against the flourishing state of the wicked.

God is a jealous husband and will see to it that his wife, the Church of Christ, moves into better times. In a lowly depressed, but dependent, state she is to continue to partake of the waters of the Spirit and of the word of God – he will intercede.

The intercession is threefold.

1. Completion of his house – this points to the full evangelism of the world but also to the restoration of true Holy Ghost worship, The exaltation of the sacrifice of the saviour and the appointed God ordained ministry in place, supported by tithes and offerings (rather than business principles and projects) and ministering the apostolic doctrine.

We stress

A) True God appointed oversight

B) True doctrine the word of God

C) True atmosphere the spirit of God

D) True sacrifice – the cross – identity & Fellowship with the cross and the resurrection.

2. Next Jerusalem was to be built and the wall constructed around it. This speaks of a spiritual unification. Many are satisfied with the form of unity in the body but the body, spiritually, is one body sharing the same doctrine, purposes as they are outlined in the word of God. This spiritual godly unity is to be prayed for.

3. The cities of Judah will be built. This stands for multiplication, the expansion of God’s cause is guaranteed with true worship and spiritual unity.

We can be encouraged if we see the heathen at ease, for it will

1. Stir the jealousy of God for the church

2. Stir the intercession of the Son to lay hold for mercies

3. Result in the spirit pouring forth good and comfortable words for His people

Application

We – the lesser priests with Jesus must pray in tune with his will. Now is the time to pray because the heathen are at rest.

Things have that must be prayed for:

A. An outpouring of a spirit to create true and real worship.

B. Restoration of apostolic teaching including the work of the cross, the resurrection and the heavenly Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as our great high priest administering in heaven.

C. The right Ministry and oversight must function within the body of Christ.

D. Spiritual unity in faith and doctrine must be sought.

E. A growing in the work of God must be expected.

Remember that the Lord, as the intercessor in the midst of a humble spiritual restore people, will be the inspirer and Minister of all this.

To see the video link: http://youtu.be/ukVB4BK418M

Danny

Haggai and Zachariah

Be Not As Your Unspiritual Fathers.

To watch the video link: http://youtu.be/Ah7rbyisJWI

The remnant had returned from the 70 years captivity and with zeal had commenced rebuilding the temple. However, opposition arose and the mongrel inhabitants of the land, the Samaritans, had hindered the work. These interruptions had discouraged the people. Haggai, the Prophet, in the sixth month of the second year of Darius, gave a clarion call to give attention and effort into rebuilding the temple. Zachariah, the Priest, two months later, commenced a stir the people to immediate obedience to God.

And so, in the mouth of two witnesses every word is established.

In rebuilding the work of God and establishing pure worship, which must precede unity (the walls of Jerusalem were built after the temple) we must guard against two classes of opposition: the Samaritans & the carnal fathers.

The Samaritans

These people dwell in the land with them, as it were. They are in amongst them as adulterers and adult presses, un-sanctified worldly stock, false leaders and prophets.

These, with mixed sexual practices, false doctrines and worldly methods of control and government, seek to hinder – that is, help in their way – the setting up of real spiritual worship.

We must separate ourselves from these. Put out adulterers – reject heretics – refuse man-made control.

A. Moral behaviour must be watched. We ruin our progress by allowing unsavoury sexual relationships to corrupt our fellowship. However severe it it might be, we must separate.

B. False doctrines must be purged out. Let us not, in our zeal to love, allow grievous wolves speaking perverse things to live in our ranks and to tear and devour and to draw way disciples to themselves.

C. Spiritual and Scriptural government must be sought. The mind of God by the word of wisdom, Ascension Ministry oversight, a multitude of councillors; or by the word of prophecy, we need a sanctified oversight praying, fasting and ministering to the Lord; or obedience to plain teaching; such Scriptural methods must be employed to get God’s governmental mind operative in the church.

Whatever is contrary to sound doctrine and righteous behaviour must go if the building is to continue.

Carnal Fathers

Zachariah introduces his ministry by warning the people to take heed to the word through his lips.

He pictures the vehement rage of God against their worldly fathers. “The Lord has been sore displeased with your fathers”, he says.

The Jews boasted much over parentage. However, God is teaching them to despise the behaviour of their unrighteous fathers.

Many of the spiritual fathers of the church have often been unspiritual and un-Scriptural but we were babes in Christ and often honoured them because they had apparent fruit and could speak out of much experience. But what is the result of their rule? Maybe large crowds but we need holy righteous happy lives living in the glory of the presence of God in righteousness and truth.

God’s judgements will overtake these people because they behaved in unscriptural ways. They were unsound in doctrine, practice and government.

Let us not imitate our worldly fathers’ methods. Let us be suspicious of their carnal practices.

Whatever we do let us avoid the historical example of sinful ancestry. Are we being raised up in our fathers’ place? Are we going to condone their sinful behaviour?

Long usage and ancient practice does not justify unscriptural behaviour. Just because God winked before at unscriptural forms of government in the past, does mean that he will continue to do so. Let us remember that we are building for the second coming of Christ, just as the restored remnant built for his first coming.

Happy adherence to all New Testament commands & instructions must be urged upon all everywhere.

Let us question leaders’ methods if the works under them have disintegrated into worldliness.

The first lesson was to watch the Samaritans – the contemporary enemies. The second lesson was to watch the carnal fathers – the historical enemies.

“The Lord of Hosts” this is a favourite phrase frequently in both Haggai and Zachariah. It speaks of God’s boundless resources; his universal power over all peoples. This was a strong term to lift the faith of a week and reduced people. They were poor in resources and few in numbers.

God was going to develop a faith vision of himself fulfilling his name in the future generations, with a strong spiritually healthy people serving him. He will thus fulfil his name in the future if we believe and obey him now.

Today we have the spirit and the word. These two powerful witnesses are alive and well and will take hold of us to bless us or correct us according to our response to their message.

Practical Applications

One. Separate from all immoral behaviour. Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but reprove them.

Two. Reject all heretical believes when of a fundamental nature.

Three. Desist from governmental control that is carnal and patterned after Egypt and not after this Scriptural government of the Apostles.

Zachariah had nine visions given to him in one night to encourage Judah to continue with the temple building project and the restoration of Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah.

I would like us to take a short look at these nine visions and see how they can affect us develop righteous lives and holy worship.

To watch the video link: http://youtu.be/Ah7rbyisJWI

Cheers Danny

Bible prophecy is greatly misunderstood.

If you want to watch the video link to this: http://youtu.be/zpAM-4qCejA

This is not the same as non-scriptural prophecies.

People are obsessed in being able to know the future.

We are not meant to know the future in exact details. If you ever read the “Dune” series start to finish you will realise that knowing the future destroys the will & faith of man to live. After all if you knew exactly what will happen then you would have no need for faith or purpose. That which makes you a man would just shrivel & die. (I don’t like the term human– I like the King James Version convention of using man to mean men & women)

We need to understand that God does not deal with us according to what he knows. God deals with us according to what he wills.

Prophecy in the bible is not given so that you can predict the future. It is given so that when the future transpires you can plainly see that God knew what it would be. You will always fail when you try to exactly predict the future from the prophecies of the bible. There are very good reasons for this.

Now it is true that some general events could be seen on the horizon but those that knew did not just sit back & let them unfold. Daniel saw that the captivity was due to end in 70 years. [KJV] Daniel 9:2. In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

Daniel immediately set to prayer. And what a prayer (you should read it.) – Certainly not the prayer of a done deal.

Simeon knew something was about to happen in his life & was in the right place at the right time (led by the Holy Spirit).

Luk 2:26-35 KJV And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. (27) And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, (28) Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, (29) Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: (30) For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, (31) Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; (32) A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (33) And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. (34) And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (35) (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

This is personal not given to whole church. It was not prophecy in the true biblical sense. What was revealed to him & was for him exclusively. Anna was just there with no special revelation. The same event was prophesied in many different layers from Adam to John the Baptist. The one I like was given to the wickedest man that has been born of a woman:

[KJV] Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

How cool (or hot – depending on your decade) is this.

The case of Paul & Agabus (a prophet) tells us a lot about biblical New Testament prophecy.

[KJV] Acts 21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

Everyone present thought that this prophecy was to give Paul direction. Not so. We are in the New Testament & the Lord Jesus speaks directly to our hearts & may confirm that instruction but not with a direction from the mouth of another man. We may prophesy what will happen but not give instructions as “thus says the Lord God.”

The date of the return of the Lord Jesus:

Mat 24:3-14 KJV And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (4) And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (6) And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (7) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. (8) All these are the beginning of sorrows. (9) Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. (10) And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. (11) And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. (12) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (13) But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (14) And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

The question was “when shall the end be?” but no definite answer is given, just some of the signs that will be around at the time. These signs have been around for a long time & even the antichrist has already come: [KJV] 1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

[KJV] 1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

– This is a definite confirmation that the antichrist has come. Maybe I don’t understand English “and even now already is it in the world” – the term “is it”, without a question mark, is used for emphasis in the King James Version not as a question.

The definitive answer by Jesus as to the time of his coming:

[KJV] Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

“But my Father only.” Why can’t we just accept that. These signs are all around us telling us that the time could be right now. ~Be Ready for His Coming

[KJV] Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

It’s no rocket science. I have piles of books in my library about eschatology. They are not worth much when stacked up against the word of God. In fact my whole library (it’s got to be moving past a 1000 books) is worthless where it deviates from the word of God. This is why you should know what the bible says before you go reading books.

And again

Mat 24:15-44 KJV When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) (16) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: (17) Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: (18) Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. (19) And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! (20) But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: (21) For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (22) And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. (23) Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. (24) For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (25) Behold, I have told you before. (26) Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. (27) For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (28) For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. (29) Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: (30) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (31) And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (32) Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: (33) So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. (34) Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. (35) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (36) But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (37) But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (38) For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, (39) And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (40) Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. (41) Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. (42) Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (43) But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. (44) Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Some would say that this is the “rapture” but if you notice in this case it comes after the second coming in the first part of Mat 24. Interesting!

In general prophesy in the scripture is progressive and a later prophecy will add to an earlier one. It will not change it. I mean the elements of the first will always be in the later. You can see this in the first prophecy in the bible. God tells Adam that if he eats of the tree he will die. Now it’s some 6000 years on & still we have not really experienced the full weight of this. Take the promise to Eve of the deliverer. Whatever was to come afterwards would include – born of a woman – bruised heel & heel crushing the serpent head. (Yes the serpent has his head stoved in as far as we are concerned) Later we see that, yes, it is a woman but it is also a virgin. The outline is still there but with more detail added.

You will also see that the syntax of the prophecies stay the same. Take time, of instance. What is a short time at the start will be a short time in the final prophecy. What is a long time at the start will be a long time in the last one. This leads to the question of Daniel & John in Revelations. With Daniel 400 odd years is a short time but some would have us think that over 2000 years is a short time in Revelations. Does not compute! Because bible prophecy is a constant language it cannot be of private interpretation.

Of course biblical prophecy is not all about the future. You can learn a great deal about the language and syntax of biblical prophecy by reading Geneses. This is prophecy looking backwards. Moses, who wrote the book by revelation of the Holy Spirit, lived after the times he wrote about. No, Geneses is not some oral tradition passed down by storytellers nor is it some sort of dreamtime. It is the revealed word our God written in the same way as Revelations. The same general principles are used. It is just journeying through time in a different direction. Understanding the bible’s treatment of time is essential but time, itself, has more questions than answers.

1 time with God is an ever present now.

2 the timeline in prophecy is either sequential or parallel (i.e. like a hand of bananas – events co-existing in the same time frame or a string of sausages – events occurring one after another in a sequence). How can you tell & surely it does not hop from one to the other?

3 If periods of time are specified, surely then the specifications are constant.

Daniel’s visions are clearly sequential. That being the case the last whole world domination occurred with the Roman Empire & the next one will the mountain of the Lord filling the whole earth & until then power is broken by weakness (iron & clay). Just tell me where can a world domination of man or the devil fit between the end of the Roman Empire and when the feet of the Lord Jesus land on the Mount of Olives?

Daniel, Mat 24, Paul & Peter all have to agree. In fact all the bible has to stay in sync and in tune.

Yet again, all biblical prophecy is not to do with time. Take this scripture.

[KJV] 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

Let’s good at these 3 along with “desire … that ye may prophesy.” We need people who speak anointed with the Holy Spirit so that they speak directly to the heart the truth of the word of God. This way the word is helped to be made flesh in our lives.

If you want to watch the video link to this: http://youtu.be/zpAM-4qCejA

Cheers, till next time, Danny

We all have a “secret life.” The danger comes when we think that that’s what it is. You know, “We smile when we’re angry.” The Old Testament was comparatively easy because we were innocent until proven guilty. Without external third party proof we were sort of free. Now, do we, “bite the lip & do what we are told?” this is so lame. We hide our true response from the vainest lip, the latest hit, tto the wisdom of old. We may get so good at it that we believe our own lies. When our words and actions do not agree with our secret life we cheat & we lie. Will you die for the truth or die for the lack of the truth? Life is more han having a social conscience you need a true conscience so that you can see yourself as you truly are.

I suppose that I had better pepper this with scriptures.

[KJV] Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

[KJV] Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

[KJV] Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

The point is that the Lord Jesus said if you do it your secret life then you have done as far as God the Father is concerned.

[KJV] Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

This is a much higher law. This needs no proof, no innocent until proven guilty here. We think that we are only seen in our overt life & those things that are done in secret will stay secret or, even more foolishly, that the Lord God knows that we did not really mean those things that we do in secret. When you start doing those things just to get by, just so that you will remain in the group and be loved by your friends, then you are in trouble.

We like to comfort ourselves that these secret things will stay hidden until after we are called home &, so, we have a breathing space to address them later. Not so! Unfortunately out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh & this often happens at the most inappropriate times.

The problem is that as you live more & more in your secret life you become always alone. We were made for fellowship but true fellowship demands that our secret life matches our outer life. This way when we shake hands in agreement & friendship it actually means something.

[KJV] Galatians 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

You see, we don’t need written contracts. Our word is enough & when we add a handshake we bind the deal.

[KJV] Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

This becomes impossible when you are living in a secret life that makes a lie of your open life. You end up just doing whatever you need to just to get by. What a sham this is, when you can match out of becoming imprisoned by your secret life which you have fed & fed.

When the evil in your secret life gets too strong, you end up like this:

[KJV] Matthew 13:15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

The only safe thing to do is to get your secret life to be the same as your open life. Do you understand the way of “thoughts?” The thought may just come. But when you embrace that thought, dwell on it & take ownership of it then it becomes part of your secret life.

Here is a scripture that has always fascinated me:

[KJV] John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

Jesus was astonished to find an Israelite with no guile.

The religious are prone to guile – having a secret life – it is the nature of man. When you are Pentecostal – that is you speak in tongues a lot – you are in a greater danger of exposure because your tongue is used to bursting out with things that you have not censored in your thoughts. (This could be why “speaking in tongues” is becoming a fading habit.) People who talk in tongues will often find their secret life blurted out before they realise it. This is a safety measure & gives you opportunity to judge yourself before it is too late.

[KJV] 1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

You see, “We know what is wrong & we know what is right.”

[KJV] 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

You’ve got your orders to match out across the borders of your secret life. It is that simple. Things are either black or white. The Lord Jesus is in us & the Lord Jesus is with us. He is our victory. He will help us synchronize our secret & open life.

Let’s march out of our secret life & live in victory over sin & death.

You can see the video of this at: http://youtu.be/JJXYUWKH9aY

Four simple lessons from John the Baptist

God works though individuals

Be quiet before the Lord

Position and prestige are unimportant in the kingdom of God

Use money properly & scripturally

[KJV] [Matthew 11:11] Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

NON GREATER BUT THE LEAST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN GREATER THAN HE

What were his strengths and how will we be greater?

There is much we can learn from John and apply to our lives and ministries.

1. Use money properly & scripturally
   

John’s unique ministry was to call the people to repentance in preparation for Jesus being revealed as the Messiah.

When the people asked John what they should do to repent, he deals three times with the misuse of money. (everyday people – government & official people – law enforcement people)

1. •[KJV] [Luke 3:11] He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
   
2. • [KJV] [Luke 3:13] And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
   
3. • [KJV] [Luke 3:14] And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
   

1. You everyday Saints Be ready to give – The liberal soul is made fat
   

[KJV] Proverbs 11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Why are so many professing Christians such tight fisted “stewards”? The only thing that I can come with is lack of faith. This is the most un-believed un- acted on verse in the bible:

[KJV] Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

This why I love being a chubby cheerful Christian!

1. You ministers & oversight in the church. (we all minster in same way or another)
   

   When will we learn the danger of greed & the need to leave gleanings?
   

    

[KJV] Leviticus 19:9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.

Why do you we think that screwing the very last drop out of ant deal or transaction that we are involved in on the grounds of being a good steward & being diligent in business? Have absolutely no comprehension of Christianity?

Have you any idea of how you extract more than is due?

1. Soldiers of the cross.
   
   1. There is so much justified “violence” – railing in un-forgiveness & resentment operating as “righteousness”.
      
   2. False accusations cause the Christian society (church) to fail. See how it important this was in the 10 commandments. When you make a false accusation you try to use your authority in Christ Jesus. It not a good thing to do. When you believe a false accusation you are deceived. Deception allows erodes faith & the truth.
      
   3. Content with your wages. Be happy with what you have: [KJV] 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
      

       

      You don’t want to be striving to gain more but rather give more.
      

John understood that using money in a way that pleases the Lord, is one of the keys to open the door for revival.

Martin Luther said it this way, “There are three conversions: the conversion of the heart, of the mind, and of the purse.”

Please remember that these things are for pre-born again. If you have more grace then the standards are far higher than these. These principles are not done away with now that you born-again. NO, they are heightened and amplified to embrace far deeper responses.

Let’s prepare for a move of God by learning from John & by handling money God’s way.

HERE THEY ARE AGIAN

God works though individuals

Be quiet before the Lord

Position and prestige are unimportant in the kingdom of God

Use money properly & scripturally

To see this as a video got you:

Your video will be live at: http://youtu.be/I7lRBXA8xac

Danny Wooldridge

Crosslife fellowship

What can you learn from John the Baptist? No 4

Four simple lessons from John the Baptist

God works though individuals

Be quiet before the Lord

Position and prestige are unimportant in the kingdom of God

Use money properly & scripturally

[KJV] [Matthew 11:11] Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

NON GREATER BUT THE LEAST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN GREATER THAN HE

What were his strengths and how will we be greater?

There is much we can learn from John and apply to our lives and ministries.

1. Position and prestige are unimportant in the kingdom of God.
   

LUK 3:1-2

~John the Baptist Preaches

[KJV] [Luke 3:1] Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

[KJV] [Luke 3:2] Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

Caesar and Pilate represent those in political power.

The high priests were on the top rung of the religious ladder.

But who received the precious word of God?

John, a man who was simply close to the Lord.

John was a genuinely humble person. His entire life was dedicated to honouring the Lord.

Carefully consider what John said.

[KJV] [John 1:27] He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

[KJV] [John 3:27] John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

[KJV] [John 3:30] He must increase, but I must decrease.

[KJV] Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

A simple man, living in the desert, eating locusts & honey & drinking water.

John always honoured the Lord Jesus. John’s disciples had questions as the crowds flocked to Jesus and started to leave John. John not only said that Jesus was greater BUT he actually lived it.

They said that had a devil. He was thrown in prison. He was beheaded.

John ends up beheaded at the whim of a daughter by the evil scheme of her mother because please, in a dance, Herod & his cronies. An ignominious death. John was murdered while in prison because he dared point the finger of the immoral behaviour of a fellow Jew who was the puppet of Rome.

This is the greatest man who has ever been born from human parents. His values were simply that he wanted to please the Lord Jesus. He was willing that the outward results of his life’s work would diminish as he watched the Lord Jesus fulfil his own purpose before the father. He has many things to teach us by his example.

You may watch a short video of this study:

Your video will be live at: http://youtu.be/NT95YsJ7NTg