May 2015 – Become The Sons of God

One Out of Season – 5/30/15

ONE OUT OF SEASON

I. YET NOT I
I am pretty much a literalist when it comes to Paul. If you do not believe literally what the Bible says about Paul, then you will probably wrestle with this message. But if you believe the testimony of Paul to be true, then you may be open to this word that I feel burdened to share with you.

If the Bible says that Paul was thrown to beasts at Ephesus, then I believe that he was given over to lions in that city. If scripture says a viper leaped from a fire and bit Paul and he lived instead of died, then that is literally what happened. If Paul says he was in “deaths oft,” then it means that he was in death more than once and came back to continue the Lord’s work. And if Paul says, “nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me,” then this too I take to mean exactly that.

II. OH WRETCHED MAN
I have noticed that many churches today are beginning to take a very subtle position that suggests that Paul had a sin problem. Paul’s credibility seems questioned in some places. For example, some preaching will point to Romans 7 when Paul says, “Oh wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death?” and interpret this to be Paul’s personal cry. Here is Paul in Romans 7, they say, complaining that he is in bondage to sin. (“That which I would, I do not; and that which I would not, that I do.”) It must mean that Paul still had a sin problem. This has almost become an accepted doctrine. Beloved, Paul did not have a sin problem. That is not the truth. In speaking to the Romans, Paul became all things to all men, presenting to that church the universal wretched condition of mankind, the state of every man who is not totally the bondslave of Jesus Christ. Why did Paul present this dilemma in Romans 7:24? So that he could answer his own question by saying in the next verse, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord,” going on in the eighth chapter to expound the law of the Spirit.

Are we really to believe that this man Paul, who survived stonings, lions, the bites of vipers, who considered whether he should go to be with the Lord or stay behind to preach the gospel; that this man who was recognized by the demons of hell as having authority over them had a sin problem? (2 Cor. 11:25, I Cor. 15:32, Acts 28:3-6, Phil. 1:21-26, Acts 19:15)

You see, the Body of Christ has difficulty in coming to grips with the apostle Paul. Everyone accepts that Jesus had no sin because after all, He was God incarnate. But Paul was completely human. Human mother, human father, just like you and me. So this is the problem: it is a hard thing for us to admit to the fact that Paul was REALLY filled with all the fullness of God, because if we admit that it could happen to one totally human being, then we are obliged to ask ourselves if it is possible for US to be filled with the fullness of God as well. Rather than face this question, it is easier to say that maybe Paul had a sin problem. It is easier to scan the scriptures looking for some error he made or some contradiction or some fault. That would let us off the hook. Then we wouldn’t need to feel uncomfortable about the lack in our own relationship with the Lord.

III. TEMPER TANTRUMS
I will offer you another example which has gained support among born again ranks which suggests that Paul was not quite on target. It has to do with the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, about whether John Mark should accompany them to visit the brethren. The disagreement was severe enough to cause Paul and Barnabas to go separate ways. (Acts 15) Later, in II Timothy 4:11, Paul requests that John Mark come to him, saying that he was profitable to Paul in the ministry. Paul, according to this fable, had a temper tantrum with Barnabas over John Mark and later saw the error in his judgment. Therefore, Paul was incorrect in his earlier dealings with John Mark. But as we examine the scriptures again, we see a different series of events. In Acts 13:13, Paul and Barnabas were in Pamphylia with various of the brethren, including John Mark. John Mark apparently abandoned the work without the leading of the Lord or the blessing of the apostle. It is clear that he deserted his brethren by leaving Pamphylia. Two chapters later, in Acts 15:38, Paul was therefore reluctant to allow him to rejoin the journey because of John Mark’s earlier instability and unfaithfulness in Pamphylia. Paul’s later statement in Timothy declaring that John Mark was now profitable to the ministry is simply a testimony of how the Holy Ghost had worked with John Mark and established him in the faith over a period of time. It is in no way indicative of a sin or temper problem with Paul.

But here again, it is easier to believe that Paul was in error than to believe that God can fill all in all. (Eph. 1:23) This is a subtle error crept into the church today in order to subvert your faith in God and to keep you from pressing on to the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Eph. 4:13)

IV. THORN IN THE FLESH
Or what about Paul’s “thorn in the flesh?” (I Cor. 12:7) This has produced some interesting speculations and fables as well. Some say it was blindness, some say sin. But the Bible leaves no mystery, for it clearly states in the same verse that the thorn was a messenger of Satan (an evil spirit) sent to buffet Paul. It really does not matter what the evil spirit was. Some get caught up trying to figure this out. The point, as Paul went on to explain in the next verse, is that after his third petition to God to remove this thorn, he realized that God’s strength is PERFECTED in weakness, and that the weaker Paul was, the MORE PERFECT Christ was in him. (I Cor. 12:9) And that is precisely the whole point of all Paul’s writing and his very ministry: that he became nothing and of no reputation that ONLY CHRIST SHOULD REMAIN. Therefore, he even gloried in this buffeting, for when he was weak, then Christ in him was stronger than ever.

V. THE PROBLEM WITH WOMEN
And still yet, some would rob you of your faith would tell you that Paul was in error because he was prejudiced against women. (I Cor. 14:34) Paul was not a social reformer any more than Jesus was. By the time Jesus went to the cross, the Romans were still in power, which was a disappointment even to the disciples. The gospel addresses something much deeper than social reform. It addresses the transformation of the heart by the Holy Ghost.

We know, for example, that in the Old Testament there is much discussion about a reference to a birthing-type experience, which we know is the birthing forth of Christ. (Gal. 4:19) You and I are called to bring forth Christ as a woman brings forth a child. (See Is. 21:3, 6:17; Jer. 22:23, 48:41, 49:22, 50:43; Mi. 4:9 for a few references to a birthing experience). Shall women say to men that they cannot bring forth Christ in the Spirit because they are incapable of childbearing in the natural? Of course not. But why is this ridiculous? Because we know that in the things of the Spirit THERE IS NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE and that ALL are called to bring forth Christ, man and woman alike.

There is a natural order and there is a spiritual order, of which Paul was aware. We must not confuse the two orders. The spiritual order SUPERSEDES the natural order. God is not and never has been a respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34) This is clear. Esau should have had the blessing, but Jacob received. Reuben was entitled, being the firstborn of Jacob, but Joseph became ruler over Egypt and received his father’s blessing. David, the youngest of Jesse, was anointed king of Israel. THE SPIRITUAL ORDER SUPERSEDES THE NATURAL ORDER. The very fact that God sent Paul to the Gentiles, by which grace we are saved today, proves magnificently that God is no respecter of persons. This includes male and female in the things of the Spirit. God does not care whether the earthen vessel is black, or Puerto Rican, or female. It is always the way of flesh to pigeon-hole people into higher and lower categories. It is the way of carnality. (Ja. 2:1-4) But the call of God is to WHOSOEVER WILL. It is not related to anything of the outward appearance, but it is completely related to the heart, which knows no color, no nationality, and no gender. (I Sam. 16:7)

Paul spoke to the Corinthian church about women. This was the most carnal flock of the day and surely Paul recognized this. The Corinthians were still having trouble with very fundamental truths. They were still involved with fornication, incest, and idol worship. (I Cor. 5:1) And so Paul ministered to them on a level they could understand. He shared with them the milk of the Word, being babes in Christ. (Heb. 5:13) But meat belongs to them that are of full age. (Heb. 5:14) Therefore to another body, he had the liberty to share the truth: in Christ there is no Jew or Gentile, bond or free, male or female. (Gal. 3:28) They could receive this truth.

VI. ONE OUT OF SEASON
Why have we elaborated so long on these questions about Paul? Do we worship Paul? God forbid.

Paul said he was one born out of due time or season. (I Cor. 15:8) When apples are in season, then all the trees bear their fruit at that time. It would indeed be a strange thing for only one apple tree to bear fruit in a whole orchard. Yet this is what Paul said about himself. Another way of saying out of season would be, “before the appropriate time.” Paul would not have spoken of being out of season unless there was coming a season of similar fruit at a later time. Through the eye of the Spirit, Paul knew that the “season” for others like himself was coming. (Eph. 1:10) This is why it is so important that your faith should not be robbed by those who tell you that Paul, an apostle to this generation, had fallen short of the mark.

Paul knew that others would come who, IN THEIR NATURAL LIFETIME, would surrender their wills, their ambitions, their desires, and die daily to win Christ. He knew that others would come who, IN THEIR NATURAL LIFETIME, would have the treasure of complete Christ in earthen vessels (2 Cor. 4:7) ; who would bruise Satan under their heels (Rom. 16:20); who would pull down strongholds and be recognized by the powers of darkness because it was only Christ that was seen in them.

In fact, he knew that an ENTIRE GENERATION would come forth, in season, who would be the revealing of the Lord in the earth, who would be the mouth of the Lord to speak only His words, the arm of the Lord mighty in battle, the feet of the Lord who bring good tidings, who jointly fit together as Christ, His Body; not separated from the Head, but completely and perfectly controlled by the Head. One Christ, many members; He who fills all in all.

That season is upon us for the rest of this orchard to bear fruit. That season is upon us for the remnant who are willing to go the way of the cross to become the manifested presence of the Lord Himself, who have given up everything so that ONLY CHRIST REMAINS in an earthen vessel.

Many people followed the ministry of Christ, they pressed in for healings and deliverance and blessings. People got what they needed. Praise God, He meets our needs. So too today, thousands press in continually to have their needs met. But have you noticed who the Holy Ghost chose to tell us about? Those who went beyond receiving blessings to also lay down their lives – their SELF-LIVES – that they might receive the prize of the high calling, that Christ should be allowed to express Himself through them without hindrance.

VII. BUY OF THE LORD
Isaiah 55:1 says, “Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters and he that hath no money; come ye, BUY, and eat; yea, come, BUY wine and milk without money and without price.”

A widow who met Elijah “bought” for herself a never-ending supply of oil by her obedience to the prophet’s command to give. (I Ki. 17:10-16)

Five virgins were instructed to go and BUY oil for their lamps. (Mt. 25:8)

In Matthew, a man sold all that he had to BUY a pearl of great price.

And in Revelation, we are counseled to BUY of the Lord gold tried in the fire. (Rev. 3:18)

How can this be, if Christ paid the price, that we should need to buy anything of the Lord?

Before Christ, it was not possible to “buy” anything of the Father at any price. The veil was not yet rent in twain making His presence and His life available to us. The sacrifice of Christ makes available to us what was never available before; the fullness of God. (Eph. 3:19)

When you get saved, you “buy” with your repentance what Christ has made available by the blood; you accept your salvation. As you go farther and farther in your walk with the Lord, He shows you more of what is available to each individual what and how much they will “buy.” You can buy a little, or you can buy a lot, or you can buy EVERYTHING. You can have a thirty fold, a sixty fold, or a hundred fold increase. It is up to you. The hundred fold increase speaks about the total fullness of God in a totally surrendered life.

We cannot buy with our money. We cannot even buy with our time and labors, for we know that our works are insufficient. (Eph. 2:8 & 9)

But we can buy God’s fullness with our hearts. Each time you humble yourself to know the Lord, you are BUYING of Him. (Ja. 4:6-10) Each time you ask for forgiveness or forgive another, you are BUYING of Him. Each time you come to a Gethsemane in your life and choose God’s way instead of your own, you are BUYING gold, wine, milk, and oil which are in the Spirit representatives of more of the Lord. You purchase this fullness with the laying down of your self-life. It is the narrow way Jesus spoke about. Jesus did it. Paul did it, being totally human. The point is, IT IS AVAILABLE TO YOU BY CHRIST.

Any teaching that tells you it is not available is sponsored by a spirit of unbelief that limits God by not confessing that with God all things are possible. (Heb. 3:19) The powers of darkness would love you to believe that Paul had a sin problem. They would love you to believe that you are not really joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. (Rom. 8:17) They would love you to believe that it is not possible for us, being human, to be only earthen vessels containing nothing but Christ.

I declare to you by the Spirit, it is not only possible, but the hour is at hand when the prayer of Jesus in John 17 that we should be one in Him shall become a reality. That remnant shall declare that the works they do are the works of the Father. They shall declare as Jesus declared that whoever has seen them has seen the Father because Christ is ALL THAT REMAINS IN THEM.

You can buy of the Lord as much as you want. But, as the man considered the cost of the house before he built it, consider what you are willing to buy. (Luke 14:28)

Let God arise in you and all His enemies – not a few, but ALL – shall scatter. (Ps. 68:1) Who are His enemies? Not the prince of this world, for he is already cast down. (Jn. 12:31) The enemy of God is the flesh that yet remains IN US, resisting the work of the Holy Ghost. As you buy of the Lord, He will increase more and more, and you will decrease (John 3:30) until, if you buy enough, He is all that is left: that pearl of great price. (Mt. 13:46) There is no glory to the shell the pearl comes in. It is cast out and forgotten. But the pearl is that for which a man will SELL AND BUY.

IN JESUS NAME,
Bro Jerry Turk & Sis Jacalyn Eddy.

Glad – A Mighty Fortress

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Who is the Manchild in Revelation 12? – 5/26/15

WHO IS THE MANCHILD IN REVELATION 12?

In I Corinthians 13 Paul writes “that a when I was a child I spake as a child: but when I became a man I put away childish things.” In this passage Paul is using the concepts of childhood and manhood to speak about spiritual maturity. Indeed, the verse preceding this passage states “When that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away.” Most Christians today believe “that which is perfect” refers to the second coming of Christ. However, this concept is relatively new. That is, throughout most of Christendom until about 1860 this reference of perfection had more to do with the spiritual state of an individual while they were alive. For example, Saints were canonized by the Roman Catholic Church when a level of spiritual perfection was posthumously determined. In Protestant circles dominated by Puritans, early Methodists and converts from the first or second great awakening perfection more often referred to a second work of grace where the appetites and desires for sin were crucified once and for all. But the context of this chapter adequately defines this notion of perfection that is neither Catholic nor Protestant in the aforementioned terms. Essentially Paul is letting these carnal Christians know that even if they had great miraculous gifts and even if they were martyred, without LOVE they would be spiritually bankrupt.

In this case Paul’s use of “child” refers to a believer who is immature in the faith and is not well grounded. In the same sense Paul refers to a “man” as someone who was achieved a degree of maturity and is no longer influenced by the things of the world, the flesh or the devil. But this maturity or perfection is not just the absence of negative attributes that characterizes spiritual manhood. Paul also reports that the Fruits of the Spirit, and particularly, LOVE is not only the primary indicator of Christian maturity but also the evidence of Christian perfection.

However, in Revelation 12 we see that John has combined these same two concepts, manhood and childhood, but in an altogether different context. Here he refers to a group of believers who are collectively known as the Manchild. What is also apparent is that this Manchild is gifted and anointed by God. Indeed, immediately upon birth the Manchild is caught up to God and to his throne and yet at the same time “they loved not their lives unto death.” Although they are continually in the presence of God their mortal bodies are vulnerable to death.

Who is this Manchild? In one sense this becomes a relevant question in the light of current and unprecedented worldwide persecution and martyrdom of Christians. But the question about the identity of the Manchild is probably broader in scope than current events. This is because the very concept of a “Manchild” is an oxymoron or a contradiction. Consider for a moment the embodiment of Christ-like attributes or even unity with God in a collective that is corporately like a child? When we reflect on Christ’s dedication to purpose, commitment to His heavenly calling and His unwavering desire to follow the Father’s command, even to the point of tasting death and hell, childhood does not readily come to mind. Equally enigmatic are the other primary characters described in Revelation 12. These include the Woman who delivers the Manchild and the Dragon who seeks to devour the Manchild upon birth.
First it should be acknowledged that the identity of the Manchild is controversial. Not all believers agree. However, as scripture tends to interpret itself, then clues to the identity of Manchild are probably replete in type and shadow throughout scripture. A brief examination of Biblical children with anointed power should help us answer this question. Indeed, throughout the pages of the Bible there is a seemingly endless series of stories about couples and circumstances around the birth of their gifted or anointed offspring. A surface read of the book of Genesis gives an account of numerous couples, and in most cases, the unusual or peculiar circumstances that surround the birth of their son or sons.

To Adam and Eve were born Cain and Abel. But we read in Genesis 4 that Cain killed his brother Abel because God favored Abel’s offering, the blood sacrifice of an innocent newborn lamb over Cain’s sacrifice, the fruit of the ground or the fruit of his labor. To the believer the symbolism is obvious. Abel’s lamb is a type and shadow of Christ, called the Lamb of God in the gospels, while Cain’s offering represents those who seek to earn God’s favor by their own labor or by keeping the law. Moreover, after his death we read that Abel’s blood cried from the ground. Many have suggested that this reflects the eternal intercessory power of Christ’s blood. But obvious flaws are associated with this interpretation. Adam was created by God and was therefore called “the son of God.” Hence if Adam was murdered this interpretation might have merit. But when we consider that Abel was born of woman, the story holds more weight as a foreshadowing of the Manchild who was also born of “the Woman.”

In the apocryphal Book of Enoch (which was quoted by Jude and Jesus) we read of the birth of Noah who was thought by his father Lamech to be the offspring of Lamech’s wife and a fallen angel – because light could be visibly seen emanating from him when he entered a dark room. As a result Lamech contemplated taking the life of Noah. However, in the book, Enoch descends from his heavenly estate to reveal to Lamech that Noah is indeed Lamech’s son and that this young child, Noah has been chosen and anointed by God to save mankind. In reading the text one comes to realize that the phenomenon of light that surrounded Noah was the Shekinah Glory of God. This account of the infant Noah would therefore seem to be an appropriate prototype for both the birth of Christ and the birth of the Manchild. The lives of all 3 were threatened immediately after birth and all 3 survived following divine interventions. However, because Jesus said “as it was in the days of Noah so shall it be in the days of the coming of the son of man,” the Manchild Company correlates more closely with the infant Noah as both appear during an apocalyptic event. Moreover, since the Book of Enoch is not cannon of scripture, this example for some might not be relevant or accepted.

Thereafter, many other stories of phenomenal children are recorded in the Bible or other ancient related works. Eventually, the avid Bible reader comes to realize that childbirth is no doubt one of the major themes of the Hebrew covenant, and indeed the entire Bible. To Isaac and Rebekah were born twins, Esau first then Jacob (Gen. 25: 23-26). The story of these brothers and their relationship to God, to their parents and to each other makes for fascinating reading. This is because eventually the family inheritance and blessing goes to Jacob who, because he was younger would not typically become the rightful heir. Ultimately Jacob’s name, meaning jackal or supplanter is changed to Israel, which means “the redeemed of the Lord “after several unexpected divine encounters (Gen. 35:10). Again we find another story that suggests God’s favor is not dependent on merit or natural selection. Additionally, a distinct difference between the younger and the older is described in detail. Like Jacob, it is almost unnatural or unthinkable to consider that the blessing would go to a Manchild, which sounds a bit like an immature man.

In First Samuel, chapters 1 and 2 we read that after seeking the Lord for years Hanna was finally fruitful, giving birth. In return and with thanksgiving she presents her long awaited son, rendering him to the service of the Lord by relinquishing him to serve Levitical priests and to duties of the tabernacle. Her son became the mighty prophet Samuel who would anointed Saul, and later, David as King over Israel. Again a strong correlation is obvious. Like Samuel who was promised to the Lord at birth, the Manchild is caught up to God and to His throne immediately after birth. This differs from Christ who began his public ministry at the age of 30.

We could also easily correlate the Manchild to David the shepherd boy who slew the giant Goliath. Later, following the illicit affair between King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was born. In a strange twist of events Solomon unexpectedly became heir to the throne of David despite the fact that he was one of David’s youngest children. Moreover, the Lord gave Solomon permission to build the temple in Jerusalem. During Solomon’s dedication of the temple we read that fire fell from heaven and publically consumed 144,000 sacrifices before all Israel (2 Chron. 7:1). Again this is noteworthy as “the 144,000” is designated as a significant number in the Book of Revelation. In chapter 7 this number is associated with the 12 tribes of Israel (12,000 from each tribe) “who have come out of the Great Tribulation… and their robes are washed white in the blood of the Lamb.” However, in Chapter 14 the same number is associates with “the Redeemed of the Lord who originate from every nation, kindred, tongue and people from the entire earth.” Once again, those first chosen by the Lord, known as Israelites, receive not the promise of Christ. Instead the unexpected Gentiles or the younger or most recent converts who are added to the household of faith are the first to receive the promised Messiah.

The books of Kings and Chronicles provide us with what seems like endless genealogies of who begat who. Particular attention is often provided regarding the birth of Kings. In some cases, details are provided regarding their reign as well as the degree of their obedience to God. However, in the case of some kings it would appear that their only significance was the fact that they gave birth to their successor. Since we are focused on divinely anointed and appointed children, two young kings in particular are noteworthy. We read in II Chronicles 24 how Joash began his reign at the age of 7 and it was said of him that he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Moreover, in II King 23 we read that Josiah began his reign at age 8 and was credited with consolidating many Hebrew texts and removing idols of Baal. In both cases the concept of a spiritually mature child or Manchild is reintroduced to our consciousness and is perhaps a foreshadowing of things not seen as yet.

Of all the stories in the Bible that provide details around the birth of a son there are 3 that stand out as unique and vastly different from the rest. And though the Bible provides an account of many sons born under miraculous circumstances, the birthing of THREE SONS in particular goes far beyond the realm of the miraculous. Indeed the birthings of these 3 specific sons carry the promise of UNIVERSAL AND ETERNAL significance. The story of these three families and their promised son that stand out head and shoulders above all other stories in the Bible are:

1) ABRAHAM AND SARAH, AND THEIR SON ISAAC:
GOD SPEAKING TO ABRAHAM “AND IN THY SEED SHALL ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED” (GEN. 22: 18). “BY FAITH HE SOJOURNED IN THE LAND OF PROMISE AS IN A STRANGE COUNTRY DWELLING IN TABERNACLES WITH ISAAC AND JACOB, THE HEIRS WITH HIM OF THE SAME PROMISE FOR HE LOOKED FOR A CITY THAT HATH FOUNDATIONS WHOSE BUILDER AND MAKER IS GOD. THROUGH FAITH ALSO SARAH HERSELF RECEIVES STRENGTH TO CONCEIVE SEED, AND WAS DELIVERED OF A CHILD WHEN SHE WAS PAST AGE, BECAUSE SHE JUST HIM FAITHFUL WHO HAD PROMISED. THEREFORE, SPRANG THERE EVEN OF ONE, AND HIM AS GOOD AS DEAD, SO MANY AS THE STARS OF THE SKY IN MULTITUDE, AND AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE INNUMERABLE. BY FAITH, ABRAHAM WHEN HE WAS TRIED OFFERED UP ISAAC AND HE THAT HAD RECEIVED THE PROMISES OFFERED UP HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, OF WHOM IT WAS SAID THAT IN ISAAC SHALL THY SEED BE CALLED, ACCOUNTING THAT GOD WAS ABLE TO RAISE HIM UP, EVEN FROM THE DEAD, FROM WHENCE ALSO HE RECEIVE HIM IN A FIGURE” (HEB. 11:9-12, 17-19).

2) THE BIRTH OF JESUS TO THE VIRGIN MARY:
BEHOLD, A VIRGIN SHALL CONCEIVE AND BEAR A SON, AND SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL (GOD WITH US)” (ISAIAH 7:14). “FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, TO US SON IS GIVEN, AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE UPON HIS SHOULDERS. AND HE BE CALLED WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, THE PRINCE OF PEACE” (ISAIAH 9:6). “AND THERE WERE IN THE SAME COUNTRY SHEPHERDS ABIDING IN THE FIELD KEEPING WATCH OVER THEIR FLOCK BY NIGHT. AND LO, THE ANGEL OF THE LORD CAME UPON THEM, AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHONE ROUND ABOUT THEM; AND THEY WERE SORE AFRAID. AND THE ANGEL SAID UNTO THEM, FEAR NOT: FOR BEHOLD, I BRING YOU TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY, WHICH SHALL BE TO ALL PEOPLE. FOR UNTO YOU IS BORN THIS DAY IN THE CITY OF DAVID A SAVIOR, WHICH IS CHRIST THE LORD… AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS WITH THE ANGEL A MULTITUDE OF THE HEAVENLY HOST PRAISING GOD AND SAYING, GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN” (LUKE 2: 8-14).

3) THE BIRTH OF THE MANCHILD IN REVELATION 12:
“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 FATLING TOGETHER; AND A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM” (ISAIAH 11:6). “AND THERE APPEARED ANOTHER WONDER IN HEAVEN; AND BEHOLD A GREAT RED DRAGON HAVING SEVEN HEADS AND 10 HORNS AND SEVEN CROWNS UPON HIS HEADS. AND HIS TAIL DREW THE THIRD PART OF THE STARS OF HEAVEN, AND DID CAST THEM TO THE EARTH: AND THE DRAGON STOOD BEFORE THE WOMAN WHICH WAS READY TO BE DELIVERED FOR TO DEVOUR HER CHILD AS SOON AS IT WAS BORN. AND SHE BROUGHT FORTH A MANCHILD, WHO WAS TO RULE ALL NATIONS WITH A ROD OF IRON: AND HER CHILD WAS CAUGHT UP UNTO GOD, AND TO HIS THRONE. AND THE WOMAN FLED INTO THE WILDERNESS, WHERE SHE HAD A PLACE PREPARED OF GOD THAT THEY SHOULD FEED HER THERE 1200 AND THREESCORE DAYS” (REV. 12:1-6).

Most believers are well acquainted with the stories of the first 2 couples and their son of promise, but again we ask, who is this Manchild and what are His parent’s names? Many believe the Manchild is a description of Christ and His coming “millennial reign.” This is understandable when we consider that both Mary and the Woman take refuse shortly after giving birth and both are pursued for a specified period of time by evil forces aimed at annihilation. However, the description of this 3rd enigmatic child of promise in Revelation 12 does not quite fit with what we know of Jesus at his return. A little child or Manchild that shall lead as the great peacemaker between lion and lamb does not exactly fit with the Lion of Judah that returns with fiery vengeance.

Further distinctions regarding the Manchild are also supported in Revelation 12 where the mother of this new born is discussed. In this passage we note that “The Woman” or mother of the Manchild bears no obvious resemblance to Sarah or Mary. If the Manchild represented Jews converted during the Great Tribulation then we might have expected the mother to be described like Sarah, that is, beyond the age to conceive. Or if the Manchild was a symbolic or hidden message meant to reveal Jesus of Nazareth in cryptic language to an early persecuted church then we might expect the Woman to be described as a virgin. The absence of these essential descriptors is highly suggestive that the Manchild represents another group altogether. Reading from the beginning: “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of 12 stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered” (Rev. 12:1-2).

Instead, this Manchild description strongly correlates to the “Manifested Sons of God” described in Romans 8. Indeed we read that “the whole creation groans and travails in pain for the manifestation of the Sons of God. Please note that this manifestation in Romans is described in “birthing terms,” groaning and travailing much like the passage in Revelation 12. And if the Manchild equates to Sons of God, it would of necessity have to be both a single entity and, at the same time, a multitude. Is a corporate entity a valid or scriptural concept? Indeed it is, for this is exactly what Jesus prayed in John 17:21, for believers in his generation and future generations. “That they all may be one; as thou Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” This is also verified directly in the passage in Revelation. Here “Manchild” is singular but later John reveals that THEY (plural) loved not their lives unto death. So we are compelled to ask who are the Sons of God, also known as the Manchild? “Now WE are the SONS OF GOD and it doth not yet appear what WE shall be but We know that when HE shall appear WE shall be like him for WE shall see HIM as HE is” (I Jn. 3:2). That means we shall be transfigured. This corruptible will put on incorruptible. And if All CREATION is awaiting the SONS OF GOD, then the concept of Jesus of Nazareth returning to set up His kingdom falls grossly short of God’s plan. How so? Recall on the cross He said, “It is Finished! Hence, a Body of Believers who are united under Christ, their divine head fulfills His promise to us: “God shall shortly bruise Satan under your feet” (Rom. 16:20).

Continuing in John 17:22 we read “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them: that they may be one, even as we are one.” This further helps us understand the mystery, “all flesh shall see (Him) together” (Rev. 1:7 & Isa. 40:5), because “He shall come to be glorified in His saints” (2Thes. 1:10). It is easy to see how a worldwide simultaneous transfiguration of saints could best be described “as lightening that shines from the east to the west” (Matt. 24:27).

Unfortunately, not all who name the name of Christ or are “saved” will be a part of this transfiguration or manifestation. For we read in Matthew 25:1-13 that there were 5 foolish virgins who did not have enough oil when the time of the bridegroom approached. In fact the 5 wise virgins were unwilling to sell their oil to the 5 foolish. The oil was needed to provide fire to light the way during the midnight hour. Precious Spirit filled believer, as this era or Day of the Gentiles draws to a close (Matt. 24:14 & Rom. 11:25) and the sun sets into “gross darkness the people (Isa 60:2)” don’t be without the FIRE OF THE HOLY GHOST. You can’t get this power from other Spirit filled believers. Only Jesus can baptize you in the Fire of the Holy Ghost (Lk. 3:16).

Returning to Revelation 12 we also read that the dragon went to wage war with the Woman who had a place prepared for her in the wilderness. We may indeed rise TO MEET HIM IN THE AIR (1 Thes. 4:16-17), but the idea that we’re gone during some Great Tribulation is really not clearly indicated. Noah remained in the ark on the planet but was unaffected by the destruction of the planet’s surface. Peter reveals that once again at the Day of the Lord, the earth will again be destroyed, but this time by fire (2 Pet. 3:10). Upon reading Peter’s words one cannot help but be reminded of Daniel, chapter 3 in which the Fourth Man protected Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace . Perhaps a righteous remnant or Manchild Company will be unaffected by the coming apocalyptic fire.

Realize this, the birthing of the MANCHILD or THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD means you are possessed by God. You are One with God as He prayed in John 17. What difference does it make if you are in some celestial mansion or on planet earth. You are in Jesus and Jesus is in you. You are transformed. This flimsy necessity of sequentially and chronologically dividing the Book of Revelation into time frames is really not in keeping with what we know about the Master. Allow me to provide an example. Recall He was crucified and rose in 3, or 3.5 days. And according to our reading of the text Jesus allegedly “went to Hell (Ps. 16:10), got the keys (Rev. 1:18), came back to earth in a transfigured body for 40 days (Acts 1:3), and now He lives forevermore to make intercession for us (Heb 7:25).” Right? Okay, then why did he say to the one next to him also being crucified, “This day you will be with me in paradise (Lk 23:43)?” How could He be with this man in paradise that day when Jesus had 3 days of work to do in hell? And indeed He did go to hell. Reading Psalms 16:10, “thou wilt not leave my soul in hell” confirms this as a destination for our Lord. Moreover, we read in 1 Peter 3:18 he preached to imprisoned spirits who were lost during the time of Noah. How then could he be with that man in paradise that day when he had to spend three days in hell and the grave? The answer is quite simple beloved. There is no time after the grave. God provides time-frames for us in this earthly realm to assist in our comprehension oh Him. How do we know this? Because the times and the seasons, which are measured by the sun, moon and stars were created by God. That is, by the Word of God, or by Jesus, time was created. “For by him (and for him) were all things created (Col. 1:16 & Prov. 16:4).” He is “the I AM (Ex. 3:14).” He is ever-present and always in the NOW. Let us no longer put God in a box and say… “then this will happen, then this, …then after that, this…but this has to happen first.” Believer, rid yourself of this kind of archaic thinking. God doesn’t live in a box or the Arc of the Covenant anymore. Understand that the Book of Revelation was given to those “that hath an ear to hear what the Spirit says… (Rev. 2:7, 17 &29, 3:22).” Hence the Book of Revelation is not meant to be read or understood on the basis of one’s intellect, but is spiritually discerned. It is intended to be reveals to spiritual ears and to be spiritually understood. Trying to figure out the Book of Revelation is futile and runs contrary to Christ’s instructions. Waste your time no more by reading Revelation as a series of chronological events and acknowledge that he is the I AM.

So let us go back to the Manchild or the Manifested Son of God. They are birthed from the bride of Christ, the Church and Fathered by the Holy Ghost: Paul writes, “For I have espoused you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ (2Cor. 11:2),” ….“That he (Jesus) might be the first born among many brethren (Rom. 8:29).” The son of Isaac and his mother, Sarah are a type and shadow of the Manchild Company and the Woman. Abraham is a picture of God who knows a son of promise is on the way. Though centuries have passed, Sarah, like the Church, upon hearing that she will actually produce a son, laughs as though hearing an absurdity (Gen. 18:12). Indeed, most in churches would laugh and scorn if you or I proclaimed that a righteous remnant, possessed by Christ will come forth from the church system and set creation free. But in the same way Sarah’s faith was ignited when she believed (Heb 12:11), so too is there a remnant in the Church waking from their slumber and aware that something great is about to happen. Most believe this to be “the Rapture.” But beloved, God has not called us to escape but to OVERCOME (1Jn. 5:4 & 5, Rev. 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:26, 3:5,3:12, 3:21, 21:7). Stop looking to the Nightly New and stop looking for a Rapture. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (Heb. 12:2). Revelation depicts this Woman clothed with the sun. Hence her sins are blotted out or she is clothed with the Glory of God. The moon is under her feet. The moon has no life of it’s own but reflects the glory of the sun when it is darkest. This means she is crucified with Christ, and has no life; yet she lives and radiates the faith of the Son of God who gave His life for her (Gal. 2:20). Upon her head a crown of 12 stars. That is, she has been received apostolic teaching and authority. And though she does not know it, and perhaps she does not yet believe it, she is pregnant for the Corporate Christ or the First Fruits of the Spirit (Rom. 8:23). She is pregnant for Christ, the many membered body (1 Cor. 12:27). Allow me to provide an example.

Though Saul, whose name was later changed to Paul, persecuted the followers of Jesus and though he never met Jesus during His 33 years on earth, Jesus personally introduced himself to Paul. On the Road to Damascus Jesus appeared to Saul/Paul and asked, “Why persecutest thou me (Acts 9:4)?” Now consider this profound question for a moment and remember Saul had never met Jesus. In this question Jesus was revealing that those he persecuted were Jesus… “Insomuch as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me (Matt. 25:40). No! This is not blasphemy. But this is your inheritance, like the well-known hymn, “Be thou my vision…Thou my inheritance now and always.” Jesus is your inheritance (Phil. 3:8). Though aspects of your inheritance may have been described to you as streets of gold, reunion with loved ones passed on, sinless perfection, escape from God’s wrath, or even planetary reign, they do not compare with your true inheritance, JESUS. Please know that you are called “to be conformed to His image (Rom. 8:29),” and “you are called to be ONE with Him (Jn. 17:21).” Blasphemy is where you decide you are Christ. However, it is quite a different thing for Christ to give you His name. “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named ( Eph. 3:14-15).” Indeed, it is quite common for a wife to take her husband’s name or for children to be identified by their father’s surname.

You and I are called to be part of this Manchild Company and you and I shall come forth on the earth at the midnight hour and subdue kingdoms. This Manchild Company are the meek that inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5). Prophesy is fulfilled as “a little child shall lead them (Isa. 11:6).” Jesus said “Unless you become as a little child you shall not inherit the kingdom (Matt. 18:3)” and “Suffer the little children to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of God (Matt. 19:4).” “Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings God has perfected praise (Matt. 21:16).” Now we finally understand what He meant. So in this process in which you are divested of the doctrines of man, you enter into God and boldly “are caught up to God and His throne (Rev 12:5).” Here you begin to realize perhaps for the first time that you are “BEING BORN AGAIN of an incorruptible seed (1Pet 1:23).” Indeed we are fitly framed together (Eph 2:21) to be manifested as the perfect man (Eph 4:13), the likes of which the world has never known; a Manchild that will set all creation free. That beloved, is “THE GOOD for which ALL thing work together (Rom 8:28).” Finally, too illustrate the Manchild Company allow me to repost a dream given to my daughter with the interpretation, which I believe was given to me by the Lord.

THE DREAM: “I was carelessly wandering a mountain top. I was humbly dressed and carrying a basket. Making my way down the mountain side I come upon a deer that did not move away as I drew near. I notice that the deer is wounded. As I get close I see unspeakable things. I get on my knees and pray for her but it appears she is eating her own hoof and leg to sustain her need for food. As I look at her entirely, her gut has been wrenched out and I realize her wounds (though unable to be mended) are the cause of her hunger. On all four with her- I sob, tears fall to the ground.”

INTERPRETATION GOD GAVE ME: It is a dream about the status of the reprobate church today. There is no manna, no quail. But they desire “strong meat that belongs to those of full age.” And since there is none because they have not seen the hope of their calling, that is they are unaware that they are called to be conformed to the image of Christ, they become like cannibals, eating on their own members. Gossiping, maligning, persecuting, they become gutless. They have no inner strength. Salvation preached to foreign nations is reduced to shoe boxes with gifts at Christmas time. There is no “deer panting for water, only the shell of what once could leap over hills and jump over walls, and now has developed a taste for blood, like vampires, or rodents that eat their young if no food is available. Peter and Jude write about them. They know scriptures and their own doctrines but they do not know Him, otherwise they would seek to be filled, healed, and delivered. They would seek to be broken by Him so as to be used in whatever capacity in which the Master has need. They would seek His Fire. THERE IS A NEWLY BORN AND INVINCIBLE REMNANT THAT LEAVES THE BARREN CHURCH IN THE WILDERNESS AND THIS MAN-CHILD COMPANY IS CAUGHT UP TO GOD AND TO HIS THRONE. The beast, that was once a deer is left to be trodden under foot for a time and times and half a time. Do not mourn endlessly for this beast but rejoice that God has called you easily maneuver Mount Zion so that you can see the status of the Wilderness-Church and that you are not a part of it. Though still dressed in sackcloth, that is, not yet transfigured; and though you have a near empty basket, it is capable of feeding 5000 at a time. You cry for her not because of her wounds, but because of her lack of faith – a faith that enables you to have vision for the invisible. Those tears that hit the ground are like the drops of blood that fell from His brow in Gethsemane. And like Abel’s blood, it cries from the ground even after you have departed, making intercession for those who were without the heavenly vision. You could not but help draw near because the love of the Father is in you to love all who name the name of Jesus.

Lastly, allow me to reiterate that most Christians consider the Manchild to be a symbolic representation of the nation of Israel, converted to Christ during the Great Tribulation. But this is pure conjecture on the part of those who espouse the doctrine of Escapism. Instead we see that the birthing of the Manchild from the church system marks the inevitable doom of Satan and his influence on mankind. This is the inheritance of all believers. “God shall shortly bruise Satan under your foot (Rom 16:20).” The remainder of the chapter provides us with these details or the activity occurring in the spirit realm from God’s perspective. “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his Angels fought against the Dragon; and the Dragon fought and his Angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found anymore and heaven. And the great Dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of the brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the “Blood of the Lamb,” and the “Word of their Testimony;” and they loved not their lives unto death (Rev 12:7-11).”

Precious believer, I pray that as darkness covers the earth, we die to our ambitions and self-desires. In doing so we will receive the brightness of His Glory and He shall He arise upon us. Plea the “blood of Jesus” over every circumstance and know “the word of our testimony.” That singular word of our testimony is of course, J E S U S.

God Bless You Precious Saints.
In the mighty name of Jesus of Nazareth,
Brother Jerry Turk

The Lord whom ye seek 5/20/15

From the book of Malachi Chapter 3 and verse 1

The Word came to the prophet, saying, the Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple.. Soon and very soon that day will be upon us all.

and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. 2But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: 3And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

And the last 3 verses of Malachi 3.

16Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

This is the promise of the God, the Word of the Lord…. and what a wonderful promise this is. Fear God, speak of HIM often with others, think upon HIS name (Jesus) and HE will spare us as sons. Amen and Amen.

Where is the House that Ye Build unto Me? 5/18/15

The Spiritual Birth – 1989

GOD’S PLAN (written in 1989)

Dear Beloved in Christ,

The Lord spoke to me about 9 months ago that my wife, Lisa, and I would have a baby. In the weeks that followed, the Lord also promised us a son, what we should name him and when he would be born, May 7^th.

There were many skeptics as Lisa and I shared our faith in these promises that God had given us concerning the baby. Sad to say that Christians doubted as much as unbelievers. Certainly we had a 50/50 chance on guessing the sex of the baby, but the sex AND the date of birth?

We rested in faith knowing that, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise…” (2 Peter 3:9) and, “…He is faithful that promised.” (Heb 10:2)

Praise God! On May 7^th, Lisa gave birth to a son we named Aaron as directed by the Almighty. Aaron was born exactly 40 weeks from conception.

What does mom go through during this 40 week period?

First, a time of going through a wilderness experience, wandering lost and without direction in a barren desert. Time slows down and drags on endlessly; a time of waiting and wondering, pondering about things to come. Only the hope of what lies ahead helps moms to be patient and endure the waiting.
Next is labor. Before there can be any birth there is always a time of labor. Labor before the delivery of a baby can be a long and difficult struggle. Contractions are painful and seem to never end. Only the hope of giving birth gives moms the strength to get through the pain.
Finally a new baby is born! All of the time spent in waiting, filled with anxiety and feeling alone is worth it. The struggle and the pain of labor is forgotten. The realization of mom’s hope is all that matters. When a mother beholds her baby there is nothing but joy!

It is no coincidence that GOD made it 40 weeks for the new birth of a baby. There are many 40 day, week and year periods in the Bible before new births.

Noah was 40 days in the ark. He was delivered through water and birthed into a new life and newborn earth. The Isrealites labored 40 years in the desert before crossing the Jordan River and being delivered into the promised land. They were birthed into a new life in a new land. After Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, He labored 40 days in the wilderness before being birthed into His ministry upon the earth. Jesus was birthed into a new life in the Spirit.

Before a new birth, whether it be natural or spiritual, there is waiting, labor and delivery.

This is the cycle even for us as we are…..

“BEiNG born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” (I Peter 1:23, capitals mine)

Most Christians believe that to be born again is a one time thing as if to say that once you believe in Jesus you have all there is. Surely it is a lie from satan, telling us we have arrived to stop us from seeking God and entering into all that He has for us.

It is certain that there is at least two births that take place as outlined by JESUS!

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except that a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3-5)

First Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot SEE the kingdom of God.” There is a “seeing” that takes place after believing in Jesus. The Bible starts to make sense and there is an understanding of the things of God. Only after believing can the kingdom of God be SEEN.

Jesus then said, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” When you believe and are water baptized (born of water) you can SEE the kingdom of GOD. There is also an ENTERING INTO the kingdom that takes place after you are born of water AND of the Spirit.

Paul said, “My little children of whom I travail in birth AGAIN until Christ be formed in you.” (Gal. 4:19, caps. Mine) I am sure that we all believed Paul to be born again, yet he said, “I travail in birth AGAIN.”

Giving birth to Christ is an on-going process within all Christians. Only the hope of Christ being fully formed in us drives us on. This is our hope of glory and the mystery of the gospel. Not only did Jesus die to save us from a devil’s hell, but also that we may be where He is.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that WHERE I AM, THERE YE MAY BE ALSO.” (John 14:2,3 caps. Mine)

This is the gospel (good news)!

When a man knows his wife there is a union formed between them and they become one flesh. This close face to face contact results in the seed of the man being placed in the woman. The seed will grow in her during her pregnancy until she goes into labor and a child is born.

The verses in Ephesians chapter 5 are used often for sermons about husbands and wives. What Paul was really talking about is in verse 32, “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” Paul was comparing husbands and wives to the mystery of Christ and His bride.

God’s purpose is not only to save or fill with His Spirit, but God longs to know us as a man knows his bride. When God comes unto us by His Spirit and loves us, He places His seed within us. The result of this is:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6)

The result is sons. So what does is mean to be a son of God?

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)

If we are led by the Spirit, then we are the sons of God. This is the point where most people jump up and say, “Blasphemer! Heretic! There is only one Son! You are claiming to be God!” No I am not. I am hoping to know what Paul meant when wrote,

“And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Eph 3:19)

My hope is to comprehend the love of God, for God is love. (I John 4:8)

“BEHOLD, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” (I John 3:1,2)

It is written of Jesus,

“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” (Heb 1:15)

To be a son is to be the image or expression of the invisible God. If God (God is a Spirit, John 4:24) were to possess a human body and express Himself though that body, He would act just like Jesus. In truth, Jesus is the Son of God, or God in the flesh. Not only does God possess a body in the case of Jesus, but God’s Spirit possesses us when we believe in Jesus. God is still taking flesh, yours and mine. Anyone that does not believe that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of the spirit of antichrist.

“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 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 wherof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” (I John 4:2,3)

These verses say IS COME in the flesh, not DID COME. Jesus Christ is still coming in the flesh, though He is seldom recognized.

“He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:11-13)

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)

Jesus is referred to as the, “firstborn among many brethren.” If He is the firstborn, then there must be more!

When God comes unto us and knows us by His Spirit the seed of Christ is placed in us and we become spiritually pregnant. As this seed grows in us, we become more and more lead by His Spirit.

With labor comes the struggle to completely submit ourselves unto the will of the Father. We will go through our own Gethsemene where we must say to the Father, “…nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.” (Luke 22:42) We can’t even do this on our own as it is contrary to our nature to die to our own will. Yet if we choose to be fully possessed and lead by the Spirit, then we must, “…press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:14); and thus, we too are the sons of God.

Jesus was TOTALLY led by the Father which is what it takes to be a son. If we are led by the Spirit, then we are the sons of God!

Only when God opens our eyes by His Spirit, can we say as the songwriter, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the LORD…” and, “In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea, with a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me….”

Jesus was a manifested son of God on the mount of Transfiguration. The voice of the Father even called from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt 17:5)

This seeing or understanding of the mystery of the gospel cannot be learned or taught. It is given by God just like salvation.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2:8, 9 capitals mine)

There are many that the Bible says are, “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim 3:7) Only when God GIVES us the understanding of the mystery of the gospel, can we comprehend the hope of glory which is CHRIST IN YOU. (Col 1:27)

So for what purpose is all this sons of God stuff for? The answer lies in Romans 8:18, 19 and 22;

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.”

In that day all creation will be set free. All of creation is still groaning and travailing; laboring and waiting for a new birth. Even now we feel the groaning of the Spirit within us as we wait for the manifestation of the sons of God. In that day, not only will Jesus Christ bodily appear from heaven, but He will also be revealed in His saints. In that day the glory of God will shine out from the Christ, the Spirit of God that is even now forming within us. This will be the Son of God being birthed out from us. In that day we shall, “say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!” (Isa 40:9)

In that day we will fully understand what it means to be born of the Spirit, born from above, and born again!

God Bless and keep you in His eternal love.

Be Thou My Vision 5/14/15

Throughout scripture the presence of the Lord has always been marked by an unmistakable entrance. Unfortunately, in many Christian circles in the United States an experience with Christ is considered non-essential. Or worse yet, it is considered a counterfeit from the Satan, arguing that the Bible alone is sufficient for conversion. But to the “rational Christian” who does not want to appear that dogmatic, a spiritual experience with Christ is often explained in psychological or scientific terms. And so, in an attempt to be non-judgmental, these fundamentalists often view the “Christian experience” as a self-induced, hypnotic, trance-like state that in reality is nothing more than an adrenalin rush, a dopaminergic surge, a flood of endorphins or just plain old fashion goose bumps. And if the “experience” occurs in a crowd, it is simply called mass hypnosis, special effects, stage craft or charlatanism.

And while attempting to placate what they believe to be a group of emotionally charged “baby Christians” these so called “seeker-sensitive believers” have reduced the Christian experience to a verbal affirmation of doctrine. To them, the initiate reiterates or paraphrases dogma in a quasi-guttural, semi-suburban dialect, which sounds something like “uh-huh” or “yeah.” Later when discipled in the faith the new convert is brainwashed to believe that only those lacking faith seek an experience. They are taught that one only needs to mentally ascribe to a set of prescribed religious formulas now codified as the FOUR SPIRITUAL LAWS in order to become a Christian. Like Nancy Reagan’s solution to addiction “Just say NO,” Christian conversion is simply “Just say YES.” In other words, “keep it simple stupid.”

Well, if you buy this schlock – hook, line and sinker, I’m here to tell you you’ve been robbed, lied to and cheated of your inheritance. The reason you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior is because you want to know Him. If He has revealed himself to you personally He cannot be denied. As a child I believed in God. I had heard Bible stories about Jesus and others first from my mother, then later in Sunday School. I believed these Biblical testimonies but I lacked personal experience. I even took my Bible to school every day to prove that I was not ashamed of the gospel. In retrospect I had convinced myself that an experience with Christ was simply emotionalism. Instead, I was memorizing scripture. I somehow convinced myself that I knew Him. But in reality, I really had not experienced Him, His presence, His power, His overwhelming love. Inwardly, I so desperately wanted to but Jesus seemed silent. I also knew from the Bible that “the letter of the law kills but the Spirit gives life” (2Cor 3:6). I cried as an adolescent for years in secret, desiring a confirmation of my faith – even though the preacher thundered from the pulpit that “an evil generation seeks a sign” (Mt 29:39). Night after night, as a young boy of ten or twelve I cried myself to sleep with tears of desperation: “Jesus, if you’re real show yourself to me.”

Finally, at age 18 when I was a high school senior, I was invited to a home Bible study and prayer meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting a friend of mine, Joe Sarnicola asked if anyone wanted to be baptized in the Holy Ghost. I did not! And when asked, I said “NO WAY.” To me that stuff was demonic-like and raw emotionalism. But out of shear curiosity I whispered to Jean Elam, the woman sitting next to me, “How does one get this baptism?” Part of me was curious because it was a blizzard outside and I thought that perhaps I was being challenged to wade into some freezing river nearby. But instead, in a southern accent Jean responded, “Why you just ask Jesus to baptize you in His Spirit He does the rest.” Well that sounded easy enough. Nobody needed to know that I was praying. I really didn’t expect anything to happen anyways. I then innocently prayed “Jesus, baptize me in your Spirit if this is of you.”

Within minutes I was standing, hands were being put on me, I was crying out for more of Jesus and suddenly, from out of nowhere, a power, a surge, a wonderful warmth that seemed almost like electricity and warm oil slowly worked its way down my body from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. All I could say was “It’s you Jesus, it’s you.” And without a shred of doubt I knew it was Him. The power was so great I fell backwards right to the floor. And while praising Him, I suddenly began speaking in tongues. It was an incomprehensible language that I could neither control nor did I want to. This experience has never left me and the same power occurs to me as the age of 60 approaches and as I speak in tongues daily.

Shortly after this glorious event and a few months before I planned to go to college I witnessed the visible and tangible Shekinah Glory of Christ. I was invited by a middle aged couple from my new church, the Auburn Assembly of God, to go to a Kathryn Kuhlman meeting in the old Presbyterian Church in Pittsburg. Hundreds, even 1000’s were simultaneously healed as repeating rings of a luminescent fog emanated from her in all directions. These clouds rolled over us and through us, one after another like ripples that form when a pebble is thrown into a still pond. Toward the end of the service the four of us sitting some 25 feet from the stage witnessed the regrowth of leg muscles on a 20 year girl who was wheelchair bound. Calf muscles that did not exist appeared before our very eyes. It was like watching balloons being filled with gas from an air tank. Within seconds she was walking with ease.

The power in each doughnut shaped cloud that passed through us was so intense it was difficult to remain standing. We were literally jolted as each wave of power swept by. Like the Baptism of the Holy Ghost it again felt like warm oil and a wonderful electric-like power that invigorated, renewed and healed all at the same time. All Ms Kuhlman did was stand on stage and sing “Hallelujah” in her post-menopausal, cracking and almost guttural voice. People everywhere were jumping up like popcorn, screaming that they were healed.

I went with George and Dee Oaks and Pearl Hamilton who was in her late 70s at the time. We all saw and experienced the same thing. We got there early, about 4am. You had to – to get a seat. Doors didn’t open until 10am or 11am. People came in wheel chairs, ambulances, with IV poles, and some with nurses in uniform. In the end what was a mean nasty crowd that trampled each other to get in, was after a 4-5 hour service that went by like half an hour, a totally transformed people. Almost everyone got saved, crying, begging for Jesus. As great as that was, it does not compare to what we are entering into now.

About a year later while at Houghton Wesleyan College in Upstate New York I encountered some students that I considered “heretics” because they believed and preached a word that they claimed was from God, but these were different from my beliefs. Basically their beliefs challenged my traditional Christian ideas about rapture, tribulation, trinity, etc. Their beliefs seemed altogether different from the beliefs I was taught since childhood. So I warned others about them and secretly wanted them expelled from this “Christian College.” Then one day I encountered in a dormitory foyer, Lee Gilchrist and Nancy Paine, two followers of these heretical doctrines. They again gave me a summary of their heresy. And in the midst of my arguments I suddenly understood everything they were saying. In fact, I wasn’t even listening to them. In my mind I was trying to think of my next argument to counter their beliefs, when suddenly I fully understood. What I previously thought was heresy I now knew as Revelation. In that split second I received an expanded comprehension of the Lord Jesus Christ, my destiny with Him, His eternal purpose in me, and for that matter, His purpose for all creation.

This experience was not revealed as separate doctrines but was a Divine Revelation such that “the eyes of my understanding were enlightened” (Eph 1:18). It was as if the words of the song were suddenly true for me: “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of The Lord” and I saw that He was coming to be glorified in His saints (2Thes 1:10). My theology, which I have shared openly in my posts did not come from Bible School. It was imparted by the Holy Ghost. In that moment I experienced joy unspeakable and full of glory (1Pet 1:8). As one of His sons I was called not only to be conformed to His image (Rom 8:29) but I was also called to be ONE with Him (Jn 17:21). I understood that I had adopted a spirit whereby I cry Abba Father (Rom 8:15) and that one day I will adopt a new transfigured body (Rom 8:23). But I also understood that beyond adopting promises, I am NOT an adopted son. Instead, I am being born again of an incorruptible seed (1Pet 1:23) and Jesus was the firstborn among many brethren (Rom 8:29). Indeed, the whole creation is groaning and travailing in pain for the MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD (Rom 8:18-22). In my previous experiences with Christ I had known Him as the WAY. Following this moment of Divine Revelation I came to know Him as TRUTH. But I still did not know Him as the LIFE.

This occurred about nine months after the impartation of “Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Eph 1:17-18). Many trials and tribulations were occurring and I think it is fair to say that I was going through the worst time of my life up to that point. To escape my troubles I visited a friend in Tulsa, Oklahoma who prayed for me under the anointing and power of the Holy Ghost. During the prayer I was levitated and thrown across the room by an evil spirit. Immediately afterwards a raspy guttural voice came out of my mouth that said, “No I won’t go.” Not only had I suddenly lost control of voice, but my body was stiff and paralyzed. Once again my theology was challenged because I did not believe it possible for a Spirit filled believer to come under such demonic influence. My friend continued to pray in the power of the Holy Ghost until the wretched spirit of fear that had haunted me my entire life completely left me. I was then again filled with unspeakable joy and flooded with the sensation of His abiding and dynamic love. It was beyond thrilling. The Kingdom Walk had begun. I was delivered out of my Wilderness and I was now in the Promised Land.

For many of us after we began the Kingdom Walk, we were immediately involved in healing the sick, raising the dead and casting out demons. But unforeseen consequences occurred. We had become totally full of ourselves, totally enamored with our “high spiritual standing.” Essentially we become what Oswald Chambers calls “spiritual prigs.” Though we were involved in signs and wonders we are oblivious to our arrogance, pride and blackened hearts. And so our great intercessor, Jesus, the Son of the Living God, slowly begins to reveal how deeply offensive we really are, how very shallow we had become, how truly unlovely we appeared. Many of us fell into gross sin and debauchery. But we thought it was okay because we were praying for people who got healed. This was exactly my situation. And so once again it was necessary for God to break me and mold me afresh. I was again brought back to my loving Savior so that God could rebuild me, like Zachariah’s Temple that needed to be rebuilt when the Israelites were released from 70 years of captivity. Essentially, while I was performing mighty miracles I was at the same time carried off to Babylon. Decades passed but God is faithful and He has brought me back to a land of promise. This time He gave me careful instruction and he revived my soul with a new fire. He was again recreating and restoring, but this time He spoke to me about a promised land in different terms. It did not involve man, movement or ministry. Instead the Promised Land was JESUS, my true inheritance.

I will be 60 in 4 days. In the recent past, that is the last 3 to 4 years, I have been experiencing the Baptism of Fire. Many Christians in the USA have never heard of this. However, this fire-concept has captured the imagination of many popular charismatic ministers today. Though they pray for individuals to receive the Fire of the Holy Ghost they describe the purpose of this experience as one that causes the believer to become more fervent in their faith. That is, they equate this fiery experience to a renewed passion for Christ, for improved soul winning, for a deeper and more fervent prayer life. Many of these ministers have merely defined the Baptism of Fire with a secular definition associated with the phrase “a burning passion.” The problem with this anemic, co-opted, secular definition is that it hardly mirrors the authority associated with Moses and Elijah described in Revelation 11. Here we read of witnesses who are already baptized with the Holy Ghost and have already received “dunamis” or power described in Acts 1:8, 2:38 and 39. In Revelation 11, two witnesses receive the double portion: “exousia” or authority known to us as the Baptism of Fire. You and I are one of the witnesses and Christ in us is the second. Recall that Jesus said “I am one that bear witness of myself and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me” (Jn 8:18). And even as the ministries of Moses and Elijah were not simply a demonstration of a burning passion, neither is the individual baptized in the Fire of the Holy Ghost simply more enthusiastic. No doubt a burning passion existed with both Moses and Elijah, but their ministries encompassed far more. They were empowered with a divine authority that superseded the kingdoms of this world, the flesh and the devil. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost has been available for about 70 years to believers in large numbers. Christ is now pouring out on spirit-believers who desire more of Him this Baptism of Fire.

Please understand I am not opposed to a believer acquiring a burning passion for Jesus. Indeed, this may be a prelude to the promised fiery baptism. What I am simply sharing with you is that we are indeed at the end of the “Age of the Gentiles” and the Baptism of Fire is no longer just available to a few medieval saints. The Fire of the Holy Ghost is being poured out to all who ask, seek and knock. In Malachi 3:2-3 we read, “But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord and offering in righteousness.” He will indeed “do a quick work unto righteousness” (Rom 9:28). During the earth’s darkest hour, soon to be upon us, he will give authority to his two witnesses. I guarantee that you will see in the very near future many Christians who are walking in incredible authority. (Of course they will be accused of being false Christ’s.) Even now God is leading many a spirit filled believer to boldly declare many things in the name of Jesus.

When He first began to pour out His fire upon me I literally cried every time I heard His name or thought of Him. This occurred on a daily basis and it went on for over a year. At times I cried uncontrollably in public. Though I am not longer given to these uncontrollable outward expressions I continue to cry from my heart for Him day and night. I’m drawn to Him like never before. I now understand the words of Martin Luther King the day before his death: “I only want to do God’s will.” It seems that almost everyone in the world even knows we are entering into the end of the age. I am now constantly seeking fellowship with those “of like precious faith” (2Pet 1:1). It would be fine with me if I were to be raptured, but I would rather be Enraptured by Him, Possessed by Him: “That you might be filled with all the Fullness of God” (Eph 3:19). If He’s in me and I am in Him (Jn 17:23), “it matters not if I am abased or abound” (Ph 4:12). Pre, Mid or Post-Tribulation: “Thou my inheritance now and always.” I don’t plan to die and go live WITH Him. No! “I shall know as I am known” (1Cor 13:12). There is no “with” about it. Instead, it is Christ IN me (not with me) the hope if glory (Col 1:27). Keep the pearly gates. He is the pearl of great price I seek (Mt 13:45-46). Forget the streets of gold. He is the treasure in earthen vessels (2Cor 4:7). It’s not about me. It’s all about Jesus, the lover of my soul (Mt 16:26).

Yes I am ordained but I work in medicine. God made it clear to me that he did not want me involved in “church work.” He wanted me to be with the sick and the dying. There are some ministers who live a comfortable life and spend their time trying to impress people with how important they are as they work on sermons and public appearances. Ministers with similarities to those in the entertainment industry frequently gain the attention of news media. But I believe the true servant of God is one who is willing to go to go to places where ministers of religion often do not want to go; to deathbeds, to prisons, to speak to sinners and love them. This is what I believe Jesus did. This is why he was always thrown out of the synagogue.

Many are aware of the work that I have committed to for several decades. Although I work 6 to 7 days a week, I rejoice as the Lord has put me in a position to minister to those with great need. Basically, I provide counseling, comfort measures and medications for those who have been abused or neglected. Two days a week I travel some distance from my home and stay overnight in a large metropolitan area. Here I work in several clinics where I share the love of Christ with refugees who have been tortured or who have witnessed the slaughter of their families. Most are from the Middle East. I typically see about 30 people in a 12 to 15 hour day. Although my days are long the Lord is faithful to renew my strength. The Lord is also faithful to provide me with an opportunity to share the gospel and pray for many of those who have suffered beyond what is imaginable.

I also have a private practice where I see individuals who live within a 100 mile radius of my office. Many live at the poverty level and are individuals who have been sent to me for mental health treatment. Others are children who have been abused or neglected. A large number are also women who have been victims of domestic violence. Though I often prescribe medication to address their trauma, most are content to see me on a monthly basis because I take the time to listen to their concerns, share the gospel and pray for their healing or deliverance.

Finally, within the past year I have also been challenged in my private practice to open a new program where I treat individuals who are addicted to heroin. Medications such as Suboxone or Subutex are now available to prescribers. These medications can effectively interrupt the constant desire and cravings for heroin, which is now associated with the death of many young people throughout the United States. I am sure that many of you are aware that heroin addiction is considered an epidemic not only in this country but in countries throughout the world. At first I see these individuals alone or with their family members. However, in order to remain in treatment and received these medications those addicted are required to come to group therapy sessions held every Sunday night. Here, after sharing their tragic stories some have invited Christ into their lives and experienced the power of His healing and deliverance.

The time involved with my work is often overwhelming and exhausting and my busy schedule often takes me away from my family. I have a lovely wife of 40 years, four beautiful adult daughters and 8 wonderful grandchildren. Please know that I am not seeking financial support but I covet your prayers. Likewise I am holding you up in prayer that God will meet those specific needs in your life. Also know that you are loved by me in Christ our Lord. I pray His blessing and anointing rest upon you mightily and that you be used of him in a profound way that brings glory to his name.

I am also truly grateful that God has raised up a generation that is not deceived. This generation seeks to know Christ, to experience His presence (Ph 3:10) and fully comprehend His love (Ep 3:18). For the believer who asks, seeks and knocks (Mt 7:7), nothing less than His abiding presence will suffice. Only after we have tasted of Him (Ps 34:8) do we know this to be true. We worship Him in Spirit and in Truth (Jn 4:24). The doctrines of men are no longer sufficient. We study to show ourselves approved unto God (2Tm 2:15) and He leads and guides into all truth (Jn 16:13). We need that no man should teach us for we have an unction from the Holy One (1Jn 2:20,27).

What is equally exciting to me is that the waiting is almost over. In fact, have you noticed that when you pray now He answers immediately or at least much sooner than ever before? So then, we stand on the edge of Kingdom Living, where time will no longer be the deciding factor of truth. Eliminate from your thinking the axiom “time tells all.” Instead, Jesus tells all. He is the Truth. What we now wait for is that we might be filled with ALL the fullness of God (Eph. 3:19). He longs to fill us with Himself. I pray we are so moved to agree with His desire.

Be Thou My Vision Hymn – Acapella Arrangement

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Be Thou My Vision Hymn – Acapella Arrangement

Patreon Page:https://www.patreon.com/SamTRobson A reworking of a beautiful hymn that I had done in 6 parts. Upon reworking it I found that 4 parts suited it…

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