He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most
High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Because he hath set his love upon me,
therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my
name. Psalm 91 verses 1 & 14 KJV
Thus saith
the Lord God Creator of the Cosmos who has purposed to have you repentant,
sanctified and holy and he will not be denied.
This was established in the previous two installments of this series.
This is
important to understand. It is knowledge
that will prevent you from being destroyed.
You must know the name of your God.
When the word name is used in this context it means to know the nature
and character of the one referred to. In
the previous portions of this teaching God’s purpose for the ages was presented
as a way of revealing His nature and character.
This purpose is the reconciling of all things to God so that the entire
creation and all God’s children may be in right relationship with him. The process of accomplishing this task is the
increase of the Kingdom of God until it attains dominion over all things
opposed to the King’s purpose. Once
dominion is accomplished the Kingdom will be delivered to the Father by his
children that God may be all in all.
These statements are a revelation of Jesus Christ and the name of God. Jesus Christ is understood as the first born child of Father God and a perfect representation of God’s nature and character. Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and through Jesus and because of the Father’s tremendous love for Jesus was everything made that exists. Creation is sustained by the power of Jesus.
Jesus became as a human being and because the thought of creation and all of his siblings being in right relationship with his Father brought him so much joy he humbly submitted to extreme humiliation and a horrific execution at the hands of his brothers. Jesus did this so that his family would be whole. Not once has he been guilty of thinking or acting with anything other than love, patience, kindness and forgiveness. Jesus is wise and gentle. Jesus showed us the way to right relationship with God as well as the rest of our family we share the planet with. This is the name of our God because it demonstrates his nature and character.
When Jesus
Anointed cried out “It is finished” and died in the agony of feeling separation
from his Father for the first time he knew death was defeated for the sake of
his Father and family. When he was
resurrected he knew it was as the first fruits of many more who would
experience a similar resurrection and the Holy Spirit of God was free to move
in the spirit of humanity writing the law of love on their hearts. This is the gospel of the Kingdom of
God. It is good news of great joy for
all people (Luke 2:10). The
righteousness of God is revealed through the gospel (Romans 1:17) and a lot of
people are mad at God and think they got a pretty raw deal so that is
important.
Now that
you know God’s name you have the opportunity to be delivered from the
frustration of a life lived in confusion, hopelessness, lack of purpose, and a
feeling of being separated from what is real.
Through belief in the good news of the Kingdom of God you may be
connected with your family. Because you
have reverence for these true things you may live in communion with God. God will protect you from the randomness of
time and chance and oppression from evil people and negative spiritual
influences. This is the meaning of Psalm
91 quoted at the beginning of this teaching.
It is stated in Proverbs 29:18:
Where there is no revelation, people
cast off restraint;
but blessed are those who heed wisdom’s instruction. (TNIV)
but blessed are those who heed wisdom’s instruction. (TNIV)
Where there is no vision, the
people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (KJV)
Without a Vision is a people
made naked, And whoso is keeping the law, O his happiness! (YLT)
Proverbs
29:18 explains why the revelation of God’s purpose is so important. The church, the ones who have taken seriously
the Divine call to be separate from the influence of this age and be sanctified
to the Holy things of God, must share the vision of their God for the ages or
become ineffectual. Apart from the
revelation of the purpose of God for the ages the Church stands naked as the
Emperor who was fooled into thinking he was beautifully robed in the rarest
fabrics of the highest quality but instead stood shamefully naked before the
world.
These are the
options before each individual and the Church.
Learn wisdom from the toil, trials, troubles, and tribulation that have
been experienced and embrace the purpose of God for humanity or continue to
experience them until the lesson is learned.
The trials are God’s gift to you.
They are designed to make the choice easy.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it
have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! Psalm
111:10 (ESV)
The fear of the Lord, which is an
abiding reverence and awe for God that develops a consistent awareness of God’s
presence, is the beginning of wisdom.
According to the dictionary wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment and the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of such experience, knowledge, and good judgment. A reading of the book of Proverbs in the Bible will establish that the development of wisdom produces health, wealth, and peace.
According to the dictionary wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment and the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of such experience, knowledge, and good judgment. A reading of the book of Proverbs in the Bible will establish that the development of wisdom produces health, wealth, and peace.
If you feel that you lack wisdom be encouraged. Wisdom from God is as sure a promise as salvation. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5 (ESV)
Wisdom that is gifted to a human being
from God is clearly defined in the Bible.
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him
show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and
selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down
from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition
exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from
above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and
good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown
in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:13-18 (ESV)
What is the point, though? Why is it important? Is it really all about us? If one attains wisdom and all her good fruit
then that individual is truly blessed.
There is no doubt that such a one would be a blessing to others and that
is important but if that is the beginning and end of the matter then it seems
an incredible amount of effort has went into something producing a very small
return in the context of God’s plan for the ages. What is in it for God?
Christling, grow up. The entire creation is an incubator for God’s
babies. Take advantage of it. This point is clearly stated in scripture in
Ephesians 4:11-16 and Romans 8:18-25.
The Lord God is about the business of developing the Church, which is by
definition the group of people ‘out called’ (Greek Ekklesia) to be separate
from the influence of this present age and be set apart for service in the
Kingdom of God, into a group able to function as kings and priests in the age
to come (1 Peter 2:9).
- “Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born out of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth; to him who did love us, and did bathe us from our sins in his blood, and did make us kings and priests to his God and Father, to him [is] the glory and the power to the ages of the ages! Amen.” Revelation 1:5-6 (YLT)
Isaiah 65:17-25 and 2:1-5 along with Revelation chapters 21 and 22 provide context for this time. All of the scriptures that are descriptive of the ending of this present age and the beginning of the next have one basic thing in common. That thing is that they happen here. Our work is the new earth and the new heavens after construction on the present earth and heavens is complete, saints. If your tradition has the church flying away to live in an astral plane beyond the clouds to join a choir you should consider trading it in for a new one. God has purposed that heaven is coming to earth and he will not be denied for the sake of man’s tradition and myth.
He (Jesus) shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; Isaiah 2:4 (ESV)
Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Revelation 21:4a (ESV)
And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ Luke 19:17(ESV)
- “Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born out of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth; to him who did love us, and did bathe us from our sins in his blood, and did make us kings and priests to his God and Father, to him [is] the glory and the power to the ages of the ages! Amen.” Revelation 1:5-6 (YLT)
Isaiah 65:17-25 and 2:1-5 along with Revelation chapters 21 and 22 provide context for this time. All of the scriptures that are descriptive of the ending of this present age and the beginning of the next have one basic thing in common. That thing is that they happen here. Our work is the new earth and the new heavens after construction on the present earth and heavens is complete, saints. If your tradition has the church flying away to live in an astral plane beyond the clouds to join a choir you should consider trading it in for a new one. God has purposed that heaven is coming to earth and he will not be denied for the sake of man’s tradition and myth.
He (Jesus) shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; Isaiah 2:4 (ESV)
Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Revelation 21:4a (ESV)
And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ Luke 19:17(ESV)
Or do you not know that the saints will
judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent
to try trivial cases? 1 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)
The Apostle Paul just told us the
Church will participate in the judgment of the world and, with a touch of
apparent sarcasm, asked if we are really incompetent to settle trivial issues
amongst even ourselves. It was a sad
statement then. Has very much changed?
I have a pet peeve, several of them
actually, but this one really aggravates me.
How many times has a Christling said “Who am I to judge?” How often are we admonished not to judge? Have you ever heard anyone defensively
proclaim “Don’t judge me! Who are you to judge?” Really?
This is what Jesus said: "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” John 7:24 (ESV)
He also said this: For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:2 (NIV1984)
And this: -be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16b
It is demonstrated by these scriptures and many others that the gaining of wisdom and learning to properly judge in righteousness with mercy and grace is of primary concern and consequence to the Christling as it impacts their present circumstance, their future place in the Kingdom of God, and the ultimate unfolding of God’s plan of the ages. Wisdom may simply be asked for. It is a sure promise of God. The method of delivery may vary but it will usually involve participation in trials and trouble that encourage an individual to seek the council of God and men perceived as wise resulting in increased attention to the Word of God and prayer. Wisdom may surely be attained by diligently seeking it. This is a beautiful thing and looks like this.
Proverbs 2 New Living Translation (NLT)
This is what Jesus said: "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” John 7:24 (ESV)
He also said this: For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:2 (NIV1984)
And this: -be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16b
It is demonstrated by these scriptures and many others that the gaining of wisdom and learning to properly judge in righteousness with mercy and grace is of primary concern and consequence to the Christling as it impacts their present circumstance, their future place in the Kingdom of God, and the ultimate unfolding of God’s plan of the ages. Wisdom may simply be asked for. It is a sure promise of God. The method of delivery may vary but it will usually involve participation in trials and trouble that encourage an individual to seek the council of God and men perceived as wise resulting in increased attention to the Word of God and prayer. Wisdom may surely be attained by diligently seeking it. This is a beautiful thing and looks like this.
Proverbs 2 New Living Translation (NLT)
The
Benefits of Wisdom
1
My
child, listen to what I say,
and treasure my commands.
2 Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.
3 Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
4 Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
8 He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.
and treasure my commands.
2 Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.
3 Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
4 Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
8 He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.
9
Then
you will understand what is right, just, and fair,
and you will find the right way to go.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will fill you with joy.
11 Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.
and you will find the right way to go.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will fill you with joy.
11 Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.
12
Wisdom
will save you from evil people,
from those whose words are twisted.
13 These men turn from the right way
to walk down dark paths.
14 They take pleasure in doing wrong,
and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.
15 Their actions are crooked,
and their ways are wrong.
from those whose words are twisted.
13 These men turn from the right way
to walk down dark paths.
14 They take pleasure in doing wrong,
and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.
15 Their actions are crooked,
and their ways are wrong.
16
Wisdom
will save you from the immoral woman,
from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.
17 She has abandoned her husband
and ignores the covenant she made before God.
18 Entering her house leads to death;
it is the road to the grave.
19 The man who visits her is doomed.
He will never reach the paths of life.
from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.
17 She has abandoned her husband
and ignores the covenant she made before God.
18 Entering her house leads to death;
it is the road to the grave.
19 The man who visits her is doomed.
He will never reach the paths of life.
20
Follow
the steps of good men instead,
and stay on the paths of the righteous.
21 For only the godly will live in the land,
and those with integrity will remain in it.
22 But the wicked will be removed from the land,
and the treacherous will be uprooted.
and stay on the paths of the righteous.
21 For only the godly will live in the land,
and those with integrity will remain in it.
22 But the wicked will be removed from the land,
and the treacherous will be uprooted.
The
Lord God, however, has not left it up to humanity to desire Godly wisdom. Jesus knows what evil lurks in the hearts of
men. “Because of
the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many
began to trust in him. But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew human
nature.” John 2:23-24 (NLT) He does remain hopeful though. “ The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he
looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.” Psalm
14:2(NLT)
This
brings up the issue of the free will of man verses the will of God. God, who is love, wins this contest. The best analogy to demonstrate this is to
understand Jesus as a master chess player matched against a novice chess
player. The novice is allowed to make
moves, devise strategies, and make plans.
The Master may even sacrifice one of his pieces to create overconfidence
in the mind of the novice and entice him into a foolish move. The end result is always the novice being in
checkmate though. This is the nature and
character of a sovereign God who has purposed that all men will bend their knee
to his will and swear allegiance to him and swore by his own being that it will
be so. Any teaching opposed to this is
anti-Christ and a deception leading to misunderstanding.
What
are the pieces the Master Chess Player uses as he maneuvers humanity into
submission to his will? What does the
Bible say?
First
let’s define a trial.
Definition of TRIAL
1:
a tryout or experiment to test quality, value, or usefulness
2:
one of a number of repetitions of an experiment
Temptations
are a different subject entirely although a trial may involve any number of
temptations. A temptation is an enticement
to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain.
Maybe the difference is more a matter of perspective but there is no
point in being overly philosophical about it in this writing. The point is that trials are repetitive
experiments that test the quality, value, and usefulness of a Christling and
also have the effect of motivating a human being to seek God.
The
first move of the Master Chess Player was the placing of humanity in an
environment which was subject to the variances of time and chance that allows
bad things to happen regardless of how wise and righteous someone is.
“Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to
the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to
the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen
to them all.” Ecclesiastes 9:11
This
move is designed to encourage people to desire the security and stability of
being in relationship with a sovereign God who provides supernatural protection
as well as early warning of potential problems and ultimately makes everything
work out for the good of those who love him.
The first piece played by the Master is a pawn. People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord (Proverbs 19:3 NLT) This point really requires no elaboration. We all own that t-shirt because we have all been there.
Then there is the adversary: the ravager, the destroyer, the father of lies, murderer, and thief. He is the old serpent who entices human beings to their destruction by promise of pleasure or gain. He stalks the children of men seeking the ones he may consume. This is his work and purpose. His food is the dust of the ground which is a metaphor for the nature of man apart from the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. The devil’s protein is the Adamic nature. The best defense in this case is a good offense. Starve him out by becoming more like Jesus.
The devil may be understood as an individual personality who is a general or prince over many other similar personalities. The Bible indicates that there is a structure to their ranks and some of them are assigned specific geographical areas or individual human beings to influence and hinder if they attempt to access or promote the Kingdom of God. Some of these personalities referred to as principalities, powers, unclean or evil spirits, and other similar titles are described as very strong in the sense that they are struggling with angels and holding their own. Others seem to be unable to do much other than whisper lies and influence the emotions of human beings or grant a simple supernatural ability such as fortune telling. The weaker ones definitely work together to oppress particular humans and it would be my intuition that there entire scheme is very well orchestrated. Their collective influence is the spirit of this present age to the point Jesus describes the devil as the prince of the power of the atmosphere. This should be understood in the context of the mood, or atmosphere, of a room except the situation is global.
This is our enemy. They are evil and promote greed which results in all manner of destructive behavior by mankind. They promote disease and addictions of every kind. They encourage people to become killers, thieves, and liars as they are.
This enemy must be defeated for God’s purpose for the ages to prevail. This enemy must be defeated or humanity will be destroyed. That is the wisdom of the Master Chess Player: if humans are going to be anything but miserable and oppressed by the enemy then they have to join Team Jesus.
So, where did this great army of enemies come from anyway? Was their place in God’s plan for the ages an unplanned accident? Did an angel stand in the presence of God and say to himself ‘I can take him!’ and then rally an army of other ignorant angels around his cause and charge the Throne of God’s Majesty? That is just stupid and it didn’t happen. If God is so small that an angel thinks he can fight him and win then this whole thing is pointless. It is not that way. It is not in the Bible. The idea is insulting to God.
What does the Bible say about it?
The devil was a murderer from the beginning not a choir director in heaven. John 8:44
It is this enemy who fans the flames of God’s refining fire of trials that consumes the wood, hay, and stubble in our lives in this age. God created the ravager to destroy.
Isaiah 54:16
The first piece played by the Master is a pawn. People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord (Proverbs 19:3 NLT) This point really requires no elaboration. We all own that t-shirt because we have all been there.
Then there is the adversary: the ravager, the destroyer, the father of lies, murderer, and thief. He is the old serpent who entices human beings to their destruction by promise of pleasure or gain. He stalks the children of men seeking the ones he may consume. This is his work and purpose. His food is the dust of the ground which is a metaphor for the nature of man apart from the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. The devil’s protein is the Adamic nature. The best defense in this case is a good offense. Starve him out by becoming more like Jesus.
The devil may be understood as an individual personality who is a general or prince over many other similar personalities. The Bible indicates that there is a structure to their ranks and some of them are assigned specific geographical areas or individual human beings to influence and hinder if they attempt to access or promote the Kingdom of God. Some of these personalities referred to as principalities, powers, unclean or evil spirits, and other similar titles are described as very strong in the sense that they are struggling with angels and holding their own. Others seem to be unable to do much other than whisper lies and influence the emotions of human beings or grant a simple supernatural ability such as fortune telling. The weaker ones definitely work together to oppress particular humans and it would be my intuition that there entire scheme is very well orchestrated. Their collective influence is the spirit of this present age to the point Jesus describes the devil as the prince of the power of the atmosphere. This should be understood in the context of the mood, or atmosphere, of a room except the situation is global.
This is our enemy. They are evil and promote greed which results in all manner of destructive behavior by mankind. They promote disease and addictions of every kind. They encourage people to become killers, thieves, and liars as they are.
This enemy must be defeated for God’s purpose for the ages to prevail. This enemy must be defeated or humanity will be destroyed. That is the wisdom of the Master Chess Player: if humans are going to be anything but miserable and oppressed by the enemy then they have to join Team Jesus.
So, where did this great army of enemies come from anyway? Was their place in God’s plan for the ages an unplanned accident? Did an angel stand in the presence of God and say to himself ‘I can take him!’ and then rally an army of other ignorant angels around his cause and charge the Throne of God’s Majesty? That is just stupid and it didn’t happen. If God is so small that an angel thinks he can fight him and win then this whole thing is pointless. It is not that way. It is not in the Bible. The idea is insulting to God.
What does the Bible say about it?
The devil was a murderer from the beginning not a choir director in heaven. John 8:44
It is this enemy who fans the flames of God’s refining fire of trials that consumes the wood, hay, and stubble in our lives in this age. God created the ravager to destroy.
Isaiah 54:16
“Look, I made the blacksmith. He blows on the fire to make it hotter. Then he takes the hot iron and makes the kind of tool he wants to make. In the same way, I made the ‘Destroyer’ to destroy things. (ERV)
Lo, I -- I have prepared an
artisan, Blowing on a fire of coals, And bringing out an instrument for his
work, And I have prepared a destroyer to destroy. (YLT)
Behold, I Myself have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and brings out a weapon for its work; And I have created the destroyer to ruin. (NASB)
Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. (KJV)
Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and produces a weapon for its purpose. I have also created the ravager to destroy; (ESV)
This is still good news. It is the gospel. God promises to restore every good thing that gets gone plus some in the process of these trials and add a blessing to it. The righteousness of God is demonstrated in the gospel and this must always be so or it is not the gospel being preached.
I will restore to you the years that the
swarming locust has eaten, the
hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my
great army, which I sent
among you. Joel 2:25
Isaiah 61:6-9
6
And
ye are called `Priests of Jehovah,' `Ministers of our God,' is said of you, The
strength of nations ye consume, And in their honour ye do boast yourselves.
7
Instead
of your shame and confusion, A second time they sing of their portion,
Therefore in their land A second time do they take possession, Joy age-during
[is] for them.
8
For
I [am] Jehovah, loving judgment, Hating plunder for a burnt-offering, And I
have given their wage in truth, And a covenant age-during I make for them.
9
And
known among nations hath been their seed, And their offspring in the midst of
the peoples, All their beholders acknowledge them, For they [are] a seed
Jehovah hath blessed. (YLT)
6 but you shall be called the priests of the Lord;
they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God;
you shall eat the wealth of the nations,
and in their glory you shall boast.
6 but you shall be called the priests of the Lord;
they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God;
you shall eat the wealth of the nations,
and in their glory you shall boast.
7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double
portion;
instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot;
therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion;
they shall have everlasting joy.8 For I the Lord love justice;
I hate robbery and wrong;
I will faithfully give them their recompense,
and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their offspring shall be known among the nations,
and their descendants in the midst of the peoples;
all who see them shall acknowledge them,
that they are an offspring the Lord has
blessed. (ESV)
There are a couple of clues clue to a some of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God buried in a comparison of the ESV and YLT above for you detectives. Fire up the Mystery Van and get a box of Scooby Snacks, Thelma, there is a mystery to solve.
What does
the Bible say about who created evil?
Isaiah
45:7
Forming light, and preparing
darkness, Making peace, and preparing evil, I [am] Jehovah, doing all these
things.' (YLT)
I form light and create darkness, I
make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these
things. (ESV)
I form the light, and create
darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.
(KJV)
There is plenty of food for thought, right? Now you know who the enemy is and what he is about as well as how. You also know what the purpose of God is and why we are here along with where were we are headed. This is knowledge that can not only prevent destruction but also enable an overcoming of the influences of this present, evil age. This knowledge creates an atmosphere of success for the Christling.
In the next and final installment
of this series I will present how the fight may be taken to the adversary so
that the Kingdom of God may be established with force and violence.
Be as a Berean and be blessed.
David Saunders
July 18, 2012
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