WHEN WILL JESUS RETURN? – 9/27/17

Apparently even when Jesus walked on earth this was a burning question among His own disciples. To them He responded, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Mt.24:36). As a result and based on this text alone many believers are often inclined to disregard all words of prophecy regarding the Lord’s so called “imminent return.” In other words according to this scripture some say that the hour of His coming cannot be known. And with so many false predictions about the end of the world who could blame the average Christian for assuming a cavalier posture regarding the hour of his coming.

But allow me to share a principal that could provide the basis for knowing the hour. Recall that Jesus said it was impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom. Nonetheless, in His explanation to those close to Him He revealed an overriding and profound truth. Simply this, that the wealthy or the rich can enter the kingdom because “with God all things are possible” (Mt.19:24-26). We might then apply this same principle to the impossibility of knowing the hour of His return. In other words, even though no one knows the hour of His return, some can and will know because He is the God of the impossible.

But the application of this principle sounds a bit more like conjecture than truth. In other words, even though the use of this principle makes sense, the existence of a scripture that explicitly states that the hour can be known would build a stronger case. A good friend of mine used to say, “If you want, you can even get a recipe for fudge from the Bible.” Is that all we’re doing when we prophesy current or future end-time events? Are we just making fudge from the Bible? Is there a Biblical basis for knowing when He will return? Yes indeed, there is justification for this knowledge. REVELATION 3:3, “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.  If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.”

Now perhaps some might say that this scripture is referring to a personal visitation and not the second coming. But I doubt it since other passages regarding the second coming also refer to this advent with similar language, i.e.: “as a thief in the night” (1 Thes.5:2). Moreover, the parable of the wise and foolish virgins suggests that some will know the hour of His coming and will be prepared, while others will not (Mt.25:1-13). Basically, what we have here is what appears to be a contradiction of scripture. But my sense about these types of so called Biblical contradictions is that there is usually a mystery that the Holy Ghost seeks to reveal to the hungry heart.

If we take a closer look at Revelation 3:3 we see that the carnal Christian or Christians who do not feel the need to repent for their sins are the ones who will not know when He is coming. Indeed the passage clearly indicates that those who have repented will know the hour of His coming. And it can be easily extrapolated from this passage the notion that if you don’t know the hour of His coming that makes you a carnal Christian because it indicates you’re not walking in fellowship with Him. For example, Noah knew the hour of the cataclysmic flood because he was in communion with the Lord. We recall from the story that the Lord informed of His intention to destroy the Earth by water. As a result Noah began to build the ark and became known as a preacher of righteousness. At that time I seriously doubt that he knew the exact moment that the flood would occur. Christians who know the Lord may not know the exact moment of his coming, but like Noah they are aware that the season is upon us. And eventually the Lord directed Noah into the ark and the Bible says the Lord Himself closed the door (Gen.7:16). At that moment Noah knew that the end of that age was occurring. What saved Noah was not his knowledge of boatbuilding, his understanding of environmental hydrodynamics or dispensational timeframes.. What saved him was simply his communion God. He knew the voice of God and responded to it with obedience.

There are also many Christians who have outright shunned the idea of knowing the hour of his coming because they feel it induces fear. But clearly that was not the intent of our Lord when we read Matthew 24. Notice that this chapter is one of the longest monologues of Christ recorded in the Gospels suggesting its importance. Jesus goes into great detail to explain when His second coming will occur and what signs to look for. So obviously He felt that knowing the hour of His return or second coming was very important. He wanted believers to be prepared for a time far worse than has ever been or ever will be (Mt.24:21), and that they not be overtaken like a thief in the night.

Another popular theory used by many Christians to calculate the hour of His coming I call the “thousand years axiom.” Basically, adherents combine the 7-Day-Creation story with the now, well known passage, “One day with the Lord is as 1000 years…” (2Pet.3:8). This 20th century theory is based on the scholarly work of the Irish Protestant Archbishop Ussher, who in 1650 and 1654 published dates of Biblical events that he calculated from Scripture such as the creation, the flood, events related to Israel’s history, the birth of Christ, and so on. Essentially, he derived his dates from Biblical passages wherein is recorded the birth, death and/or lifespan of patriarchs, prophets, kings, and other Biblical figures. By adding the years of each successive generation he was able to conclude that approximately 4000 years existed between creation and Christ. And if the so-called seventh Day of Rest or its correlation, known as the Millennial Reign of Christ accounts for years 6000 to 7000, it is easy to understand that the Age of Grace for the Gentiles accounts for creation days 5 and 6 or the current 2000 years, which have prevailed since the time of Christ. Consequently, with this theory, one can see that the end of the age draws nigh with apocalyptic events at our doorstep.

Although I do not dismiss this theory, I find problems with it rather than a quick and easy solution. First, predicted apocalyptic events do not line up exactly with Ussher’s work. That is, we are expected to accept approximate dates with the occasional 10, 20 or 30 year margins of error. But maybe I’m being too picky here. Second, this methodology seems to contradict Christ’s teachings, or the writings of Paul and John who would have us rely instead on knowing His voice and accepting Christ’s warnings, written in the Word. That is, we should be informed of the hour of His coming by maintaining intimacy with Christ and knowledge of Scripture. Nonetheless, I acknowledge that Ussher’s calculations could also be viewed as confirmation to the Spirit and Scripture rather than a contradiction. But my greatest problem with this theory is that it is simply conjecture. There is no specific Scripture that informs me that the seven days of creation necessarily correlated with the dispensations of man that began with Adam. Now, these seven days may indeed correlate with man’s time on earth by either coincidence or maybe even by design, but not because the Bible tells me so.

Now please know that I readily admit that certain numbers in the Bible have significance and oftentimes have a spiritual meaning. Indeed, the fourth book of the Bible is called Numbers. But the interpretation of numbers and ascribing specific meaning based on human reasoning alone can also be a symptom of fanaticism and apocalyptic predictions for those who are motivated by fear. For example, Psalm 50:10 reveals that God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Does that mean that He does not own the cattle on hill number 1001 or hill number 1002? Instead we come to realize that in the context of this passage God is actually owner of an innumerable host which cannot be numbered. So in 2Peter 3:8 when he says “one day is as 1000 years” does He mean that literally or figuratively?

Here is probably the best advice that I can offer concerning the time of Christ’s return. “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief”(1 Thes.5:1-4). Why? Because “My sheep hear MY voice and I know them and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand” (JN.10:27-28).

Be blessed in Jesus name,
Brother Jerry Turk

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BEYOND PENTECOST TO TRUMPETS – 9/26/17

In Numbers 11 we read that God instructs Moses to construct trumpets made of silver to announce to the encamped Israelites the need to move on after they celebrated the “Feast of Weeks”… known in the Greek as the “Feast of Pentecost.” The glory cloud was moving. The trumpets were sounding. Tent stakes needed to be pulled up. And God’s people needed to follow Moses to the Promised Land.

Knowing that the Pentecostal experience speaks of the the gift of the Holy Spirit we are likewise encouraged to move on. Ephesians 1:13-17 reads “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also, AFTER that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise…I cease not to… mention of you in my prayers that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the Knowledge of Him.”

So in moving beyond the Pentecostal experience, or what some call the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, we are compelled by Paul’s prayer to receive the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of Him, or a special type of enlightenment that comes from God. Apparently it is so important that the Lord compares this enlightenment in Old Testament type and shadow to the blast of Trumpets.

Essentially this experience which involves divine revelation empowers the Christian to actually comprehend the full extent of His love to “usward who believe.” No more “ever learning, never coming to the knowledge of the truth.” No more need for Sunday School. It is because of this enlightening experience that the songwriter wrote, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

This revelation is divine wisdom. At long last the Christian understands God’s purpose and goal for the entire body of Christ. And that goal is to “conform us to His image,” …that we as “His body” are to be “Filled with ALL the Fullness of God,” …that we enter into Unity and Oneness with Him as He prayed in the Garden, …that together with Him we become Manifested Sons of God to set all creation free.

But this encounter with Christ is inclusive of much more. Knowing the goal and knowing how to get there are two different things. Hence the need for wisdom and revelation.

Yet at the same time this Feast of Trumpets is experiential because a quickening in the spirit occurs with each new insight. For example, in their journey the Hebrews had many experiences and received many specific instructions. They were fed by manna and later by quail. Water miraculously gushed from the rock and quenched their thirst. They followed a pillar of cloud by day which protected them from the blistering desert rays. They were warmed at night from freezing temperatures by the pillar of fire.

They further received instruction to construct a tabernacle that was more like a blueprint of the temple they would build once in Palestine. It would contain three compartments that housed objects such as an altar of sacrifice, a water laver, a golden candlestick, a table of shew bread and an ark where the presence of the Lord visibly dwelt.

The story of Gideon in Judges 6 easily foreshadows this illuminating experience. Though far outnumbered, Gideon and his 300 men in unison broke their vessels of clay revealing the fiery light that was hidden inside. And together while sounding the trumpet they made haste with a loud shout toward the sleeping Midianites. Upon waking the enemy slaughtered each other in the confusion of night’s darkness.

Likewise, God has called us to allow our flesh or “these vessels of clay” so to speak, to be shattered so that the Light of Christ can shine and dispel the powers of Darkness. Empowered by the fire of God within – our anointed voice, like a trumpet causes Satan to flee.

But why were only 300 men chosen? Recall that initially thousands of Israelites were sent home because they were consumed by the cares of this world. Later, a second group were sent home because they lapped up water like dogs? Likewise today many believers lap up the water of the word from man, movement or ministry rather than from the Holy Ghost.

But why only 300? Is there something special about that number?

We believe yes. The Holy Place and the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle of Moses measured 10 cubits by 30 cubits, or 300 square cubits. And when Jesus gave up the Ghost “the middle wall of partition was rent in twain.” Thus the temple was no more divided into two rooms but was now “one new man.”  In other words, Jesus the God-Man could now be ONE with His Body.

“What? Know ye not ye are the Temple of the Holy Ghost?” Beloved, as we follow Christ into battle – you and I, like Gideon’s 300, are the Temple of God called to demolish the forces of Satan when we allow our flesh to be broken, allow the light of His love to shine through us and shout the victory in Jesus name. Pray that His divine Wisdom be revealed to you in this hour so that you might receive not just the 30 or the 60 fold, but the 100 fold blessing of His Fullness.

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HE’S YOUR SAVIOUR, BUT IS HE YOUR KING? – 9/21/17

Jesus taught us to pray and within this instruction is laid out the mandate of God’s priorities for the church. “Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed (Holy) be thy name…”

The first and foremost priority of the believer and follower of Jesus Christ is to elevate and exalt the Lord Jesus within their own heart. Connect intimately with Jesus. Never leave anything to chance. Intentionally seek after and adore the lover of your soul. And as you enter into the celestial realms of true worship, a prayer of the Holy Spirit will arise within: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done IN earth as it is in heaven.” In the economy of God’s Kingdom this is the second greatest desire of God’s own heart.
In the place of intimacy with Christ, God’s longing and passion flows from His heart to ours; that the will (determination) and essence of God’s Kingdom come IN earth. You are that earth!

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. IN earth. In the Kingdom of God… in Heaven, there is only One King and the will of King Jesus is utterly uncontested.

In the Kingdom of Heaven no one contends for supremacy.

There is one King and one will.

Jesus told us to pray that all the perfection, righteousness, peace and joy of God’s heavenly Kingdom would come in earth.

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done IN earth (just) as it is in Heaven.”
Notice the preposition “in” as opposed to “on”.

God will never be satisfied with superimposing His glorious Kingdom upon a corrupt, worldly, Earthly realm. He must first change the hearts and minds of those who dwell on Earth. His Kingdom characteristics must be formed within us. Those who were once subject to the rudiments of this world have been translated into the Kingdom of the son of God!

It is, of course, the will of God for His Kingdom to be supreme upon this planet Earth. But how is this to come about?

Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is IN you!” His Kingdom is to manifest on this planet Earth through those who have surrendered to His will. God made mankind from the dust of the earth and so we are that earth that His Kingdom is to be formed in… to come in.

The making of God’s Kingdom within the earth that WE are begins with the dethroning of our own will. With our will we direct and control our lives. If we are to be disciples of Christ then we must acknowledge that there is a greater King; One whose ways are perfect and righteous and better than ours. Here is where we pick up our cross, or cross-out our will. Be precise. Be persistent and intentional about killing the will of your carnal man. Next, I must consistently give way to the supremacy of the will of the King until His will becomes my very own. In this way we become the extension and conduit of God’s kingdom, a living demonstration to the world around us. A witness of Heaven on planet earth. The world will not see God’s Kingdom except it first come in us.

“For the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

IT’S CHRISTIANS THAT KEEP ME FROM CHRIST 9/5/17

“And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” (Lk 8:43-48)

Did you notice what just happened? Peter and the others asked Jesus, “What do you mean – who touched you?” You see Jesus was walking through the crowd and he was no doubt surrounded by the disciples. They’re probably yelling, “Jesus is coming through, get out of the way.” They had formed a circle around Jesus. Nobody could touch him. He was too important.

Now maybe you’re in the same situation as this woman. You need to get to Jesus. But he is surrounded by disciples who are keeping you from getting close. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” So you say, “It’s these Christians that are keeping me from Christ.” But notice what this woman did. She pressed through the crowd and the circle of disciples. She was satisfied just to touch the hem of his garment. She wasn’t even touching Jesus. She had settled to touch the thing that touched Jesus. How badly do you want to get to Jesus? You might have to press through the crowd. Yes, there are those who are seemingly going to prevent you from getting to him. But she was determined. She had spent 12 years and all her money on doctors and was still no better. She had no hope! BUT JESUS IS PASSING BY.

And suddenly, like smitten sparks of fire, she was instantly healed. The power of Jesus surged through her body like an electric current and made her completely whole, healed… instantly, miraculously. And Jesus knew it too. “Somebody touched me,” he said, “for I perceive virtue gone out of me.” WOW!

What are you waiting for? What have you got to lose? Don’t let the crowd or the other disciples keep you from Him any longer. Extend your faith now. Be healed in the name of Jesus. Say this with me now …right out loud. “Jesus I need you. I believe in you. Save my wretched soul. Heal me of my infirmity. Make me whole again. I surrender my life to you. I will live the rest of my life for you.”

If you prayed that prayer, write me back. I want to know all about it.

Be blessed in Jesus name,
Brother Jerry Turk

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Predestination? – 9/2/17

My dear brother in Christ,

Thank you for asking me to look at your post and make comments. You touch some of the most controversial issues in Christianity today. The terms used concerning predestination or eternal security, well it seems everybody has an opinion.

I was raised in a Christian environment where these explanations were unsatisfying but simple. Then one day when I was about 20 years of age (I am now 62) God poured out on me the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of him. After that all of my taught and entrenched beliefs were radically changed. Now about 2 years prior to this event I had already received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. But this was a different experience. One that I had never heard of or was never taught, and yet was now my focus. I became aware that before one is baptized in the Holy Ghost they can certainly Fall Away and lose faith. But later we read that “after that you believed you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.” So I believe that there are believers who are sealed and there are believers who are not sealed.

But now to your point about predestination, a seemingly eternal controversy plaguing the church for several centuries. I find it interesting that when discussing predestination we are automatically drawn to Romans 8. This chapter has been so abused and misused by most Christians that it is almost not worth it to study. In modern-day Christianity it seems that the only verses that are important are the ones about “no condemnation” and “all things working together for good.” Essentially this chapter has been co-opted into a dogma that enables Christians to feel good about themselves regardless of their behaviors or actions.

But a real examination of the text reveals that the focus of the chapter is about being “conformed to the image of Christ” and the great future event known as the “Manifestation of the Sons of of God.” Indeed, by this event apparently all of creation will be set free. Consequently by this hope and event we now stand without condemnation. This is the GOOD that all things work toward. So then we are not so much waiting for the Second coming of Christ or a rapture, but we are waiting for our Perfection on Earth, a perfection in which we will be manifested, a Perfection by which all of creation will be set free.

Watered-down versions will insist that this Perfection simply means a desire to want what God wants or some kind of Holy Sanctification, both of which are clearly valid. However, the same Greek word in Hebrews 6 (“Let us go on to perfection”) is used when Jesus said, “Be ye perfect as my Father in Heaven is perfect.” Hence, he cannot be talking about some sort of watered-down perfection that implies Christian maturity.

I believe the Perfection he is talking about is a Perfection that was manifested on the Mount of Transfiguration. Recall his clothes shown brighter than the sun and a voice from Heaven came stating “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” This is what we are waiting for as joint heirs of Christ. We are called to bruise Satan under our feet. We, the body of Christ, will be completely joined to He who is our head and act in perfect synchronicity such that there is no difference between body and head.

When we understand Romans 8 in this context we are forced to look at predestination in a different light. It’s not as though it’s “our choice” versus “predestination.” It is all about God fulfilling his original mandate: “Let us make man in our own image.” To this extent His WILL has been predestined. HE began this work and HE will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Allow me to illustrate with another example. That is, believers are often confused about things they believe are opposites. For example they believe that hate is the opposite of love. But we know scripture teaches us that God has not given us the spirit of FEAR but of LOVE and power and a sound mind. So likewise, choice is not the opposite of predestination. Predestination is God’s will, and the opposite has been expressed by his enemy who seeks to prevent his will. We are not in the equation as much as we think we are. That’s why Jesus said, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you.”

I realize that to you this may be an altogether different theology. Pray about it. Ask God. In America those of us who want to know about this theology, which is also called “Sonship” was first and formerly understood to a large extent in the context of the Latter Rain Movement of the early 1900s. I don’t know if any of this has been useful to you. Again thank you again for asking me to comment. God bless you always Brother.

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