Author: Jerry Turk

I. The Anointing of Power

1. God Sees the Heart

In the Old Testament, we read how King Saul’s heart had grown callous and indifferent to the leading of the Spirit. (I Sam. 15:23) And so God instructed the Prophet Samuel to anoint one from the house of Jesse. Having exhausted all of Jesse’s obvious sons as candidates, the prophet entreated the old man, “are here all thy children?” (I Sam. 16:11)

Jesse’s eyes dimmed with age then agreed that his youngest and smallest be fetched from the sheep pastures. However, before anointing the unsuspecting shepherd boy with oil poured on his head, the Lord had advised the prophet, “Man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart.” (I Sam. 16:7)

Then one day the dynamic power of this anointing became evident to all of his fellow countrymen. The Philistine army having laid assault to Israel, bid challenge to God’s finest as the giant, Goliath, strode from their ranks.

All Israel cowered in fear as their enslavement seemed imminent. Who would accept the challenge? None other than the anointed of the Lord. David, the shepherd boy, came forward and asked, “who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the Living God.” (I Sam. 17:26) Refusing the armour of King Saul, David met Goliath alone on the field of battle with only a sling. Reaching down to a nearby brook, he gathered 5 smooth stones. But the Bible records that only one stone lay imbedded in the giants head. Following a thunderous collapse, David ran over to Goliath, drew the giant’s sword and decapitated the menace. The Philistines retreated in fear and David was heralded hero of all Israel.

2. David’s Select Stone

This same anointing received by David to slay Goliath can be likened to the outpouring of the Spirit in the experience of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Jesus said, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” (Acts 1:8) It is this infilling that enables the believer to figuratively “tread on serpents,” (Mk. 16:18) to acquire a worship in the Spirit that is mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. (2 Cor. 10:4) This power is dynamite against the forces of evil. No wonder our prayer language is expanded to an incomprehensible dialogue with God resulting in the mighty working of His hand to save, heal and deliver. Just as David fought the giant of the enemy so too is the believer equipped to do battle with the forces of evil.

David’s five smooth stones speak of the mighty force of the 5 fold ministry. These 5 fold ministries are mentioned in Ephesians 4:11 for we read that, “God hath given apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, and teachers.” But reading on (Eph. 4:13) we notice that these ministries are given for a limited period of time; “till we all come to a perfect man.” The goal is to come to a perfect man. Though David chose 5 stones, it only took one to do the job. Even in this hour God is raising up an army of believers who collectively are called the Body of Christ, A PERFECT MAN. This is not to say we are not grateful for the working of these 5 fold ministries in our lives to edify, exhort and instruct. Like David’s stones from the brook they were chosen by the Shepherd after being washed by the water of the word. (Eph. 5:26) But God has not chosen these ministries to topple the Goliaths of the Earth. Instead these ministry gifts or offices have been established temporarily to nurture, guide and strengthen the children of God that they might come forth upon the Earth as the manifested Sons of God. These have been chosen to rule and reign with Him. These shall bruise Satan under foot. These shall be the manifest expression of God’s fullness. They are unified and made ONE by the Spirit of the Living God, fully empowered with the mind of Christ. This Body will lay waste the powers of darkness on the Earth as David’s selected stone brought the Philistine beast to the ground.

If you have received Christ, you too have received the power, the right, the authority to become the Son of God. Your reception of Christ as Saviour is the call of God on your life to one day usher in a millennia of righteousness, peace and joy on the Earth with our Blessed Saviour.

II. THE ANOINTING OF AUTHORITY

1. Wandering in the Wilderness

One would naturally think that following this mighty demonstration of power, David would be instantly recognized as the anointed of the Lord and established as God’s chosen vessel of authority. Not so! Instead, the remainder of the book gives a detailed account of how King Saul, like a driven mad-man, hunted David down like an animal. He chased him in the wilderness, on mountain tops, in caves and in towns. Despite the fact that the Philistines had regrouped and re-attacked Israel, Saul disregarded these, the true enemies of his people and sought with all his might to kill David. Likewise, we should not be surprised today when ministries go on the war path against Spirit filled believers. As long as they keep quiet, warm a pew and pass the plate, they’re okay. But let them heal the sick, prophesy or speak in tongues and “out the door they go.” While the sheep are taught to view these charismatics as heretics and fanatics the devil continues to destroy with depravity, disease, despair and death.

These spirit filled believers, called charismatics are labeled Cruise-o-matics as they fellowship like David, “from pillar to post.” Yet for some this wandering in the wilderness without a church home is too wearisome. And so they return to programs, preachers and familiar forms of fundamentalism. Rather than worship God in Spirit and in Truth, they abandon their new experience and seek the comfort of church games and politics. Even Saul’s daughter, Michal, David’s beloved wife thought cave life too treacherous. In her heart she must have reasoned that the life of an outcast would never lead to an anointing of authority. And so it was, she deserted her husband’s side and stayed in her father’s court. Likewise, Jonathan, Saul’s son, though he loved David and counted him his blood brother, would not go with him in the wilderness for his loyalties lie with the madness of his father, the King. Instead, David’s only companions were cut-throats, vagabonds, thieves and undesirables by most standards. In the natural, David was labeled a rebel, a pirate, an adulterer; someone so brazen that when he and his men were hungry, he stormed into the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and dared eat and distribute the shew bread reserved as an offering for the Lord. But God looked not on the outward.

2. David’s Methods

Occasions were even given to David by the Lord’s design where he could have easily taken Saul’s life. But as the young shepherd boy had refused the King’s armour to fight Goliath, so too did he refuse to usurp the throne of Israel by assassination. Saul’s methods of fighting were useless to David. Instead he was anointed and empowered by the Spirit of the Lord to slay Goliath. And if he were to reign as king, again it would be because of an anointing, and not by the methods used by his predecessor. Unfortunately, all too often charismatics are enticed into positions of leadership using carnal or even natural methods to achieve that end. How sad it is to see these spirit filled believers fitted into the armour of advertising and politics to fight the spiritual forces of darkness. They call this battle “evangelism”…then when all is said and done, wonder why their goals are not achieved.

Even sadder still are the methods used by many a Spirit filled believer to obtain a position of leadership or authority. Like their King Saul prototypes they ignore the Spirit’s ability to teach them “all truth” and recklessly purse a Bible College degree. Upon completion and with a sense of accomplishment they field resumes and obtain interviews. This is so they can be chosen to lead through natural selection. But it is God’s desire to empower through a SUPERNATURAL ELECTION.

If you intend to walk in your calling and become that Son of God that rules and reigns with Him, you will in all probability find yourself like David, wandering in the wilderness somewhere with no place to call home. In addition, like David you will probably be despised and rejected most by those who you identify as your family, brothers and sisters or friends. It will not be unusual for you to be persecuted by church leaders and your only earthly comforters will be those who you would not otherwise seek company with. Not a pleasant life for anyone and yet this is exactly where David found himself. So too were Joseph, Moses, Elijah, the Apostle Paul and yes – Jesus. All of these had extensive, intense wilderness experiences because their own brethren rejected them and wanted them dead! But they, like David were all called and anointed with authority to fulfill God’s purpose.

3. Saul’s Suicide

But when David received news of Saul’s suicide, he didn’t jump at the opportunity and declare himself “Big Cheese.” Instead he lamented, rent his clothing, cried in anguish and mourned almost inexhaustibly though his tormentor’s life was ended. Why? Because David took no pleasure seeing King Saul, God’s first anointed King of Israel, wasted. He not only had accepted the wilderness as his lot in life, but had learned to rejoice and glory in his suffering. But there was no glory in the death and suffering of Saul. By learning to rejoice in tribulation God had truly created the heart of a servant in David. He accepted both good and bad as from the hand of the Lord and knew that despite the circumstances, God was faithful to His promises. By rejoicing in adversity, David’s heart was transformed such that the Lord commented of him that he had a heart after His own heart. (I Sam. 13:14)

Over and over David wrote in the Psalms, “His mercy (or love) endureth forever.” By glorying in suffering David not only received true humility of soul, but could write experientially of God’s love. It was this love that dominated his prayers for Saul, his king, his father-in-law, the once mighty man of God. The Apostle Paul describes this type of love. It, “suffers long, is kind, is not boastful nor puffed up.” This love does not behave selfishly, is not easily provoked an does not think evil of others. (I Cor. 13) Most important, David the praiser knew that love did not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoiced in the truth. No wonder David could not rejoice in Saul’s death since it seemed a triumph of iniquity. Likewise, David’s example of brokenness, sorrow and loss should speak to us about how we should view the current crumbling, criticism and collapse of charismatic ministries once blessed by God.

4. King of Judah

It was in the midst of David’s wilderness experiences he wrote, “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Truly he had come to a place of “rest in the Lord” such that adverse circumstances no longer prevented him from praising God. He even said, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” (Ps. 119:71) Likewise he had learned that “seizing a golden opportunity” was world’s apart from “God exalting in due season.” (I Pet. 5:16)

Later, after Saul’s death, David was called upon by his countrymen to help route the enemy armies of the Philistines out of Israel. This accomplished, David received his second anointing. It was an anointing of AUTHORITY where he was declared King of Judah. (2 Sam. 2:4) And after all of David’s glorying in tribulations, does it really come to any surprise that the Lord would anoint and establish him King over Judah, also called the House of Praise.

III. THE ATTEMPTS OF THE FLESH

1. King of Israel

Finally in II Samuel, chapters 4 and 5 we read about a strange set of circumstances that ushered David to his third anointing. Again it was seemingly thrust upon him. He was with this anointing made King of all Israel. His authority was well established and uncontested. Why would God design a third anointing when this young king was already walking in authority? Because the purpose of this anointing went beyond seeing David on a bigger and better throne. A servant’s heart had already been well worked into David and he knew his people would never be secure, safe or fulfilled unless his Master, the Lord God Jehovah ruled and reigned as King. That was God’s original design.

And so David purposed in his heart to recover the ark of the covenant and bring it to Jerusalem where the temple was to be built. The significance of the ark cannot be minimized. Though only a few cubic feet, it contained the 10 Commandments etched by God’s own finger, a jar once containing manna that sustained the children of Israel in the wilderness centuries before, and Aaron’s rod that budded. (Heb. 9:4) But most important, it contained the very presence of God Himself. The brilliant SHEKINAH GLORY of the Lord emanated within the ark and at times could be seen between the two cherubims on top of the ark as a sign of God’s presence. It was not an idol, a relic or a fancy piece of furniture. It was the one place on earth that God would fully inhabit and make His abode. Just think, the God of the universe inside a wooden box covered with gold. In fact the ark is a type and shadow of Christ Himself.

As the ark contained the 10 Commandments, (God’s written word), so too Christ is the Word made flesh to dwell among us. (Jn. 1:14) Like the ark that contained Aaron’s rod that budded, (the scepter by which God’s people were governed), so too has all authority and dominion been given to Christ. And as the ark contained a jar once holding manna, the bread from heaven, so too in Christ’s words we find the Bread of Heaven that nourishes unto Eternal Life. Unparalleled glory would be revealed upon Him at His baptism, transfiguration and resurrection. He, like the ark would radiate wthe shekinah glory of God’s presence.

Now the ark at the time of David’s reign was kept as Gibeah at the house of Abinadab. Prior to this, the Philistines had captured the ark during the last days of Eli the priest. But they returned it to Israel after only seven months for not only had their idol god Dagon been decapitated, but untold sickness, plagues, and deaths had visited the Philistine people. And so with a huge cart pulled by oxen, David loaded up the ark so that all Israel might see and know the glory of the Lord again.

2. Big Wheels and Boards

But these noble plans were soon shattered. No sooner did David begin his trek with the ark back to Jerusalem when fatality struck. It appears that while en route, the ark began to sway. Thinking it was going to topple, Uzzah, from the house of Abinadab laid his hands on the ark, and then immediately died.

Shock, horror, disbelief and fear filled David and his men. Why would God strike dead a man trying to prevent the ark from falling? He was only trying to help the “glory of the Lord” along. How often we his people have resorted to natural means to foster and help what we think is God’s glory. But the splendor and majesty of His power, His authority, His shekinah glory is not going to return on a cart made of big wheels and boards. How many revivals have started because some BIG WHEELS in the church organized some church BOARDS to get things ROLLING. Oh they might have had a meeting alright, but was it really a work of the Holy Ghost? Where is the FULNESS of His POWER, His AUTHORITY, His GLORY?

The great move of God recorded in the Book of Acts started because God’s people came together for one purpose – to wait on Him. To wait on His power, His in-filling, His presence. The result was much more than the salvation of souls. Re-read the Book of Acts. The lame walk. The blind see. A man’s shadow heals multitudes. Another man stoned and thrown to ferocious beasts, yet walks away. Neither kings nor prisons hold them. They literally turn the world upside down. The gospel they preach is rumored everywhere. Indescribable authority in both the natural and supernatural realm. Yet the closer they came to death, the more they worshipped and acclaimed His name. Why? Because the glory of the Lord had returned to the Temple. A temple not made with hands, but a temple that consisted of men and women like you and I.

These people tarried in Jerusalem for the promise of His power, His authority, His glory! “And when they were all gathered in one place in one accord, suddenly there came a sound from heaven as a mighty rushing wind, and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire that sat upon each of them.” (Acts 2:1-3) Not only did they speak in tongues (verse 4) and receive the power of the Holy Ghost, but the authority of God’s word was imparted in the sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind. And if that wasn’t enough, His shekinah glory was seen upon them when cloven tongues like as fire sat upon them.

3. This Glory

This glory was the Light God created on the first day.

This was the glory that clothed Adam and Eve in the garden before the fall.

This was the glory that translated Enoch that he should not see death.

It was this glory that Moses watched from a burning bush in the wilderness when he was called to be his people’s deliverer.

This glory caught Elijah up to heaven in a chariot like as fire.

Elisha prayed his servant see the same glory as the chariots of fire that would release an imprisoned Israel from is Syrian enemies the next day.

This glory filled Solomon’s temple so that no one could enter it and all Israel heard the voice of God on that day like thunder.

Ezekiel had a vision of this same glory like a fire enveloping inward. (Ez. 1:4)

The three Hebrew children were surrounded by this the glory of the fourth man such that they were not even scorched by a blazing furnace.

This glory shone out of darkness to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night and a multitude of the heavenly host proclaimed the birth of the Messiah.

The fire that John the Baptist spoke of is that glory when he said, “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and FIRE.” Furthermore, John’s prophecy was fulfilled to 120 disciples gathered in an upper room on the day of Pentecost for they spoke in tongues and God’s glory, like a flame of fire, appeared above the head of each one.

This is the same glory that Jesus revealed to Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration.

This glory was seen on the face of Stephen by his earthly persecutors such that He had the appearance of an angel. While being stoned he also saw this glory, forgave his executioners, then fell fast asleep for he was unaffected by pain.

The wicked Saul of Tarsus who had Stephen stoned, saw this glory on the Road to Damascus. Thereafter he was transformed into the Apostle Paul.

The beloved Apostle John saw this glory on a woman (the church) ready to deliver a manchild (the Sons of God) for she was clothed with the Son.

No wonder David sought a return of the glory of the Lord. The fulfillment of this third anointing went beyond his boyhood empowerment. It went beyond an anointing of authority. It signified the full presence of God in complete control, thus putting to rest his efforts, his labors, his tribulations. It made all the struggle worthwhile.

4. Futile First Attempt

But we are no different than David in his futile first attempt to usher in the glory. How many times have we tried to harness God’s glory? We like to point to all the healings, miracles, and the episodes of God’s divine intervention in our lives, then use this to substantiate our position as the anointed and chosen. See how God used ME. I must be THE ONE who God will use to show everyone. God used ME to raise the dead, heal the sick and so on. I must be right on.

But just as Uzzah was struck down, so too will every believer be stopped dead in his or her tracks when these attitudes are exposed to the GLORIOUS LIGHT of the presence of the Holy Ghost. In fact the Lord will engineer whatever circumstances are necessary to prevent us from putting our hands, our selfish motives on His glory. “My glory will I not give to another says the Lord.” (Isa. 42:8) This glory was reserved for the temple alone. Not for a man, a king, or a ministry, but the temple of the Lord. This glory will be returned to His people, who are the temple of the Lord in His time and His way. (I Cor. 3:16) You can jump up and down, scream and shout, wave banners and dance your merry little heart out, but that won’t make it happen. David tried that trick for we read in I Chronicles 13:7-8 that David went with all Israel out to the “ark on the cart” singing and playing instruments with all their might. It didn’t stop Uzzah from dying. (verses 9 and 10)

Apparently Uzzah thought he had the right and the authority to handle the ark. He didn’t expect God to strike him dead. He had grown up with the ark in his house; in the household of Abinadab. It had resided there for years after the Philistines returned it. The power of the ark had never interfered with his plans before. So too, many spirit filled believers who boast of growing up in churches where God’s power for years has resided. Perhaps they take for granted His power and have never actually witnessed His glory as Uzzah. “No big deal for me, I grew up in Pentecost.” Perhaps they expect the glory of the Lord to return because they have put in their time and sat under Pentecostal preaching for years. God’s power has never interfered before with their plans to build ministries.

But God’s glory will only return with and to those who have the spiritual authority to receive it. Their authority is based on two things: a divine WISDOM that understands why adversity is sent our way and a divine REVELATION that comprehends how God’s purposes unfold. The glory will only return to those who have received the “Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation” and know full well the hope of their calling. (Eph. 1:17-19) They know that the return of God’s glory is not to a man, movement or ministry but to God in His Temple, His People, His Body.

Although David’s heart was wise for he had learned in tribulation to “bless the Lord at all times,” he lacked the revelation as to how the ark was to return. And so David returned to Jerusalem to gain this understanding.

IV. THE ANOINTING OF GLORY

1. The Ark Returned

It wasn’t until David prepared a new, separate, unveiled tabernacle for the ark (I Chron. 15:1); agreed to accompany the Levite priests who carried it on their shoulders (I Chron. 15:2); and made sacrifice of oxen after every sixth step of the priests (I Sam. 6:13); that the ark was actually returned to Jerusalem. The house prepared speaks about God preparing a people fashioned into a “holy habitation” where God can be revealed.

Just as David, the king, accompanied the priests, these people now being prepared are called by the Apostle John: KINGS and PRIESTS, for their ministry is UNTO HIM. They worship HIM in spirit and in truth. They are called to witness unto HIM. And just as God’s glory was unveiled for David and the priests on that day, so to shall God’s glory rest on the saints of God in this final hour. Jesus even prayed, “the glory which thou gavest me I have given them,” (Jn. 17:22) for “He shall come to be glorified in His saints.” (I Thes. 1:10) They are called to be glorified because the Spirit of Christ is in them: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27)

The Levites took only six steps then offered the blood sacrifice of a beast of burden. They took no seventh step for this was reserved for the Lord Himself as He walked in them. Even as the Lord rested on the seventh day, so too are we called to enter into His rest by the blood of the Lamb. His rest is the glory of the Lord. Entering into His rest means He now bears our burden. All labor and struggle is ended so that Christ can fully possess us. No more steps forward. Just an end to self. Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live. Yet not I, but Christ that liveth in me.” (Gal. 2:20) But how can we gain access to this rest, this glory? By simple faith in the shed blood of Him who bears our burdens.

2. David and Michal

David accompanied the journey of the ark’s return to Jerusalem with praise, song and dance, wearing a robe and a linen vest usually worn by the High Priest. A comparison of the same account in II Samuel and I Chronicles suggests that David apparently danced with all his might to the point that he disrobed himself and was covered only with this vest wrapped around his waist. Although pleasing to the Lord, this act was not taken lightly by David’s wife, Michal. In fact she despised him in her heart and accused him of uncovering himself shamelessly before the handmaidens.

The unfortunate result was that Michal was made barren from that point on. By rights her offspring would have been heir to David’s throne as she was Saul’s daughter. But she had not submitted to the tribulation of a wilderness journey, and consequently did not have nor appreciate whole hearted praise and worship of the Lord. In this therefore, was she judged and made barren.

In sharp contrast however, we see David of whom Nathan prophesied, “thy seed…..shall build a house for my name and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his Father and he shall be my Son.” (I Sam. 7:12-14) David’s son and successor, Solomon did build the temple to house the ark and the glory of the Lord did fill that temple. (2 Chron. 7:1-5) But the promise extended beyond David’s immediate progeny, for Christ Himself would be born of David’s lineage.

Matthew’s first verse calls Him the son of David. He was born in Bethlehem, the city of David. When he healed the sick and cast out devils, the crowd called Him the son of David. (Mat. 12:23) Blind Bartimaeus was healed after he cried out to Jesus, the son of David. (Mat. 10:46-52) In Revelation 22:16 he even declares himself to be the root and offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.

The barrenness of Michal and fruitfulness of David speaks to us of our choices today. The apostle Paul wrote, “I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” (Gal. 4:19) Just as Christ came from the root, an offspring of David in the natural, so too is the promise that Christ come forth in and through us spiritually. Paul’s birthing of Christ is preceded by travail. There will be no birth unless there is travail. There must be a submission to God in adversity, in tribulation, in the wilderness experiences of life so that the fruit of the Spirit can be reproduced in us. Jesus is the fruit of the Spirit. The theology of escape-ism will always produce a barren soul that despises true praise and worship. But a “contrite heart and a broken spirit” (Ps. 51:17) is the fertile ground upon which God will establish His throne forever.

3. Three Hills in Jerusalem

The ark’s re-entry into Jerusalem is marked with a strange perplexity. It was not returned to the Levites’ tabernacle according to the commandment of Moses on Mount Moriah.

Now Jerusalem is geographically marked with three mountains. The first is the lowest called Mount Ophel. David built his palace on this broad based hill and the masses lived on its gentle slopes. It speaks of a common order of dwelling. We all share the same sinful nature. Even the kings among us will some day die as a result of sin.

The second highest peak was called Mount Moriah where the tabernacle of Moses was set up. It was here that Abraham was instructed to offer up his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. Though prevented by God himself, the like figure speaks to us of the sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus. All of Jerusalem came to Moriah’s tabernacle to receive the forgiveness of sins and peach with God by the sacrifice of animals. So too, our acceptance of Christ’s shed blood on Calvary, the sacrificial Lamb of God, cleanses us from sin and brings us into fellowship with Him. But as glorious as this tabernacle was, it only provided the promise that the curse of death would be broken. It did not provide the reality of an endless life in the here and now. Our acceptance of Christ as Savior, like Moriah, affords us the forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life. But the promise is by faith, as yet unseen.

And so it was that David took the ark to the highest mountain in Jerusalem, Mount Zion. From this pinnacle the glory of the Lord could be seen for miles around. The ministry of Mount Moriah was surpassed by a higher order, a greater covenant. The promise of an endless life had been given in covenant with one who predated Moses and his ancestor Abraham. David took the ark to Mount Zion to re-establish the order of Melchizedek, the royal priest who walked in the power of an endless life. (Ps. 110:14)

4. Melchizedek

Now consider this man Melchizedek. Abraham met him returning from battle and gave tithe unto him. (Gen. 14:18) He was without father, without mother, having neither beginning of day nor end of life. (Heb. 7:3) His walk with God had ushered him into timelessness. He was called the King of Salem. (Heb. 7:2) Salem means peace, hence he was the “King of Peace.” His successor would therefore be called the “Prince of Peace” over Jeru-Salem, the city of peace. But Melchizedek was much more than a king. He is also called “Priest of the Most High God.” No one before him had been king and priest. The Levitical order of Moses and Abraham established on Mount Moriah produced no one who was both king and priest. Kings were kings and priests were priests. How could anyone govern people and yet truly minister to the Lord. Not only minister to Him but be a high priest. That means God’s closest confidant and friend is also established as king over God’s people. The most reknown men of all history have laid claim to this; the Pharaohs of Egypt, the Ceasars of Rome, Emperors of China and Japan. Even individuals like Nebuchadnezzar, Napoleon or Khomeni claimed to be God’s man of power for the hour. But they have all faded away with time, thus proving their claim counterfeit. No one could be both unless they were sinless and immortal. By setting the ark to rest on Mount Zion, David has once and for all enthroned the Lord Himself as both King and Priest over His people, after the order of Melchizedek.

5. A Light in Zion

The indescribable glory of the Lord was evidenced by all the nations on Earth in Mount Zion. David describes this blessed event in a multitude of Psalms. A few are listed below.

Great is the Lord….in the mountains of His holiness……The joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great king. God is known in her palaces as a refuge….The kings were assembled, they passed by together……They saw it and so they marveled…….They were troubled and hasted away. (Ps. 48: 1-5)

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shinned. (Ps. 50:2)

In Salem also is his tabernacle and his dwelling place in Zion…….thou art more glorious than the mountains. (Ps. 76:2 & 4)

The Lord shall send the rod of they strength out of Zion; rule thou in the midst of thine enemies……..Thou art forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Ps. 110:2 & 4)

The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. (Ps. 98:2)

The Lord reigneth…….he sitteth between the cherubim……….the Lord is great in Zion. (Ps. 99:1 & 2)

When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in glory. (Ps. 102:16)

O Lord thou art great…….who coverest thyself with Light as with a garment. (Ps. 104:1 & 2)

The Lord reigneth, a fire goeth before Him and burneth up His enemies round about. His lightning enlighteneth the world, the earth saw and trembled…….all the people see His glory. Zion heard and was glad. Light is sown for righteousness. (Ps. 97)

These and ALL 150 Psalms were written for and sung to the Lord God Jehovah as He ruled out of Zion. The glory the Lord shinned out of Zion all 33 years David was king of Israel. Likewise, Jesus was the expressed glory of God on earth for 33 years. As David re-established the king-priest ministry, so too is Christ the King of Kings and a High Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Heb. 5:5 & 6)

V. The Glory Returns

1. The Tabernacle of David

After David’s death, his son Solomon reigned as king. But Solomon built the Lord’s temple on Mount Moriah, removed the ark from Zion to his temple and strengthened the Levitical order. Once again the glory of the Lord was veiled – out of sight. The Lord no longer reigned supreme. Succeeding generations began to stray from God’s purpose and plan. Civil war left the nation divided into Judah and Israel again. Worldly influences from other nations gradually and ultimately resulted in a corrupted people. Untold kings and priests struggled to retain their power and it seemed each succeeding generation grew more wicked. Finally a great king, Nebuchadnezzar from Babylon, took for himself captives of the best of these two nations. The glory of the Lord had long since departed as this great king lay waste Jerusalem, burned the temple and destroyed the ark.

But throughout these times of judgment, God was not without a voice. In every generation He raised up someone, a remnant whose loyalties lay exclusively to Him. Their message was a cry to return to the God of David. Over and over they prophesied that God would return and rebuild the tabernacle of David and Mount Zion. Elijah’s friend, Obadiah, prophesied during the wicked reign of Ahab and Jezebel:

“Saviors shall come upon Mount Zion to judge the Mount of Esau (Gentiles), and the kingdom shall be the Lords.” (Ob. 21 with I Kings 18:3)

Amos prophesied of the coming Babylonian captivity but ended:

“I will raise up again the fallen tabernacle of David……that they may possess the remnant of Edom (the descendants of Esau) and all the heathen which are called by my name saith the Lord that doeth this.” (Amos 9:11 & 12)

The tabernacle of David will be rebuilt. Zion’s glory will possess, as Amos describes, those called by HIS NAME. These are, of course, Christians for they bear the name of Christ Himself. In fact these shall come forth as Saviors.

The prophet Zechariah returned from Babylon with a great company of Jews to rebuild the temple and believe for a return of glory of the tabernacle of David. But Zechariah was given a vision and a strong word to share with his fellow laborers. The Lord told him and showed him that He would rebuild the temple Himself. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Zech. 4:6)

Since that time there have been many captivities and many returns to rebuild the temple. But no glory has or ever will return to a man made temple. The glory shall posses the remnant and the heathen called by His name (as Amos said). No wonder the Apostle James declared in Acts 15:16 that Amos’ prophesy was being fulfilled when the Holy Ghost was poured out on the Gentiles. We are that temple of the Holy Ghost (I Cor. 3:16) in whom and upon whom the glory of the Lord shall be revealed. (Isa. 60:2) God has called every blood-bought, born-again, Spirit filled believer to come to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Eph. 4:13) That you go in and out no more but be a pillar in the temple of your God. (Rev. 3:12) He has called and chosen you and I to be Kings and Priests unto Him. (Rev. 1:6) He has chosen us to be the revealing of the Lord in our life time. (I Thes. 1:10) “The Lord shall arise upon thee and His glory shall be seen upon thee.” (Isa. 60:1, 2) In this, beloved, “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.” (Isa. 40:5)

2. Eternal Life Now

Like Melchizedek, we are called the walk in resurrection life power, in the here and now; to enter into eternal life now, to receive everlasting life now; not just the promise, by faith, some day in the great by and by – but HERE and NOW.

Jesus said, “I AM the resurrection and the life…..he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (Jn. 11:25) He didn’t say only if you are dead, yet shall you live. He said even though you might be one of the ones who die, you too can enter into resurrection life. But it is clear that this promise of Resurrection Life, eternal life is for “he that believeth” and not just for “he that believeth yet is dead.” In fact verse 26 states, “whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall NEVER die.”

Jesus walked in this Resurrection life. Speaking of His life, He said, “I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it again.” (Jn. 10:18) No one killed, murdered or assassinated Jesus. He laid his life down willingly. His blood wasn’t spilled, it was shed! His resurrection from the dead was proof that He had entered into “the power of an endless life” after the order of Melchizedek. Even Paul walked in resurrection life for he says he was in deaths oft or died many times. (2 Cor. 11:23) To the Philippians he even confessed that he was caught in indecision. He said he wanted to go home to be with the Lord, he wanted to die. But because they had need of him, of his mighty working as an apostle, he decided to stay for their sakes. If he was executed, stoned (2 Cor. 11:25), or thrown to ferocious beasts (I Cor. 15:22), he just got up after it was all over and went about his business preaching and teaching the Good News of the “Resurrection Life” in Christ.

No wonder He taught us to pray “thine is the Kingdom (authority), the Power and the Glory!” These three anointings, the power, authority and glory are described in picture and allegory in the life of David. They are revealed in the life of Jesus and they are manifest in you and I, the believers, the saints. These three anointings are the fullness of God. This is the “Rest” spoken by the writer of Hebrews. He goes on, “there remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” (Heb. 4:9) For “We are come unto Mount Zion and unto the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem…..and to God, the judge of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect.” (Heb. 12:22 & 23) Thus we, “are built up (to) a spiritual house,…..in Zion, a chosen generation, a Royal Priesthood (kings and priests), a holy nation that we should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous Light!” (I Pet. 2:5-9)

3. Conclusion

God is calling forth a people in this hour to return to Zion. The power, the authority and the glory of the Lord will be revealed in them, through them and upon them. These shall walk in resurrection life, eternal life, in the here and now. Like Jesus and Paul, they shall walk in timelessness for they shall inherit immortality in their life time. The fire of God’s glory shall purge the dross of their sinful natures and they shall receive the divine nature. This is the righteous remnant, the redeemed of the Lord, that shall return unto Zion. These shall possess the fullness of God to be revealed at the end of this present age. These are the Sons of God. These are kings and priests to the Most High, a Royal Priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. This is the Body of Christ, God’s expression on earth. This Body is to come forth to be revealed in glory as the ark was when returned to Zion. These shall rule the nations with a rod of iron. These shall walk in oneness with God Himself. He who “fills all in all” shall rule and reign supreme on the earth, for He shall rule in them and through them.

Beloved, you have been called to walk in this promise. Press in to receive all that God has for you “that your joy may be full.” The hour is short and this present day draws to a close. “He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Seek Him for the abundance. See Him for “Life Abundantly.” “He will do exceedingly above all that you ask or think.” He is your portion, your inheritance, your life. He is come to be glorified IN HIS SAINTS.

In Revelation 14, John records a multitude of 144,000. These stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion. They speak not their own words for their sound is the same as that of Jesus; “the voice of many waters.” (Rev. 1:15 & Rev. 14:2) Unlike the company of 144,000 recorded in Revelation 7 who were gathered from the twelve tribes of Israel, these are redeemed from the entire earth. (Rev. 14:3)

Many believe this to be a literal number. But this is a spiritual book written for those with spiritual understanding. The message throughout this book is, “To him that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

This 144,000 is a spiritual number for it describes those who have returned to Zion. The number is understood as it is 12 x 12 x 1,000. In the Bible, 12 has a dual meaning. It speaks of authority for there were 12 tribes of Israel by which God’s people were governed. Christ also chose 12 apostles. The number 1,000 speaks of a dispensation when God’s divine power will be manifest throughout the earth. Hence these 144,000 are the redeemed of the Lord who are crowned with the divine glory of Zion. They walk in apostolic power and authority as they rule and reign with Him 1,000 years on the earth. This is the manifestation of the Sons of God. These are ONE with God!

God has called you to number among those in Zion on that day. Open your heart and believe for ALL that He has prepared for you!

Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head; they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. (Isaiah 51:11)

As a Christian I have engaged in a civilized debate with others on your site, but at times I was not always sure that I was talking to an atheist. Indeed, I speculate (actually feel convinced) that I have engaged with converts to a cultist Muslim group who were scoping people out for reasons that are not clear.

Nonetheless, it has also become obvious to me that it’s offensive to think that all Muslims are cultists. I work in a clinic in a major metropolitan city one day a week and I service not only inner city Americans but refugees from other countries who have suffered beyond what I believed humanly possible.

One Iraqi woman in particular was forced to witness the beheading of her 6 children ages 2-14 because they “weren’t the right kind of Muslim.”

I have also provided counseling and medication support to Kurds, Afghanis, and former prisoners at Guantanamo Bay who were held illegally.

I have counseled and treated US Marines who have returned from battle after they slaughtered dozens of teenage boys in Afghanistan.

I think of one man in particular who was a sharp shooter and had “51 confirmed kills.” He returned a hero with severe PTSD. His guilt was so overwhelming he was unable to live with his wife and sons upon reunion: he felt he was no longer deserving of a family. And what was worse, he was unable to receive treatment at a local VA hospital because he said many of his physicians were Pakistani and he couldn’t think of them as anything but the enemy.

After 40 years in the medical profession I am truly overwhelmed by what seems to me to be a dramatic increase in the suffering on this planet. And as a spirit filled believer I struggle attend church. In my opinion most are apostate, out of touch or reprobate.

At the same time I have never experienced the power of the risen Christ to the extent that I have witnessed in the last 2-3 years. I pray for patients if they allow me and have witnessed salvation, miracles and healings like never before.

I am not offended by people on this site who ridicule Christians and say that faith in Christ is ignorance. I don’t believe it is my job to convince people that Jesus is God. I believe the Holy Spirit will draw to himself whom He will.

But to me, the bigger question is who or what do you worship? In case some missed it, the new god sweeping this nation is heroin. Essentially, I think a debate regarding “Christianity vs Atheism” is an exercise in futility and not relevant.

If you are a Christian on this site I ask for your prayers and if possible, I encourage you to get out there and do something, anything to help the suffering. To quote MLK, “I only want to do God’s will.”

If you are not a believer I ask that if you are not already involved in helping to alleviate the suffering of humanity, consider getting involved as well if you are able. You may yet find Christ where you least expect Him.

Forgive me if I sound smug or arrogant. It is not my intention. God bless to all who read this.

http://youtu.be/lT-wnMIVrcc

SHEEP AND SHEPHERDS

These are the end-of-days when men’s hearts faint within them. While Christians wonder if we are in the Tribulation, they are at the same time often mislead and devoured by those who call themselves shepherds of the flock. But, beloved, there is only one Shepherd over one church. That shepherd’s name is Jesus! In this hour God is raising up an army of believers in the spirit who know their God and who are known by God. Even now their heart cry is “the Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.” They no longer desire the teachings of man, nor his doctrine, nor his religious format for the Lord Himself leads and guides them into pastures green, restoring their soul and causing their cup to run over. The Apostle Paul was very keen on the ensuing deception that would pervade the Body of Christ. Consequently he spent many hours deliberating, praying and warning believers of the coming of the false and apostate. In fact most of Paul’s message can be summed up in two themes. First and foremost, the mystery of the gospel that has been hid from the ages, which is of course, Christ in you, the hope of glory. Specifically, that Christ coming in the flesh, has now given His Spirit to “dwell in our hearts by faith” (Eph. 3:17) so that “we might grow up into all things, even Christ” (Eph. 4:15), so that we might “be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 4:19). Though hid from the ages, this spiritual understanding is now being revealed to many by the Spirit of God. The doctrines and traditions of even the best preachers have fallen short for they emphasize the place you are called to keep. Usually this place they see for you is “under their authority.” But beloved, our dear brother Paul knew that there would be those who would creep in and attempt to prevent and pervert the blessed gospel of “Christ being formed in you” (Gal. 4:19). Hence, his second theme or second most frequently preached, taught, and written word was one of warning. It was a message preparing the Body of Christ for the onslaught of so called ministers that would come in and try to lead the sheep astray. God has burdened my heart to write to you now to elaborate on this second and often overlooked aspect of Paul’s message to the church.

THE TESTIMONY OF THE APOSTLE PAUL
2 Corinthians 11:1-16: “I only wish you were able to tolerate a little foolishness from me. But of course: you are tolerant toward me. You see the jealousy that I feel for you is God’s own jealousy: I arranged for you to marry Christ so that I might give you away as a chaste virgin to this one husband. But the serpent, with his cunning seduced Eve, and I am afraid that in the same way your ideas may get corrupted and turned away from simple devotion to Christ. Because any newcomer has only to proclaim a new Jesus, different from the one you have already received, or a new gospel, different from the one you have already accepted – and you welcome it with open arms. As far as I can tell, these archapostles have nothing more than I have. I may not be a polished speechmaker, but as for knowledge, that is a different matter; surely we have made this plain, speaking on every subject in front of all of you. Or was I wrong, lowering myself so as to lift you high, by preaching the gospel of God to you and taking no fee for it? I was robbing other churches, living on them so that I could serve you. When I was with you and ran out of money, I was no burden to anyone; the brothers who came from Macedonia provided me with everything I wanted. I was very careful, and I always shall be, not to be a burden to you in any way, and by Christ’s truth in me, this cause of boasting will never be taken from me in the region of Achaia. Would I do that if I did not love you? God knows I do. I intend to go on doing what I am doing – leaving no opportunity to claim equality with us in what they boast of. These people are counterfeit apostles, they are dishonest workmen disguised as apostles of Christ. There is nothing unexpected about that; if Satan himself goes undisguised as an angel of light, there is no need to be surprised when his servants, too, disguise themselves as the servants of righteousness. They will come to the end that they deserve.” (The Jerusalem Bible, 1968)

How strong Paul’s words are! And yet as we read this passage we note a very obvious and striking difference between Paul and those false “apostles of Christ.” It has to do with the realm of money, of finance, of capital! Paul came to these believers to serve them the bread of heaven, to deliver to them the mystery of the gospel, to pray for them night and day that the eyes of their understanding be enlightened to know the HOPE OF THEIR CALLING (Eph. 1:18), which is of course to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29), to be seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:6), to be found IN HIM (Phil. 3:9), to be crucified with Christ and yet have Christ be fully seen in them (Gal. 2:20). But notice, he took no money or wages for this service to them. Was he entitled to their money? Of course, for we read in 1Corinthians 9:9-12: “For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out of the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel.” …And yet reading on a little further we find in verse 15: “But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.”

So then, beloved, Paul came to the Corinthian Church with the ‘right’ according to the Law to take up tithes and offerings for the furtherance of the gospel. And yet he didn’t use the right. Why? In fact in verse 15 he says it would be better for him to die than take their money. He did this not just so that he wouldn’t be a burden to them financially for it is obvious that he accepted the gifts of the Macedonian/Philippian believers. He didn’t take their money because he didn’t want the gospel blamed (I Cor. 9:23). “And this I do I do for the gospel’s sake.” In the same chapter, verse 24, he identifies his reward: “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but ONE receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown: but we an incorruptible.” The crown is eternal life and the prize is Jesus…fully formed within him and in the whole body of Christ (1 Cor. 9:29). That’s why he says only ONE wins. The one who wins is Christ. He endeavors in this race so that we may all be found IN HIM. So that we may all be one as Christ prayed in John 17. One in Him as He is one with the Father. Yes, Paul’s reward was the knowledge and reality of Oneness with Christ. He continued in this race that we might enter into this same union.

But our Brother Paul is even bolder in his writings to Timothy. He speaks to him openly about setting up and establishing elders, bishops, deacons, etc. in leadership in the Body of Christ. Again Paul elaborates the requirements of these spiritual leaders and he requires that they not receive money for preaching the gospel. “Not given to wine, no striker, not GREEDY of FILTHY LUCRE; but patient, not a brawler, not COVETOUS;” (I Tim. 3:3) “Likewise must a deacon be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, NOT GREEDY of FILTHY LUCRE;” (I Tim. 3:8). Filthy lucre, that means preaching the gospel for the sake of money. In fact Paul identifies the basis for this perversion: “Perverse disputers of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing THAT GAIN IS GODLINESS: FROM SUCH WITHDRAW THYSELF (I Tim. 6:5).

Here is the warning beloved, that there are those who have crept in who think that if you have financial assets you must be blessed by God. These perverse disputers or argumentative types believe that they are appointed to oversee and rule over you because they have been “monetarily blessed.” They confuse GAIN and GODLINESS. But, beloved, godliness IS gain. Godliness is its own reward; for godliness is the life of God within. Godliness suggests that the nature of God is being evidenced and manifest. What does that have to do with money? Paul goes on to give us some good advice, which is… “to be content with food and raiment” and he identifies that… “the love of money is the root of all evil” (I Tim. 6:10). But listen to the rest of the verse in case you think I’m referring to the ungodly, “…which while some coveted after they have erred from the faith.” Even today many ministers preach because they perceive this to be their job. This is how they make their living. In fact many are trying to get rich preaching the gospel. Some covet it while disguising themselves as your apostle. These so called ministers tell us how you can apply “Biblical principles” and get your needs met. They tell how we can make God work for us. But beloved, this line of thinking is not from God. Paul admonishes us to withdraw from those who preach this way. The gospel is not something we can harness and put to work for us. God is not our employee! But rather, the good news comes, sets us free from the powers of darkness and we present our bodies a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service (Rom. 12:1). Hence we become bond slaves or love slaves to Him. It’s not what the gospel can do for me, nor what I can do for the gospel, it’s how the gospel or Good News consumes me!

Using the gospel as a formula for financial success is truly a form of godliness but denies the power thereof (2 Tim. 3:5). Do these preachers deny the power of God to save, heal, deliver, raise the dead, or fill with His Spirit? NO! Instead we are warned in 2 Timothy 3:1-4 that in the end times there will come COVETOUS boasters, who love pleasure more than God. And the form of godliness is that they act, say, and believe just like you and I except for one thing. They don’t believe in the power of Jesus to POSSESS YOU and yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness (or godliness).

THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST
Beloved, this is His work, not ours. All of my money and righteousness is as filthy rags before Him. Only the indwelling life of Christ is the PEARL of GREAT PRICE (Matt. 13:46) for which a man sells all he has and follows after. Jesus had a lot to say about money. “No man can serve two masters, he will either love the one, and hate the other…” (Mat. 6:24). But pay careful attention. Jesus did not identify the two masters as God and the devil, sin or godliness, Republican or Democrat. NO! He said they were God or MAMMON. Mammon is the riches of this “present world.” It could be money or all the things money can buy. Obviously this tide of seeking riches has crept into the church and is masquerading as a “great move of God.” Our Savior has become to many an advertising gimmick or a formula for financial success.

Jesus was so incensed by this marketing and racketeering in the house of God that we read in John 2:15: “And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;” In Luke 12:20-34 we see what Jesus said about the one who rests in his riches: “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? …But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you… For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Jesus even said that at the end of the age there would come those saying “Lord, did not we prophesy in your name, do miracles, etc” (Matt. 7:22-23). But the Lord will say “I never knew you.” The gospel of Jesus Christ is not about how we can use God to live a problem free, financially solvent, and lucrative life. Instead it is how we can be set free from sin, sickness, despair, death, and a sentence of hell. The gospel is not about how we can produce gain for God but how He can produce godliness in us!

Paul’s argument reinforcing Christ’s words is found in Titus 1:7-9. Again he identifies that a bishop must not be given to filthy lucre, but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, temperate. In fact he goes on to say that with such a testimony they will be able to convince the “gainsayers.” Gainsayers are people who live their lives for gain. This is the way of the world. How can a person who is appointed by God to instruct the Body of Christ then convince the gainsayers if they themselves preach for filthy lucre? That is exactly the point that Paul goes on to make in verse 10 and 11. “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision (legalists, literalists) whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things they ought not for filthy lucre’s sake.”

THE TESTIMONY OF THE APOSTLE JUDE
Perhaps there are many believers who say, “Yes, but these are isolated scriptures. We don’t have similar circumstances today.” Listen then to the writings of Brother Jude: Verse 4: “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 5: I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.”

This verse is often used by “filthy lucre preachers” who say, “see, if you don’t submit to me, God’s appointed, you will be destroyed like the children of Israel in the wilderness.” They emphasize submission teaching and call those that leave their flock – “rebellious.” But notice the text points out that it was not their leadership that saved them; it was not their submissiveness that saved them; but the LORD Himself. In fact, like examples are cited in verse 6 identifying the falling away of the angels, and verse 7, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. But why? Why a falling away? Because certain men had crept in unawares (verse 4) and led ALL TOO SUBMISSIVE believers away from their true Shepherd. And what identifies these certain men that have crept in? Verse 11: “…they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” The overwhelming common denominator of these evil disputers of the truth is that they sneak into the Body of Christ, call themselves sheep leaders, and seek Personal Prosperity, Position, Power and Prestige! They say their goal is to gain the multitude for God and to do that they need your financial help. Of course this involves supporting their church mortgages, their radio and TV ministries; to say nothing of their posh parsonages, overseas vacations, recreation vehicles, and diamond studded jewelry. But why CAIN, CORE AND BALAAM?

CAIN is a significant example because he demonstrates a rejection of the blood sacrifice, (God’s provision), and an attempt to please God with the works of his hands. Cain knew full well that the life was in the blood (Lev. 17:11), and without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin (Heb. 9:22). Both he and his brother Abel were taught the importance of God’s provision to atone for sin by their parents. How do we know this? Because it was God Himself who taught Adam and Eve their need for a blood sacrifice, for after they sinned, the Lord killed animals to clothe them (Gen. 3:21). We can also conclude that Cain was acting in rebellion with his sacrifice of fruits and vegetables and not ignorance for his own brother Abel cherished the significance of a blood sacrifice, even to the point of losing his own life (Gen. 4:4-8). Today there are many ministries who only pay lip service to the blood of Jesus. It’s good enough to save you but when it comes to pleasing God, they demand you work for them with the fruit of your hands to help them establish their ministry. Beloved, this is a lie from the father of lies and the spirit behind this deception is murder itself. The same spirit that provoked Cain to slay Abel provokes many a money minded minister to murder the spiritual lives of the newborn believers. This they do by yoking the harness of so called “church-work” to the believer’s desire for spiritual maturity. Modern religious zealots will also persecute those who ardently cling not to their money, nor abilities, but to the precious blood of Jesus as their total sufficiency.

In Numbers 22 we read how God specifically spoke to the prophet, BALAAM, not to go with the Moabites and curse the children of Israel (verse 12). However, when they enticed him with money and honors Balaam entreated the Lord a second time to reconsider. The Lord then allowed him to go with the Moabites but demonstrated His fierce anger toward Balaam as he “was rebuked for his iniquity by a dumb ass speaking with a man’s voice, forbading the madness of the prophet” (2 Pet. 2:15). Balaam’s donkey was halted by the sight of the angel of the Lord holding a fiery sword, and despite brutal beatings, could no longer follow Balaam’s command. Likewise, God is now granting prophetic power to once thought “dumb-ass servants” who having obtained a heavenly vision of their CALLING and are incapable of pursuing the monetary mission.

The last example cited by Jude is the case of CORE (Old Testament spelling – Korah). We read about the gainsaying of Core in Numbers chapter 16, and how his crafty logic sought to patronize Moses and seek a position of advantage. Sad to report that this story is also often used by teachers of “headship doctrines,” while attempting to reinforce their leadership position as the “appointed-anointed.” Frequently they correlate church leadership to Moses, and all those who do not submit to their Rules and Revelations are Rebellious. Like as Core was swallowed up by the earth (Num. 16:32-33), so too, they say, will you be engulfed in the ways of the world unless you submit to them. But, Beloved, this denominational doctrine is not only diabolical but demonic in origin. Moses is not a type and shadow of your pastor, but of Christ Himself, the one true Shepherd of your soul. For example, as Moses was sought by Pharaoh as an infant, so too Herod decreed the death of all male infants to insure the Messiah’s destruction. As “Moses forsook the treasures of Egypt, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God” (Heb. 11: 24, 25) so too Christ, the Son of God, became “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isa. 53:3). As Moses wandered in the desert herding sheep 40 years before leading the Israelites out of Egypt to the promised land, so too Jesus was tempted 40 days in the wilderness before His release to publicly demolish the powers of darkness and lead us to eternal life. Even Jesus compared Himself to the ministry of Moses when He said “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the son of man be lifted up” (Jn. 3:14). We could go on and on about these comparisons. But, the point is that you and I are not behaving like Core when we don’t go along with preachers in the pulpit. In fact, scripture points out that Core was a Levite priest. He was a BIG SHOT in the religious system who wanted to have some of the authority of Moses. Beloved, Moses is a type of Christ, and just as Moses had all the Authority, did all the Leading, and was the Mediator between Jehovah and the Israelites, so too all AUTHORITY has been given to Jesus who gives His Spirit to LEAD you. He is the only MEDIATOR you will ever need between you and God. Indeed, there are many like Core in the pulpit today. These covet our Savior’s position when they attempt to exercise authority over you; telling you who to marry or divorce, where and when to buy and sell property, where to go to school or have your children educated. Some are even so blatant as to “mediate” your sins from a confession booth or pastor’s study. And still others pass themselves off as sent from God to instruct you in the “fundamental truths.” “Take this course, go to this seminar, be at this convention” they say. But Jesus said, “The Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you ALL things, and bring ALL things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (Jn. 14:26).

THE TESTIMONY OF THE APOSTLE PETER
The Apostle Peter was also moved by this same infiltration of perversion. In his second letter to the Church, chapter 5, he reiterates Jude’s concerns almost verbatim. Re-read and compare these two texts. They’re almost identical. Peter even goes so far as to identify their motivation for evangelizing you: “to make merchandise of you” (verse 4). That’s right, in the eyes of God these filthy lucre preachers make you and I the commodity and produce, while they are the dealers and distributors. We’re talking about BIG BUSINESS with HIGH STAKES. A high profit margin can only be insured with good advertising and media promotion. Get rich, successful and famous quick are the schemes that hope to allure the feeble minded. Some, when they see you, say inwardly “how can I use this babe to better my ministry.” And so “with feigned (or enticing and lovely) words” (verse 3) these false prophets (verse 1) make merchandise of the sheep. How often have we heard, “oh sister you have such a special gift with children, God has called you to be the Sunday school teacher, “ or “brother, you have such a special talent with a brush, God revealed to me you are to paint our church.” But rest assured these con artists will not be able to continue in their devices forever. Jesus Christ himself will come with a shout, with the sound of the trumpet (I Cor. 15:52), with you and I and 10,000 of His saints to execute judgment upon all those ungodly AMONG THEM (Jd. 14-15). This means judgment upon the ungodly who have crept into the ranks of the Godly. This means judgment to every religious system that has run greedily after the error of Balaam for reward. No wonder Peter says it is because of these filthy lucre leaders, “the way of truth shall be evil spoken of “ (2 Pet. 2:2). In other words, when the world hears the gospel they are turned off. Why? Because of power hungry, popularity seeking, prosperity preaching professionals who line their pockets with profit. Now we can see why Paul felt it was so important not to take offerings which he rightly deserved. “All things for me are lawful, but not all things are expedient” (2 Cor. 6:12). In fact he not only supported himself as a tent maker but also gladly suffered the loss of all things. He endured beatings, shipwreck, being thrown to beasts at Ephesus, ridicule, persecution, hunger, nakedness, imprisonment, etc. (2 Cor. 11:23-27). All of this because he said of these money minded ministers, “their mouths must be stopped.”

In Acts 6:3-4, we find a scripture that is often used to substantiate the sacrifice of money by profiteering preachers. “Wherefore brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and ministry of the word.” No doubt these men were set aside to glean truths from the Word of God and may have derived financial support in exchange. Praise God. I pray to God that this same SPIRIT OF GIVING would enter the Body of Christ in this hour. But again take careful note and warning. These Apostles Peter, James, John, etc. did not get rich off the labor of others. Even Paul (who spent time with Peter) advises us, “that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thes. 3:10). We read in Acts 3:6 that Peter with John passing by a cripple at the ‘Gate Beautiful’ said “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” Despite the fact that these men may have been supported by the Body of Christ, they could gladly boast of no money. Most modern day preachers often cannot make this same boast. However, neither can many say take up your bed and walk.

THE TITHE
Given the light and understanding of modern day Balaams in a Babylonian church system, we might well question any and all giving to ministry. But what about the tithe? Doesn’t the Bible teach that the tenth belong to God? And rightly it does according to Malachi 3:10: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith,” sayeth the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Some who walk in error might say …Yes, but Jesus did away with the law and the tithe in the New Testament. However we read in Luke 11:42: “But woe unto you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass off the judgment and love of God; these ought you to have done and not leave the other undone.” So we see then that Jesus did not come to do away with the law. He didn’t do away with the tithe. Neither did he do away with other laws like forbidding murder and adultery. In fact, Jesus clarified the law in such a way and shed such tremendous light on the law that He even went so far as to say, “If a man lusteth in his heart he has already committed adultery” and again, “If a man hates his brother he has already committed murder.” How foolish we would all appear if we stood before the world and our Christian brothers and said, “we have never had lust or hate in our hearts.” In fact, “If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 Jn. 1:8). Jesus exposed this reality of the law so that we would soon recognize our desperate inability to keep it; so that we might choose an alternate route to God and Godliness. The alternate route to Godliness is not through the truth of the LAW, but through Jesus by the Spirit of Truth.

Getting back to the tithe, we see also that Jesus made full exposure of our feeble attempts to keep this law for He says, “Sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me” (Lk. 18:22). Once again we see that Jesus did not come preaching some “principle method” or way to keep the law. He set out to fully reveal that is was TOTALLY IMPOSSIBLE to keep it. Even James says; “for whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10). Are we then advocating for or against the tithe? Neither! Beloved, our point is this: that there are many, many, not a few, but many (Matt. 7:22) false prophets, teachers and preachers who know full well the condemnation you and I have just come out of by accepting the blood of Jesus for the atonement of our sin. They also know how susceptible you and I are to preaching about how to best please the Lord. WHY NOT CAPITALIZE ON OUR WEAKNESS AND STAND ON THE SCRIPTURES ABOUT THE TITHE, (meanwhile they get rich).

No, Jesus did not come to do away with the tithe, but He came to establish a NEW order, dawn a NEW day, preach the good NEWS. And this message closed out the old order of Pharisees, ended the old covenant, put to silence those that rested on the power of the Law. Today, as in the time of Jesus, many lay claim to the power of God, to the authority that comes from God. They demand your tithe or you will miss out on the blessing of God. There is no doubt that, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). However, through the precious blood of Jesus the blessing of God HAS already been provided for you. You can’t earn it, you can’t buy it, you can’t build it, you can’t sell it. It is free! It is called Grace or unmerited favor. It’s yours and mine for the asking. If you tithe or even sell all that you have: “let it be as unto the Lord and not unto man” (Col. 3:23). Do not be led down a pathway of works, and insult God’s Grace by believing you contribute to the kingdom of God with your money. “The kingdom of God is not meat or drink but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 14:17). Jesus establishes his kingdom in us by His Spirit, not with our money. His life, his character, His divine nature is that kingdom. If you have entered INTO CHRIST and Christ has entered INTO YOU, then you are the kingdom of God. You are under God’s domain. You are led by the Spirit of God. You are a Son of God. For scripture states, “As many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God” (Rom. 8:14). These Sons of God are one with God. They are conformed to the image of God.

Yes, God may pull on our purse strings from time to time and require us to give here or there. In fact, a Spirit of Giving may come upon us and a deep desire to share financially may even overcome us. Praise God for these leadings. But the dealing with our riches cannot compare with the bounty of riches that has been bestowed on us freely by the blood of Jesus. How often the people of God are asked in congregations to give offerings to bless this preacher or help finance a “good work.” But Beloved, Jesus has made an offering! Jesus has made the ultimate sacrifice. He went far beyond giving a tenth. “For by ONE offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified” (Heb. 10:14). That offering was His BODY, His BLOOD , His SPIRIT, and it was given that you and I might enter into the Holy of Holies (the presence of God), into Oneness with God, into full Communion with God. But make no mistake, there are those, “who have trodden underfoot the Son of God and have counted the blood covenant an unholy thing and done despite to the Spirit of Grace” (Heb. 10:29). Rather than encourage you to be led in your giving, these provoke you to enter into “pacts of blessing,” or “contractual agreements” and they extort “pledges” in return for your miracle. These extortionists count the blood insignificant and despise grace by mentioning without fail, the role of YOUR money in the scheme of God’s plan. Flee from these people and their preaching and leave them to God for: “The Lord shall judge His people,” …for “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.” (And while you cast out the ‘for profit preachers’ with their tax exempt I.D. numbers), “cast not away your confidence (faith in God’s grace) which has great recompense of reward” for “the just shall live by faith” NOT MONEY (Heb. 10:30, 31, 35, 38).

THE CLERGY
It is clear from scripture that God desires that we share our goods out of our abundance, but with who? That we should assume a responsibility for the poor, there is no doubt. But what about financial responsibility for the clergy? Is the tithe His method of perpetuating a religious class of Bible school graduates who see it their responsibility to evangelize, disciple, and direct a people to and for God. We read in Revelation about the Church at Pergamos who held to the doctrine or teachings of the Nicolaitanes (Rev. 2:15). Jesus is quite emphatic for He says of this teaching and its practices that it is something He HATES! (Rev. 2:6). But what was this doctrine? The word has been left in its original form, untranslated so that it would appear to be a reference to an individual or group who committed some evil deed or endorsed and evil doctrine in the early church. However, most translation authorities now recognize that it was not translated because it is essentially interpreted: CLERGY; – and it has been the clergy who have provided us with most translations. If the clerical translators interpreted the word nicolaitane as clergy, it would obviously portray them in an unfavorable light. The Greek meaning of the word is two-fold. NICO: meaning to conquer, and LAITANE: meaning the people, from which we derive the word LAITY. Literally this word means “to conquer or rule over the people.” Specifically it is in reference to a class of people who exercise authority over the laity, or laymen. There is of course only one class of people who fit this description: the CLERGY!

Yes, that’s exactly right. Jesus hates those teachings and practices that suggest the need for a ruling class over His Body. He says He is the Shepherd. He sends His Spirit to lead and guide into all truth, not a stranger (Jn. 14:26). God the Father sent His only begotten Son Jesus, to die on a cruel cross to do away with the need for an intermediary. In fact, the spiritual significance of His death was symbolically represented to the Israelites when the “veil of the temple was rent in twain” (Mk. 15:38). This meant that you and I could now go directly to God in faith for all our needs (Heb. 10:19). This meant that access was now available for “whosoever” into the Holy of Holies (His presence). The need for a priesthood that mediated our sin with God was eliminated when Christ came and died in the flesh. Jesus Christ is now identified as our Apostle and High Priest of our profession (Heb. 3:1). The need for a religious class of people that officiate Christian ceremony and tradition defies the effectiveness of Christ’s death by seeking to re-establish Juadaism and a Levitical priesthood. This idea is against God. It is against Christ; or it is Anti-Christ (I John 4:3). Jesus said in Rev. 3:20, “Behold I stand at the door and knock.” He spoke this to believers. Why? Because He had been kicked out of their fellowship and replaced by visible, tangible leaders. He said you think you are rich but you are poor, blind, and naked (Rev. 3:17). Maybe they thought they were in the midst of a rich revival. Maybe all their BIG church plans were succeeding and their numbers were growing. Maybe they considered themselves rich because they sat under the best preaching they had ever heard. It didn’t matter because they had left Jesus outside, still knocking, asking to come in. In this passage He is no longer making an appeal to the whole body of believers, but is simply now saying “If ANY man hear my voice…” He had given up on that fellowship at large and was making a last ditch effort to any individual.

But just like in the days when Israel demanded a king, so too many believers today think they must be led into battle by the arm of flesh. The Lord granted the Israelites Saul as their king after two requests but they were also given leanness of soul. God told Samuel not to take this request for a king as a personal insult “for the Lord said they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me that I should reign over them” (I Sam. 8:7). In less than a generation we read how King Saul exacted the best from every household including herds, goods, grains, and even children (I Sam. 11:18). They were constantly led into unnecessary wars and even provoked to war against God’s own anointed, David. Even today the madness of many ministers is kindled to jealousy when God sends into their congregations those with a prophetic voice or an apostolic vision. These are branded as rebellious because they boldly proclaim in the congregations the authority of none other than Jesus, their true Shepherd.

THE FIVE FOLD MINISTRY
But what about the fivefold ministry? What about the apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists and teachers? Truly these offices have been given to the Body of Christ. But for what purpose? To establish God’s order of authority and divine government? NO! “The government shall be upon His shoulder” (Isa. 9:6). To bring about a recognition of the “BIG SHOTS” in God? NO again! “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant” (Phil. 2: 5 & 7). Or was it to establish a pecking order so we could all easily discern the least to the greatest? A THOUSAND TIMES …NO! God gave these ministries “…for the perfecting of the saints, for the working of the ministry, for the edifying of the body” (Eph. 4:12). How long will these office gifts be needed in the body? “…Til we all come to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). Hence we realize that these ministry gifts are temporal; they are confined to this present age. Frequently we refer to those operating under the anointing of these ministry gifts as the “called of God.” That these ministry gifts require a calling, there is no doubt. But Beloved, there is a HIGH CALL of God in Christ Jesus that goes beyond the confines of this present age (Phil. 3: 14). To be found IN CHRIST and have CHRIST HID IN YOU goes far beyond a preachers highest hopes of walking like an apostle. Indeed, this high call is only for the elect, for those He has foreknown, for those He has predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus (Rom. 8:29). Not conformed to the image of the world, your pastor that preaches, nor your Sunday school teacher that teaches, but conformed to the image of Jesus Christ Himself. This is your calling! This is the ETERNAL CALL of God on every believer.

But how can we tell if a person is operating in one of these “ministry gifts?” Jesus said, “He that is the greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matt. 23:11). That means taking the back seat, not the front stage. Jesus warns about those who would come in and demand the best seats (Mk. 12:38, 39 & 40). How embarrassing it will be for them when Jesus usurps their man-made rite of passage, with their divinity doctorates and degrees, and manifests His GLORY IN and ON some prayerful saint on the sidelines (Lk. 14:7-10). You and I beloved, have not been called to the “ordination of man.” Instead Jesus said: “You have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ORDAINED you that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (Jn. 15:16). In fact we have been foreordained to bear fruit; fruit of the Spirit. This fruit is the character of Jesus, or the DIVINE NATURE (2 Pet. 1:4).

THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION
The “King Saul” preachers of our day advocate we wrestle against flesh and blood. They say, why not fight fire with fire (and use carnal weapons). Let’s picket and bomb abortion clinics; lets muster the majority and legislate morality; write letters to the editor and your congressman (since God’s hand seems to be shortened). Despite all of this clamor and these desperate pleas for Christians to action, God is raising up a people who are not intimidated by the evil of the hour. These have caught a glimpse of the heavenly vision. They know deep by the Spirit the words of Isaiah to be true: “Darkness shall cover the earth, …and gross darkness the people. But the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles (heathen) shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isa. 60: 2, 3). It will take nothing less than a divine impartation with a special anointing to prevent the panic ridden Christian from getting out there and trying to do everything they’re told to do by a cultist, antichrist clergy. No wonder Paul was so fervent in Ephesians 1:17, praying for that church and us as well to receive the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of Him. This is that same Spirit and impartation that was so desperately sought by Solomon. This impartation also rested on Jesus. Even Paul was taught of this Spirit three years in the Arabian desert. He surfaced a preacher of the “mystery of the gospel” which had been hid from the ages. This mystery is “Christ in You the Hope of Glory” (Col. 1:27). Do not confuse the preaching of the gospel (good news) to the unbeliever, with the mystery of the gospel, which is revealed to the saints.

This same Spirit or impartation is THE SPIRIT and TRUTH that Jesus spoke of when he said “the hour comes when the true worshipers shall worship in Spirit and in Truth” (Jn 4: 23). Moreover, this impartation is understood experientially and by way of divine revelation. It is He (the Holy Spirit) that leads and guides into all truth. Lean on Him. Rely on Him to feed you. Your preacher may teach you principles about soul winning, Bible studies, church attendance, submission, Jewish missions, Communists and the Catholic Church, but he can’t satisfy the longing of your soul for manna from heaven. Only the enlightening experience of the Holy Ghost can cause the eyes of your understanding to be opened. It is then that the preacher’s principles fade into insignificance and we begin to see the true hope of our calling. To know Him as we are known by Him (I Cor. 13:12). To enter into a Oneness and unity with Him that Jesus demonstrated for us while on earth for “He is the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom. 8:29). You and I are called to be “joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17). Heirs of the same relationship with the Father that Jesus had. For He says, “That where I am, there ye may be also” (Jn. 14:3).

PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS
Nobody who truly loves the Lord disputes this to be our ultimate destination. But many who seek to sidetrack the faithful say “yes, but we’ll never come into this relationship in our life time;….nobody’s perfect…right?” If this is the case why did Jesus say: “Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48); or the writer of Hebrews: “Let us go on to perfection….” (Heb. 6:1). The same Greek word for perfection is used in both instances hence the word cannot be translated maturity as some would suggest. Maturity to many implies some kind of Anglo-Saxon etiquette taught by gracious Victorian Christians. But, beloved, as Jesus was not referring to His Father as mature, neither does the writer of Hebrews call us to maturity, but to perfection. We are called to be conformed to the image of Christ. We have been predestined to the glory of the Father revealed in us, through us, and upon us in this lifetime. Many believers and especially preachers argue against this concept by saying, “even Paul was not perfect,” referring to Philippians 3:12-14. “…not as though I had attained either were already perfect…I press toward the mark of the prize of the high call of God in Christ Jesus.” But a careful examination of the text is very revealing. Reading the next verse: “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded.” Here we see then that even brother Paul admits he is perfect. And not only he, for he says AS MANY as be perfect. But what does he mean to be thus minded? Verse 13: “Brethren, I COUNT NOT myself to have apprehended,” or verse 12: “Not AS THOUGH I had already attained.” Paul had been made perfect in Christ Jesus but he did not count himself to have attained. He didn’t boast about it. He walked in humility, JUST LIKE JESUS! Our Savior was the Son of God but never claimed to be anything but the son of man. He made Himself of no reputation. “As many as be perfect be thus minded.” And what mind is that? “Let this mind be in you that also was in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). It is obvious that Paul was walking in this relationship as a Son of God. It wasn’t just by blind faith, some day, in the great by and by. It was a living reality in his life. He was thrown to beasts at Ephesus and yet walked away after they devoured him (I Cor. 15:32). Literally this passage is understood in its translation, “If the dead are not raised why did I bother to get thrown to ferocious beasts at Ephesus.” Again in 2 Corinthians 11:25 he says he was even stoned three times and left for dead. Were those throwing the rocks bad shots? Did they all have bad aim? Hardly! The whole city and even all of the disciples THOUGHT HE WAS DEAD! (Acts 14:19) Couldn’t they tell in those days whether or not someone was dead? Of course they could. But the resurrection power of the risen Savior had possessed our brother Paul. He had died several years before these stonings on the backside of a desert. He died to all of his personal aims, ambitions, wishes and goals. He was crucified with Christ, nevertheless he lived. Yet it was not Paul’s life anymore, but it was Christ who was living in him and through him (Gal. 2:20). He was no longer Saul of Tarsus. It was Jesus you came in touch with when you met brother Paul. No wonder beasts or stonings or shipwrecks couldn’t hold him from the course God had established for him. By his own confession Paul says he had been in “deaths oft” or died many times (2 Cor. 11:23). And yet in Philippians 3:11 he says: “If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” He who had already attained to the resurrection was once again, “counting himself not have apprehended” (Phil. 3:13).

THE TESTIMONY OF THE APOSTLE JOHN
It is clear from the example of Paul’s life that much more awaits us in this lifetime than we have ever been taught. God is even now raising up a people who will come forth in His own image, a perfect and holy people upon whom the glory and anointing of God’s FULLNESS shall rest (Eph. 3:19). Obadiah prophesied of these coming in verse 21: “And SAVIOURS shall come upon mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau (flesh); and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” These are the overcomers in the Revelation to John. They have overcome the SIN of the seven churches (Rev. 1-3). This sin is a clinging to, and a dependence on an apostate clergy that was begotten by a Babylonian world system (Rev. 17:5-6). Are you looking to your preacher for the word of direction instead of the Holy Spirit, and thereby “left your first love” (Rev. 2:4)? Does your preacher and Sunday school picnics equate to your spiritual wealth? If so, you have become like a Laodicean (Rev. 3:14-17): poor and wretched, and in need of the Pearl of Great Price (Matt. 13:46). Has the doctrine of Jezebel (Rev. 2:20-23) infiltrated your thinking? Jezebel coerced God’s people to a dedication unto the idols of Baal, like preachers who demand devotion to building projects. She chased true prophets like Elijah into the desert. But the Spirit is bidding the bride to come higher IN HIM (Rev. 11:12), for out of the wilderness of the church system a MANCHILD COMPANY (Rec. 12) shall come forth as Christ, (and speak an end to these Jezebels, these Balaams, these Nicolaitanes.

The word for overcomers in the Greek is NICON. These are conquerors. Contrast these to NICOLAITANES who conquer the laity. Nicolaitanes are clergy who have gone the way of Balaam, pursuing personal advantage. They encourage a type of spiritual fornication for they demand your love and intercourse with their programs.They demand you feast on building projects which is nothing more than making you food for idol worship (see Rev. 2:14, 15). But praise God. He is raising up the NICON. This is the conquering army of the Lord. No fornication or feast of idol worship here. These have found their FIRST LOVE and are even now feasting on the TREE OF LIFE (Rev. 2:7). These have gone the way of the cross so that the life of Christ may become real in them.

THE TESTIMONY OF THE SAINTS
The day awaits and draws nigh upon us when these overcomers shall be revealed and manifested as Sons of God (Rom. 8:9). In that day: “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and ALL flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it (Isa. 40:5). Indeed, this “glory shall be revealed IN US” (Rom. 8:18). This event shall occur even as Jesus spoke for He said: “As lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west: so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matt. 24:27). For: “He shall come to be glorified IN His saints and to be admired IN all them that believe in that day” (I Thes. 1:10). Unfortunately, many are looking to some desert, or to some mountain-temple in the Middle East for the coming again of our Lord. But we are reminded of His warning: “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo here is Christ, or there; believe it not…..Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: he is in the secret chambers; believe it not” (Matt. 24: 23, 26). He will come to be revealed in His saints. He will come in us as a CORPORATE MANY MEMBERED BODY (I Cor. 12: 27) manifesting his Shekinah Glory. The name of this Body is of course: “Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Eph. 3:14-15). The lightning that shines from the East to the West is an anticipated event described in Romans 8:19 as the Manifestation of the Sons of God. Should we then aspire to be God? NO! Rather, God desires to be Himself IN US and THROUGH US. Yielding to His desire produces the unity of the faith (Eph. 4:13), the Oneness that Jesus agonized for, with droplets like as blood, when He prayed in Gethsemene: “that they also may be one IN US…and the glory which thou gavest me I have given them….that the love thou hast loved me may be IN them, and I IN them” (Jn. 17:21, 22, 26). In that day you and I are commanded together to: “lift up our voice with strength, lift it up, be not afraid; and say unto the cities of Judah: BEHOLD YOUR GOD” (Isa. 40:9).