Four Kinds of Disciples in Route to the Cross
Betrayers - Like Judas, they call Him "Master," and kiss Him on the cheek; but they deny Him His lordship in their own lives. Peter wrote that "they deny the Lord who bought them." They are like "clouds without water." They deny the Lord by denying His lordship, and they speak many things that are true, but they do not walk in His truth.
Sleepers - Like the first disciples, they allow the flesh to rule them. They do not realize what a terrible hour is just around the corner, and having been accustomed to yielding to the weakness of the flesh, they sleep when they should be building themselves up in the faith through prayer and disciplined fellowship with their heavenly Father.
Those thinking like mere men - Like Peter, who was very zealous for his Lord, they are not privy to the things of God, but rather are so exercised in assessing life and living it based upon their own understanding, they do not know or truly trust the will of the Father. Zeal alone is not strong enough to let us continue to the cross. We must have the mind of the Father and be in agreement with Him, regardless of our best intentions and opinions as mere men.
Those who have learned to do the will of the Father and fully trust Him - Jesus always sacrificed His own life in order to do the perfect will of His Father. He learned to trust His Father completely, even unto His own death. He "endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him." He was exercised in doing the Father's will.
Sleepers - Like the first disciples, they allow the flesh to rule them. They do not realize what a terrible hour is just around the corner, and having been accustomed to yielding to the weakness of the flesh, they sleep when they should be building themselves up in the faith through prayer and disciplined fellowship with their heavenly Father.
Those thinking like mere men - Like Peter, who was very zealous for his Lord, they are not privy to the things of God, but rather are so exercised in assessing life and living it based upon their own understanding, they do not know or truly trust the will of the Father. Zeal alone is not strong enough to let us continue to the cross. We must have the mind of the Father and be in agreement with Him, regardless of our best intentions and opinions as mere men.
Those who have learned to do the will of the Father and fully trust Him - Jesus always sacrificed His own life in order to do the perfect will of His Father. He learned to trust His Father completely, even unto His own death. He "endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him." He was exercised in doing the Father's will.
What about the Local Church?
I recently received a discussion question about the local church - whether it is an assembly of multiple believers planted together by God for committing and maturing together as His body, or whether it is just two or three here and there based upon friendships and/or other deeper relationships that have developed in the Lord. I thought that I would share my answer to that discussion with you.
My Response:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I think you probably know that I stick closely to the obvious concerning both the make-up and the manner of maturing that God has designed for the New Covenant church. I have taught this feverishly, almost since the conception of our ministry, to the churches around the world. The Spirit of the Lord has called, inspired, and anointed us to make these points a central theme of all our teaching.
Isn't it amazing that, after nearly 2,000 years since the outpouring of the Spirit of God on the believers, we are still discussing such elementary issues (Heb. 5)? I am thrilled that we are discussing this due to the circumstances at hand; but I think you understand where I am coming from when I speak of how amazing it is that we should have to. Sadly, we are STILL trying to settle on such elementary issues when by now we should be walking in a spiritual maturity that puts the world in the shade - literally. WOW!
From one generation to the next, the torch of Christianity has been passed - sometimes a bright torch filled with oil, but more often than not a flickering lamp with hardly a drop. Paul prayed earnestly that we would INCREASE in the knowledge, spiritual understanding, and wisdom of God so that we would know the hope of our calling and of our measure in Him (Eph. 1:15-23; Col. 1:9-18); but oh, how we have DECREASED in so many ways instead.
I would like to teach on these things and discuss them more thoroughly when we are together again. In the mean time, please note the following:
1. Some believers have been taught wrongly.
2. Others are not willing to commit to what a true New Covenant assembly requires in order to become His fullness.
3. Some are so burned and hurt by other church experiences that they refuse to even consider it again.
4. Still others have never seen it work as it should, so they have no hope for it at all.
5. Finally, there are those who have been so abused by poor church leadership that they will never again consider formal meetings; and then their are those who are rebellious at heart and simply refuse God's way.
This sad reality can be put to rest when those of us who know the truth walk in it.
When we allow Him to gather us together by His planting so that all of the members are there, then we allow Him to grow us up together as one. Then, and only then, will we be able to show everyone who Jesus really looks like; and then EVERY true believer will want to follow suit! PTL!
Let's do it!!!!
My Response:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I think you probably know that I stick closely to the obvious concerning both the make-up and the manner of maturing that God has designed for the New Covenant church. I have taught this feverishly, almost since the conception of our ministry, to the churches around the world. The Spirit of the Lord has called, inspired, and anointed us to make these points a central theme of all our teaching.
Isn't it amazing that, after nearly 2,000 years since the outpouring of the Spirit of God on the believers, we are still discussing such elementary issues (Heb. 5)? I am thrilled that we are discussing this due to the circumstances at hand; but I think you understand where I am coming from when I speak of how amazing it is that we should have to. Sadly, we are STILL trying to settle on such elementary issues when by now we should be walking in a spiritual maturity that puts the world in the shade - literally. WOW!
From one generation to the next, the torch of Christianity has been passed - sometimes a bright torch filled with oil, but more often than not a flickering lamp with hardly a drop. Paul prayed earnestly that we would INCREASE in the knowledge, spiritual understanding, and wisdom of God so that we would know the hope of our calling and of our measure in Him (Eph. 1:15-23; Col. 1:9-18); but oh, how we have DECREASED in so many ways instead.
I would like to teach on these things and discuss them more thoroughly when we are together again. In the mean time, please note the following:
- The early church was clearly a meeting of "many" members, making up His body (Rom 12; I Cor. 12) Each of these references clearly shows the necessity for many more than two or three meeting in casual fellowship.
- Paul told Titus to ordain leadership in the churches. This would not have been possible if the churches had been meetings of two or three gathering at random (Titus 1:5, see also I Tim. 5:17).
- Jesus Christ spoke back to the churches, as recorded in Rev. 2-3, as citywide churches. It is not possible that these city churches would have been made up of two or three. He clearly implied that some of them had a significant number of members. (Note: This does not, by any means, make a theological issue out of meeting only city-wide. It simply reflects their pattern at the time. Jesus wasn't speaking anything to them about logistics or assembly fashion. That was and is the job of the Holy Spirit. He was only giving them (and us) a report card about their activities, especially as it related to His soon-coming judgment when they would give account.)
- The New Covenant church is to mature into "the fullness of Jesus Christ." This means that each local body will have within it ALL the gifts and callings that Jesus had, through the various members, so that there is NOTHING lacking that He had. This takes an undetermined number of members together, but certainly more than two or three (Eph. 4:13-16).
- God "plants" the members of His body together (Rom. 12). They are "planted" together. God plants for the purpose of growth and maturity and fruit bearing. He is only pleased when there is fruit from His planting (John 15:8; Isaiah 61:3).
- The Tabernacle in the Wilderness had many objects representing the fullness of Jesus Christ in types and shadows. This was BEFORE the coming of the Messiah. Since then, however, the New Covenant church is many members, planted together by God's own choosing, who together make up the fullness of Jesus Christ as a living reality. The New Covenant church is typed by the Old Covenant Tabernacle in the Wilderness, which was a tapestry of many parts - each one essential to its becoming the perfect (complete) dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Exodus 25-40; Eph. 2:19-22).
1. Some believers have been taught wrongly.
2. Others are not willing to commit to what a true New Covenant assembly requires in order to become His fullness.
3. Some are so burned and hurt by other church experiences that they refuse to even consider it again.
4. Still others have never seen it work as it should, so they have no hope for it at all.
5. Finally, there are those who have been so abused by poor church leadership that they will never again consider formal meetings; and then their are those who are rebellious at heart and simply refuse God's way.
This sad reality can be put to rest when those of us who know the truth walk in it.
When we allow Him to gather us together by His planting so that all of the members are there, then we allow Him to grow us up together as one. Then, and only then, will we be able to show everyone who Jesus really looks like; and then EVERY true believer will want to follow suit! PTL!
Let's do it!!!!
Transition to Transformation
For more than a decade, we have been keenly aware of the great transition that the world is in, leading to a great transformation - from "the fullness of the Gentiles," to the reign of Jesus Christ.
The prophet Daniel spoke of this "fullness of the Gentiles" phrase when he prophesied about the order of the ruling kingdoms of the world that were to come, all the way up to the end of the world. These are the Gentile kingdoms that will rule until, at God's appointed time, He takes away their dominions and firmly establishes His own, with absolute authority and power over all. This is the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will rule the whole world in righteousness through a time referred to as the "millennial reign," or the one-thousand year reign of Jesus Christ. It is a time that we all should look forward to with great anticipation; but in actual fact, we do not! Only a modest percentage of those believers that we speak to really want to make this great transformation into His glorious kingdom; but why is this so?
The Lord confirmed Daniel's prophecy about a time of the "fullness of the Gentiles," and so did the apostle Paul; so why are some of even the most dedicated believers grasping for what they already have - Gentile kingdoms with a much inferior agenda to that of God through Jesus Christ? Many hold to what they already have because of the great transition necessary in order to usher in such a glorious transformation. Like Peter, who wanted to continue on with Jesus more than any of the other disciples, these believers are also weak. They turn around at the point of actually facing the Cross with Jesus Christ. The reasons for fear of the Cross should be obvious, but they are not always so clear. Our hearts and minds cloud the issue, and we stand helpless in the midst of fear.
These are some of the studies that we are looking at in the Word of God as we move about among scattered sheep. Consider joining us for a meeting near you. We believe that you will be blessed and encouraged to make this difficult transition in route to great transformation!
The prophet Daniel spoke of this "fullness of the Gentiles" phrase when he prophesied about the order of the ruling kingdoms of the world that were to come, all the way up to the end of the world. These are the Gentile kingdoms that will rule until, at God's appointed time, He takes away their dominions and firmly establishes His own, with absolute authority and power over all. This is the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will rule the whole world in righteousness through a time referred to as the "millennial reign," or the one-thousand year reign of Jesus Christ. It is a time that we all should look forward to with great anticipation; but in actual fact, we do not! Only a modest percentage of those believers that we speak to really want to make this great transformation into His glorious kingdom; but why is this so?
The Lord confirmed Daniel's prophecy about a time of the "fullness of the Gentiles," and so did the apostle Paul; so why are some of even the most dedicated believers grasping for what they already have - Gentile kingdoms with a much inferior agenda to that of God through Jesus Christ? Many hold to what they already have because of the great transition necessary in order to usher in such a glorious transformation. Like Peter, who wanted to continue on with Jesus more than any of the other disciples, these believers are also weak. They turn around at the point of actually facing the Cross with Jesus Christ. The reasons for fear of the Cross should be obvious, but they are not always so clear. Our hearts and minds cloud the issue, and we stand helpless in the midst of fear.
These are some of the studies that we are looking at in the Word of God as we move about among scattered sheep. Consider joining us for a meeting near you. We believe that you will be blessed and encouraged to make this difficult transition in route to great transformation!
God's lack of response leads to desperate measures.
God's lack of response to false teachers always leads them to new doctrines and more desperate measures.
These days it is in vogue for many television preachers to carry out their most deceptive works from the land of Israel, or better yet, from Jerusalem.
If it were not so sad, it would be hilarious to watch. Scanning so-called Christian television reveals many things, among them the addition of a presence in Israel. Israel is certainly the focus of attention on the world scene, and that should be expected; but to use it as the latest magic ingredient for getting prayers answered is a bit heretical. Nowhere in the scriptures are we told that prayers will be given greater favor by taking them to the "holy land"; but apparently, people are becoming so desperate for answers that they have decided to resort to this new wave of idolatry - actually worshiping the land of Israel! Ouch!
One can only speculate what they will do when this also proves to be futile. I suppose they could send prayer requests up on the space shuttle, or even to the moon. Believe it or not, countless Americanized Christians would pay royally to have it done!
Oh, what a day of deception, and what an amazing host of charlatans have led "believers" there.
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:21-23).
These days it is in vogue for many television preachers to carry out their most deceptive works from the land of Israel, or better yet, from Jerusalem.
If it were not so sad, it would be hilarious to watch. Scanning so-called Christian television reveals many things, among them the addition of a presence in Israel. Israel is certainly the focus of attention on the world scene, and that should be expected; but to use it as the latest magic ingredient for getting prayers answered is a bit heretical. Nowhere in the scriptures are we told that prayers will be given greater favor by taking them to the "holy land"; but apparently, people are becoming so desperate for answers that they have decided to resort to this new wave of idolatry - actually worshiping the land of Israel! Ouch!
One can only speculate what they will do when this also proves to be futile. I suppose they could send prayer requests up on the space shuttle, or even to the moon. Believe it or not, countless Americanized Christians would pay royally to have it done!
Oh, what a day of deception, and what an amazing host of charlatans have led "believers" there.
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:21-23).
Old Covenant stocks rise as New Covenant believers reinvest!
Modern Christians continue to exhume the Old Covenant from its retirement as they fall on their faces before Israel and their ceremonial feasts. Amazing! Christians everywhere throw their money back into the past in hopes for a future return!
This year's financial windfall for false teachers must have risen substantially as countless Christians joined them in pouring their money into the "Day of Atonement." How well I recall spiritual guru, Dr. Steve Munsey, broadcasting his propaganda throughout India as I observed first hand. He was promising the poor believers of India (who have little knowledge of the Bible) that God would send their children to a university in the USA if they would only give his suggested amount of rupees (Indian currency) to him during the "Day of Atonement." He was equipped with interpreters and everything else necessary to carry out the whole charade. This was a few years ago, when I was in India watching him on today's so-called Christian television - the satellite television that so many American Christians are paying for. I was so grieved for the poor Indian viewers as he mesmerized them into giving their all based upon an Old Covenant promise for another time in God's timetable. He steered them completely away from their promises in Jesus Christ, while doing so in His name.
He and many others like him do exactly the same throughout the educated world of America. However, I am not saddened by those here who dump their pockets for these deceived and deceitful angels of darkness in disguise. American Christians should know better; but since most of them are not Christian at all, God is sending them more strong delusions that they "should believe a lie." I do hope that you are not one of them.
"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).
This year's financial windfall for false teachers must have risen substantially as countless Christians joined them in pouring their money into the "Day of Atonement." How well I recall spiritual guru, Dr. Steve Munsey, broadcasting his propaganda throughout India as I observed first hand. He was promising the poor believers of India (who have little knowledge of the Bible) that God would send their children to a university in the USA if they would only give his suggested amount of rupees (Indian currency) to him during the "Day of Atonement." He was equipped with interpreters and everything else necessary to carry out the whole charade. This was a few years ago, when I was in India watching him on today's so-called Christian television - the satellite television that so many American Christians are paying for. I was so grieved for the poor Indian viewers as he mesmerized them into giving their all based upon an Old Covenant promise for another time in God's timetable. He steered them completely away from their promises in Jesus Christ, while doing so in His name.
He and many others like him do exactly the same throughout the educated world of America. However, I am not saddened by those here who dump their pockets for these deceived and deceitful angels of darkness in disguise. American Christians should know better; but since most of them are not Christian at all, God is sending them more strong delusions that they "should believe a lie." I do hope that you are not one of them.
"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).
Great News! The Holy Spirit speaks English too!
Contrary to popular belief, the Spirit of God speaks the English language! He speaks it perfectly, clearly, and concisely! As a matter of fact, He speaks every language in the world perfectly, clearly, and concisely! Men have always been able to know the whole counsel of God, including every minute detail, by hearing Him in their own language! No doubt, this is alarming news to all those who have labored so hard to learn a language foreign to them simply because they were told they could never possibly understand the deep things of God without doing so! Learning Hebrew is great, and so is learning Greek. But when one limits His Biblical understanding to keys found in these or any other language, he will surely miss out on the depths of both the wisdom and knowledge of God. In all our learning, let us get understanding, please. Take a break, and listen to the Spirit in your own language! He is speaking to you today! Praise the Lord (Acts 2:1-12)!
"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen" (Romans 11:33-36).
"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (1 Corinthians 2:7-13).
"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen" (Romans 11:33-36).
"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (1 Corinthians 2:7-13).
What to Expect Just around the Corner
He is bringing us out of the woodwork. Various elements of the church as we know it are running out of steam, and many pastors are seeing the light. God is picking us up with His
gentle, outstretched hands and is building us back together into His image! Just have patience and continue to seek Him for who He is! We shall become glorious!
Some of what we can expect among those of the Glorious Church:
What to expect from the world:
While we need to sound an alarm of some of what we in America will be called to suffer, just as most of our Christian family suffers today around the world, we do not want to lose our hope for His glorious work in our midst!
“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.” Matt. 5:12
gentle, outstretched hands and is building us back together into His image! Just have patience and continue to seek Him for who He is! We shall become glorious!
Some of what we can expect among those of the Glorious Church:
- Fathers taking responsibility in their homes, falling on the floor in earnest intercession for their families
- Wives and children finding complete provision, protection, and spiritual nourishment from their husbands and fathers
- Children’s hearts turning toward their parents with great affection and respect
- Every member of the body walking in divine health with great victory of the cravings of the flesh
- Older believers who had been sick and frail simply going to sleep in the Lord (at their appointed time) while in perfect health
- Absolute and unselfish sharing among all with everyone’s need being met
- The love of God in its purest form among all the members of the body – literally laying down our lives for each other – in life, and in death
- Pure revelations of the Spirit coming forth to know how to confront every minute situation
- Everyone’s gift (s) of the Spirit flourishing and flowing without hindrance
- Absolute trust in the Lord for all things – emotional health and calm stability in the midst of the world’s calamities
- No one leaning to his or her own understanding, but leaning to the Spirit
- Fruits of the Spirit bathing everyone in God’s love and grace from pure hearts
- No one inviting worldly influences in from the outside, i.e. no TV garbage and the like bombarding and interrupting the Spirit’s life
- Faith increasing in every way – miracles abounding such as the supernatural multiplication of food and water
- Provision for all, and the power of His Spirit even for those who consider themselves the very least
- A streaming harvest of souls that is pure and bountiful
- Rich, meaningful discipleship among the multitude of new converts
- Multiplication of local churches everywhere meeting in homes and privately owned settings
- Leadership without lordship except from the Head, Jesus Christ, by His Spirit
- No fear of the world or of the god of this world, even though many will seek to do us much damage, and will sometimes succeed
- A strong fragrance of Jesus Christ emanating from us wherever we go
- A realization that all our Christian past was so elementary, only barely touching the depths of Christian love and victory through Jesus Christ
What to expect from the world:
- Constant ridicule, ostracizing, and even persecution from the world, without an advocate in government (sometimes God will have planted an advocate in the secret place
- Imprisonment for uncertain lengths of time for many believers without a just cause
- General neglect from the all the normal services of society to its people, i.e. health care neglect, absence of police protection, intentionally skipping garbage pickup, water and electricity service sporadically suspended, etc…
- Crimes left unsolved when they are committed against the true believers
- Often shortages of basic necessities, i.e. food, heater-fuel oil, gasoline for automobiles, groceries, common medicines, great difficulty and/or long periods of time required in obtaining specific prescriptions, etc…
While we need to sound an alarm of some of what we in America will be called to suffer, just as most of our Christian family suffers today around the world, we do not want to lose our hope for His glorious work in our midst!
“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.” Matt. 5:12
Concerning the Rapture, Consider this
Simply put, there are some future things about these Last Days that we may not be able to fully understand until they actually take place. This is the way God intended it, to keep believers of sober heart and mind. However, our courage and confidence need not rest on our ability to figure out exactly how the future will unfold. Our faith and hope should rest in fellowshipping with Him daily. We need only to seek to walk with Him today, in Spirit and in Truth, and we will be ready for tomorrow when it arrives.
Regarding future events, let us remember that, from the beginning, the Spirit's revelation to us about the details of God's plan for each generation is progressive; and there is still much to be revealed. Thus we would be wise to admit that we do not have all the answers yet. Here are a few thoughts that you may consider as you develop your Last Days theories.
1. None of the writers of the Bible fully understood all the things they had seen or heard concerning the end of the age. For example, the Old Covenant prophet Daniel was confused and dismayed about many things he saw - even though he was highly esteemed in God's eyes, to whom God also revealed secrets.
2. The apostles of the New Covenant did not understand all things either. For example, it is obvious they had no idea that the church-age would last two thousand years; and even as they were in tune with the Spirit in many aspects, they proclaimed that the return of the Lord was "at hand," when in fact it was still many generations away; but they were not at fault, for they believed and taught exactly what the Lord taught them to believe and to teach. He simply did not reveal some things when He was here; and though the Spirit has revealed much since then, He has not revealed everything at this time, either.
3. We should take into account that just as our Lord spoke in parables so that those with "hard hearts," would not be able to understand Him, even so the Spirit did not give full revelation to the New Testament writers lest it make all things clear to "hard hearts" of subsequent generations. The Spirit reveals things only to those who seek Him with a pure heart, and in the right season.
4. Finally, even though the apostle Paul had seen the Lord and had been taught by Him, he wrote: "Now, we see through a glass darkly; but then, we shall see Him as He is." It was obvious that not all things had been revealed to Paul either, even though he had many revelations of the Spirit. In addition, the apostle John so much as said that the disciples had yet to see Him as He really is, even though they had seen Jesus, known Him, and even lived with Him for approximately three years. He wrote that we would be like Him "when we see Him as He really is."
I conclude that there are a number of Last Days scriptures that appear contradictory and unclear at this time; but in God's time, they may be revealed to us by His Spirit. God intended the scriptures to be such as they are. Thus do not be discouraged by the fact that the events and occasions of these Last Days are not clearly set forth in the scriptures as we currently understand them - and let us be slow to be certain about our theories.
Regarding future events, let us remember that, from the beginning, the Spirit's revelation to us about the details of God's plan for each generation is progressive; and there is still much to be revealed. Thus we would be wise to admit that we do not have all the answers yet. Here are a few thoughts that you may consider as you develop your Last Days theories.
1. None of the writers of the Bible fully understood all the things they had seen or heard concerning the end of the age. For example, the Old Covenant prophet Daniel was confused and dismayed about many things he saw - even though he was highly esteemed in God's eyes, to whom God also revealed secrets.
2. The apostles of the New Covenant did not understand all things either. For example, it is obvious they had no idea that the church-age would last two thousand years; and even as they were in tune with the Spirit in many aspects, they proclaimed that the return of the Lord was "at hand," when in fact it was still many generations away; but they were not at fault, for they believed and taught exactly what the Lord taught them to believe and to teach. He simply did not reveal some things when He was here; and though the Spirit has revealed much since then, He has not revealed everything at this time, either.
3. We should take into account that just as our Lord spoke in parables so that those with "hard hearts," would not be able to understand Him, even so the Spirit did not give full revelation to the New Testament writers lest it make all things clear to "hard hearts" of subsequent generations. The Spirit reveals things only to those who seek Him with a pure heart, and in the right season.
4. Finally, even though the apostle Paul had seen the Lord and had been taught by Him, he wrote: "Now, we see through a glass darkly; but then, we shall see Him as He is." It was obvious that not all things had been revealed to Paul either, even though he had many revelations of the Spirit. In addition, the apostle John so much as said that the disciples had yet to see Him as He really is, even though they had seen Jesus, known Him, and even lived with Him for approximately three years. He wrote that we would be like Him "when we see Him as He really is."
I conclude that there are a number of Last Days scriptures that appear contradictory and unclear at this time; but in God's time, they may be revealed to us by His Spirit. God intended the scriptures to be such as they are. Thus do not be discouraged by the fact that the events and occasions of these Last Days are not clearly set forth in the scriptures as we currently understand them - and let us be slow to be certain about our theories.