POWERFUL MOMENTS

MYSTERY #1: THE MYSTERY OF THE CRUCIFIXION OF CHRIST

The rogue heavenly rulers over of the nations did NOT see it coming, because it was kept a secret and remained hidden, until the conquest was won.

MYSTERY #2: THE MYSTERY OF THE RESURRECTION

Christ was resurrected from the dead by our Father in heaven. This resurrection is the affirmation that the righteous will also be resurrected, yet in the future.

MYSTERY #3: THE MYSTERY OF THE REDEMPTION OF THE HOUSE OF JUDAH AND ISRAEL

The ancient house of Israel fractured into two houses over 3,700 years ago. While both houses sinned, only the house of Israel sinned relentlessly, exasperating God to the point of divorcing them. The near future will bring a surprise when the two houses are reunited and bound back in one kingdom.

MYSTERY #4: THE MYSTERY OF ISRAEL’S [HOUSE OF JUDAH] BLINDNESS

The house of Israel has been released from the marriage covenant, through Christ’s death; she is now a virgin—free to remarry under the law. She welcomed God’s grace and immediately accepted Christ as her Savior. The house of Judah rejected the Saviour, so God blinded them because of their transgressions, but they will not remain blind forever.

MYSTERY #5: MYSTERY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHRIST AND THE CHURCH 

The house of Judah and the house of Israel split around 931 BCE and remain split today. Yet, despite the animosity and competition between them that persisted throughout the ages, a re-unification into one kingdom is prophesied.

MYSTERY #6: THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL 

The mystery of the gospel was the revelation that the divorced house of Israel has received forgiveness of sins and grace from God through Christ’s sacrifice. Christ also paid the penalty of the sins of the whole world. This good news brought the lost 10 tribes (house of Israel) back into the family and now, the opportunity for the whole world to be grafted into the covenant family.

MYSTERY #7: MYSTERY OF CHRIST IN YOU 

The mystery of Christ in you began on the day of Pentecost, with the receiving of the Holy Spirit.

MYSTERY #8: THE MYSTERY OF OUR GODLINESS

The mystery of our godliness was Christ in the flesh fulfilling the plan of redemption and becoming the ONLY Teacher of his church.

MYSTERY #9: THE MYSTERY OF "INIQUITY"

As the "Mystery of Godliness" is Christ manifest in the flesh, so the "Mystery of Iniquity" is a hybrid life form, an “son” of Satan—the Antichrist manifest in the flesh.

MYSTERY #10: THE MYSTERY OF THE "RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS’ – THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL 

Mystery of His will reveals that at the end of the fullness of times, it is God’s purpose to restore all things, as they were before the rebellion of Satan and the fall of man.

For the complete study, download it from:

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

“On the seventh day he rested from all his work” (Genesis 2:2).

“Say to the Israelites, 'You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy” (Exodus 31:13).

“So, He [Christ] came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read”

 (Luke 4:16).

“So, when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking with them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. On the next Sabbath almost, the whole city came together to hear the word of God” 

(Acts 13:42-44).

“Imitate me [Paul], just as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

“‘For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me,’ says the LORD, ‘So shall your descendants and your name remain. And it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,’ says the LORD” (Isaiah 66:22-23).

“So, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9).

For the complete study, download it from:

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

“A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah” (Matthew 16:4).

“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth”

 (Matthew 12:40).

A day is defined by God beginning at sunset and ending at sunset. 

“God called the light ‘day,’ and the darkness he called ‘night.’ And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day” 

(Genesis 1:5).

If Jesus was in the grave for three days and three nights, then his claim to the Scribes and Pharisees to be the Son of Man given authority from God to teach is valid. It also confirms that he is the Messiah.

Through patterns in the Bible, the number three has been noted as having symbolic meaning for divine completion. Jesus’ death—the perfect sacrifice fulfills/completes God’s legal requirement, the payment for our sins. Christ’s death is a significant marker in God’s divine plan for mankind. Upon Christ’s resurrection, he was restored to his former glory.

An interesting prophetic parallel recorded nearly 2,000 years before Christ’s crucifixion, is the story of God instructing Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac.

“Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about’” (Genesis 22:1).

Abraham a great man of faith obeyed. But, before he took his son’s life an angel intervened.

“But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’ “Here I am,’ he replied. ‘Do not lay a hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son’” (Genesis 22:11-12).

Woven into this incredible story is the prophecy of the redemption of mankind. For three days, Abraham traveled before arriving at Mt. Moriah. Three days Christ lay in the grave and after the third day, he was raised up and restored to his Father. So, Isaac’s life representative of mankind who were as good as dead until Christ’s sacrifice was accepted by the Father, was restored to his father after the third day.

“None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE CRUCIFIED THE LORD OF GLORY” 

(I Corinthians 2:8).

For the complete study, download it from:

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

“There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel” (Joshua 10:14).

The day the LORD listened to man, what a day that was when ALL of Israel was listening to God, during a time of crisis—a time of great leadership; one man leading a nation listening to God and trusting Him ensured their victory—so great a victory.

Over three thousand years later, 21st century Judeo-Christians cannot fathom the surreal nature of this event, a people in battle against a hybrid race on earth, living in the place promised to them long ago.

The sight of this enemy was terrifying. Their “height was like the height of the cedars and who were as strong as the oaks” (Amos 2:9). 

They were seen by the twelve who spied out the land as a powerful people, “the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there… The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them”

 (Numbers 13:28-29a, 32b-33).

That day, five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon—joined forces against the Israelites. These battles were a perpetual mirroring of the David and Goliath story—the small against the gigantic, the God-fearing against the God-avenging, God’s creation against the gods’ offspring—simply, God against the gods. The LORD reassured the people of Israel not to be afraid of them that he will give them victory. “Not one of them will be able to withstand you” (Joshua 10:8).

“So, Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men… After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. The LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great victory at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites” (Joshua 10:7, 9-11).

During the height of the battle, Joshua was determined to finish the fight before day’s end and he cried out, “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon” and the LORD heard and commanded the sun to stand still and ordered the moon to stand down. Daylight prevailed over time on that day—God’s covenant people over the hybrids of the gods.

For the complete study, download it from:

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

“Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord say,

“The LORD will surely exclude me from his people” (Isaiah 56:3).

The Almighty God is LORD of all nations and to the person who makes God his refuge, He will bless them; they will inherit the land and possess God’s holy mountain (Isaiah 57:13).

“And FOREIGNERS who bind themselves to the LORD to serve him, and love the name of the LORD, and to worship him, and all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant—THESE I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS” (Isaiah 56:6-7).

When God gathers the exiles of Israel, He will also gather people from different nations (Isaiah 56:8). The house of Jacob will return to the land of their forefathers with foreigners who obey and love the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

“But the LORD will have mercy on the descendants of Jacob. He will choose Israel as his special people once again. He will bring them back to settle once again in their own land. And people from many different nations will come and join them there and unite with the people of Israel” 

(Isaiah 14:1-2).

The time of Jacob’s trouble will be a period of distress that awakens a spiritually dying people who forgot their God “days without number” (Jeremiah 2:32), corrects them and forges through suffering, a new man—one with unbreakable faith and loyalty for their God. The turmoil and revival of truth will sweep people from different nations into the pot of testing. The heavens will roll up like a scroll and they will witness the battle of God against the rogue rulers and powers in the heavens, puppeteering the rulers on earth. When the thirteen nations of 21st century Israel repent and “no longer rely on him who struck them down but will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 10:20), the people of the nations will be awe-struck. A changed people will appear from out of the furnace of suffering—a humble, honest and God-fearing people will emerge. Many will join the repentant people of Israel and settle with them in the land of Israel’s forefathers.

“I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob; I will gather the remnant of Israel; I will set them together like sheep in a fold, like a flock in its pasture, a noisy multitude of men” (Micah 2:12).

The foreigner who return with the nations of Israel will choose the tribe where they wish to settle and within that tribe, they will be given land; there they will enjoy peace and protection. God’s House of Prayer is for ALL nations.

“‘You are to distribute this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners who have settled among you and who have children. You are to consider them as native-born Israelites; along with you they are to be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. In whatever tribe the foreigner settles, there you are to give him his inheritance,’ declares the Sovereign Lord” (Ezekiel 47:21-23).

For the complete study, download it from:

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

Now, in recent times—times recent to God, some of His sons have turned against Him. The Apostle Paul fully understood man’s real enemy as spiritual evil rulers who are BOTH on earth AND in the heavenly realms. “For our struggle is NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” 

(Ephesians 6:12).

The heavenly rebels are the provocateurs who deceive mankind through trickery and man’s own ignorance of the spiritual world. God acknowledges mankind’s disparity and devised a redemption plan a long time ago.

Critical to the success of the plan, is the angel of God. His role is multifaceted and multi-dimensional: the Son of God who participated in the creation of earth, the Word who was with God from the beginning, the Angelwho called out to Abraham from heaven, the Angel with God in the burning bush when God spoke to Moses, the Man who wrestled Jacob and changed his name to Israel, the Angel who worked with YHWH to lead Israel out of Egypt, the Angel of God who sat under the oak tree and spoke with Gideon, our Savior who became flesh and blood and died on the cross, our High Priest who intercedes for us for he understands our weaknesses and his Father—our Father listens to him, the Mighty Angel in Revelation robed in a cloud who roars like a lion, the Tested Stone that will not disappoint you, God’s Unique Son of whom He is well pleased, the Anointed One crowned King of all kings and Lord of all lords, the King who will reign until all of God’s enemies are under his feet and death is swallowed up. He will judge, He will sentence, He will correct, He will rule until all things are restored the way they were—then, he will make himself subject to the Almighty—Creator God and God Almighty will rule through all and in all.

This Angel of the LORD has a relationship with his Father that is completely intertwined as one. His Fatheris the head and he, the Son, is the body in the same way that Christ is the head of the church and the church is his body. They are ALL ONE in unity, living in total harmony—a oneness in thought, in action, in love. This Angel of God is the ultimate Servant of God—faithful and true who is still at work, overthrowing all those who are against the Almighty God. He is the ultimate leader and the ultimate example for us.

What are the scriptures that tell this story?

For the complete study, download it from:

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

• It will be a time of great trouble
• Second ransom of God's people, out of captivity again
• Houses Judah and Israel will be gathered and re-united
• God's people will be avenged
• God's people will repent and will be forgiven.

“Once again, I will yield to the plea of the house of Israel and do this for them: I will make their people as numerous as sheep, as numerous as the flocks for offerings at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts. So will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 36:37-38).

“In THAT day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: "We have a strong city; He sets up walls and ramparts for security” 

(Isaiah 26:1).

“In THAT day you will say, ‘I will praise you, Yahuah. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me” (Isaiah 12:1).

“In THAT day men will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 17:7).

The remnant will do no wrong: "In THAT day you will feel no shame because of all your deeds by which you have rebelled against Me; for then I will remove from your midst your proud, exulting ones, and you will never again be haughty on My holy mountain. But I will leave among you a humble and lowly people, and they will take refuge in the name of the LORD. The remnant of Israel will do no wrong and tell no lies, nor will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths; For they will feed and lie down with no one to make them tremble" (Zephaniah 3:11-13).

What Yahuah starts, He finishes: “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

Israel will NEVER be rejected: “‘I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more... only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants of Israel because of all they have done’, declares Yahuah” 

(Jeremiah 31:34-37).

Israel: stones of a crown: “And the LORD their God will save them in THAT day, as the flock of His people; for they are as the stones of a crown, sparkling in His land. For what comeliness and beauty will be theirs!” (Zechariah 9:16-17).

Egypt, Assyria and Israel: “In THAT day there will be an altar to Yahuah in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to Yahuah at its border... the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in THAT day they will acknowledge Him... The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In THAT day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. The Yahuah Almighty will bless them, saying ‘Blessed by Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance’” 

(Isaiah 19:19-25).

This story is one of great shame for both houses: Israel and Judah and great joy—the joy of redemption!

Click here to download the pdf to read the remainder of the study.

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

“You are my beloved (Hebrew: Jedidiah: יְדִידְיָה) Son; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).

“The key term is “beloved.” Scholars have noticed that the term was used of Solomon, the original heir to David’s throne. It’s difficult to discern that in the English translation, though, since the Hebrew term gets translated as a proper name: Jedidiah. Solomon is referred to as “Jedidiah” in 

2 Samuel 12:24–25:

24 David consoled Bathsheba his wife, and he went to her and slept with her. She bore a son, and he called him Solomon, and Yahweh loved him. 25 He sent word by the hand of Nathan the prophet, so he called himJedidiah because of Yahweh.

“Notice the wording. “Jedidiah” is a name or term that Nathan told David the Lord wanted assigned to Solomon. The name in Hebrew is yediydyahu and is related to dawid/dawiyd, the proper name “David,” which also means “beloved.” Used of Solomon, the term amounts to a title that marked Solomon as the legitimate heir to the Davidic covenantal throne.17 The same message is telegraphed with respect to Jesus. God’s own voice announces, This is the king, the legitimate heir to David’s throne” [Written by Dr. Michael Heiser, Unseen Realm].

• Chosen before creation

“He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake (I Peter 1:2) and “—the Lamb was slain from the creation of the world” (Revelation 13:8).

• Born in humanity
• Baptized with water

Christ’s baptism by John the Baptist announced to his enemies that he was beginning the process of overthrowing their rule over mankind. His baptism signified the beginning of his new kingdom that will be built on the ways of God and grow to cover the whole planet. 

• Tested in the wilderness

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ …Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’” (Matthew 4:1-10).

• Appointed heir of all things

“Although God spoke long ago in many parts and in many ways to the fathers by the prophets, in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the world, who is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence, sustaining all things by the word of power. When he had made purification for sins through him, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, by as much as he has inherited a more excellent name than theirs” 

(Hebrews 1:1–4).

• Gathered the disciples
• Died and was resurrected

Israel’s Savior died to save them and redeem mankind from their sins. His death was not initially understood by the powers of darkness because if they had known the Messiah’s mission, they would never have killed him. Christ’s death and resurrection included the reclaiming of the nations from the rogue sons of God [Dr. Michael Heiser, Unseen Realm].

• Builder of the church

Through the saints and the great final witness in the last days, “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20). Malachi 4:2-3 prophesies a similar account, “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I do these things,’ says the Lord Almighty.”

• Will share his rulership with the saints
• Saved the world

“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself confirms to our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer together with him so that we may also be glorified together with him”

 (Romans 8:15–17).

Jesus Christ, Yashuah HaMashiach. 

He is the King!

Click here to download the pdf to read the remainder of the study.

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

GOD ALMIGHTY IS NOT ALONE.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundations? ...On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:6-7)

“Ascribe to Yahuah, O sons of God, ascribe to Yahuah glory and strength. Ascribe to Yahuah the glory due his name 

(Psalm 29:1–2).” 

THE DIVINE COUNCIL OF GOD IS COMPRISED OF THE SONS OF GOD.

“God presides in the great assembly; he gives judgment among the ‘gods’” (Psalm 82:1).

“Again, there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the LORD” (Job 2:1).

THE SONS OF GOD IN THE DIVINE COUNCIL SHARE IN DECISION MAKING WITH THE ALMIGHTY GOD.

“God presides in the great assembly; he gives judgment among the ‘gods’” 

(Psalm 82:1).

THE DIVINE COUNCIL WERE GIVEN AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS TO HELP THEM AND TEACH THEM GOD’S WAY, DIRECTING THE NATIONS TO WORSHIP THE ONE GREAT, ALMIGHTY GOD.

“When the Most High assigned lands to the nations, when he divided up the human race, he established the boundaries of the peoples according to the number in his heavenly court” 

(New Living Translation Deuteronomy 32:8).

God’s portion are the descendants of Jacob/Israel: “For the LORD’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted inheritance” (Deuteronomy 32:9).

THE SONS OF GOD RULING THE NATIONS BETRAYED THE MOST HIGH GOD AND DEMANDED THAT THE NATIONS WORSHIP THEM. THESE GODS WILL BE MORTALIZED AND DIE LIKE MERE MEN.

“I said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High. But you will die like mere men; you will fall like every other ruler” 

(Psalm 82:6).

"But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils" 

(1 Corinthians 10:20).

KING DAVID URGED THE ROGUE SONS OF GOD TO RETURN AND WORSHIP THEIR CREATOR, ALMIGHTY GOD.

"Let all those be ashamed who serve graven images, who boast themselves of idols; worship Him, all you gods" 

(Psalm 97:7).

GOD WARNED ISRAEL NOT TO WORSHIP OTHER gods.

"You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are all around you (for the LORD your God is a jealous God among you), lest the anger of the LORD your God be aroused against you and destroy you from the face of the earth"

 (Deuteronomy 6:14).

CHRIST REDEEMED ISRAEL AND ALL OF THE NATIONS AFTER DISARMING THE ROGUE gods. “He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that war against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having DISARMED THE POWERS AND AUTHORITIES, he made a PUBLIC SPECTACLE OF THEM [the rogue sons of God],TRIUMPHING OVER THEM BY THE CROSS” (Colossians 2:13-15).

The Apostle Paul understood this 21st century mystery. “This is why it says: ‘When He ascended on high, He led captives [those rogue sons of God] away, and gave gifts to men [authority to teach the Word of God].’ What does ‘He ascended’ mean, except that He also descended to the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the very one who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things" (Ephesians 4:8-10).

THE AUTHORITY ORIGINALLY GIVEN TO gods TO TEACH GOD’S WAY TO THE NATIONS WAS TAKEN AS BOOTY BY CHRIST AND GIVEN TO HIS CHURCH. “Some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of services, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we ALL reach unity in the father and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Click here to download the pdf to read the remainder of the study.

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

THE FIRST

Christ is the first of the first to be resurrected: “But each in turn: Christ, the first-fruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him” (I Corinthians 15:23).

"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first-fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming"

 (I Corinthians 15:19-23).

“I am He that lives, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Revelation 1:18).

The saints will be part of the first resurrection: "And the nations were angry, and your wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that you should give reward to your servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear your name, small and great; and should destroy them which destroy the earth" (Revelation 11:18).

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given to them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their right hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years" (Revelation 20:4-6).

SECOND RESURRECTION

GOD, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER APPOINTS JUDGES: "I kept looking until thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow and the hair of His head like pure wool His throne was ablaze with flames, its wheels were a burning fire. A river of fire was flowing and coming out from before Him; thousands upon thousands were attending Him, and myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; The court sat, and the books were opened” (Daniel 7:9-10).

“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth but now he has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens’” (Hebrews 12:23).

CHRIST IS THE APPOINTED: “For he has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by that Man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).

"For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22).

"And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42).

“On the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus” (Romans 2:16).

“When the thousand years are over… Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.  The sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works… If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:7-15).

“Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about them: ‘Behold, the Lord is coming with myriads of His holy ones to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners’” (Jude 1:14).

"But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. "All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left” 

(Matthew 25:31-33).

Mankind will give an account for themselves: “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

“You, then, why do you judge your brothers? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat… So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10-12).

Click here to download the pdf and read the remainder of the study.

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

“Listen, my son: accept my words, and you’ll live a long, long time. I have directed you in the way of wisdom, and I have led you along straight paths. When you walk, your step will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go! GUARD WISDOM, BECAUSE SHE IS YOUR LIFE!” (Proverbs 4:10-13)

Study the word of God

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).

“I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word” 

(Psalm 119:15-16).

“I will take delight in your commands, which I love. I will lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes” (Psalm 119:47-48).

“To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless. Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies” (Psalm 119:96-98).

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8).

• THE WORD OF GOD KEEPS YOU ON THE PATH TOWARDS OUR CREATOR: “Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens’” (Psalm 119:89).
  "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17).
  “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it” (Isaiah 55:11).
  “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, as it judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
• TEST THE SPIRITS: “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11).
  “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
• TEACH OTHERS: “What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well” (II Timothy 2:2).

“Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15).

PUT ON THE NEW MAN

“Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the

image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:9-10).
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 

(II Corinthians 5:17)

“Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” 

(Ephesians 4:24).

“No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” 

(I John 3:9).

“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kind-hearted, and humble in spirit” (I Peter 3:8).

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:12-15).

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).

Click here to download the pdf and read the remainder of the study.

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

THE STORY IN JOHN 21: Jesus appeared the third time to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). Seven disciples were there. Simon Peter said that he was going to fish and the six followed. All night, they fished but did not catch anything. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not recognize him. He called out, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” They replied, “No.” Jesus said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they caught so many that they could not haul the net in. Then John said, “It is the Lord.” As soon as Peter heard John, he wrapped his outer coat around himself and jumped in the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish; they were not far from the shore—100 yards.

Jesus said to them to bring some fish that they caught. Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore and it was full of large fish, 153, and the net wasn’t even torn.

“Come have breakfast,” Jesus said. He had a coal fire burning with fish cooking and some bread.

None of the disciples dared ask if he was Jesus. They knew it was the Lord because of the large catch. Jesus took the bread and gave it to them and did the same with the fish. After eating, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him more than the others and he replied, “Yes.” Each time Jesus replied by asking him to feed his lambs, take care of the sheep, and feed the sheep. Peter was hurt that his love was doubted.

After asking Peter if he loved him, Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted, but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”

 Jesus was describing the type of death that Peter would endure. So, Peter asked Jesus, “What about John?” And Jesus replied that it shouldn’t matter; Jesus may choose that he lives until he returns.

Similar to the feeding of the 5,000 and 4,000 people, Jesus performs a miracle for a specific teaching. This story occurs after the resurrection of Christ. He feeds seven disciples cooking fish over hot coals and some bread. In addition, he provides an exceptional catch of fish. Follow the Spirit of God because here lies a story kept hidden and saved only for those who seek the deep things of God.

...

Brad Scott from wildbranch.org provides this insight. The Hebrew gematria for "Sons of God" - Benay Ha- ‘Elohiym equals 153:

Benay Ha-'Elohiym

2 = )ב( Bet
50 = )נ( Nun
10 = )י( Yod
5 = )ה( Hey
1 = )א( Aleph
30 = )ל( Lamed
5 = )ה( Hey
10 = )י( Yod
40 = )ם( Mem
Total = 153 https://www.wildbranch.org/teachings/lessons/lesson102.html

These large healthy 153 fish are a picture of the spiritually strong—“sons of God”. They accepted the Messiah as their Savior.

Jesus sent his fishers of men out into the multitudes to first fish for those who are the Kingdom of Israel. “He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel’” (Matthew 15:24). The residents of the Kingdom of Israel are the sons of God, SCATTERED throughout all the earth, just as the prophets had foretold. https://www.wildbranch.org/teachings/lessons/lesson102.html

“Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the SONS OF THE LIVING GOD” 

(Hosea 1:10-11).

The net is like being placed in the strong hand of God that can withstand the forces of wickedness and protect His faithful people. The disciples were amazed that the net didn’t tear from the weight of the 153 fish and the forces of the water, but they don’t yet understand the real power of God to protect His faithful people during the upcoming terrifying and horrific Great Tribulation.

What a miracle! What a wonder! God is at work with Christ transforming people into sons of God. When Christ returns, he will resurrect and transform the saints into sons of God, then what was long hoped for will become a reality and finally, people will begin to see and understand the magnitude of their calling.

The seven churches are the 21st century nations of Israel—all twelves tribes. Upon his return, Christ will gather all twelve tribes and teach them the word of God directly. They will not recognize him initially because they claim to be Christians—the national religion, but they do not know or live God’s way. The churches all teach hundreds of different doctrines and interpret scriptures through their own eyes. They are careless handling God’s word and do not seek to test and prove their teachings. It was the catch of the saints that was the proof for the Christians that Christ was standing before them. Christ will correct them and the resurrected saints in their glory will be by their side to guide them along the way. The survivors of 21st century Israel will enter a new and exciting chapter in their history. This time, they will obey God and enjoy abundant blessings: no sickness or war, riches and wealth, happiness and peace.

Click here to download the pdf and read the complete study that include a table scripture by scripture uncovering the imagery in this wonderful message.

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

A long, long time ago there lived two boys, twins. Their names were Esau, he was first born and Jacob, born minutes later. From the time they were conceived, they fought against each other. These were the children of Isaac and Rebekah.

Esau was born with red colouring and hairy, while Jacob had smooth skin. Esau loved hunting in the open country, while Jacob was quiet and stayed around the tents. God had given Abraham an unconditional blessing, which Isaac received. It was by culture to be given to the first-born male in the family. Upon the death of the father, the birthright recipient inherited a double portion of the family estate and the role as leader having authority over the expanding family. It also included, the responsibility of being the spiritual leader of the family.

Esau was not interested in spiritual matters. Jacob was aware of Esau’s disinterest in something he desired and valued. When Esau returned famished after a long hunting trip, the tantalizing smell of Jacob’s kitchen drew Esau who lived by the moment—in. He asked Jacob for a bowl of lentil stew, lest he die. Jacob immediately opened shop for business and offered a trade: a bowl of lentils for his birthright. Without hesitation, Esau agreed to the transaction.

Jacob was close to his mother and during a moment of reassurance, she shared with him what God had told her.

Rebekah cried out to God, “What is this happening to me?” (Genesis 25:22)

The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23).

Jacob believed his mother, but did Isaac believe?

The time had come when Isaac thought that he would soon die. He was sick and his eye sight had diminished leaving him blind. He thought he was dying and decided to pass the birthright blessing onto his first-born. He called Esau to hunt game and make his favourite meal before giving him the blessing. Rebekah heard him and called Jacob to prepare to take the blessing.

Jacob replied, “But my brother Esau is a hairy man, and I’m a man with smooth skin. What if my father touches me? I would APPEAR to be tricking him and would bring down a curse on myself rather than a blessing” (Genesis 27:11-12).

Jacob knew that if he were caught by his father that he would be viewed as a trickster and cursed. Isaac either did not know what God said to Rebekah or did not accept what was said as true has he was determined to bless Esau. In Jacob’s heart, he believed what was said to his mother. If caught in this trickery, he feared how it could appear and he would have no way of explaining it to his father so that he would be believed.

The real problem was that neither Rebekah or Jacob talked to God in prayer about it, and so, they did not trust God and leave the matter with Him.

They took the matter in their own hands and Jacob proceeded to impersonate Esau nearly giving his true identity away, through his politeness and kindness towards his father.

Jacob said to his father, “PLEASE sit up and eat some of my game so that you may give me your blessing” (Genesis 27:19).

Immediately Isaac was suspicious. He asked his son, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?”

Again, Jacob spread more seeds of suspicion by referencing God. “The LORD your God gave me success” (Genesis 27:20).

Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come near so I can touch you, my son, to know whether you really are my son Esau or not” 

(Genesis 27:21).

After Isaac touched Jacob, he concluded, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands of Esau.”

Isaac recognized Jacob’s voice both in the words he used, his gentility and politeness, and acknowledgement of God, but remained deceived resulting in the blessing going to Jacob.

Esau arrived back from hunting and said, “My father, sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing” 

(Genesis 27:31).

There was no ‘please’, rather a commanding, “sit up.”

When Isaac realized that he had not blessed Esau, he trembled violently. Esau burst out with a loud and bitter cry and said, “Bless me—me too, my father!” (Genesis 27:34).

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

The story of Job most studied is Satan’s attack that caused intense suffering for Job and his incredible spiritual growth that brought him to see God. But, casually written in the introduction and the conclusion is another story that is a direct result of Job’s spiritual condition.

Job was a devout God-fearing and God-serving man. Each year, his seven sons held a celebration that some Bible translations state were birthday parties. They invited their sisters, though their sisters did not have annual celebrations of their own. They did not invite their parents. Their father, Job, was concerned about possible sinful behaviour at these annual celebrations and would offer the next day early in the morning, a sacrifice to God for each of them to bring atonement should any of his children have sinned or cursed God in their hearts.

The focus of the introduction of the book of Job is on his sons who are giving honour to themselves in their annual celebrations. Job had concerns with this activity and settled his worries through a burnt offering to God.

One day, Satan came with the righteous angels to present themselves to God and God took the occasion to recognize the blameless and upright behaviour of Job before Satan. God foresaw the opportunity to take Job to a high point so that he could understand God and His work through a special lens. As anticipated, Satan mocked Job and accredited his loyalty and righteousness to be a result of the blessings God had bestowed upon him. God removed the hedge He placed around Job and allowed Satan to inflict him.  The suffering, at the hands of Satan, did not cause Job to stumble rather it brought him higher into God’s world. He acquired knowledge beyond the grasp of humanity and came into understanding of the deep things of God. This spiritual growth in Job brought a change visible in the conclusion of the book of Job where the focus unexpectedly moved away from his seven sons to his three daughters.

“The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first. He had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 donkeys. And he also had seven sons and three daughters. The first daughter he named Jemimah, the second Keziah and the third Keren-Happuch. Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job’s daughters” (Job 42:12-15).

The conclusion of Job’s story provides a bridge into the great spiritual future of God’s people. Job was blessed with a double portion of what he had before his infliction. He received the first-born blessing. God is pointing to the people who are part of the first resurrection. They will receive the first-born blessing of wealth in God’s word, His understanding and His wisdom. The first men and women to be resurrected and transformed into eternal beings will also nurture and produce a world-renown body of exceptional religious leaders.

The sons in Job’s story were unnamed in the introduction and the conclusion of the book because they were never the focus of the story. Their annual celebrations were the reason for their mention. The important change that resulted from Job’s spiritual growth was that the sons born after his affliction did not have annual celebrations for themselves leaving Job to worry. The mirror of learning God uses, provides reflections. The sons born to families on earth image the creation in heaven who rule already over vast dominions. This kingship in heaven is mirrored by God’s design through the inheritance sons of families on earth receive automatically. God has provided a mirror for mankind to learn about His view of the two creations, their complementary roles and their future together in His holy, royal ruling family.

Like the sons, the names of the daughters prior to Job’s trial are not mentioned. But, after his infliction, the three daughters born are named and declared to be the most beautiful in all the land. God’s primary focus is to teach His people spiritual matters. The creation of the male and female gender was an intentional design to demonstrate two different and complementary roles. The female gender came into being after the male gender. It was intended from the very beginning to introduce within a second creation, people who form a religious body of men and women who are teachers, religious leaders and the congregation that follow the instructions of God. The first creation are national leaders—kings and princes in heaven; the second creation are religious leaders—high priests and priests, lords on earth. The two different types of leadership roles will be fully in effect and bound to operate as one during the reign of Christ in the Millennium.

The Apostle Paul understood the mystery of God’s mirroring within the genders. “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:31-32).

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

During the time of Jesus on earth, a white stone was given to an accused who through a jury was deemed innocent, hence acquitted. A black stone signified guilt. To have been handed a white stone, the accused could walk away free of condemnation.

There is an image of a group of people recorded in Revelation 2 who “live—where Satan has his throne.” Biblical scholars scour the planet trying to identify that location, but it is illusive because it is simply not one geographical location, but rather places peppered over the planet—places where falsehood, deception and lies are birthed.

Common places of thought, research, studies and teaching all take place in today’s universities and colleges as well as specialized institutions. From there, information is generated, beliefs are published, and theological changes are debated and canonized. Through this core body, information is dispersed and great libraries are founded.

“Pergamum’s library was the center for all things cultural. The Greek writer Plutarch said that it had approximately 200,000 volumes. It came to be known as one of the most important libraries in the ancient world and was second only to the Library of Alexandria. According to the ancient chronicler Pliny the Elder, the Library of Pergamum became so famous that it was considered to be in “keen competition” with the Library of Alexandria. Both attempted to amass the most complete collection of texts, and they developed rival schools of thought and criticism. In fact, legend has it that Egypt’s Ptolemaic dynasty halted shipments of papyrus to Pergamum in hope of slowing the library’s growth. As a result, the city may have later become a leading site for parchment production. A distinguished citizen of Pergamum and wife of a town councilor, Flavia Melitene, was instrumental in supplying the library with many of its works. Notably, she presented a statue of the Roman Emperor Hadrian to the library as a gift. Legend has it that Mark Anthony, ruler of the Macedonian empire at its height, later gave all 200,000 volumes within the library to Cleopatra as a wedding present. The volumes were destined for the Library of Alexandria - ending the recognition of the Library of Pergamum as one of the greatest of its time. It is possible that these volumes were destroyed in the fire at the Library of Alexandria, as the date in which it burned to the ground is unknown.”

https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-asia/library-pergamum-contender-greatest-library-ancient-world-007601

A love for learning is a prized gift, but when studies by leading researchers, draw students away from God, they then become instruments of deception working for Wickedness. The theology of Evolution is an example, as well as, the Christianization of pagan holidays. All of the Christian bishops who participated in the Council of Nicea to formalize changes different to the practices of Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today and forever, will be brought into judgement and will have to account for their actions.

Jesus said to this group of people in his time on earth that when he returns he will stand before them with a sharp, double-edged sword. He will confront them on their teachings by judging their word against the word of God. The sword is consistently imaged in the Bible as God’s word. The sword Jesus will hold before them will be sharp—uncompromising and double-edged truth. He will address every view and every angle strictly from the lens of Almighty God.

Jesus said, “You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and committing sexual immorality” (Revelation 2:14). The teaching of Balaam is an expanded view of creation to include the worship of the gods of the nations as if these gods were entitled. Eating their food is symbolic of believing and behaving as the unholy nations do. This simply results in rebellion against Almighty God—the God of Israel.

The Pergamum-like people love digging deep to find information; that is their strength. They are relentless. As in ancient times and into the present, this group of people don’t always find the pure word, rather only portions of it. They are relying too much on their own intellect; they need to lean on Christ for clarity. Christ is coming to purge falsehood, misconceptions, misunderstandings and disinformation from everywhere on earth.

Jesus added, “You also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans” (Revelation 2:15). The teaching of the Nicolaitans is the belief and establishment of a hierarchical structure within an organization. Matthew recorded, “Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters” (Matthew 23:8).

“God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other” (I Corinthians 12:25).

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

Adam’s sin was a specific type.

It began in the garden of Eden. While Satan was conversing with Eve, Adam was there listening quietly. As head of the family, he was tasked with protecting his wife, both spiritually and physically and the children to come. But at that moment, he was lured into an internal battle of reasoning within himself the possibility that God Almighty might be holding something back from him. He knew he was a son of God, though mortal, his body shone like the sun. He knew of his brothers in the heavenly creation who are rulers, powers and authorities. He too was given rulership—on earth. Adam likely pondered a disparity that generated resentment because after Eve acted on Satan’s words, Adam followed with an action that broke his covenant with God Almighty.

“But they [the house of Israel—10 tribes], like Adam, have transgressed the covenant; there they were unfaithful to Me” (Hosea 6:7).

Adam’s sin was of the same type as the fallen house of Israel, specially the ten tribes of Israel who were divorced by God. They wanted to be like the nations around them whose kingdoms were grand and stature strong. The leaders of the ten tribes of Israel wanted to rule themselves so that they could self-direct and acquire superpower status, flaunt a massive army and push their influence across the whole world. They wanted an empire that was visually glorious with tall temples and government houses, vast jurisdictions and riches lavished with prestige. Serving and worshipping a fallen heavenly ruler instead of their God was acceptable to them in order to get was they craved. This was in complete opposite to God’s plan for His people. He said that they would become a holy kingdom of royal priests where the inside was glorious and the outside was humble.

God responded to these carnal minded people, “You say, ‘We want to be like the nations like the peoples of the world, who serve wood and stone. But what you have in mind will never happen. As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I will rule over you with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with outpoured wrath. I will bring you from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered—with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with outpoured wrath. I will bring you into the desert of the nations and there, face to face, I will execute judgement upon you’” (Ezekiel 20:32-35).

God is the potter and His people are the clay. He is working with them to bring them into repentance after they see and experience the horrors of their choices being like the nations. “As for you, O house of Israel’ God said, ‘Go and serve your idols, every one of you! But afterward you will surely listen to me and no longer profane my holy name with your gifts and idols” (Ezekiel 20:39).

God allows choices and the suffering that comes from those choices. From that time into the present, God gave each of the ten tribes of Israel their moment of glory with superpower status and it brought tyranny, suffering and sadness.

Adam’s desire for power and glory by worshipping fallen angels broke the covenant he had made with God. Fortunately, God foresaw into the future and incorporated a saving plan for mortals before the foundation of the world. One, a type of Adam, was inserted into God’s plan that repentant mankind could anticipate. One that would be the example for all of mankind to follow wherever he goes.

JESUS CHRIST IS A TYPE OF ADAM

Jesus Christ is that One who is a type of Adam. Where Adam and the fallen angels failed, Christ succeeded. This is why the Apostle Paul used the term “Adam” in I Timothy 3:13-14. “For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.” The Apostle Paul is referring to Jesus Christ, the Adam—the last Adam.  All of the angels in heaven understand God’s word. They are not deceived by Satan’s wily logic. If they sin, it is intentional.

God the Father loves the Son—the tested cornerstone and wearer of many crowns. Through his suffering, salvation came to all of mankind on earth. His love for God’s word and His way brought the Father to trumpet His admiration, “Let all God’s angels worship him… Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” (Hebrews 1:6, 8-9).

Through Christ, mankind can live. “So it is written: ‘The first man Adam became a living being;’ the last Adam a life-giving spirit” (I Corinthians 15:45).

Finally, the last Adam, like there was an echo of Adams before, Christ achieved what previously could not be done. God Almighty is teaching the first creation in heaven the significance of His Son, Jesus Christ. Creation in both heaven and earth have learned that Jesus Christ is the perfect example for both creations in both realms.

“Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who did not sin in the way that Adam transgressed. He is a pattern of the One to come” (Romans 5:14).

“The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven” 

(I Corinthians 15:47).

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

Daniel understood from the scriptures that the desolation of Jerusalem, God centre on earth, would last 70 years. In earnest prayer and in fasting, humility and servitude, he came before God Almighty beseeching forgiveness of sins on behalf of all of the twelve tribes of Israel. “Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah and people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you…O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name” (Daniel 9:7, 19).

God Almighty heard his prayer and responded to Daniel’s cry to restore honour to Jerusalem—the city God chose to seat His glorious presence. The God of Israel alone is the One who is the Source of all life and power—the “one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist” (I Corinthians 8:6). God has declared to all creation, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me” (Isaiah 46:9).

Daniel desired that honour be justly restored and returned to the Supreme God and that the desolation of Jerusalem, God’s holy city on earth be filled again with His glory and presence, instead of the destruction and darkness that resulted from the sins of His people.

“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain.

Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King” 

(Psalm 48:1-2).

Before Daniel finished praying, Gabriel, the messenger-angel gave him God’s response, “Seventy, ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to:

1.  Finish transgression = stop/imprison rebellion within your people—the kingdom of Israel, all 12 tribes.

2.  Put an end/seal up sin = hate sinning, imprison it, hinder it so that it is impossible to spread.

3.  Atoned for wickedness = sins are altogether removed out of the sight of God—blotted out, altogether set aside as the Day of Atonement pictures. Hence, on the Day of Atonement of the last year of this evil age, the people of the 12 tribes of Israel who are not resurrected but come out of the Great Tribulation repentant, accepted Christ as their Saviour and God’s grace will be atoned for.

The three above are then replaced by:

4.  Bring in everlasting righteousness which comes only from heaven as a gift of God.

“My righteousness draws near, My salvation is on the way, and My arms will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look for Me and wait in hope for My arm” (Isaiah 51:5).

In the place of the removed transgression is the perfected righteousness.

5.  Seal up vision and prophecy which is sealed when it is laid under a seal, so that it can no longer actively show itself.

“Prophecies and prophets are sealed, when by the full realization of all prophecies, prophecy ceases, no prophets any more appear… When the sins are sealed, the prophecy is also sealed, for prophecy is needed in the war against sin; when sin is thus so placed that it can no longer operate, then prophecy also may come to a state of rest; when sin comes to an end in its place, prophecy can come to an end also by its fulfilment, there being no place for it after the setting aside of sin. And when the apostasy is shut up, so that it can no more spread about, then righteousness will be brought, that it may possess the earth, now freed from sin, shut up in its own place” (Kliefoth, Keil and Delitzsch https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/kdo/daniel-9.html).

6.  Anoint the most holy is a divine anointing of a new sanctuary, prior to God coming and filling it with His glory.

“The reference is to the anointing of a new sanctuary, temple, or most holy place.  The anointing is the act by which the place is consecrated to be a holy place of the gracious presence and revelation of God. If thus the anointing of a most holy is here announced, then by it there is given the promise, not of the renewal of the place already existing from of old, but of the appointment of a new place of God's gracious presence among His people, a new sanctuary.” (Keil and Delitzsch https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/kdo/daniel-9.html)

Recorded by the Apostle John in Revelation 21:22, the New Jerusalem comprises of eternal righteousness. “I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp… Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

God’s work is completed when all creation has made their choice. The wicked are destroyed and only the righteous remain. The New Jerusalem will be constructed of layers upon layers of righteous God fearing and serving people. “Therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:19-21).

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies

At the return of Christ when he comes as King of kings and Lord of lords, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory and claim judgment over the people on earth. 

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:31-32).

The reference to “all the nations” identifies all nations that are not God’s covenant people as God does not consider His people part of the nations of the world. These nations will worship Satan when he is thrown down to earth. It will be, “As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. And they were oblivious, until the flood came and swept them all away. So, will it be at the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:37-39).

The people before the flood were oblivious of their destruction; this will be the same condition when Christ returns. The people of the nations will be celebrating life having fully accepted Satan’s and the Beast’s rule over them. They will surrender and declare, “Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?” (Revelation 13:4b) They will fully engage in trading with Babylon, selling everything they have to buy alien technology, their science and healing, their doctrines and theology. God Almighty will watch from His throne in the third heaven and His jealousy will burn as His creation worships the rogue heavenly rulers, powers and authorities of Ephesians 6:12—the created, not the Creator.

Prior to Christ’s return, God Almighty and Jesus Christ will bring their wrath onto the nations demonstrating their righteous judgment on wicked behavior.

“I have cut off nations; their strongholds are demolished. I have left their streets deserted, with on one passing through. Their cities are destroyed; no one will be left—no one at all. I said to the city, ‘SURELY YOU WILL FEAR ME AND ACCEPT CORRECTION!’... But they were still eager to act corruptly in all they did. ‘Therefore, wait for me, for the day I will stand up and testify. I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them—all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger. Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him should to shoulder” (Zephaniah 3:6-9).

During the Great Tribulation, a great multitude that no one can count will surrender and turn to obey God Almighty (Revelation 7:9-10), “from every nation, tribe, people and language, will stand before the throne of the Lamb. They will be wearing white robes and hold palm branches. They will cry out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’”

Their conversion will come from the captive slaves of the 21st century people of Israel. They will witness in the homes of the Gentiles, while in servitude to them. God’s Holy Spirit will pour out into this remnant people and they will prophesy (Joel 2:28); they will teach them one-on-one, face-to-face God’s law and grace. They will distinguish Satan’s selfish, self-centred and self-destructive theology from God’s righteous life-bringing and loving theology and urge these people to turn away from serving Satan and the Beast. Christ sees these covenant servants as himself. To Saul when he was persecuting the church, Jesus said, “Why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4) These humble captives are the body of Christ. He feels every action, every kind word, every need filled and the warmth of their compassion. Christ responds to their masters who can’t remember when they cared for him, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40).

Christ, the King will say to those on his right, “take your inheritance.” The inheritance for the children of God is rulership in His holy, royal family. This inherited gift of rulership in the kingdom was prepared since the creation of the world (Matthew 25:24). It was prepared in the beginning when God [Elohim, a masculine plural Hebrew word] created the heaven and earth, long, long ago.

While these people from the nations may feel the crushing force and power of this rogue heavenly coalition, they will be taught that there is no need to fear because the God of Israel is supreme and He can rescue them as He will again rescue His people after they cry out to Him, in a second exodus that will far outshine the first one out of Egypt.

During the captivity of God’s covenant people, those Gentiles who listen to the witness and turn to God become His sheep that Christ assigns to his right when he returns. The cruel and malicious Gentiles who refuse to listen to the 21st century Israelite captives will be separated and moved to Christ’s left. These people won’t accept the teaching of God’s covenant people in their homes, hence, it would not have mattered to them who spoke God’s word, they would have rejected it regardless. The uncaring actions and neglect the wicked have towards God’s people even the least among the covenant people during their time of great distress is felt by Christ. It will be a time when the nations will mock God’s people and ridicule them for their saving hope in the God of Israel.

“Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness. Then my enemy will see and will be covered with shame—she [likely Babylon of Revelation, and the false prophet] who said to me, “Where is the LORD your God?” My eyes will see her; at that time, she will be trampled like mud in the streets” (Micah 7:10).

“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light” 

(Micah 7:8).

The repentant people of the nations of 21st century Israel will suffer mockery and ridicule by their own people as well as those who enslave them. These wicked will be sentenced to be destruction.

https://sharingsharpens.ca/studies