Living Word Magazine August 2012

Living Word Magazine

There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1) Going Deeper into God’s Word Issue 13 August 2012

Bible Studies by Reinhard Bonnke, Ken Legg, Mathew Bartlett, Edwin & Lillian Harvey & more!

Bible Studies Online International

www.biblestudiesonline.co.uk NEITHER DO I CONDEMN THEE: GO, AND SIN NO MORE JOHN 8:11 (AV) ©Photos above Marafilm CoverDanilo Ascione photo Back cover Peter Saharov

In this month’s issue: 2.

Names of Christ

3.

Rebuilding the Walls Part 5

Arfon Lloyd Thomas (UK)

5

The Prologue to Pentecost

Mathew Bartlett (UK)

7.

The Grace Test

8.

Bitterness Hinders Prayer

9.

The Prophecy of Amos Part 3

11.

Guest Article: Jesus Himself

13.

Noah’s Ark

17.

The Prophet of the Reformation (3)

Derek Williams (UK)

19.

In Depth Study – Revelation Chapter 18

Derek Williams (UK)

22.

Testimonies from our Readers

Lewis Armstrong (USA)

Ken Legg (Australia AG) Edwin & Lillian Harvey (USA) Mathew Bartlett (UK) Reinhard Bonnke (CfaN) Mathew Bartlett (UK)

Worldwide!

©Photos Above © Photoquest. Cover: © Showface Left © from top: Philcold Eugene Ivanov, Barak Brudo, Farek, Ingrid Heczko Back Cover: Eugene Ivanov.

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IN THIS ISSUE

August Reader’s Article- Names of Christ Armstrong USA Fill in the names used for the Lord in each of the following references: Exodus 3:14

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Isaiah 7:14

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Isaiah 9:6

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Isaiah 28:16

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Song 2:1

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Haggai 2:7

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Matthew 1:21

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Matthew 1:23

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Matthew 16:16 ________________ Matthew 27:54 ________________ Luke 1:32

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Luke 1:69

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Luke 2:11

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John 1:1

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John 1:18

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John 1:29

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John 4:10

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John 4:25

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John 8:12

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John 8:58

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John 10:7

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John 10:11

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John 11:25

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John 13:13

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John 14:6

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John 15:5

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Acts 3:14-15

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1 Cor. 3:11

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1 Cor. 5:7

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1 Cor. 10:4

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1 Cor. 15:20-23 ________________ Romans 6:23

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Romans 8:29

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Ephesians 5:23

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Colosians.1:15

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Colosians.1:18

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1Timothy 1:17

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1Timothy 2:5

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1Timothy 6:15

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Hebrews 1:2

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Hebrews.1:3

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Hebrews 4:14

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Hebrews 13:20

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Hebrews 3:1

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Hebrews 6:20

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1 Peter 2:4

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1 Peter 2:25

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I Peter 5:4

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1 John 2:1

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Revelation 1:5

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Revelation 1:8

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Revelation 1:13 ________________ Revelation 1:17 ________________ Revelation 1:18 ________________ Revelation 2:18 ________________ Revelation 3:14 ________________ Revelation 5:5-6 ________________ Revelation 19:11 ________________ Then Check the Answers: I AM I am He Immanuel Wonderful Counselor Mighty God Everlasting Father Prince of Peace Stone Precious Cornerstone Sure Foundation Rose of Sharon Lily of the Valley Horn of Salvation Jesus Christ Christ Jesus

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Christ the Lord Christ Jesus our Lord Jesus Christ the Righteous Son of the Living God Great Son of the Highest Horn of Salvation Word Begotten Son Lamb of God Gift of God Messiah Light of the World Door of the Sheep Good Shepherd Chief Shepherd Shepherd I am the Resurrection The Life Teacher Lord The Way The Truth Vine Prince of Life Foundation Passover Rock First-fruits Head of the Church First Born Head of the Body The Beginning King Immortal Invisible Mediator Potentate King of Kings Lord of Lords Son His Glory Great High Priest Apostle High Priest Forerunner Living Stone Chosen by God Precious Alpha Omega Beginning The End Son of Man First and Last Son of God Faithful Witness True Witness Lords of Lords Faithful True Savior

By Lewis

FURTHER OPPOSITION NEHEMIAH chapter 6 verses 1-14

By Arfon Lloyd Thomas Photo © Paul Prescott

Whenever we seek to do something special for God, we find ourselves coming under heavy attack and temptation, as the enemy of God attempts to make us give up or become discouraged.

Chapter 6 reveals certain things to us about the enemy and our own conduct. In the opening verses of this chapter we discover the word “compromise”.

Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem had up until then opposed all rebuilding work. Now, they suddenly changed their minds and sought to help. They had even offered to meet with Nehemiah in a nearby village.

One might say that their approach was to meet half way.

The strategy of the enemy is simple. If you can’t beat them, join them! Then, when all is relaxed take over! We will do well to note that once the enemy has a foot-hold in our ministry he will start to weaken the work from within.

Now whilst co-operation in the Lord’s work is noble, we must also be aware to co-operate with the right people, otherwise we finish up fraternising with the enemy. Let us be aware that Satan is the master deceiver and his servants are always ready to superficially join hands with God’s children so that they can weaken the work and break up unity.

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light Is it not surprising that his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness?”

2Cor. 11:13-15 Nehemiah rejected their offer due to a three-fold conviction.

Firstly, he knew that they were lying and only wanted to kill him.

He was gifted with spiritual discernment. Likewise, this is a most important gift for Pastors in the Church today. Pastors must possess discernment if they are 3

to detect the strategy of the enemy.

Secondly, he was convinced of the Lord’ great work that had been set before him. If he stepped down from the wall, then where would the people go for leadership? A church without a vision is lost.

Thirdly, the Jewish community had nothing in common with Sanballat and his friends - so there was no basis for any cooperation. Nehemiah had made this very clear to Sanballat when first meeting him and told him he had no share in Jerusalem or any historic claim. (Nehemiah 2:20) We will do well to remember that God’s people are different from the people of the world, and therefore, as children of the Living God, we are to maintain a separate position.

Next, Sanballat sent a letter which was meant to slander Nehemiah and so undermine his position. Promoting sedition was indeed a serious charge and the King of Persia would not have tolerated any other King.

The letter was intimidating and insulting, and was sent as an open letter since Sanballat wanted other people to read the contents and undermine Nehemiah’s reputation. If just a handful believed the letter then they could be used to create division within the ranks.

Statements just like this letter have caused many problems and much trouble in the local churches. Slander is a common strategy of Satan in his effort to undermine and divide. It begins with the words, “Some people say…” Yet even the words of unknown “Mr. Nobody’s” hang around for long enough to destroy and break up the work of God. A.B. Simpson, the founder of the Christian Missionary Alliance once said “I would rather play with lightening or live wires in the fuse box than speak one reckless word against a servant of God – or repeat a slanderous remark.”

that You might have Your way amongst us. Amen

Building the Walls Worldwide Pastor Arfon Lloyd Thomas is an experienced minister with the Baptist church in the UK and is willing and available to conduct short term mission trips and revival schools both in Great Britain and overseas.

If you would like to invite Pastor Arfon Lloyd Thomas to your church or conference anywhere in the world, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Contact the Bible Studies Online International office at: admin@biblestudiesonline.co.uk Our New Book out now at Amazon!

If you have sadly been the victim of slander, are you willing to leave your reputation and future in the hands of the God that you serve, as Nehemiah did?

Prayer: O Lord, help us to be aware of every attempt the devil makes to divert us from our work that You have set before us. Forgive us that when under pressure and false accusations, we have so easily fallen. Help us to know You in the same way as Nehemiah and increase our confidence in You. Help us to leave all our actions with You so

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Series: The Acts of the Holy Spirit Chapter 1: The Prologue to Pentecost

By Mathew Bartlett Photo: © Mathew Bartlett

Introduction to Series In the book of Acts we witness the coming of the Holy Spirit into the world, working in close connection with the Father and Son to bring about God’s purposes on earth. As we go through the book we shall discover that God the Holy Spirit is working to a definite plan that only God can fully know and appreciate. We will observe the working out of his own sovereign will in the salvation of souls, his power exerted on behalf of the church and its witness, and indeed his personality displayed in his interactions with men and women. For the Holy Spirit is not just a force or influence but a divine person at work in the world today.

Introduction to Chapter As we open chapter one, we shall see that God’s methods are still men; or as Reinhard Bonnke puts it: ‘men need God, but God needs men’.

As the Holy Spirit continues his great work, so we can expect to receive his call to join him in fulfilling the work of the great commission.

The Planning of the Saviour Jesus coached them.

During 40 days after resurrection, he coached and mentored them, he taught them. He showed them from the Old Testament scriptures all things concerning himself. It is remarkable how all the preaching and praying of Acts is grounded in Old Testament scriptures; and it was Jesus himself who taught them these things.

He also taught them all they needed to know concerning the end times purposes of God. It was not for them (or us) to know the details (as some people are very caught up about today) it was for them to know that he is coming, and in the light of this 5

to be his witnesses to the entire world.

Jesus confirmed them.

He showed himself alive by many infallible proofs.

Their strengthened faith in the risen Lord led them to spiritual victory after spiritual victory.

The great conviction of their preaching rested on the fact their unshakable confidence that Jesus was alive.

Even in persecution, they overcame. Beaten – they rejoiced, since He’s alive.

Silenced, they preached, since he’s alive, we’ve seen him we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

The seeming absence of any fear of death whatsoever as we witness in Acts stems from this same fact – Jesus is alive. As they were stoning Stephen, instead of any concern about his own death he looked into heaven and said ‘I

see the son of man standing at the right hand of God’.

The Promise of the Spirit Christ let them in on the plan.

They were to be partners with him in the world wide mission to save all nations. They were to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature; but they were not to begin until the Holy Spirit came and they received his indwelling. Not only when the Holy Spirit came they would have power to evangelise the world, but as the Holy Spirit empowered them, he would also direct the work according to God’s divine plan.

The Spirit would indwell them In speaking of the baptism of the Holy Spirit Jesus was speaking about something which no one had ever experienced before.

That’s why they didn’t know what to expect. The prophets had been anointed. John had been filled. But only on Jesus did the Spirit come down and remain, entering in to dwell in fullness within his own spirit. This baptism which Jesus had they would now share.

The Spirit would impel them The Holy Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness, and he motivates men to go into the harvest field for God. He does so by the impartation of God’s love. The love of Christ compels us.

He does so by the impartation of God’s power. The amazing miracles recorded in the book of acts which convince the unbelieving and led in some instances individuals and in some instance multitudes to Christ were all performed and made possible by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The coming of the Spirit would mean much more to the early church which could not easily be expressed in a book of acts, for his ministry is within. Jesus said he will teach comfort and exhort the believers. We see this expressed in the beautiful words of Acts ‘in the comfort of the Holy Spirit’ The Preparation of the Self Rather than idly waiting for the Lord to come, they were eager to get on with the job. Rather than leave all to God, they wanted to play their part.

The prayed & earnestly sought God for the promise They were in one accord (v14) a united band is a powerful band.

They made practical preparations By the appointment of Matthias to succeed Judas, they made sure they had sufficient men for the task. Then, as the work grew we see in Acts the emergence of deacons, evangelists other apostles and prophets and later 6

elders overseeing local churches in the work of God appointments which involved both the Holy Spirit and the local church.

Some are unaware that the baptism of the Holy Spirit needs to be expressed by service in the local church. His love and power moves us to action. These are the Acts of the Apostles, not the good intentions of the apostles.

Each of these 120 in the upper room were volunteers, saying here I am Lord, send me and use me. Are you getting ready to fulfil the great commission? In practise carrying out that commission involves The Presenting themselves to God Present (volunteer) yourself and commit yourself to service wherever you are in your own local church situation, and then see it through, week in week out.

Usually there is no lack of possibilities for service and growth – there is only a lack of workers.

Will you prepare?

Will you present yourself?

Will you commit yourself to a life of service in the local church?

If you do that is when power is released and God’s plan will be realised for your life.

The Grace Test

By Ken Legg.

An Extract from Ken’s monthly e-zine Grace Roots (#79)

Image: © Ingrid Heczko

Are you a legalist? Probably before you can answer that question you would want me to define what I mean by ‘legalism’.

Of course that word might mean different things to different people.

In my ‘Radical Grace’ seminars I try to help people discover for themselves if they have become a victim of legalism. I ask ten simple questions that require a “yes” or “no” answer. See how you go with the test. Note: in order to profit from the exercise it is important to be totally honest with your answers.

The Grace Test 1) When you hear the word ‘holiness’ does it produce negative feelings in you (e.g. do you feel inadequate or a failure in this regard)? Yes/No 2) When you sin do you think you need to confess that sin in order to be restored to fellowship with God? Yes/No 3) When you think about how God sees you, do you think of this in terms of your

performance, i.e. your good works or bad works? Yes/No



God’s acceptance and blessing. In this case the

4) Is the approval of others, especially spiritual leaders, important to you? Yes/No



focus will always be upon self

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Grace is the belief that I am always accepted and qualified for every blessing because of the finished work of Jesus. In this case the focus will always be upon Jesus

5) Are you motivated or manipulated by guilt? Yes/No 6) Do you use guilt to motivate or manipulate others? Yes/No 7) Do you believe that tithing is a key to financial blessing? Yes/No 8) Are you driven to succeed in order to feel good about yourself? Yes/No 9) Do you feel trapped in cyclical behaviour patterns of defeat?

Yes/No 10) Do you get exhausted trying to live the Christian life, and wonder about that “easy yoke” and “light burden” Jesus spoke of? Yes/No If you answered “yes” to any of the questions it is likely that you have fallen prey to legalism.

Legalism And Grace Defined I mentioned earlier that in order to answer whether or not you are a legalist you would need a definition of that term. Here are my definitions of legalism and grace: 

Legalism is the belief that my works are the basis for

 7

Where is your focus? Recently, I spent time reading a book I purchased many years ago. I was about a third of the way through and started to feel myself coming under condemnation. The reason was soon apparent. There was an over-emphasis on what I as a Christian ought to be doing. This encouraged introspection, resulting in condemnation. My focus had shifted from Jesus and His righteousness to me and selfrighteousness.

I quickly transferred my focus and confidence back to Jesus.

Problem solved!

Probably one of the best known definitions of grace is that it is the unmerited favour of God. Sam Storms says, “Grace ceases to be grace if God is compelled to bestow it in the presence of human merit. Grace ceases to be grace if God is compelled to withdraw it in the presence of human demerit.”

Bitterness Hinders Prayer An extract from “Kneeling we Triumph” by Edwin & Lillian Harvey ISBN 1-932774-08-4. 128 Pages Price $6.00. Image © Margaret M. Stewart Reproduced by kind permission of Harvey Publishers. www.harveycp.com

I heard a knock I knew. I said, “Lord Jesus, do come in. Come in.”

He said, “The door is locked.”

It was. . . . I turned the key.

Photo © Keeweeboy

When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any (Mark 11:25).

Let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour (Zech. 8:17).

You have noticed that Jesus speaks much about prayer and also speaks much about forgiveness.

But have you noticed how, over and over again, He couples these two— prayer and forgiveness? I used to wonder why. I do not so much now.

Nearly everywhere evidence keeps slipping in of the sore spots. And continually the evidence keeps sifting in, revealing the thin skin, raw flesh, wounds never healed over, and some jaggedly open, almost everywhere one goes. Jesus’ continual references reveal how strikingly alike is the oriental and the occidental—the first and the twentieth centuries.

—S. D. Gordon.

I heard Him touch the handle and a crack of light appeared.

“Come in, Lord Jesus. come in.”

Please

“Something is against the door,” He said, “It will not move!”

I looked. bundle

I saw a dark, crude

I had not known was there—an ugly bundle, hateful to the touch.

I glanced inside and saw the rancid unforgiveness of a wrong.

I pushed it back, flung wide the door, and light poured in as Jesus stepped inside my house and greeted me.

—Jane Emerson.

An insuperable barrier to answered prayer is the spirit of strife and bitterness.

Job had to pray for his very enemies before God could turn his captivity, and had to banish from his heart every particle of bitter feeling towards the men who had tormented him through months of sickness, with their ignorance, misconstruction, and 8

offensive interference.

And when he did, God turned his captivity and restored him to more than his former blessings (Job. 42:10).

One reason why the disciples could not claim the casting out of the demon from the suffering child was that they had disputed by the way which should be the greatest. The spirit of cherished animosity, lurking prejudice, sullen vindictiveness, or cold disdain, will as effectually obstruct our intercourse and intimacy with Heaven as a speck upon the crystalline lens of the eye will obstruct our vision, or the crossing of wires of the electric machinery will leave us in darkness.

There are a great many crossed wires in the Church of Christ and the consequence is dark hearts and mournful cries: “Hath God forgotten to be gracious?” (Psalm 77:9). “How long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?” (Psalm 80:4).

Just this long, brother—“If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Matt. 5:23, 24).—A. B. Simpson.

The Prophecy of Amos – A Warning for Today

Another extract from our best- selling book.

Amos 4:1 - 13. Hypocritical Religion.

Punishment for "Fat Cows". v1 - 3.

1. Hear this word, you cows of Bashan who are on Mount Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to their husbands, "Bring something to drink!"

The prophet refers to the women of Samaria as "fat cows". Bashan was known as a fertile place where the cattle grazed well and became fat.

These women lived in luxury and drove their husbands to provide for their self-indulgence in ways that oppressed the poor, whose rights were ignored and whose plight was never given a second thought.

A good wife can be a tower of strength to her husband, especially if

he is in the service of the Lord - but a wife who thinks of her own interests above those of everyone else will be her husband's undoing. For example, Jezebel's influence over Ahab led him to evil actions for the furtherance of her selfish and evil ends. God will hold us all responsible not only for what we do, but for what we influence others to do. (see Mark 9.42).

thank offering of leavened bread, and proclaim freewill offerings, publish them; for so you love to do, O people of Israel! says the Lord GOD.

Israel's hypocrisy increased their guilt. Whilst living in sin and selfindulgence they continued to worship God, albeit in an idolatrous manner. They worshipped the idols (who were meant, initially, to represent God Himself) at Bethel and God refers to these women as brute Gilgal, in breach of the second beasts since they live only to gratify commandment. (Exodus 20:4 - 5). their animal or sensual appetites, constantly indulging in strong drink As Christians, we too should be and revelry. (2 Peter 2.12; Philippians aware of the dangers of approaching God in hypocrisy. When we come to 3.18 - 19). the communion service knowing that 2,3. The Lord GOD has sworn by his we have sin in our lives which we holiness: The time is surely coming have neither confessed nor forsaken, upon you, when they shall take you we are acting as these hypocrites did away with hooks, even the last of you and will be judged by God. (1 with fishhooks. Through breaches in Corinthians 11.27 - 32). the wall you shall leave, each one straight ahead; and you shall be The women of Israel made much of flung out into Harmon, says the their daily sacrifices to God, of their bringing tithes and making thank LORD. offerings. They boasted about it as if On oath of His own immutable their religion made them superior to holiness, God decreed the others. Christ warned his followers punishment of these self-satisfied of the danger of this. (see Matthew and callous women. Since they 6:1-5 & Matthew 6:16-18). Christians behaved like cattle they would, may fall into the trap of portraying together with their children, be led themselves as superior - but such an away like cattle, pulled along with attitude will never win the hooks in their mouths. This method unconverted. Only as we show was literally employed by their respect to all people can we win conquerors the Assyrians when they them for Christ. (1 Peter 3:15 - 16). broke down the walls of the city and took the women and children captive Like the Pharisees in Jesus' time, the as slaves, ending their days of ease women of Israel gave an outward impression of being righteous, whilst and luxury. corruption was in their heart.

Religious Pride and Hypocrisy. v4 - 5 (Matthew 23:27-28). They loved their religious practices and would 4,5. Come to Bethel--and transgress; not neglect them for anything, but to Gilgal--and multiply transgression; they did not love God, or the poor. bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days; bring a 9

God is never impressed by our singing, praying, preaching or giving.

Yet He is pleased when the motivation for all we do is love for Him. God's Dealings to Repentance. v6 - 11.

Israel

to

6. I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your places, yet you did not return to me, says the LORD. God had chastened His people in various ways in order to bring them back to Himself, and laments that even so they had not repented.

Firstly, He had sent famine to the land. Their cleanness of teeth (we would say, "empty stomachs") was due to the lack of bread.

Crops were destroyed by disease and fruits were ruined by insects, yet the people did not repent and return to God. 10. I sent among you a pestilence after the manner of Egypt; I killed your young men with the sword; I carried away your horses; and I made the stench of your camp go up into your nostrils; yet you did not return to me, says the LORD.

Final Judgment Inevitable. v12 - 13.

12. Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!

Since, despite all these measured judgments, intended as they were to bring the nation to repentance, the nation had not repented, they must now suffer the consequences of their rebellion. The same is applies to the impenitent today, if we will not meet with God in mercy then we must meet with Him in judgment and it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God. It is eternal punishment that the prophet has in mind when he says, "prepare to meet your God."

The diseases and plagues which came one after another on man and beast should have been enough to warn the Israelites that their sin and disobedience were not being overlooked, but even the obvious similarity to what God had done to the Egyptians, and which He was now forced to do to them, was not enough to bring them to repentance.

Enemy troops had made forays into Israel's territory and destroyed men and captured horses, leaving the land devastated, but the people had 13. For lo, the one who forms the not returned to God. mountains, creates the wind, reveals 11. I overthrew some of you, as when his thoughts to mortals, makes the God overthrew Sodom and morning darkness, and treads on the Gomorrah, and you were like a brand heights of the earth--the LORD, the snatched from the fire; yet you did God of hosts, is his name!

7,8. And I also withheld the rain from you when there were still three months to the harvest; I would send rain on one city, and send no rain on another city; one field would be rained upon, and the field on which it did not rain withered; so two or three towns wandered to one town to drink water, and were not satisfied; yet you did not return to me, says the LORD. not return to me, says the LORD. Next came drought. The rains which It is clear from this verse that some were needed to ripen the harvest terrible disaster had occurred to never came. As if to demonstrate completely destroy whole cities in His control over these events, God Israel in a way reminiscent of what caused it to rain in one part of the happened to Sodom. Then, the cities country but not another so that of Sodom and Gomorrah were people had to go in search of water destroyed by fire out of heaven. to drink. But even then there was Here, however, it is more likely that not sufficient for all. an earthquake had caused the 9. I struck you with blight and mildew; I laid waste your gardens and your vineyards; the locust devoured your fig trees and your olive trees; yet you did not return to me, says the LORD.

nation alive and gave them a further opportunity to repent. "Brands from the burning" are those who are saved from destruction by God's mercy. (Jude 1:23 & Zechariah 3:2).

disaster, since such an earthquake is referred to in chapter one. Although the whole nation deserved punishment, only some cities were destroyed, an act of mercy whereby God kept the remainder of the 10

In this beautiful poem of praise, the qualifications of the One who is to be their Judge are set before the children of Israel. The Creator of all things is terrible in might and majesty; there is no limit to His power. Hence He should be obeyed, loved and served. He alone is able to judge men righteously for He not only knows their actions but also the thoughts and motives of their hearts.

Since He is exalted far above all, man's resistance of Him may be seen for what it is: both puny and futile.

Jesus Himself by Reinhard Bonnke The Storm Handler - Part 1 Galilee had a mood on, lashing and clawing like a monster at one little boat. A dozen fellows rowed desperately to escape its fury.

Harbour was across three miles of raging water. They were alone.

That is, Jesus was not with them.

If Jesus is not with people, they are always alone. Then suddenly they saw Him. He was like a ghost emerging out of the gloom and spray. It was unbelievable.

He was walking, treading the waves under His feet like snarling wild creatures. He came right across to the boat and got in.

Then, another inexplicable experience, they arrived at the shore straightaway.

It was all real but so fantastic the disciples never forgot it, nor could they ever fathom it.

It goes without saying that the God who created the universe knew how to handle all things in a storm, but so did Jesus. So –

who is He? Need we ask? ‘ In the beginning was the Word. All things were made by Him and nothing without Him’. John 1:12. So, the job of getting a boat across to shore in a moment of time should be no problem to the one called ‘the Word.’ It only needs Him to arrange the locality of a few atoms.

The Maker - Part 2 What is everything made of?

Whatever it is, the Maker can use it as He wishes. In the last fifty years science has found that the building material of the universe is not only atoms, but also particles, a mass of mere points of energy. There’s no order or system, they obey no law of nature but darting about at random, just a chaos. Then at a given stage they shape up like soldiers commanded to form lines. The formless dance of points of energy suddenly becomes things we recognise; earth, water, planets and sun.

We ourselves are like that.

Nobody knows how we appear as we do. Psalm 139:15 uses phrases like this; ‘Your eyes saw 11

my unformed body. I was made in the secret place.' ‘I was woven together in the depths of the earth.' 'You knit me together in my mother’s womb.' ‘We are fearfully and wonderfully made.'

God makes us and upholds us moment by moment; ‘We live and move and have our being in Him.’ He controls and harnesses, points of energy, compacts them, transforms them and gives them form and shape. He upholds all things in existence. That Maker is the One we are talking about.

The dancing particles that form our bodies, act in ways that are a mystery to science. What they do seems impossible, yet we ourselves are made of those elements. It is a literal fact that far from miracles being impossible, life would be impossible without miracles.

The impossible happens in the presence of the Lord, all the time. Hebrews 1:2,3 - the Son of God is ‘upholding all things by the word of His power.' Creation began when He passed by. Job speaks of the universe as ‘but the outer fringe of His works’ or ‘the skirts of His ways’ like a track on

the wet grass. Wherever Jesus went things happened. You could tell when He had passed through a Jewish village – there were no sick people. That’s all it took Jesus to pass by. Where He is, there’s no problem about walking the waves, transporting a boat, and feeding five thousand with a boy’s packed lunch. It just happens; cosmic forces bend to His will. ‘He makes all things work together for good to them that love the Lord.’ That is who we are talking about when we talk about Jesus in the Bible.

This is how we identify Him. The Awesome Present One Millions believe He exists, and some are very good at proving it, but not all have a relationship with Him. He is somewhere else, remote, and not present in their experience. That is not a mere incidental. Without His presence, life is empty and pointless. One of the prime Bible examples is Israel. They had got away from Egypt by the mighty hand of God. They were making for the Promised Land when the going became tough. Like frightened children, they hankered to go back to where they were safe.

Though slaves, they made a god, a golden calf, to lead their return.

It was madness. The Lord showed them that if that were what they wanted, He would not push Himself upon them. He said, ' I

will not go up in the midst of thee, for thou art a stiff-necked people.’

However, whatever they did, God wouldn’t renege. He had vowed to give them the Promised Land and no matter what they got up to, He would do it. ‘What if some did not believe? Can their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?’

(Romans 3:3. NIV). So, to make sure they got there He said that He would send an angel with them. That scared them! (Ex 33:2-2). ‘When the people heard these evil tidings they mourned.’

The possibility of being in the land without the Lord scared them. The biggest angel in glory could never fill the land with His presence. Only the Lord could do that. And that’s what they knew was vital.

They may have been an uneducated rabble coming straight out of slavery but they were more sensible than a lot of folk today. Mere angels wouldn’t do for them. It had to be nobody less than God. Nowadays people hope in angels, or beings from Venus or outer space. Some want contact with the spirits of dead relatives, or cosmic forces, or trust in stellar influences and the horoscope, or even lucky charms.

What about God? He is what Israel wanted and nothing less; just the presence of the Lord their God. 12

What happened next is certainly a premier occasion for the record books. Moses, prepared to perish, stood for the people to intervene and intercede. He was a religious pioneer. His words to God preserved in Exodus 32 and 33 seem even now to us frighteningly bold. ‘You have been telling me ‘Lead these people’. Remember that this people is your people. If your Presence does not go with us, what will distinguish your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?’

Moses’ faith and action won the day. The Lord said, ‘My presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest.’

Here was a vital spiritual lesson before history began: God is all sufficient in Himself, not just His good and useful laws, so He said.

In His presence there is peace and rest. ‘I will give you rest.’ The same Lord repeated exactly the same words more than 1000 years later. The Awesome One present at Mount Sinai became the Man Christ Jesus and said, ‘Come unto me and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11:28.

Reinhard Bonnke, Evangelist http://us.cfan.org/?lang=en-US Article reproduced with the kind permission of Christ for all Nations.

Noah’s Ark

by Mathew Bartlett Images: Above © Philcold Overleaf: Mikekwok

What does the factual, historical account of Noah's ark teach us today?

creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them." (Genesis 6:5-7 NKJV)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23 NKJV)

And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: (Luke 17:26 NKJV)

We see that sin began in the heart: "every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."

Jesus said “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." (Matthew 15:19 NKJV)

As it is written: "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS; THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS AFTER GOD. THEY HAVE ALL TURNED ASIDE; THEY HAVE TOGETHER BECOME UNPROFITABLE; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, NO, NOT ONE." (Romans 3:10-12 NKJV)

God's Work of Dealing with Mankind If we consider God's dealing with men we must first consider what kind of men they are. They are sinful men. The Noah account (Moses) gives a terrible description of the moral vice and sin of Noah's time.

Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast,

As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the son of Man. In Noah's time was characterised by widespread violence, and corruption, particularly the corruption of sexual license and perversion.

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. (Genesis 6:11 NKJV) There was no one on the face of the earth who did what was right and was without sin – just like today.

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With such a situation, the hearts of men turned far from God, no one without sin, God was sorry that is grieved, that he had made man. His purpose was to wipe man from the face of the earth in Judgment.

So the LORD said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them." (Genesis 6:7 NKJV) Here God judgement.

pronounced

his

And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. (Genesis 6:17 NKJV)

But with the account of Noah still fresh in his mind, Peter warns, the Lord is not slack concerning his promise, but is long suffering with us, not willing that any should perish.

That judgement came as certainly as it was pronounced.

Peter goes on to tell us that: "the Divine long-suffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared,"(1 Peter 3:20 NKJV)

Just as God pronounced judgement in Noah's day so he has pronounced it on the wickedness of mankind today.

For this they wilfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. (2 Peter 3:5-7 NKJV) Jesus said They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. (Luke 17:27 NKJV) The judgment was all inclusive. No one was left out, for everyone outside the ark perished, and in the coming day of judgement everyone outside of the Lord Jesus Christ will perish. Many ask why, if Jesus is coming again to bring God's judgement, why hasn't He come yet.

Since it has been 2,000 years since Jesus said it would happen, they suppose that it was all false and that it will never happen at all.

For 120 years God waited patiently.

Noah was a preacher of righteousness. (2 Peter 2:5). At that time God gave all men opportunity to repent and be saved. He is still doing so today. The judgment he has pronounced on this sinful world and every one in it will surely come, but he is waiting, holding back his wrath, and giving all men the opportunity to respond to his call of salvation. God is not willing for any to perish.

respond to God's call of grace as Noah did.

In a world of sin and unbelief, we read of one man, Noah, who found grace in the eyes of the Lord. By His grace God gave Noah warning of the coming judgement, and Noah responded with faith, a faith which led to obedience and action. With godly fear he built an ark. (Heb. 11) which resulted in himself and his family being saved.

Today God gives us all warning and by his grace opportunity to repent of our sin and put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to save us. Just as an ark was the means of salvation for Noah, so Jesus Christ is the means of salvation God has provided for men who realise their need to "flee from the wrath to come."

The motive of his long-suffering is quite simply love.

God's Way of Salvation for Mankind

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

(John 3:16 NKJV)

In scripture the ark is a type of the Lord Jesus Christ. So by examining the ark, we will learn more about Jesus and his power to save.

God loves all men everywhere -the world. He would have all men to come to repentance and be saved.

As the gospel is preached faithfully to crowds all over the world, even when men refuse to listen, even when they kill the messengers of God, the fact that God is still sending messengers to all men is a sign, a proof positive that he loves them and that he is long-suffering.

God offers His mercy to all who will 14

We notice on the ark there was only one door, only one away in. There is only one way which God has provided for men to be saved from their sin and the wrath to come. The Lord Jesus Christ said "I am the Way".

Following our Lord's death on the cross for our sins, and his victorious rising from the dead, Peter proclaimed "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by

which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12 NKJV) There was only one window on the ark, facing upward, speaking to us of our heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

The believer has his or her eyes fixed on the author and finisher of their salvation, Jesus Christ. His call, being responded to by us, is a heavenward calling. He has gone to prepare a place for us and promises to come again and receive us to himself that where he is there we shall be also. So as we see that day approaching, Jesus said, "Look up ,and lift up you heads, for your redemption draws near." (Luke 21:28) Then think of the dimensions of the ark. It was vast. It was the size of: Plenty of room for all the animals and for a lot more men than Noah and his family. We could well suppose that if all men repented and came in faith, the ark would be able to accommodate them, although if that had happened God would have relented of sending the flood at all.

In terms of the Lord Jesus Christ, his salvation is all inclusive. He died for all, so that all may enter in and be saved.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29 NKJV) And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. (1 John 2:2 NKJV)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

(John 3:16 NKJV)

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

(Hebrews 7:25 NKJV)

Then there is the stability of the ark.

Modern ship building experts have commented that the ark was a very stable design for a ship that would be tossed one way and another unsteered upon the ocean. In fact I have seen photos of sea worthiness tests carried out on scale replicas of the ark. That ship was not going to capsize. It stood the test. So Jesus Christ is a Capable Saviour, he has stood the test and he will stand the test. He has saved and kept souls of men over many years, and he will keep us too. We are kept by the power of God and our immovable strong rock is Jesus Christ. If He promises to save you certainly, you can depend on him to do just that.

Then there was the food on the ark.

The ark was laden with every provision for all aboard it in terms of food and water for just over a year.

Christ knows all we need and all has been provided by God for us in this journey from earth to heaven, this Christian life. Since the ark is a type of Christ, the sufficiency of food shows that all we need is in him.

In addition to that, the ark was coated with pitch inside and out made it waterproof. It was suitable for task. This made it, instead of a large wooden building, a sea worthy vessel. Jesus Christ is equipped, qualified. He was already prefect, but his experiences made him fully qualified to be our perfect Saviour.

God offers this salvation, forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who put their faith in His son Jesus who died for them and rose again. But lastly, notice that the door to the ark was eventually shut

by God Himself. The day of grace in which we live will end. Although God is merciful and long-suffering, the world cannot be allowed to continue in its wickedness much longer. We must be ready for the coming of the Lord. If you are saved, trusting in the lord Jesus Christ, then you are ready for that day. The door that shut Noah safely in was the door which shut the unbelievers out to face their fate. Make sure you are not left outside to face the wrath of God without a Saviour.

For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

(Hebrews 2:10 NKJV) And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, (Hebrews 5:9 NKJV) 15

His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, (2 Peter 1:3 NKJV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (Ephesians 1:3 NKJV)

Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' (Matthew 22:13 NKJV)

God's Will of Eternal Rest for Mankind Finally, the Noah account teaches us of the way to eternal rest through Jesus Christ. Peter tells us that the Water of Baptism, prefigured by the ark, represents new birth.

In the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 3:20-21 NKJV) Being born again of God's Spirit, we become his children, citizens of heaven, with the right to a title deed in the new heavens and a new earth. The waters of Noah renewed the face of the earth, changing it forever. But a day is coming when this present world will be done away, and a new heaven and earth replace it. Peter says, But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the

heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:1013 NKJV) Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. (Revelation 21:1 NKJV) So the Ark rested. There is an eternal resting place Christ is there and we are in him - will enter eternal rest. Not inactivity or nonexistence, but blessed peace and rest - the absence of trouble or pain:

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these 16

words are true and faithful."

(Revelation 21:4-5 NKJV) Have you ever stooped to think of the incident involving the raven and the dove? When the ark came to its rest, he raven was sent out and never came back. What is that symbolic of? When the believer finds rest through faith in Jesus Christ, the fleshly appetites, represented by the raven, who feeds on carrion, has to be cast out.

We are to walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. If the work of sanctification has begun in us now it will continue till the day of Jesus Christ and then be completed. If it hasn't begun in you, don't expect God to complete it. He completes only what he begins.

Then the dove is of course a type of the Holy Spirit in scripture. When the ark came to rest, the dove sent out from Noah came to rest only in the ark. The dove is taken as a pure and gentle bird. The flooded world was not its resting place. At present the Holy Spirit resides in the church of Jesus Christ. He is in us and will always be with us. But when God's work was completed, God's rest filled all the earth, and so he flew away, symbolising to us the day when the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the water covers the sea. Now, the Spirit dwells in us, but in God's eternal rest, we shall dwell in him who fills all things. Everywhere will be a place filled with the Spirit.

There will be nothing to taint us or to grieve him in that heavenly holy atmosphere.

The Prophet of the Reformation The Book of Malachi Chapter Three: A brief Bible study by Derek Williams.

Photos this page: © Photofit. Bottom Right: © Eugene Ivanov

The Coming Messiah

of

the

V1. In 2:17 the backslidden people had scathingly asked where the God of Judgment was.

Here is God's answer to them.

First of all God was going to send a messenger who will prepare the way for Him. This is the same messenger whom Isaiah had foretold (Isaiah 40: 3) and was fulfilled in John the Baptist (Matt.

3:3, Luke 1:76). His preparation message to the people was to repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Math. 3:1-2). After him will come the Lord whom they seek and yet when He comes He will do so at a time they will not expect Him and of course they did not recognize or receive Him (John 1:11). "Even the messenger of the covenant” can only refer to the Lord Jesus Christ and John the Baptist bore witness to Him (John 1:29). The Jews were ever waiting in expectancy for the coming of the promised Messiah and delighted themselves in the portraits that had been given by the prophets.

V2. They were looking for Him as their delivery but here the Lord speaks of Him as coming to His Temple in judgment (Math. 3: 10 12, John 9: 39). In the day of His coming who will be able to measure up to God's standard for "all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God" (Rom. 3: 23) and who will be able to stand before Him (Ps. 130: 3). He will be as a refiner of silver and gold who heats them up in a crucible until melted and then removes the dross and impurities and as fuller's soap that makes clean and white.

V3. So He will sit as refiner and purifier to cleanse and purify the priests, the ministers of God from their sins. No longer would they offer blemished offerings with tarnished souls but they will do their work for the Lord with a pure heart (Prov. 17:3).

V4. Then will the offerings brought to Him by people be pleasing to the Lord as it did in the days before.

Judgment V5. They had shouted for the coming of the God of Judgment and 17 they He will He promises them draw near to judge them!

When He doe, since He had been a witness of their evil deeds will judge them swiftly.

In the Revelation, Jesus Christ declared to two of the churches that He would come quickly to judge if they did not repent (Rev. 2:5, 16) and to the faithful church He would come quickly to receive them to Himself (Rev. 3:11). He will bring judgment upon sorcerers, adulterers, perjurers (false witnesses), those who exploit and cheat their workers of their wages (James 5:4), those who take advantage of widows and orphans or a stranger/foreigner of their rights (Deut. 24:14 -15). At the root of all their wickedness was the fact that they did not fear the Lord.

V6. God reminds them of who He is "the LORD" that is Jehovah (Yahweh), the "I AM", the self-existent, eternal One. He is the One who is forever the same, unchangeable, invariable (James 1: 7). Because of this and His covenanted promises to Jacob they are not destroyed.

V7. Their present condition was no new thing they had constantly turned away from God to follow idols since the early days, even when He had delivered them out of Egypt and they were in the wilderness (Ex. 32:8).

Nevertheless, God still holds out His arms to them (Rom. 10: 21) and calls them to return to Him in repentance. "For, not in its own strength, but by His grace can the soul turn to God" (Barnes). If they will do this then He will again pour out His blessings upon them. The audacity of these people, how blinded they are to their own condition that they should question He who knows the heart of all! This was not a genuine enquiry as to how they could return to God but a “what need have we to return to God when we have never turned away from Him?

Robbing God V8. God asks the incredible question "Will a man rob God" as something that would never enter into a man's heart to do. This He does to bring home to their consciences that they had indeed robbed Him. Again the response is "who me, when and where have I robbed you, tell me? The answer comes straight back at them "tithes and offerings". They could not deny the fact that they had ceased to give their tithes which were God's by absolute right (Lev. 27:30) or offerings that were in addition to the tithes and were voluntary given from thankful hearts for God's blessings. To rob God of tithes and offerings is to rob Christ, His Church and to stop the Word of God going forth.

V9. They were already being punished for using blemished animals for the sacrifices and now God tells them they are also being cursed because they were robbing

Him, not only the priests but the whole nation.

The Way of Blessing V10. In spite of the terrible backslidden state of priests and nation there was still hope for them.

God in His mercy and long-suffering declares to them the way of blessing. They were to bring all the tithes, not a part only, into the house of God. The equivalent today is the local church. Withholding the tithe is an indication of the spiritual condition of the heart. If all of God's people gave all their tithes then there would be no lack for anything but enough to fulfill all that is needed to effectively carry out the work of God. He challenges them to put Him to the test by rendering to Him what was His due and He will "open the windows of heaven" and pour out such a deluge of blessings upon them that there will be no space left unblessed.

V11. God will protect their crops from all that would devour them and see to it that the vines did not drop its fruit before it had ripened.

Again they show their complete blindness and ignorance of having given any offense to the LORD when they ask what things they had said against Him. V14. God comes straight back at them with their skeptical (denying or questioning) spirit. In the hearts and with their mouths they had said it was useless to serve God and there was no gain in keeping His laws. These are the words of the wicked and unbeliever (Job 21: 14 15, 22: 17). Furthermore they say what is the point of putting on the garments of repentance? They were right in this for there is no point in making a pretense of penitence by outward appearance (Isaiah 58: 3).

They had made a show of penitence but their hearts were unrepentant (Joel 2: 12, James 4: 8 - 10).

V15. As far as these backslidden hypocrites were concerned they considered the proud and arrogant to be happy, evildoers prosperous and those who tempt God escape punishment.

V12. As they returned to God and gave Him what they should, He will abundantly bless them and all the nations will see and call them happy and blest a good and pleasant land.

The People Complain V13. Instead of examining themselves the people made harsh unfounded charges against God. "Your attitude towards me has been proud and arrogant" Living Bible (1 Cor.11:28, 2 Cor. 13:5).

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Our In Depth Study.

Revelation 18.

By Derek R. Williams. Photo © Godfer Scripture taken from the New King James Version®.

Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The End of Godless World Dominion.

The Fall of Babylon. v1 - 3 The fall of Babylon is referred to in Rev. 14:8 and 16:19 and in this chapter for the last time. In chapter 17:16 we saw that the confederation of nations destroyed the harlot (Babylon) by fire - referring to the apostate ecclesiastical order. Here we see the apostate social and commercial centre of the world being destroyed by God. 1. "After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory."

Following the vision of chapter 17, John sees an angel descend from heaven, who is described as having great authority. The radiance of his glory was such that it illuminated the whole earth.

2. "And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!"

This angel had come to forcefully proclaim that the city which held the

whole world in the grip of its power – 'Babylon the great' - was destroyed. The ruins where it had once proudly stood had become possessed by demons - utterly desolate.

3. "For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."

All the nations were taken up with and addicted to her idolatry, so bringing wrath on themselves. All world leaders joined with her in this idolatry and business men became rich through the excessive luxury and wantonness she advocated.

Since the Church is already in heaven, those addressed here would be those Jews who had been sealed

by God (Rev. 7:3 - 4). They are to separate themselves completely from every association with this idolatrous system. To fail to do so would be to consent to its sins.

Those who were contaminated by the influence of the sin all around them would share the plagues that were to fall on it. However, this warning is applicable for believers in every generation. 2 Cor. 6:17.

5. "For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities."

The sins of the materialistic, money loving and pleasure seeking people of earth have piled so high as to almost touch heaven; the time has come for God to pour out His wrath on them.

The Call to Separation. v4-5 4. "And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues."

John hears another voice from heaven. The call to "my people" suggests that it is the voice of God. 19

Sin Punished. v6 - 8 6. "Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her."

The executioners of God's wrath are told to treat Babylon in the same way that she had treated God's people; to repay her double for the atrocities she had committed.

7. "In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.'"

Just as she had arrogantly puffed herself up and lived a luxurious life so now, in equal measure, would sorrow and torment be hers. God would judge her because she believed herself invincible, trusting that her riches, rather than God, would shield her from suffering and destitution.

8. "Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her."

In consequence of her pride and luxury all the calamities of plague, death, sorrow and famine will come thick and fast in one day. She shall be completely destroyed by fire in such a way that demonstrates how mighty the Lord is who judges her.

The World Mourns Babylon. v9 - 20

for

9. "The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning."

Although it is the materialistic spirit of man that is to be judged, it is the literal destruction of the world centre of commerce that brings

about total economic collapse, bringing abject poverty to hitherto rich nations. All world leaders, who had been unfaithful to God in their love of idolatry, immorality and luxury, see the destruction of Babylon. They will weep and lament for the destruction of all that their souls lusted after.

10. "Standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgement has come."

Standing at a distance for fear lest they be engulfed in her torment they will howl, "Alas! Alas!" They recognise God's hand of judgement in the destruction of the city, yet bewail it.

11. "And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore:" Those business men who had made their fortune out of her shall weep and mourn. They do not mourn for the destruction or loss of life, nor in repentance of their sins but for the fact that they will not be able to add to their riches.

12, 13. "merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. "

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These verses list all the merchandise they had traded in.

Tatford lists them in eight classes:

1. Precious metals and stones (gold, silver, precious stones and pearls).

2. Costly clothing and textiles (fine linen, purple and scarlet garments, and silk).

3. Furniture materials (thymine wood, ivory).

4. Vessels (wood, brass, iron, marble) 5. Perfumes and spices cinnamon, ointments, frankincense).

6. Food (wine, oil, flour, wheat, cattle, sheep).

7. Conveyances (horses and chariots) 8. Slaves (bodies and souls of men).

14. "The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all."

All the extravagant indulgence and wealth that their souls lusted after shall be taken away from them forever.

15. "The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing."

These business men like the world leaders will stand at a distance in terror of her doom and torment contemplating all that has happened.

16, 17. "And saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.'

Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like this great city?'

They will bemoan its destruction only because of the personal loss to themselves. All those employed in maritime trade from captains to crews stood afar off exclaiming as they watched the smoke of her burning, what city can be compared with the great city.

19. "They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth!

For in one hour she is made desolate."

As a sign of their mourning they threw dust on their heads and shrieked, wept and groaned over her

desolation because of the great riches they had lost.

20. "Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!"

There will be total darkness as all the lights are extinguished for the last time and the joyful voice of newly married couples will be heard no more. This is a picture of complete and utter desolation.

While the whole world mourned over the destruction of Babylon so heaven and all the saints, apostles and prophets are exhorted to rejoice because God has executed vengeance on her for them.

23b, 24. "For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth."

The Final Destruction of Babylon. v21 - 24.

21. "Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore."

A powerful angel takes a large millstone and hurls it into the sea exclaiming that such will be the overthrow and complete ruination of Babylon; it will never be found again.

The chapter ends by giving the reasons why God will pour out His wrath in judgement on the great city Babylon. The great and prominent business men of the world who dwelt in it and made their wealth had deceived the nations by their sorceries e.g. by drugs, occult power and magic. Through her corrupt, ruthless greed, idolatry and ungodliness she had slaughtered the prophets and saints of God and was responsible for the death of all those slain on the earth.1. “Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.”

22. "The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore.

No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore."

Never again will there be heard the sound of music in her streets. There will be no skilled worker, mechanic, builder, etc.. or trader of any kind be found there. Those who prepared and provided food shall cease to exist.

23. "The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore."

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An excerpt taken from The Revelation of Jesus Christ by Derek Williams (paperback £6.99) Out now for Kindle!

Some more of your letters: Dear Pastor Mathew Greetings in Jesus name. I am receiving your online Bible studies and I am following these studies and sharing with our congregations.

Recently Lord helped us to arrange two night gospel revival meetings in Dindlapallavapalem. One night, God helped me to share your Bible Study on Ephesians 1st chapter and second night your life-changing message "STANDING FIRM THROUGH THE STORM". Really people strengthened so much through your messages.

Thank you so much.

Yours in Christ Pastor John.B.R.Ganta (India) Dear Mathew Many thanks for the online bible studies. I particularly enjoyed Psalm 23 as I did some preaching on this whilst I was on a missions trip to Cambodia linked to "I am the good shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep".

Every blessing Priscilla (United Kingdom) Pastor, Thank you friend for the notes you sent.

It is my joy to read the bible more.

Even I have finished many things during the seminary study. Pray for Bangladesh and church planting works among the Muslims.

Pastor Ishan Biswas (Bangladesh) 22

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