Hebrews: The Melchisedec Order and the Wave Sheaf Offering by Michael Storey

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And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sakeâ&#x20AC;Ś shall find it. Matthew 10:38

â&#x2026;˛ DRAFT COPY Oct 18 2014

Hebrews The Melchisedec Order And The Wave Sheaf Offering

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

MICHAEL STOREY

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Permission is given for copying and distributing when done without alteration and preferably in the entirety of the context of the chosen passage.

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CONTENTS Chapter 1

The Background To The Book Of Hebrews The Author The Title The Recipients The Purpose The Date Summary for the background to Hebrews

9 11 15 18 23 27 29

Chapter 2

Hebrews: One Subject In Two Parts Part One: The Melchisedec Order Are we called for salvation? Part Two: The New Covenant with Israel The New Covenant… a specific event Understanding events leading to Armageddon

32 32 40 42 47 61

Chapter 3

The Purpose Of Hebrews Part 1

Chapter 4

The Wave Sheaf Offering

Chapter 5

The Purpose Of Hebrews Part 2 Who will serve God The milk of the word

85 89 96

Chapter 6

Paralambano: The Saints Chosen To be ‘Taken’ Being told sixteen times The day Christ is ‘revealed’ The Saints in action Acts 1: The pattern of the 120 The details of the forty days at Galilee

101 102 103 107 110 115 120

Chapter 7

Hebrews: A Final Conclusion

133

Appendix

138

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Introduction Hebrews is intense, powerful and insistent. But, what is it about? The commentators, critics and theologians are hard pressed to come up with an answer. The book has no known author. No one can say for certain who it was written to or where it was written from or even why. The book is a complete mystery. Hebrews demands a response, ‘To day, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your Hearts’. What are we to respond to? THE WILL OF THE FATHER is the subject of this book. What does the Father and Christ expect of us? What instructions are being given and for what purpose ? Arid East winds are fanning their way across this world. If God has instructions for His Church, now is a good time to track them down. Hebrews delivers. Becoming a Firstfruit is our essential priority, that is the ultimate purpose of our calling. Hebrews draws on many references to the end time. There is a connection between the return of Christ and what is expected of us. Christ is beckoning: ‘Today, if you hear His voice’… We cannot afford to ignore the message. Becoming a firstfruit is the target. A miss is as good as a mile.

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Note for: The Background To Hebrews. The first section contain many ‘acedemic’ quotes. They are neccessary, but feel free to read the brief conclusions and skip the ‘acedemia’ for the time being. They are exremely important in order to be fully ‘convicted’ on the unusual nature of Hebrews. Come back to them later and study how much difficulty the commentators have experienced in finding any real meaning for the book of Hebrews. The book no one has ever really understood

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CH A PTER 1

The Background To Hebrews. The book of Hebrews is a very powerful piece of writing. No one doubted its authoritative style. This ‘authoritative style’ alone is how it found it’s way into the bible. Beyond that, very little is known about the book. Nothing is known of its origins. It is important for us to understand how unorthodox Hebrews is to discover the real motive God had in presenting it to us. This section gives a roundup of commentators and theologian’s thoughts on the subject. Note: they are unable to reach any conclusions. This is the important factor, the number one factor the Church needs to take into consideration when deliberating the real intent of this book. Author ? Title ? Recipients ? Purpose ? Date ? A riddle, a conundrum, an enigma, a mystery, paradox and a puzzle. Hebrews boasts every kind of problem you can conjure up. Considerable complications surround this document. If God included it in the bible there must be a distinct reason for doing so. Following technical arguments of scholars and commentators may seem a highbrow exercise, in this case it is usefull to understand what the difficulties are and what solutions have been presented. The original document besides coming without an author, had no title. ‘To Hebrews’, the equivalent of a posty-note sticker was tacked on many years after the event. No one knows to whom it was written, where they were, and the point and purpose is also obscure because of so few reference points. None of these facts are of themselves anything new. The discussions recorded over the centuries are readily available. From the beginning it has been one of the most discussed books of the New Testament. Hebrews is the most unorthodox book of the N. T. in as much technically it should not be there.

10 Without an author it had a hard time being accepted as bona fide material for New Testament, the standard being: it must be written by an Apostle. Arguments over the authorship meant the western Church would not accept Paul as the author until the fifth century; a lot of political manoeuvring ran its course to achieve that. Overbeck advanced the more revolutionary hypothesis that the letter once opened with a greeting, but from someone other than Paul; that in order to satisfy the general conditions of canonization, the non-apostolic greeting was struck out by the Alexandrians, and the personal references in Heb 13:22-25 added, in order to represent it as Pauline.

Why is the disparity important? Why is it important for us? Simply because after two thousand years we have inherited all the assumptions, guesswork and speculation. A large part of our understanding of this book is based on their assumptions. Hebrews is intense, powerful and insistent. To risk a faulty connection with God, to have our wires crossed, especially at this juncture in history could be spiritually ruinous. Bear in mind a miss is as good as a mile. Mainstream says it is one of the most important books of the bible. Why? The reason they give – it conclusively shows Christ has replaced the old system with a new one and in the process ‘the law is done away’. The book of Hebrews is clearly one of the most important books in the entire Bible. John Owen, for example, considered it second in importance only to Romans. Moses Stuart thought it to be the equal of Romans. John Calvin wrote that “there is … no book in the Holy Scriptures which speaks so clearly of the priesthood of Christ, so highly exalts the virtue and dignity of that only true sacrifice which He offered by His death, so abundantly treats of the use of ceremonies as well as of their abrogation, and, in a word, so fully explains that Christ is the end of the law.”

That would not be our view. However as to its importance, the medley of opinions as quoted by the commentators/scholars will underline how little there is in agreement. This in turn underscores how modest the overall level of understanding about this book is. For the Church of God once the traditional guesswork is

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stripped away, and the book is left to speak for itself, what is left will eventually emerge to show how significant Hebrews is. Every single facet of teaching from the book of Hebrews handed down through history by the Roman Church is based on assumption as we shall come to see. We need to understand this very clearly. Beyond question, there is something very elusive about the book of Hebrews. As we investigate the past debates on this book, in quoting the resources, it is easier to list those sources here in one go. They are all well known and commonly available. The debate has been so drawn out for so long there is no shortage of material to check. The majority of quotes used come from: A.R.Faussett in his introduction to Hebrews in Commentary critical and explanatory on the whole bible – Jamieson, Fausset, Brown. A.T. Robertson – Word Pictures In The New Testament New Bible Commentary - Carson, France, Motyer, Wenham International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Online: Epistle to the Hebrews A roundup of material (the same traditional sources) from Wikipedia.

A Lot Of Guesswork All of the above rely heavily on former established bible commentators, theologians and Church leaders down through the centuries, as do most articles on this subject. There is unanimity of source material and by and large all reach the same conclusion. What has not been publicised and made clear: the universal conclusion is; no conclusions are to be had. At best what is on offer forms a collective ‘educated guess’.

The Author Brief synopsis • Modern scholarship is close to being dogmatic that Paul was not the writer. • There is no agreement on an alternative author. • All the main characters of the New Testament, men and women have been suggested. Conclusion: Who the author is remains entirely unknown.

12 COMMENTATOR AND CRITICS NOTES ON THE AUTHOR

Present-day scholars generally agree that arguments against Pauline authorship are decisive. The authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews is uncertain. Although perhaps the most common theory through the ages has been that the apostle Paul is the author, most modern scholars generally agree that it was not written by Paul. In general, the evidence against Pauline authorship is considered too solid for scholarly dispute. Donald Guthrie, in his New Testament Introduction (1976), commented that “most modern writers find more difficulty in imagining how this Epistle was ever attributed to Paul [instead of] disposing of the theory.” Harold Attridge tells us that “it is certainly not a work of the apostle”; Daniel Wallace simply states, “the arguments against Pauline authorship, however, are conclusive.” As a result, though a few theologians today believe Paul wrote Hebrews, contemporary scholars generally reject Pauline authorship. Although the Pauline tradition itself proves nothing, the internal evidence is conclusive against it. We know enough about Paul to be certain that he could not have written Hebrews, and that is all that can be said with confidence on the question of authorship. In the western church, the second-century writer Tertullian suggested Barnabas as the author of Hebrews and this solution has often appealed to scholars. Martin Luther was the first to propose Apollos as the author and this theory has also attracted some support. Clement of Alexandria refers it expressly to Paul, on the authority of Pantaenus, chief of the Catechetical school in Alexandria, in the middle of the second century, saying, that as Jesus is termed in it the “apostle” sent to the Hebrews, Paul, through humility, does not in it call himself apostle of

THE BACKGROU ND TO HEBR EWS the Hebrews, being apostle to the Gentiles. In the African Church, in the beginning of the third century, Tertullian ascribes it to Barnabas. Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons, is mentioned in Eusebius, as quoting from this Epistle, though without expressly referring it to Paul. About the same period, Caius, the presbyter, in the Church of Rome, mentions only thirteen Epistles of Paul, whereas, if the Epistle to the Hebrews were included, there would be fourteen. Origen bluntly wrote: “Who wrote the Epistle God only knows certainly” as quoted by Eusebius. Origen held that the thoughts were Paul’s while Clement of Rome or Luke may have written the book. Clement of Alexandria (Eusebius says) thought that Paul wrote it in Hebrew and that Luke translated it into Greek. No early writer apparently attributed the Greek text to Paul. Eusebius thought it was originally written in Hebrew whether by Paul or not and translated by Clement of Rome. But there is no certainty anywhere in the early centuries. It was accepted first in the east and later in the west which first rejected it. But Jerome and Augustine accepted it. When the Renaissance came Erasmus had doubts, Luther attributed it to Apollos, Calvin denied the Pauline authorship. In North Africa it was attributed to Barnabas. In modern times Harnack has suggested Priscilla, but the masculine participle in 11:32 (με διηγουμενον [me diēgoumenon]) disposes of that theory. The oldest Greek MSS. (Aleph A B) have simply Προς ̔ εβραιους [Pros Hebraious] as the title, but they place it before the Pastoral Epistles, while the Textus Receptus puts it after the Pastoral Epistles and Philemon. In the light of all the facts one can only make a guess without a sense of certainty. For myself I should with Luther guess Apollos as the most likely author of this book which is full of the Spirit of God. The second-century writers Clement of Alexandria and Origen confirm that Paul was widely regarded as the author in the eastern part of the Roman Empire. Yet they note how much Hebrews differs from Paul’s writings in content and style. They propose that Paul was somehow responsible for the work but that someone else actually composed it.

14 Acceptance of Hebrews as Pauline was not widespread in the western church until the fifth century.

On what basis is Paul excluded as the author? Apart from major differences of style, Hebrews develops a portrait of Jesus as high priest and his work as the fulfilment of OT sacrificial ritual that finds very little parallel in Paul’s writings. At the same time, many typically Pauline themes and arguments are lacking in Hebrews. Even when similar themes are discussed, they are treated differently. And Paul, who makes so much of his status as an apostle and eyewitness of the risen Christ (e.g. Gal. 1:11–16; 1 Cor. 15:8), could hardly have written that he received the message of Christ in a second-hand way, ‘from those who heard him’ (Heb. 2:3). Moreover, the writing style is substantially different from that of Paul’s authentic epistles, a characteristic first noticed by Clement of Alexandria (c. 210). In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he forcefully defends his claim that he received his gospel directly from the resurrected Jesus himself. All the evidence tends to show that in Rome and the remaining churches of the West, the epistle was originally anonymous. No tradition of authorship appears before the 4th century. And Stephen Gobarus, writing in 600, says that both Irenaeus and Hippolytus denied the Pauline authorship. Photius repeats this statement as regards Hippolytus. Neither he nor Gobarus mentions any alternative view (Zahn, Intro, II, 310). The epistle was known in Rome (to Clement) toward the end of the 1st century, and if Paul’s name, or any other, had been associated with it from the beginning, it is impossible that it could have been forgotten by the time of Hippolytus. The western churches had no reason for refusing to admit Hebrews into the Pauline and canonical list of books, except only that they did not believe it to be the work of Paul, or of any other apostle. He claims the inheritance of their sacred history, traditions and institutions (Heb 1:1), and dwells on them with an intimate knowledge and enthusiasm

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that would be improbable, though not impossible, in a proselyte, and still more in a Christian convert from heathenism. But he knew the Old Testament only in the Septuagint translation, which he follows even where it deviates from the Hebrew. He writes Greek with a purity of style and vocabulary to which the writings of Luke alone in the New Testament can be compared. For Paul the Old Testament is law, and stands in antithesis to the New Testament, but in Hebrews the Old Testament is covenant, and is the “shadow” of the New Covenant. Paul’s characteristic terms, “Christ Jesus,” and “Our Lord Jesus Christ,” are never found in Hebrews; and “Jesus Christ” only 3 times (10:10; 13:8), and “the Lord” (for Christ) only twice (2:3; 7:14)--phrases used by Paul over 600 times (Zahn). The style and language, the categories of thought and the method of argument, all differ widely from those of any writings ascribed to Paul. The latter quotes the Old Testament from the Hebrew and Septuagint, but He [the author of hebrews] only from Septuagint. Paul’s formula of quotation is, “It is written” or “The scripture saith”; that of Hebrews, “God,” or “The Holy Spirit,” or “One somewhere saith.” The passage that is most conclusive against the Pauline authorship (Heb 2:3) is equally conclusive against any other apostle being the author. But almost every prominent name among the Christians of the second generation has been suggested. The epistle itself excludes Timothy (Heb 13:23), and Titus awaits his turn. Otherwise Luke, Clement of Rome, Barnabas, Silas, Apollos, Priscilla and Aquila, Philip the Deacon, and Aristion have all had their champions.

The Title: The Epistle Of Paul The Apostle To The Hebrews. Brief synopsis • A title for the document was not known to exist before the second century. • The title that then emerged was a simple ‘For Hebrews’. This is acknowledged as being too vague to have been a title given by the author himself.

16 • Scholars admit there is nothing within the document itself that identifies who it is written too. Conclusion: There is no officially recognised title for this document. The existing title should be considered as misleading since it is more commonly considered that it was not written to Hebrew people.

COMMENTATORS AND CRITICS NOTES ON THE TITLE OF THE BOOK

The oldest Greek MSS. (Aleph A B) have simply [Pros Hebraious] as the title. (For Hebrews). The King James Version of the Bible usually places a heading over Hebrews with the words, “The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews.” However, that attribution was not part of the original document of Hebrews, but was added several hundred years later by scribes copying the book who believed Paul to be the author. Although the title ‘To the Hebrews’ goes back to the second century, it was probably not part of the original text. However, most commentators argue that it points us in the right direction. At the same time, Hebrews is a book with a degree of mystery about it. There are questions regarding the author, the addresses, the date it was written, and the occasion of the writing. Even the title “to [the] Hebrews” (Pros Ebraious) is questionable. Though this title can be traced back to the second century, it was likely not a part of the original letter. The title “To the Hebrews” designates Jews in distinction from Gentiles. This title was not originally a part of the letter. It may have been added in the second century, when the letters of the New Testament were assembled into a collection. It has been suggested that the title “To The Hebrews” was written on the outside of the script rolls to identify the document as the letter we know as the Letter to the Hebrews.

THE BACKGROU ND TO HEBR EWS In the King James Version and the English Revised Version the title of this book describes it as “the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews.” Modern scholarship has disputed the applicability of every word of this title. Neither does it appear in the oldest manuscripts, where we find simply “to Hebrews” (Grk: pros Hebraious). This, too, [the title: to Hebrews] seems to have been prefixed to the original writing by a collector or copyist. It is too vague and general for the author to have used it. And there is nothing in the body of the book which affirms any part of either title. Even the shorter title was an inference from the general character of the writing. No question arises, at least directly, of pseudonymity either of author or of readers, for both are anonymous. For the purpose of tracing the history and interpreting the meaning of the book, the absence of a title, or of any definite historical data, is a disadvantage. We are left to infer its historical context from a few fragments of uncertain tradition, and from such general references to historical conditions as the document itself contains. Where no date, name or well-known event is fixed, it becomes impossible to decide, among many possibilities, what known historical conditions, if any, are pre-supposed. Yet this very fact, of the book’s detachment from personal and historical incidents, renders it more self-contained, and its exegesis less dependent upon understanding the exact historical situation. But its general relation to the thought of its time must be taken into account if we are to understand it at all. The identity of the first readers of Hebrews is, if possible, more obscure than that of the author. It was written to Christians, and to a specific body or group of Christians. The title “to Hebrews” might mean properly Palestinian Jews who spoke the Hebrew language, but the fact that the epistle was written in Greek excludes that supposition. It therefore meant Christians of Jewish origin, and gives no indication of their place of residence.

18 The title represents an early inference drawn from the contents of the document, and the tradition it embodies was unanimously accepted from the 2nd century down to the early part of the last century. Now, however, a considerable body of critics hold that the original readers were Gentiles. The question is entirely one of inference from the contents of the epistle itself.

The Recipients: Who Was Hebrews Written to? Brief synopsis • Nothing in the document itself reveals who it was for. • Nothing reveals where the recipients were located. Conclusion: The scholars et al are left with guesswork as the main tool to answer this question. No one knows.

COMMENTATORS AND CRITICS NOTES ON THE RECIPIENTS

If the title is allowed to be genuine or a fair interpretation of the Epistle, then it is addressed to Jewish (Hebrew) Christians in a local church somewhere. Dr. James Moffatt in his Commentary (pp. xv to xvii) challenges the title and insists that the book is written for Gentile Christians as truly as First Peter. He argues this largely from the author’s use of the Septuagint. …we really do not know where the church was. Apparently the author is in Italy when he writes (13:24), though “they of Italy” [hoi apo tēs Italias]) can mean those who have come from Italy. These Jewish Christians may even have lived in Rome itself. Yet the book begins in a formal way (1:1–4), with no word as to who the author is or to whom he is writing, and with no hint of the relationship between them. Having said this much, it is difficult to be certain about the exact location

THE BACKGROU ND TO HEBR EWS of the first readers or about the precise form of Judaism from which they turned to Christ. They seem to have been Jews of the dispersion, rather than Jews from Palestine. Their Scriptures were most probably the OT in Greek, rather than in Hebrew. The expression ‘Those from Italy send you their greetings’ (13:24) probably means that certain Italian believers were with the writer and wanted to send a message to those located somewhere in their homeland. More specifically, it is arguable that the recipients were a Jewish section of the Christian community in Rome. It is remarkable that all the quotations from the Old Testament, excepting two (Heb 10:30; 13:5), are taken from the Septuagint. The fact that the peculiarities of the Septuagint are interwoven into the argument proves that the Greek Epistle is an original, not a translation; had the original been Hebrew, the quotations would have been from the Hebrew Old Testament. Calvin observes, If the Epistle had been written in Hebrew, Heb 9:15– 17 would lose all its point, which consists in the play upon the double meaning of the Greek “diathece,” a “covenant,” or a “testament,” whereas the Hebrew “berith” means only “covenant.” He does not write to the rulers of the Jewish Christians, for in fact there was no exclusively Jewish Church; and his Epistle, though primarily addressed to the Palestinian Jews, was intended to include the Hebrews of all adjoining churches. The use of Greek rather than Hebrew is doubtless due to the Epistle being intended, not merely for the Hebrew, but for the Hellenistic Jew converts, not only in Palestine, but elsewhere; a view confirmed by the use of the Septuagint. Bengel thinks, probably (compare 2 Pe 3:15, 16, explained above), the Jews primarily, though not exclusively, addressed, were those who had left Jerusalem on account of the war and were settled in Asia Minor. Since there is no greeting at the outset of the letter which identifies the original recipients, who they were can only be inferred from the internal

20 evidence within the letter itself. The entire letter indicates the original recipients were a group of Jewish Christians who had endured persecution and who were therefore considering giving up their Christian faith to return to Judaism. The writer was evidently a man of culture, who had a masterly command of the Greek language. The theory of Clement of Alexandria, that the work was a translation from Hebrew, was merely an inference from the supposition that it was first addressed to Hebrew-speaking Christians. It bears none of the marks of a translation. It is written in pure idiomatic Greek. The writer had an intimate knowledge of the Septuagint, and was familiar with Jewish life. That Paul wrote in Hebrew was assumed from the tradition or inference that the letter was addressed to Aramaic-speaking Hebrews. Clement also had noticed the dissimilarity of its Greek from that of Paul’s epistles, and thought he found a resemblance to that of Acts. Now, however, a considerable body of critics hold that the original readers were Gentiles. The question is entirely one of inference from the contents of the epistle itself. The old tradition that the readers were Jews claims some more definite support from the epistle itself. The writer assumes an intimate knowledge of the Old Testament and of Jewish ceremonial on their part. The fathers of the Hebrew race are also their fathers (Heb 1:1; 3:9). The humanity that Christ assumed and redeemed is called “the seed of Abraham” (Heb 2:16). All this, however, might stand in reference to a Gentile church, for the early Christians, without distinction of race, regarded themselves as the true Israel and heirs of the Hebrew revelation, and of all that related to it (1 Cor 10:1; Gal 3:7 ff; 4:21 ff; Rom 4:11-18). There is force in Zahn’s argument that “Hebrews does not contain a single sentence in which it is so much as intimated that the readers became members of God’s people who descended from Abraham, and heirs of the promise given to them and their forefathers, and how they became such”

THE BACKGROU ND TO HEBR EWS (Intro to New Testament, II, 323). Zahn further finds a direct proof in Heb 13:13 that “both the readers and the author belong to the Jewish people,” which he interprets as “meaning that the readers were to renounce fellowship with the Jewish people who had rejected Jesus, to confess the crucified Jesus, and to take upon themselves all the ignominy that Jesus met at the hands of his countrymen” There is otherwise no evidence that the apostasy, of which the readers stood in danger, was into Judaism, but it was rather a general unbelief and “falling away from the living God” (3:12). It is the whole argument of the epistle, rather than any special references, that produced the tradition, and supports the view that the readers were Jews. The entire message of the epistle, the dominant claims of Christ and of the Christian faith, rests upon the supposition that the readers held Moses, Aaron, the Jewish priesthood, the old Covenant and the Levitical ritual, in the highest esteem. The question of the locality of these “Hebrews” remains a matter for mere conjecture. Jerusalem, Alexandria, Rome, Antioch, Colosse, Ephesus, Berea, Ravenna and other places have been suggested. Tradition, since Clement of Alexandria, fixed on Jerusalem, but on the untenable ground that the letter was written to Aramaic-speaking Jews. The undisputed fact that it was written in Greek tells against Jerusalem. So does the absence of all reference to the temple ritual, and the mention of almsgiving as the chief grace of the “Hebrews” (6:10). Jerusalem received rather than gave alms. Nor is it likely that all the personal disciples of the Lord would have died out in Jerusalem (2:3). And it could not be charged against the mother church that it had produced no teachers (5:12). These points also tell with almost equal force against any Palestinian locality. But this view does not, as von Soden thinks, explain any coincidences between Hebrews and Romans. A Roman origin might. It could explain the use of Hebrews by Clement. But the letter might also have come to

22 Rome by Clement’s time, even though it was originally sent elsewhere. The slender arguments in favor of Rome find favor chiefly because no arguments can be adduced in favor of any other place. Rome has lately found much favor. We first learn of the existence of the letter at Rome. The phrase “they of Italy salute you” (Heb 13:24) implies that either the writer or his readers were in Italy. It may be more natural to think of the writer, with a small group of Italian friends away from home, sending greetings to Italy, than to suppose that a greeting from Italy generally was sent to a church at a distance. It is probable that a body of Jewish Christians existed in Rome, as in other large cities of the Empire. The readers had been converted by personal disciples of the Lord (Heb 2:3). They did not, therefore, belong to the earliest group of Christians. But it is not necessary to suppose a long interval between the Lord’s ascension and their conversion. The disciples were scattered widely from Jerusalem by the persecution that followed the death of Stephen (Acts 8:1). “We may well believe that the vigorous preaching of Stephen would set a wave in motion which would be felt even at Rome” (Sanday, Romans, xxviii). But when it is remembered that in some part of the Empire Christians were almost always under persecution, and that the locale of these readers is very uncertain, these last criteria do not justify any dogmatizing.

The Purpose For The Book Of Hebrews Scholars, commentators and theologians are hard pressed to find a practical application for Hebrews. They lean towards trying to establish who it is written to, where and when etc in order to establish the motive. Presuming that it is written to ‘Jewish’ Christians they then accept the logic that the recipients are in need of ‘serious exhortation to bolster their spiritual condition in not turning back towards Judaism’. However, there is a greater proportion of these same people arguing ‘falling away back to Judaism’ is not relevant. That leaves the ‘law being done away’ as the default position.

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Conclusion: No defined purpose is recognised.

COMMENTATORS AND CRITICS NOTES ON THE PURPOSE OF HEBREWS

The author states it repeatedly. He urges the Jewish Christians to hold fast the confession which they have made in Jesus as Messiah and Saviour. Their Jewish neighbours have urged them to give up Christ and Christianity and to come back to Judaism. The Judaizers tried to make Jews out of Gentile Christians and to fasten Judaism upon Christianity with a purely sacramental type of religion as the result. Paul won freedom for evangelical and spiritual Christianity against the Judaizers as shown in the Corinthian Epistles, Galatians, and Romans. The Gnostics in subtle fashion tried to dilute Christianity with their philosophy and esoteric mysteries and here again Paul won his fight for the supremacy of Christ over all these imaginary [aeons] (Colossians and Ephesians). But in Hebrews the author is battling to stop a stampede from Christ back to Judaism, a revolt (apostasy) in truth from the living God. These Jews argued that the prophets were superior to Jesus, the law came by the ministry of angels, Moses was greater than Jesus, and Aaron than Jesus. The author turns the argument on the Jews and boldly champions the Glory of Jesus as superior at every point to all that Judaism had, as God’s Son and man’s Saviour, the crown and glory of the Old Testament prophecy, the hope of mankind. It is the first great apologetic for Christianity and has never been surpassed. Moffatt terms it “a profound homily.” The identity of the first readers of Hebrews is, if possible, more obscure than that of the author. It was written to Christians, and to a specific body or group of Christians (see I above). The title “to Hebrews” might mean properly Palestinian Jews who spoke the Hebrew language, but the fact that the epistle was written in Greek excludes that supposition. It therefore meant Christians of Jewish origin, and gives no indication of their place of residence. The title represents an early inference drawn from the contents of the

24 document, and the tradition it embodies was unanimously accepted from the 2nd century down to the early part of the last century. Now, however, a considerable body of critics hold that the original readers were Gentiles. The question is entirely one of inference from the contents of the epistle itself. The readers, like the writer, received the gospel first from “them that heard” (Heb 2:3), from the personal disciples of the Lord, but they were not of their number. They had witnessed “signs and wonders” and “manifold powers” and “gifts of the Holy Spirit” (Heb 2:4). Their conversion had been thorough, and their faith and Christian life had been of a high order. They had a sound knowledge of the first principles of Christ (Heb 6:1 ff). They had become “partakers of Christ,” and had need only to “hold fast the beginning of (their) confidence firm unto the end” (Heb 3:14). They had been fruitful in good works, ministering unto the saints (Heb 6:10), enduring suffering and persecution, and sympathising with whose who were imprisoned (Heb 10:32-34). While they should have been teachers, they have become dull of hearing, and have need again to be taught the rudiments of the first principles of the gospel (Heb 5:12), and they are in danger of a great apostasy from the faith. They need warning against “an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God” (Heb 3:12). They are become sluggish (Heb 6:12), profane like Esau (Heb 12:16), worldly minded (Heb 13:5). Perhaps their religion was tending toward a false asceticism and outward works (Heb 13:4,9). And now that this moral dulness and spiritual indifference had fallen upon them, they are being subjected to a new test by persecution from outside (Heb 10:36; 12:4), which renders the danger of their falling away from the faith all the more imminent. The author apparently bases his claim to warn them on the fact that he had been a teacher among them, and hoped soon to return to them (Heb 13:18 f). The same might be said perhaps of Timothy (Heb 13:23). Both author and readers had friends in Italy (Heb 13:24) who were with the author when he wrote, either in Italy saluting the readers outside, or outside, saluting the readers in Italy. In all this there is little or nothing to help to fix the destination of the letter, for it might be true

THE BACKGROU ND TO HEBR EWS at some time or other of any church. Still there is force in Zahn’s argument that “Hebrews does not contain a single sentence in which it is so much as intimated that the readers became members of God’s people who descended from Abraham, and heirs of the promise given to them and their forefathers, and how they became such” (Intro to New Testament, II, 323) There is otherwise no evidence that the apostasy, of which the readers stood in danger, was into Judaism, but it was rather a general unbelief and “falling away from the living God” (3:12). It is the whole argument of the epistle, rather than any special references, that produced the tradition, and supports the view, that the readers were Jews. The entire message of the epistle, the dominant claims of Christ and of the Christian faith, rests upon the supposition that the readers held Moses, Aaron, the Jewish priesthood, the old Covenant and the Levitical ritual, in the highest esteem. The question of the locality of these “Hebrews” remains a matter for mere conjecture. Jerusalem, Alexandria, Rome, Antioch, Colosse, Ephesus, Berea, Ravenna and other places have been suggested. Tradition, since Clement of Alexandria, fixed on Jerusalem, but on the untenable ground that the letter was written to Aramaic-speaking Jews. The undisputed fact that it was written in Greek tells against Jerusalem. So does the absence of all reference to the temple ritual, and the mention of almsgiving as the chief grace of the “Hebrews” (6:10). Jerusalem received rather than gave alms. Nor is it likely that all the personal disciples of the Lord would have died out in Jerusalem (2:3). And it could not be charged against the mother church that it had produced no teachers (5:12). These points also tell with almost equal force against any Palestinian locality. It has been argued that the letter must have been written before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, because in writing to a Jewish community, and especially in dealing with Jewish ritual, the writer would have referred

26 to that event, if it had happened. This point would be relevant, if the letter had been addressed to Jerusalem, which is highly improbable. But, at a distance, an author so utterly unconcerned with contemporary history could easily have omitted mention of even so important a fact. For in fact the author never mentions the temple or its ritual. His system is that of the tabernacle of the Old Testament and of Jewish tradition. The writer’s interest is not in historical Judaism, and his omission to mention the great catastrophe does not prove that it had not occurred. The use of the present tense of the ritual does not imply its present continuance. “The present expresses the fact that so it is enjoined in the law, the past that with the founding of the New Covenant the old had been abolished” (Peake, Hebrews, 39). Having said this much, it is difficult to be certain about the exact location of the first readers or about the precise form of Judaism from which they turned to Christ. They seem to have been Jews of the dispersion, rather than Jews from Palestine. Their Scriptures were most probably the OT in Greek, rather than in Hebrew. The expression ‘Those from Italy send you their greetings’ (13:24) probably means that certain Italian believers were with the writer and wanted to send a message to those located somewhere in their homeland. More specifically, it is arguable that the recipients were a Jewish section of the Christian community in Rome. In 5:9–10 the theme of the third main section of Hebrews is announced: Jesus the perfected high priest in the order of Melchizedek and source of eternal salvation. Before the writer engages in an exposition of these great themes, he warns the readers about becoming sluggish and unwilling to grow into maturity in Christ (5:11–6:20). Clearly the intention is to motivate them to take note of the teaching that follows and to apply it to their own situation. This leads to an explanation of what it means to call Jesus high priest ‘in the order of Melchizedek’ (7:1–28). In broad terms, chs. 8–9 show how the ‘perfecting’ of Jesus as high priest, in his suffering, death and heavenly exaltation, leads to the perfection of the new covenant for believers. Then the writer develops the notion that Jesus is ‘the source of eternal salvation’ in 10:1–18.

THE BACKGROU ND TO HEBR EWS

This conception of Christ as our Priest who offered himself on the Cross and as our Advocate with the Father runs all through the New Testament (Mark 10:46; Matt. 20:28; John 10:17; Matt. 26:28; Rom. 8:32; 1 Peter 1:18f.; 1 John 2:1f.; Rev. 5:9, etc.). But it is in Hebrews that we have the full-length portrait of Jesus Christ as our Priest and Redeemer. The Glory of Jesus runs through the whole book. Who were the addressees? As the title “To the Hebrews” suggests, they are Jewish Christians, who in all likelihood were living in Jerusalem and the environs of Judea. Having studied the matter at length, Moses Stuart wrote: “In ancient times, so far as I have been able to discover, there was but one opinion on this subject; and this has been adopted and defended by a majority of distinguished critics [commentators], in modern and recent times. This opinion is, that the epistle was addressed to the Hebrew church of Palestine.”[55] These were Jews who had made a profession of faith in Christ, but were now in danger of wavering in their faith, and falling away (3:12-4:16). They are exhorted to “hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end” (3:6), and to “press on to maturity” (6:1). These Hebrews were undergoing persecution for their faith (12:1-4), and were in need of exhortation (13:22).

The Date

• Clement of Rome refers to the document in 96 AD. • It is universally acknowledged that it was written after 50 AD

Conclusion: No dating for practical use is available. COMMENTATORS AND CRITICS NOTES ON THE DATE

It has been argued that the letter must have been written before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, because in writing to a Jewish community, and especially in dealing with Jewish ritual, the writer would have referred to that event, if it had happened. This point would be relevant if the letter had been addressed to Jerusalem, which is highly improbable. But, at a distance, an author so utterly unconcerned with contemporary history could easily have omitted mention of even so important a fact.

28 For in fact the author never mentions the temple or its ritual. His system is that of the tabernacle of the Old Testament and of Jewish tradition. The writer’s interest is not in historical Judaism, and his omission to mention the great catastrophe does not prove that it had not occurred. The use of the present tense of the ritual does not imply its present continuance. “The present expresses the fact that so it is enjoined in the law, the past that with the founding of the New Covenant the old had been abolished” (Peake, Hebrews, 39).

OV ER A L CONCLUSION Author. No author can be substantiated. Title. No title came with this document. Recipients. Who it was sent to is unknown. Purpose. No purpose for writing this document is obvious. Date. A date, if that would serve a purpose, is not available. A ‘watchamacallit’ When archaeologists excavate a fragment of pottery ware, no more than a sherd, they have a quandary. Something more is needed to identify the object it came from; a handle, or a turned out rim. A patch of coloured glaze, tool marks, anything that demonstrates a further clue to the age, date, form and function of the item. Without any of these additions, the article still remains an unidentified ‘watchamacallit’. Hebrews though being far more than a ‘fragment’, still comes without any of the traditional identifying aids. The need to establish the precise content of Hebrews, its function and message is still there. Speculation and assumption is still the foundation of all that is applied to this book. As time has gone by the fact that our understanding is based on guesswork has been forgotten. Hebrews still has surprises to deliver.

THE BACKGROU ND TO HEBR EWS

SUMM A RY FOR THE BACKGROUND TO HEBR EWS

When Silence Says It All ‘If you do not understand God’s silence, you will not understand His words’. This paraphrase of Hubbard’s quote goes straight to the core of what Hebrews is ‘telling’ us. (“He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words.” – Elbert Hubbard) Silence is a very active part of communication. Most commonly it is used where a speaker is allowing his listener to fill in their own thoughts. God’s silence in Hebrews has been performed with great care and deliberation. The highly irregular nature in the way Hebrews is presented means one thing: a very deliberate act on God’s behalf to, in some way, exact a more focused awareness of this document. • God is the real author of all the bible. • Since Christ said not one ‘jot or tittle’ should be altered, it is clear God has provided us with exactly what He intended. Just as it comes, no more, no less; it is the complete document. All that is not supposed to be there, is strictly not there.

Flagged God in effect has ‘flagged’ this book and left a discretionary note ‘only for those that have eyes to see, and ears to hear’. All previous assumptions, who, why, what, when etc need to be discarded and a complete rethink applied to Hebrews. Without traditional anchor points, Hebrews in effect has become very ‘flexible’. It can be moulded to fit many interpretations, mainstream having chosen the ‘law being done away’ as its central theme. Established reasoning will be based on certain assumptions, for instance, who it was intended for. If they are stripped away, completely new answers need to be found. The most popular purpose for Hebrews within the Church is that it was written before Jerusalem and the Temple fell to Titus in the early seventies AD. The Church members in Jerusalem needed a morale boost to compensate for the loss of their traditional foundation.

30 The commentators argue no date can be applied so we are left with only a presumption that it was written in the sixties. The name of the book – Hebrews (no name existed) cannot be used to assume it was written to Hebrew people. The ground for the traditional Church teaching becomes shaky so should be counted as invalid. Almost unanimously, commentators present reasons for Hebrews not being written to Palastinian ex Jewish Church members. Members in Rome as recipients are a better alternative. Additional reasons from internal material in Hebrews also would show the fall of the Temple would be an invalid reason for the book. Hebrews states the Church members had endured incredible hardship and persecution, some had died for their belief. These were deeply converted Church members full of God’s spirit, with many years behind them to adjust to the real truth. The fall of the Temple and what it stood for would not be relevant to them, just as it would not be to us. They had moved on, in most cases with far more conviction in their faith than we demonstrate today. The traditional Church sermons going down this road hold no water. Without a definitive purpose under their belts, even the Church mixes and matches passages to suit their needs. Examples are the treatment of the ‘Sabbath’ being in force from chapter 4 and attending ‘services’ in chapter 10. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

Heb 4:9

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Heb 10:25

Chapter 4 is about entering the ‘rest’ God has planned for the ‘partakers of the heavenly calling’ 3:1. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end 3:14. Those successful in holding this ‘confidence’ will enter the ‘rest’. This has no direct connection in explaining the Sabbath is still a current requirement for Christianity. (Sabbatismos is not an actual Greek word, the author ‘coined’ this usage.) The context of verse 25 from Chapter 10, (a pivotal passage dealt with in detail later) can be determined by the last half of the verse and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. This indicates something more inline with the return of Christ. The phrase ‘the assembling of ourselves’ in the Greek is used only once elsewhere in the NT, in 2 Thess 2:1

THE BACKGROU ND TO HEBR EWS

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him. Here the same words used in Hebrews are indeed to do with the first resurrection and the return of Christ, the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;gatheringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to Him.

The need to understand the message in Hebrews is paramount. The underlying purpose is not going to be an obvious one; we can see how God has taken many steps to deliberately hide an obvious meaning, except from those that are the intended recipients.

32 CH A PTER 2

Hebrews: One Subject In Two Parts PA RT ONE: THE MELCHISEDEC OR DER As we read the opening chapters of Hebrews where is it taking us? As we have read the commentators are not too sure. Chapter eight answers that question for us. As a summary of all the seven previous chapters, God now informs us what the point is He wants to get across. This portion of Hebrews forms the first part of the overall purpose which will culminate in chapter 10.

‘Of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum’… First Point:

The book of Hebrews introduces us to the Melchisedec Order. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. Heb 7:15 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. Heb 8:5

HEBR EWS: ONE SUBJECT IN T WO PA RTS

( Note: This is an additional priestly order during the Millennium as descendants of Zadoc will head the Levitical Priesthood. (These descendants come out from the captivity of the end time when the nations of Israel are being regathered: For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many. … it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. … And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD. 21 And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD. Isa 66:16,21)

The Melchisedec Order with Christ as the High Priest, is the ultimate reality of the pattern instituted by Moses and Aaron. Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. Heb 8:5

Second Point:

The Melchisedec Order, the ‘more excellent ministry’ is to establish a new covenant with Israel and Judah. But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Heb 8:6

These are the two points that are stated as the ‘sum’ of the chapters up to this stage. More detail on each item will follow. The first order of business, the stated priority of the Melchisedec Order, as recounted in these verses is the New Covenant with Israel. This will only be possible when Israel reaches the point of ‘weeping, seeking to make a perpetual covenant that shall never be forgotten’. Jer 50:4

34 Are the two points mentioned the entirety of what Hebrews is about? Or, are these just the starting point? At this point it helps to go back to what was said in the introduction. To unlock this book, it should be realised it will not happen by perpetuating the same traditional reasoning. Remember Einstein’s definition of insanity: ‘doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result’.

The Melchisedec Order The Melchisedec Order mentions only a High Priest at this point in Hebrews. There are no other priests mentioned here. An ‘Order’ suggests more than one member. A ‘minister of the sanctuary’ and ‘true tabernacle’ also add weight to the thought of more than one member. Does scripture indicate other members of this Order? … this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. Heb 8:5 With the ‘sum’ of Hebrews having been stated, God’s Word now answers the detail of who makes up this Order. Not in one sentence or one verse, but systematically laid out within the same book. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Heb 2:11

Christ (Melchisedec High Priest) and those He sanctifies are one and same. Of the same order: the Melchisedec Order. Christ is ‘not ashamed’ to call them by the same name as Himself – the Melchisedec Order. But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Heb 3:6 Whatever house Christ is part of – so are they that comply with the condition

HEBR EWS: ONE SUBJECT IN T WO PA RTS

imposed – of the same house. The Melchisedec Order. Repeated again v14. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. Heb 3:14 If compliance with the precondition is met – those that qualify partake of what Christ partakes of – the Melchisedec Order. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (So great a salvation) Heb 1:13 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; Heb 2:3 For forty days Christ spoke about the kingdom of God to his disciples after His resurrection. Acts 1:3. The disciples justifiable response after forty days of intense tuition on the subject was ‘are You going to start the kingdom now’? The context of this passage in Hebrews demonstrates they did have an understanding of the Melchisedec Order, they were being offered ‘so great a salvation’, knowledge gained during the forty days of training on the KOG. (More detail on the 40 days in the ‘Pattern of the 120’ towards the end of the book). Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest (Melchisedec) of our profession, Christ Jesus; Heb 3:1 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Heb 6:17

36 This passage deserves close attention. It would also mirror sentiments of those that had been present during the forty days of special training for the KOG. Those that ‘serve the living God’ have an absolute certainty of receiving ‘the promise’ who despite what ever hardship is faced ‘flee to the refuge of hope’ which hope when fulfilled will see their entering ‘within the veil’ where Christ has blazed the trail for us and already entered. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Heb 9:14 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Heb 9:24

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) Heb 10:19 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Heb 2:10

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Rev 3:21 Summary: The Bride of Christ, the firstfruits are members of the Melchisedec Order, not the regular Priesthood (Levitical). The levitical priesthood presides over the nations of Israel during the Millennium. The Melchisedec Order prevails over everything.

HEBR EWS: ONE SUBJECT IN T WO PA RTS

My Rest – A Pattern Of Christ’s Spiritual Destination Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest. Heb 3:10 (‘My rest’ being Christ’s final destination, the Melchisedec Priesthood).

And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. Heb 3:18 – 4:1 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. Heb 4:4 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief… Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Heb 4:11, 14 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Heb 1:4 The more excellent name is Melchisedec. And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world. Heb 1:6 Christ (the Melchisedec High Priest) is the first begotten – the first of others – into the Melchisedec Order. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

38 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:3

But Firstâ&#x20AC;Ś The Melchisedec Order is an additional priestly order during the Millennium. The descendants of Zadoc will head a reinstated and remodelled Levitical Priesthood. It is important (critical) to fully understand the implications of a secondary Priesthood that bears the day-to-day responsibilities of teaching, training and administering to the people of the Millennium. Much of the Church teaching, particularly on the role of the Bride during the Millennium will need to be revised. The new Levitical Priesthood: Ezekiel 44 The Ezekiel Temple is for the future. The size of the Temple itself and the environs are such that it is impossible to fit this into existing or past dimensions. The fact that all twelve tribes are to be living side by side places this distinctly in the Millennium.

The New Priesthood The priesthood that presides over Israel (and the world) will be composed of those brought back from the captivity of Israel, not the resurrected Firstfruits. And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites. For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. 16 For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many. 17 They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD. 18 For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. 19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and

HEBR EWS: ONE SUBJECT IN T WO PA RTS

Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles. 20 And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD. 21 And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD. Isa 66:15 Levites Back For Duty But Demoted And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity. 11 Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having charge at the gates of the house, and ministering to the house: they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister unto them. 12 Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted up mine hand against them, saith the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their iniquity. 13 And they shall not come near unto me, to do the office of a priest unto me, nor to come near to any of my holy things, in the most holy place: but they shall bear their shame, and their abominations which they have committed. 14 But I will make them keepers of the charge of the house, for all the service thereof, and for all that shall be done therein. Ezek 44:10

Zadokâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Descendants Administering The Millennium But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister unto me, and they shall stand before me to offer unto me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord GOD: 16 They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge. Ezek 44:15 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. 24 And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths. Ezek 44:23

A R E W E CA LLED FOR SA LVATION?

Some Better Thing For Us – The Better Resurrection A habit has formed within the Church to speak about our calling in terms of salvation. Are we called to salvation? The entire world, past and future are destined to receive salvation more clearly described as eternal life. The bible refers to ‘in their order’, a sequence of events for this to eventuate. Are the firstfruits just the ‘first’ to receive eternal life or is there something more being offered? How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation;

Heb 2:3

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling.

Heb 3:1

(Of whom the world was not worthy:)… God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. Heb 11:40 …that they might obtain a better resurrection.

Heb 11:35

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Heb 12:1 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Heb 11:16 …that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Heb 12:10

Some conditions that apply • Our personal lives are of no consequence. We must be prepared to give everything ‘to be a disciple’ if required .

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And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.… For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Luke 12:22, 47 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Luke 14:26 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. 34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Luke 14:33 • It is impossible to please God without demonstrating faith. That implies it will be tested. • The warnings in Hebrews not to fail implies something important depends on the action of those called. Malachi states the entire plan of God for humanity could be drastically curtailed under certain circumstances. • The firstfruits will become joint heirs with Christ. Grace covers our initial calling. From thereon it is up to us. • If we did not understand the full implications of this calling, are we forced to follow through and will we still be held responsible? See: The Milk of The Word. • Bottom line: many are called but only a few will be chosen. (The real bottom line is love. Love for the Father and Christ, not wanting to let them down. And love for our fellow man, wanting the best for them, these are the ones that ‘serve God’).

Summary for the Part One:

A lot of emphasis, a lot of exhortation and tough talking is involved with our calling. Putting it all together, we are not called for regular salvation as such. The Melchisedec Order is the supreme Household of God the Father; a vastly superior,

42 much higher ranking calling than to ‘salvation’. The Wave Sheaf Offering is the ‘package’ that embraces all the significance of the calling of the Firstfruits. (Covered in more detail later). ‘For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren’ Heb 2:11

PA RT T WO: THE NEW COV ENA NT W ITH ISR A EL In Hebrews 8, the Melchisedec Order, ‘whose house are we, ‘ the ‘more excellent ministry’ is responsible for the New Covenant with Israel. But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. The New Covenant is clearly stated as being with the nations of Israel. The entire Old Testament anticipates this event. The New Testament completely backs up the same ambition. After forty days of what we presume was intensive coaching on the subject of the Kingdom of God, the disciples would have had a very good grasp on what the subject entailed. They immediately asked if the Kingdom was to be given to Israel there and then. We can understand from this that Israel had been the focus of the forty days discussion on the KOG. To say the least, Peter and all the other disciples were fired up and ready to get on with the ‘job’ ten days later at Pentecost. A lot can be drawn from this passage in Acts 1. Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him,

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saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9… while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10…, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? Acts 1:2 • 40 days of specific teaching on the KOG (that would have centred around the subject of Israel) • You will receive ‘power’ – to be witnesses on this subject to the uttermost parts of the earth. At that time the known earth was basically the Roman Empire. • As Christ disappeared out of sight an angel said ‘why are you standing around, there is work to do’. • Ten days later they were well and truly on the job. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Acts 2:22

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:36 These same disciples, aided by the ‘power’ given them, singlehandedly brought the entire nations of Israel (at this time all of whom were within the horizon of the Roman Empire) back from paganism to be under God’s word and God’s law. So effective were their efforts, the Israelite nations remained Christian for two thousand years. Only now are they once more abandoning God. That was the early disciples contribution, now we are learning about ours. Some additional NT verses: And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in

44 the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matt 19:28 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. Rom 11:26 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. Acts 28:20 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Matt 10:6

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matt 15:24

A short selection of the verses spanning the OT demonstrating the future intent of God toward Israel in giving them a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;New Covenantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; 31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them. Deut 4:30 That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee. 4 If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee: 5 And the LORD thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers. 6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. Deut 30:3 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: 20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. Ezek 11:19

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Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; 7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isa 43:5 Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me. 22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. Isa 44:21 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. 21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever. Isa 59:20 At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart. Jer 3:17 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; 15 But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers. Jer 16:14 For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up. 7 And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. Jer 24:6 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the

46 house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

Jer 31:31

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. Jer 33:14 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: 20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. Ezek 11:19 Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant. Ezek 16:60 And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have wrought with you for my nameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD. Ezek 20:44 Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob. Ezek 28:25

And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. Ezek 34:25

Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy nameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. 23 And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. 24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Ezek 36:22

And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with

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the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely. 19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. 20 I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD. 21 And it shall come to pass in that day, I will hear, saith the LORD, I will hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth; 22 And the earth shall hear the corn, and the wine, and the oil; and they shall hear Jezreel. 23 And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God. Hos 2:18 And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them. Zech 10:6 All these passages and there are many more, lead us to understand God has an undeniable consuming passion with and for Israel. Because God does this for His own purpose, it is not dependant on Israel ‘spending generations’ in time making up their mind to be faithful to God. Later it will become clear that the overall Day of the Lord is structured to ensure Israel falls in line with God’s will, at a national level not an individual basis. First we need to be clear that the New Covenant with Israel is a specific event. This will allow us to have a much clearer perspective to why God phrases particular verses the way He does.

THE NEW COV ENA NT: A SPECIFIC EV ENT TA K ING PL ACE AT THE CULMINATION OF THE ‘END TIME’

The Time Of Jacob’s Trouble: Israel being taken into captivity There are two distinctions to be made for Israel as far as captivity is concerned. The two tribes of Joseph (Manasseh and Ephraim) and Judah are one division. God sends them out of their homelands into captivity. The remaining nine tribes in continental Europe are dealt with separately, they

48 will contend with the Beast; a different form of ‘captivity’ that is no easier to deal with or experience.

House of Joseph and Judah.

America, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the modern nation of Israel are invaded and defeated, all falling within the duration of a single month period. Deportation into captivity and slavery follows. Joseph The Jeremiah 16 ‘fishers’ passage makes it clear virtually every single person will be taken into captivity, other verses state they will be removed to foreign lands. Captivity for Joseph will be via an ‘ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say’. Judah Judah falls at the hands of the Arab confederation, and particular mention is made of the fact that not a single Jew will be left in their homeland. Those that survive of Judah are taken into captivity in ‘Edom’.

The Fall of the House of Joseph And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them… They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions… Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke: among the tribes of Israel have I made known that which shall surely be. When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. Hosea 5:5 Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes. And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double;

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because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things. (Context: ‘all Israel’ v14) Jer 16:16 Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say. Their quiver is as an open sepulchre, they are all mighty men. And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, which thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword. Nevertheless in those days, saith the LORD, I will not make a full end with you. And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours. Declare this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah… Jer 5:14 The LORD shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone. And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead them. Deut 28:36 Additional scriptures for Israel (Joseph and Judah) being in captivity. Note: In a ‘land you know not’. For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it. And these are the words that the LORD spake concerning Israel and concerning Judah. For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. Jer 30:3 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The children of Israel and the children of Judah were oppressed together: and all that took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go. Jer 50:33

50 Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them. Thus saith the LORD; If my covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth; Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, so that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them. Jer 33:24 For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. Amos 9:9 …they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed. Amos 6:6 Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities… 11 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; An adversary there shall be even round about the land; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled. Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch. Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts, That in the day that I shall visit the transgressions of Israel upon him I will also visit the altars of Bethel: and the horns of the altar shall be cut off, and fall to the ground. Amos 3:2,11 The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains. Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee…24 Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses. Ezek 7:7, 24

But, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, O house of Israel, saith the LORD the God of hosts; and they shall afflict you from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of the wilderness. (From one end of the nation to the other) Amos 6:14

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Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God… At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD. Zeph 3:1, 20 For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever. In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them. (Arab nations taking Judah captive) Obadiah v11

The children also of Judah and the children of Jerusalem have ye sold unto the Grecians, that ye might remove them far from their border. Joel 3:6 Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence…14 So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath. Ezek 6:1, 14 Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not shew you favour. (Other gods: not the Beast) Jer 16:13

Judah into Captivity: specific verses Arab nations are responsible for the fall of Judah and their captivity; predominately in Edom. All scriptures are consistent with every Jew being removed out of their homeland in similar fashion to Joseph. (See a special section explaining the ‘half taken’ of Zech 14 in the Toolkit Manual. More information in Appendix) For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron: But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad. I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the

52 people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD. Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom: But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof: And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, Arab nations continues next ten verses Amos 1:1 Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompense me, swiftly and speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head; Because ye have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried into your temples my goodly pleasant things: The children also of Judah and the children of Jerusalem have ye sold unto the Grecians, that ye might remove them far from their border. Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them, and will return your recompence upon your own head: Joel 3:4 Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land. Joel 3:19

Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Psalm 83:1 The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edomâ&#x20AC;Ś 10 For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever. In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them. But thou shouldest not

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have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress. Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity; Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress. For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head. Obadiah vs1, 10 Note: Every last (Jewish) person was taken captive out of the land, i.e. those that did ‘remain’ were ‘delivered up’, therefore none were left remaining. The book of Obadiah continues on to make further mention of Arab indiscretion.

ISR A ELITE TR IBES OF CONTINENTA L EUROPE These are not in formal captivity but are ‘held under siege’ by the Beast. The net result is the same. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Rev 13:16

Anyone that chooses to not take the mark of the Beast will be unable to benefit from State allocation of resources. Not being able to conduct any financial transaction ultimately leaves them without any normal life support; housing, job or food. A repeat of Nazi style ghetto areas similar to the experiences of the Jews of WW2 are most likely. Virtual enemies of the state will be exploited (for as long as they can draw breath) as a labour source and any other perceived value. The only thing standing between them and certain ensuing death is to turn to God for protection. This will be augmented in the form of the vials poured on the Beast and his followers. The pattern is the same as for the Israelites, Moses and Pharaoh. Life for all the tribes of Israel will be equally difficult whether in the Beast territory

54 or not. The Jewish captives in Edom and the House of Joseph primarily in the Far East are no better or worse off. Turning to Christ is the only means by which they have a chance to survive. Ironically it is the followers of the Beast who will ultimately succumb.

Summary for the tribes of Israel in captivity All of the nations of Israel are under extreme pressure during the end time. They may be in different places under different circumstances yet the overall result is without turning to God they have no way of surviving. The ‘end of this age’ is distinctly aimed at bringing Israel to this position, it is the sole reason for the end time. God wants to move on with His program for man and Israel. We should pick up on His ‘intense interest’ which then becomes the prime factor in our response. Whilst in captivity God has taken steps to ensure Israel can both survive and grow into the knowledge of God. Primarily this is the function of the trumpets and vials that are repeating patterns set up in ancient Egypt with Moses, Pharaoh and Israel. Israel will be released from their ‘bondage’ and once more brought face to face with God where they will be offered ‘life, that they may have it more abundantly’.

Israel Brought Back Out From Captivity: “Surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out… I will…gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered” The regathering of all the tribes of Israel to the ‘promised land’. This will take place before Armageddon which becomes clear when all the relevant scriptures are placed together. As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you: And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out. Ezek 20:33 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The

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LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; 8 But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land. Jer 23:7 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, â&#x20AC;Ś but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God. Ezek 37:22 That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee. Deut 30:3 And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God. Amos 9:14 Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob. Ezek 28:25

And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first. And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me. Jer 33:7 At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD. Zeph 3:20 â&#x20AC;Śand I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring

56 you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive. Jer 29:14 The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf. They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of thee. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? Micah 7:16 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers. Jer 16:14 I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men. Micah 2:12 The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah. Zech 12:7 For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. Joel 3:1

This last verse introduces another facet to this subject. When all the nations of Israel are returned to the Middle East from wherever they were around the world, representatives of all nations are brought in tandem with them. This enormous gathering is referred to as the ‘wilderness of the people’. With this event the world is fast approaching the culmination of man’s rule over his ‘own dominion’. The fact is man owns nothing, God owns and controls it all and this fact is about to be made very clear.

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The Overall Picture At The Time Israel Is Returned To Its Land 1) The return of the Captives

Christ uses all force necessary causing the nations holding the Israelite captives to release them and provide passage in order for them to return to the Middle East. (As per the pattern of Moses and Pharaoh in Egypt). The degree of force Christ determines to use tells us this event is not after Armageddon when all resistance to Christ is finally dealt with. The ‘wilderness of the people’ is a great gathering of nations taking place. As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you: And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out. And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face. Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD. And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant: Ezek 20:33

For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. 16 For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many. … 18 For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. … 20 And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD. Isa 66:15

2) The gathering of ALL the nations, not just Israel.

…for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall

58 be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent. Zeph 3:8 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth. Isa 43:9

3) Christ ‘pleads’ with all flesh For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many. … I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. Isa 66:16 A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the LORD. Jer 25:31

The New Covenant A Future Event In Its Own Right This time it will be ‘forever’ but only after extreme measures. Christ died and shed His blood for this to take place. The Saints have given their lives for this cause. In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God. 5 They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten. Jer 50:4 The well known verse in Deuteronomy 30:19… ‘I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life’… is not only an historic event. If you read the context of the later chapters of Deuteronomy carefully; they are yet future! And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the

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curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee, 2 And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; 3 That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee. 4 If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee: 5 And the LORD thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers. Deut 30:1

This passage is set in a time, still future when the nations of Israel are brought back from captivity. The next verse is a clear New Covenant reference: And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. Deut 30:6

Most of Deuteronomy is dual in its time context right from chapter four. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; 31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them. Deut 4:30 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers. (Repeateed twice: Jer 16:14) Jer 23:7 A staggering series of events will transpire involving all nations, including Israel. God addresses the nations simultaneously. (Deut 29:14 ‘not with you only’…) God ‘pleads’ with the nations concerning Israel. They are told to accept that the Israelite nations are the new top nations they are going to be subservient to. Take it or leave it.

60 Having held these captives and despising them for many years the idea of their former slaves now being their masters does not go down well. Satan inspires many to attempt to destroy Israel (and Christ). For a moment, Israel seems defenceless (which they are) trapped, vulnerable and exposed in the valley of Jehoshaphat surrounded by many millions of heavily armed battle hardened warriors. What happens next is a repeat of the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of those that resist Christ. For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. Joel 3:1 His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. And ye shall flee to (through) the valley of the mountains. Zech 14:4 And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. Zech 14:12 Armageddon takes place. The enemies of Christ and Israel are defeated. Israel will ‘see the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore’ for seven months. … and they shall call it The valley of Hamongog. And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land. It shall be to them a renown the day that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord GOD. Ezek 39:11,12 I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them. So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward. Ezek 39:21

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The heathen shall know the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity… Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name; When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations; Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God. Ezek 39:23

More verses refer to Israel being ‘sanctified’ first.

UNDERSTA NDING THE EV ENTS LE A DING UP TO A ND INCLUDING A R M AGEDDON An astounding event took place that will be remembered by all through the remaining history of this world. This event is stated twice ( Jer 16:14, Jer 23:7 for emphasis). The details of what force was used is not mentioned, but all the nations holding Israelite captives felt ‘obliged’ to transport the millions of prisoners from all parts of the world to the Jerusalem area. This, in a time when resources are extremely scarce due to the war efforts and logistical disruptions of the end time, would have cost the captors dearly. Fact 1: The Israelite nations underwent an extreme experience never, ever to be forgotten being repatriated to the promised land. Slaves one moment, God’s people the next. Fact 2: They are transported directly into a conflagration, a flashpoint where all nations are being hauled over the coals by God. Fact 3: Israel is told they can be God’s special people if they obey Him. THEY AGREE. (They were ‘begging’ to do so beforehand Jer 50:4) The rest of the world’s nations are told they have to obey Israel. Most do not agree. Fact 4: Mountains split apart as did the Red sea. Fact 5: A slaughter of unfathomable means unfolds right under the eyes of Israel. Fact 6: Israel, as if they could forget, are to spend the next seven months

62 burying the remains of those that refused to obey God. (And remembering with each and every shovelful what happens when you do). Question: Is there one single Israelite alive that would not obey God from that moment! I would like to ask that question again, because it has deep consequences in understanding the responsibility of those that wish to become the firstfruits to God, the Bride of Christ: Is there ANY possibility that even ONE single Israelite alive would not obey God from that moment on? In the next chapter; the real purpose of Hebrews, the reason for asking this question will be transparent. The New Covenant is now for all intents and purposes in effect. All that remains for the formal arrangements is the actual ceremony. When a reigning monarch dies, immediately the cry goes out the ‘king is dead, long live the king’. Technically as soon as one defining moment has passed, another begins. In this case despite the new king having succeeded to the throne, the formal arrangements will wait for the coronation ceremony. “The driving away of the second live goat shows the final atonement, by placing the sins on their author where they belong, and the complete removal of the sins and their author from the presence of God and His people and thus the complete deliverance of the people from the power of Satan”. H.W. Armstrong. Pagan Holidays or God’s Holy Days Which?

Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. 23 And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. 24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take

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away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. 28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. 29 I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. 30 And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen. 31 Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations. 32 Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel. 33 Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded. 34 And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. 35 And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited. 36 Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it. Ezek 36:22 Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat: 16 And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness. Leviticus 16:15

And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat: 21 And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: 22 And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness. Leviticus 16:20

64 Note: Atonement takes away the sins of Israel. The millennium cannot begin with Satan still in the world therefore the New Coveneant with Israel and Atonement occur together. Also in the Ezek 36 passage note the link for the timing between Israel coming out of captivity and their ‘cleansing’.

DAY OF ATONEMENT Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. 28 And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. 29 For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. 30 And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. 31 Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 32 It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath. Leviticus 23:27

CH A PTER CONCLUSION In Hebrews chapter 8 God states the whole point of what He is leading to – that sums up the information of the preceding chapters is twofold. There is a Melchisedec Order, it has a High Priest and it has members; ‘whose house are we’. The principle concern of this Order is Israel, at this stage in God’s plan. This Order is the highest, most distinguished ‘address’ that can ever exist in or beyond the universe. It is the very household of God the Father and Christ, with His Bride inducted into the family. (A bride takes on the family name.) It is totally separate and independent from the Levitical priesthood and Israel. The Melchisedec Order is the administrator of all existence physical or otherwise into eternity. It is not a ‘part of’ a covenant with Israel which relates to physical promises of prosperity during the millennium with the means to have a good relationship with God. The New Covenant will have run its course when all mankind eventually enters eternal life, the Melchisedec Order will never end. Hebrews also establishes the following points, helpful in determining the degree of ‘separateness’ .

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WHO IS UNDER (THE GOVERNANCE OF) THE NEW COVENANT • The Melchisedec Order always existed. It was there before Abraham. Abraham is subservient to — he serves ‘under’ the Melchisedec Order (prior to his resurrection). Heb 7:3 without father, mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days… • Levi ‘came out of Abraham’s loins’. The Levitical Priesthood and all of Israel are ‘under’ Abraham who in turn is ‘under’ the Melchisedec Order. • The Levitical Priesthood and Israel have no direct relationship to being a part of the Melchisedec Order which precedes them in every way. • Christ the High Priest of the Melchisedec Order could not be described as being under the New Covenant. The Melchisedec Order cannot be under the New Covenant with Israel since it is the initiator of the New Covenant. Those that are of the ‘same household’, the same Order as the High Priest are similarly not ‘under’ the NC. • Since Christ is our High Priest at present, it would be an unlikely partnership that would link us to the New Covenant now. The line of reasoning for all the above is an established biblical precept. Without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.

Heb 7:7

God purposefully places Israel in a circumstance that will lead to its utter capitulation. Without turning to God Israel has no chance of survival. The New Covenant is established with the newly repentant Israel. It takes effect immediately Christ begins His rule. The New Covenant begins with Israel who set the example in how to serve God to the rest of the world. They will follow suit until the point is reached where all nations have successfully established a relationship with God. In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: 25 Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance. Isa 19:24

Effectively, via Israel, the entire world are now God’s people. Israel was the doorway to this success, hence God’s ‘special interest’.

The Church Position On The New Covenant. The Church under Mr Armstrong followed a policy of having a close affinity with the subject of Israel. The most popular publication covered the past and future of the Israelite nations. There was very little printed information on the New Covenant as an independent subject. Only very brief mentions, a few sentences, were to be found in the Correspondence Course 17, 18 and 19. Under David Hume, the newly formed United Church of God distanced itself from proclaiming Western nations were descended from the Ten Tribes. The Church had taught that the Ten Tribes were taken into captivity, placed in the Caspian and Black Sea regions and later migrated to the North Western areas of Europe. The Church was ridiculed for this perceived ‘foolish’ deduction. In hindsight the Volga trade route (Europe’s largest river) has emerged as a very well trodden path particularly by Vikings (later coming back the other way). Not only would this river have been an obvious and logical way of reaching Northern Europe from the Caspian Sea, it would be an open invitation. David Hume was particularly sensitive to the ‘corporate image’ of the Church. During his tenure a New Covenant concept, much closer to the Christian mainstream philosophy, was developed. The USA and Britain in prophecy took a lower profile.

A Change In Direction Without realising it the Church had veered off the path God established. The Churches of God have since placed reliance on a concept of its members being ‘called to salvation’ under the terms of the New covenant. The Holy Spirit and forgiveness of sins are available upon repentance and baptism with the laying on of hands. This much is correct, however what is now being taught is that during the Millennium the same procedure will be available to the survivors of the end time. As clearly expressed in God’s Word, that is not what the bible records for Israel. The next chapter will outline the means by which we are called, the provisions of the Wave Sheaf Offering. The Wave Sheaf is an intrinsic part of Passover, ULB and Pentecost, the three Holy Days especially encompassing the Church.

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The Problems Of Assuming We Are Under The New Covenant • By quoting ‘Christ our High Priest’ we are stating we are participating in the Melchisedec Order. (Since that is what Christ is High Priest of.) There is a contradiction of terms in saying we are under the New Covenant and in the Melchisedec Order at the same time. • If the New Covenant is already in place, albeit with very few participants at this stage, it presumes the future is already decided. All that remains is for the balance (of Israel) to join in. This is clearly not the case. A number of scriptures and all the warnings in Hebrews are there to make the point the future is far from already decided. • Not understanding our calling is similar to not knowing where you are going. That makes it very unlikely you will get to where you would like to be. Setting our sights low in the first place will result in falling short of the target. • What would be the point of ‘striving to make our election sure’ and ‘overcoming’ if we have already been inducted into the New Covenant – our final destination?

THE PUR POSE OF HEBR EWS

CH A PTER 3

The Purpose Of Hebrews Part 1 BEHOLD! I COME TO DO THY W ILL, O GOD. As indicated in the background to Hebrews, no clear subject or objective has been previously identified for the book of Hebrews. (That the Church of God would recognise). We have seen in chapter 8 in which direction God wants our attention facing – Israel. This is a starting point, but for what intent? Where is this leading? Chapter 8 spells out what God’s objective is. Israel takes the centre stage and it should be clear why; it is the doorway for the world to enter eternal life. Now, what should our objective be? Chapter 10 outlines the response we should have in mind. It directs our thinking right to the heart of the matter. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Heb 10:7 Christ came to do the ‘will of the Father’. Realising that ‘will’ required His personal sacrifice. This sacrifice is in several places described as the ‘blood of the covenant’. Christ died for Israel and all the world to have a future: because that is the will of the Father. ‘Thy will’ was whatever it took to place Israel in position to achieve the desired result. What ever it took, Christ was willing to do. We have seen the intense perspective God casts over Israel. We could go so far as saying it is the ‘beginning and end’ of all that God is currently accomplishing here

70 on earth. Israel holds the future for all mankind in its hands. Malachi states God could call off His plans for humanity if certain objectives are not reached. We can safely presume that these objectives concern Israel. ‘I came to do thy will’ is repeated again in verse 9. Coupled with the Lo (Behold) the equivalent of ‘verily, verily I say unto you’ we should pick up on the subtle (or not so subtle) directive that something extremely important is simmering beneath the surface. This chapter contains the single most important instruction for a prospective firstfruit in the entire New Testament. It defines what the will of the Father is – for us. Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. Heb 10:9 Here in the repeat announcement, there is no mention that Christ died (was sacrificed) in order for the second Covenant to be established. The statement is direct and to the point: the Father’s will was to open the way forward for Israel. If we move on to verse 12 for a moment another point is being mentioned that helps our understanding of the bigger picture. But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. Heb 10:12 The time element. Christ has qualified our thoughts on the timing aspect by stating ‘all else is on hold until His return’ (till His enemies be made His footstool). ‘Expecting’ means ‘waiting for an outcome’. To recap: in very forceful terms Christ is depicted as having fulfilled His Fathers will. A point is being made of the fact Christ died for the New Covenant to be enabled at the appropriate time. Christ has made one sacrifice that covers all people from the past, right back to Adam and Eve right through to the end of the Great White Throne Judgement. Sins are able to be forgiven allowing the possibility of eternal life for everyone. It is

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one sacrifice, once and for all for every and each individual situation. What is His Fathers will? Without any question it is to secure the future of Israel which by default is the way forward for all of humanity to share eternal life with the Father. The Father’s will is for all humanity to prosper as eternal beings. That concept cannot be stressed enough. We talk about Christ’s sacrifice forgetting that God the Father (allowed) sacrificed His only Son for this outcome.

The ‘Will Of The Father’ For Us Now for the pivotal words that directly concern us personally. Verse 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. By the which will … by the same will of the Father, that Christ was obligated to, we have been set apart… We are set apart for a purpose, the same purpose that was the will of the Father for Christ. We are to ALSO carry out, respond to, the same will of the Father. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: Heb 10:14 The Holy Ghost also is a witness to us Strong words! The Holy Spirit is (should be) implanting in our minds the significance of what is taking place. Those that are set apart were also perfected by Christ’s blood. What is being referred to here? We are now in a position (perfected) to work directly on behalf of the Father. ‘Therefore we can come boldly before His throne’ – for help. In this case we could rightfully say: ‘Wherefore, God the Father is a witness to us… that the New Covenant, the future for Israel is the one single objective He is zeroed in on.

72 And… Another Point And, since there can be only one sacrifice ever; your efforts for this plan MUST succeed on the first go, do not hesitate to come direct to Me for assistance. My Son has opened the door for you. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; Heb 10:15

An Emerging Picture – A Defined Purpose Those called to be the Bride are set apart to fulfil the will of the Father, jointly with Christ. We are under the same will! Israel is our responsibility. The future of the world depends on a successful result. The early Church, the disciples, succeeded in bringing Israel back under God’s mantel. Israel remained faithful to God’s word for 2000 years, in broad terms, under the Christian banner. Now they have once more rejected God. It remains the duty, the urgent necessity for the end time Saints to bring them back. We are to fulfil the will of the Father. When we revisit the question ‘what is the purpose of Hebrews’, we can now answer with a mounting degree of conviction that this book has given us a mandate, a commission. Hebrews notifies us we are required to perform a task for and on behalf of God the Father. The previous chapter asked ‘would one Israelite be left alive that would knowingly disobey God’? A ‘no’ answer signifies the monumental effort the Saints of the end time placed on successfully achieving their responsibility in bringing Israel to that position. Performing the will of the Father is a joint effort shared between Christ and His Church. This introduces us to the concept of a package. The Wave Sheaf Offering is our next subject. Here we are presented with just such a concept: Christ ‘and us’.

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CH A PTER 4

The Wave Sheaf Offering And The Melchisedec Order The Firstfruits, the Bride of Christ are built on the infrastructure of the Wave Sheaf Offering. Awareness of the Wave Sheaf is basic to understanding our calling. Dawn. Sunday Morning Early on the day of the Wave Sheaf Offering, the Sunday, the ‘morrow after the Sabbath’ Mary Magdalene stood talking to the ‘gardener’. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. John 20:15 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. John 20:19 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. Luke 24:36

74 Here is an abbreviated compilation: Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. Why are ye troubled? It is I myself: handle me. These three verses indicate exactly what has transpired. The presentation of the First of the Firstfruits to the Father was about to get underway. This ceremony would mark the formal completion of Christ’s mission. In the morning Christ makes it clear He had not yet risen to the Father. He is on His way to ‘My God and your God’, an emphasised statement once again showing a connection between the Melchisedec Order (who’s house are we) and the Firstfruit harvest. Christ would sit on the righthand side of the Father ‘expecting’ until the time for His return. From this point forward the day to day work would be passed to the disciples. The disciples would need assistance in the form of the Holy Spirit to continue. The Holy Spirit could not be given to man in his ‘carnal’ state. The two are incompatible. Christ opened the way to receiving the Holy Spirit. This is the simple reason the Holy Spirit was not available to man during the Old Testament period and explains why the New Covenant with Israel had been planned from the beginning but could not be implemented the first time round. That same evening, but still within the first day of the week, Christ reappeared and said ‘handle Me’. The Wave Sheaf Offering had been presented. And accepted. First Things First The very first item of business, the very first thing Christ did on returning from the Father was to give the disciples the Holy Spirit. He must have yearned to do this earlier but that had not been possible; His sacrifice for sin being necessary first. The second order of business was to state why they had received the Holy Spirit. This is important, the wording confirms they are on the same mission, ‘My mission is now your mission’.

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And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. (v19 as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.) John 20:22 There is a job to be done! The Firstfruit harvest has a specific function. It is the same function that Christ was involved in. The people this early barley harvest represent fall into a very special category. Another noteworthy point here, not to be missed is the introduction of the ability of men, the disciples, to pass the Holy Spirit on to others by the laying on of hands. Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. The addition of this clause makes it clear that we are being told the Holy Spirit had indeed been given in full since it came with the ‘instructions for use’ included. (In making the decision to baptise a person, you have in effect enabled the forgiving of their sins). This process would begin in earnest on Pentecost precisely fifty days later. Forty days of further advice and training were given in preparation in the interim. The formal Church as a body distinct from the Temple system would provide the remaining balance of Firstfruits. A short list of examples of the former are given us in Hebrews 11. It should also be mentioned that the Holy Spirit in itself will not guarantee or even provide a passage to our destination, made clear in Hebrews 11, that will depend purely on demonstrating faith in action. Once again, a specific task is involved. For a bigger picture of the Wave Sheaf function we will go back to the beginning and look at the ‘pattern’ given us. At the same time we will visit the scriptures in the New Testament alluding to the Wave Sheaf Offering, which should, with good reason, be expected.

The Wave Sheaf Offering in the Old Testament. Leviticus 23 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. 7 In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 8 But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation:

76 ye shall do no servile work therein. 9 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 10 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: 11 And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: Leviticus 23:6 • The complete body of firstfruits are accepted by the LORD in conjunction with Christ on presentation of the Wave Sheaf – in good faith, in principle. They have yet to follow through on something, they must also make an offering. …on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. 12 And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD. 13 And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin. 14 And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. Pentecost is calculated from (dependant on) the day of the Wave Sheaf Offering. Passover, ULB, the Wave Sheaf and Pentecost are inextricably linked. Yet the wider implications of the Wave Sheaf Offering and the link to Pentecost is not acknowledged. 15 And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: 16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD. Two ‘wave’ loaves are made and presented as an offering as the Firstfruit offering to the LORD fifty days later at Pentecost. This will complete the Passover, ULB, Pentecost period. Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD. 18 And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first

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year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD. 19 Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings. 20 And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits for a wave offering before the LORD, with the two lambs: they shall be holy to the LORD for the priest. 21 And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations. 22 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 23:17

The main points to be explained. • To be accepted for you: the first barley loaf. • The two leavened, wheat loaves: the offering of the Firstfruits. • The prohibition on eating the new season crop until after the Wave Sheaf offering has been presented. • A note on ‘gleaning’. The first Barley Loaf The first cut sheaf of the barley harvest is Christ. It is gathered and ceremonially waved. That first sheaf is accepted but it also represents others being accepted, or more accurately, being counted as ‘acceptable’ at the same time. The entire firstfruit barley harvest is being represented by the ‘first cut’. This is well augmented in the New Testament. Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Heb 9:24 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Heb 6:20

78 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Heb 10:20

…that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Gal 4:5 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. John 14:20

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Col 3:24 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Romans 15:7

These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. Rev 14:4 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:18 The concept of the Firstfruit harvest; incorporating a ‘Bride’ for Christ goes back further than Leviticus and the Old Testament. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Eph 1:3

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In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Eph 1:11

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Matt 25:34 …written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Rev13:8

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Rom 6:4 There is one verse that in a way is a fitting conclusion to the above. Why would Christ say that He would not pray for us? At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: 27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. John 16:26 A fundamental change has taken place. We now go direct to the Father, Christ will not pray on our behalf for us, we do it ourselves ‘boldly’ – because we are now entitled to under the terms of the Wave Sheaf Offering. We have been jointly accepted by the Father, Christ is not ashamed to call us ‘brethren’. I Send You John 15 and 16 add more detail, far better understood when the Wave Sheaf Offering itself is appreciated. Christ said ‘as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you’ . We have the same objective, the same mission , the same target… ‘Israel’. The promises for the Father answering our prayers now has more light on the subject.

80 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:23 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:7 In the parable of the vine Christ makes it clear there are conditions to being a bona fide disciple. Number one: ‘If you abide in Me’. If we are going in the same direction, if we have the same goals, then we are abiding together. Hebrews explains what it is that is ‘the same goal’. We have not yet arrived at the severe warnings, (unprecedented when considering they are spoken to Christ’s own ‘little flock’) that Hebrews carries and also Malachi, should we fail to perform. We will in another chapter. There are some big ‘ifs’ God the Father will answer our prayers IF we are directly doing the work He wants done. Obviously, He wants that work done, it is the ‘will of the Father’. We just need to be sure we understand and are acting on that same will.

The two leavened, wheat loaves: the offering of the Firstfruits When you read the passages for Pentecost these two leavened loaves are a major feature. What do they represent? A principal found in the bible runs like this: do not come before the Lord empty handed. Entering the promised land cannot take place untill the offering of the two loaves has been made. How does this relate to us? It means the Firstfruits must first accomplish their ‘offering’ before being able to enter (as in ‘eat’, take part in) ‘the rest’ – acceptance by God the Father and Christ.

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Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty: Also Ex 23:15, Ex 34:20

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Prior to Christ being presented to His Father He spoke these words: Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 … I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. 10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word… John 17:1 Mission accomplished: Christ’s Part Christ is saying: ‘I have done the job. The mission is accomplished. Father, I am ready to come back to You’. Christ came to the Father with an offering … the fruits of His labour. The ‘fruits’ being a successful representation of the first crop, the Firstfuit harvest. He presented both Himself and those that the Father had given Him as the completed offering. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine. Notwithstanding there are

82 others, Abraham, Daniel etc that have preceded the eleven disciples; a ‘great cloud of witnesses’ whose standard we are to live up to. Christ however, is referring to His direct labours of that time. The point is this. Christ did not come before His Father empty handed. He came with the fruits of His labour. There was a job to be done and He did it. The proof of the pudding, how successfully Christ had laid His foundation, would be determined by the success of the early Church. This was electrifying, sending waves through the entire Roman Empire with a legacy that stood up for two thousand years. In the next chapter we will see how seriously God views the current situation. Under all circumstances the overall mission must be completed. Otherwise all efforts to date are of no significance. As has been pointed out, there can only be one sacrifice given by Christ, there is no second or other option. Israel must be brought to the place where they reach out in a genuine plea for a relationship with God. This responsibility falls on the end time Saints when Israelite nations once again have abandoned God. Will they succeed? They have to! Malachi 4 is a short outline of the circumstances. Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. 5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Mal 4:4 It is easier to work backwards to get the meaning of this passage: ‘I will smite the earth with utter destruction if you fail to turn Israel back to a proper working relationship with Me’. Passover begins this firstfruit fifty day period with unleavened bread representing the Firstfruits. The conclusion of this fifty day period at Pentecost ends with the two leavened wheat loaves being given as an offering. Does this inform us in some way of what the outcome was?

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Mission Accomplished: The Saints Part The two loaves are of wheat. The wheat harvest is not the firstfruit barley crop. That is the first clue. (Exodus 34:22 wheat harvest). These loaves do not represent the Firstfruits. They are also leavened which is definitely not representing the firstfruits. Next, the first offering, the barley was for the LORD, this second offering is for the… priest. …they shall be holy to the LORD for the priest. v20 When Christ came to the Father He brought the ‘fruit’ of His labour as the offering. So it is at the end of the ‘fifty days’, the time representing the extended period for the balance of firstfruits to finish there allocated task. If they are successful, what would the fruit of their labour be? There is only one objective. Israel. The two leavened wheat loaves are the two ‘sticks’ of Israel. The House of Judah and the House of Israel. Ezek 37:15 No details of how the Saints manage this have been given… yet, these details are not to be found in Hebrews, but they are in the bible and will be elaborated on as we continue. At the culmination of the fifty days which pictures the extended time period in which all the Firstfruits positions God has allocated are filled (144,000) these two loaves represent their final work of faith. Note: ‘for the Priest’ The offering that Christ gave to the Father was to the Father, for the Father. ‘All mine are thine, all thine are mine’. The offering the firstfruits bring and present to the Father are to the Father but for the priest. Scripture is not readily forthcoming on which priesthood is referred to: the High Priest, Christ, or the Levitical priesthood. The work assigned to the Firstfruits has been completed. The joint efforts of all God’s people of all time have now come to fruition. They are able to successfully offer a ‘converted Israel’ to the Father as the fruit of their labour. The plan of God is intact. The future of the world, mankind, is now secure, everything can proceed. As with Christ the final completion of the Wave Sheaf Firstfruits mission is their resurrection and presentation to the Father, complete with their offering. Pentecost pictures the ‘feast’ of the Firstfruits, their celebratory, victorious grand finale… entering into the promised ‘rest’. The first resurrection.

84 ‘One Faith, One Church, One Birth’ – ONE MISSION To round off a completed picture, it would be satisfying to understand the reason for the ‘link’ that binds Passover, ULB, the Wave Sheaf and Pentecost. The fifty days from… and too… creates a bond, a connecting chord, what would it represent? They are all connected, literally. Christ and the Firstfruits are one package. Both are accepted as one body which we have come to understand as the Melchisedec Order. Christ was accepted for Himself ‘and us’ at the same time. It just took us ‘fifty days’ to catch up to our High Priest. Note: The New Season Harvest Scripture is for our ‘admonition’. Patterns are often established giving a broader view, in some ways similar to why and how Christ gave information in parables. Not being able to eat of the new harvest until after the Wave Sheaf links this with Passover. Christ, when giving instruction pertinent to what Passover implies said: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Luke 22:16 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. Mark14:25 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. Matt 26:24 In effect Christ is saying He will not eat or drink (of the harvest) until He is with us together in the KOG (Promised Land). Christ is waiting ‘expectantly’ until the outcome of our efforts are reached. We in turn cannot join Christ untill we have provided the ‘two loaves’ for the offering. Note: Gleaning A concept that has always been clear in the mind of the Church is the ‘give’ and ‘get’ principal. God’s people at all times leave something for others in their wake. Israel post the New Covenant will be thinking of others as second nature. This extends to all nations. (Ruth, David’s great grandmother was a Moabite).

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The Purpose Of Hebrews: Part Two HEBR EWS A ND M A L ACHI An ‘explicit instruction to fulfil a specific task’, this is one way of describing Hebrews. God chooses words like ‘sharp sword’ and ‘shake the world’, ‘consuming fire’. We could shorten our description to ‘do the job or else…’ The book of Malachi follows a similar path: ‘Spread dung on your face’, ‘refiners fire’, ‘utter destruction’. Trouble is, neither book in their own right gives cut and dried particulars for carrying out what is still an unidentified mission. Treated together, the two books complement each other adding up to the proverbial ‘the whole is greater than the parts’. With a little ‘line upon line, precept upon precept’ some direction can be obtained. Hebrews is about participating in the Melchisedec Order; becoming the Bride of Christ. Malachi is about being written up as ‘God’s jewels’ – the Bride of Christ. Both books demand that we comply with the ‘will of the Father’ by serving God. There is an Old Testament pattern directly connected to this concept of serving God and seeking a bride. ‘Preparing a people for the Lord’ – the Elijah commission fits in the same bracket.

Selecting The Bride: A Biblical Pattern And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age… And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, …And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell. But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac. And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence

86 thou camest? And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again. The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. 8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again. Gen 24:1 • A wife is needed, time is running out. Chosen from a select community. • The job is entrusted to ‘a servant’. • What if the ‘wife’ – person invited will not come? ‘God has it under control’. • An angel has been appointed to oversee the situation. This is God’s business. And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: he went unto the city of Nahor. And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water. And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. Gen 24:10 • The servant has been given all authority by his ‘Master’. (The resources he needs are provided by the ‘angel that prospers his way’). He also has the responsibility. • He went to the correct community. • He uses common sense combined with relying on God for assistance. He prays. Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master. And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder. And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher. And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher

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upon her hand, and gave him drink. And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking… And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not. Gen 24:13 • Before he had finish praying God responded. (The angel is actively ‘prospering the way’). The servant requires something to show him he is on the right path. • The future ‘Bride’ was very suitable. (A Proverbs 31 lady and more). • The servant left the next move to God. And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold; And said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father’s house for us to lodge in? And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor. She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in. And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren. And the damsel ran, and told them of her mother’s house these things. Gen 24:22 • An item of value was given to the ‘Bride’. The servant thanked God. • The ‘damsel’ ran to ‘speak one to another’ with her household. Motivated. • The servant thanks God again. Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels… And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on. And he said, I am Abraham’s servant. And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses. And Sarah my master’s wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath. And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my father’s house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son. And I said

88 unto my master, Peradventure the woman will not follow me. And he said unto me, The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father’s house: Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath. And I came this day unto the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go: Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink; And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: let the same be the woman whom the LORD hath appointed out for my master’s son. And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water: Gen 24:31 • God was recognised as being directly involved. • The situation is an important one. Serious enough to not waste time. The servant is focussed on his job. • The servant gave a full and accurate account of the situation, no more, no less. • Mention again of the angel ‘to prosper the way’. And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master’s brother’s daughter unto his son. And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left. Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master’s son’s wife, as the LORD hath spoken. Gen 24:48 • The servant acknowledges God at all times. • He wants to know where he stands. Politely, he asks for a direct response. • The mission is successful, they are on the same wavelength. • Once more the servant thanks God for the outcome. The Time Element For all intents and purposes everything has gone well and is entirely positive. One more issue is to be resolved.

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And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried all night; and they rose up in the morning, and he said, Send me away unto my master. And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go. And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master. And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth. And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go. Gen 24:54 • ‘Please… can we have some more time to digest this’? The answer is no. I’m sorry, time is of the essence. This matter of ‘time to think about it’ or excuses in aid of procrastination will play a decisive role in God’s decision making. • ‘Are you willing to make a final decision and go right now’? • ‘This is of the Lord, therefore I am ready now’. • Rebekah’s response was to serve God.

Who Will Serve God… Hebrews and Malachi are counterparts. They are about the same subject – the anticipated return of Christ and the preparation of a people for God. Both books deal with prophetic circumstances. Both books point out the seriousness of the subject they are dealing with. Both contain warnings for spiritual complacency. Both are about a people special to God. Above all they are both about who it is that truly serves God. Christ’s Return: For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Heb 10:37

… the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple.

Mal 3:1

…exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Heb 10:25

High priority For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up,

90 saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. Mal 4:1 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh…For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. Heb 12:25 Warnings …serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire. Heb 12:28 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts …Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. Heb 3:7 The warning to ‘not harden your heart’ occurs three times in quick succession and another identical phrase in meaning making four. That is a lot of emphasis. 3:7, 3:15, 4:7, 12:25. There are many other strong warnings in Hebrews. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: Mal 3:2 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. Mal 4:1 …lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

(Utter destruction) Mal 4:6

A Special People And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Mal 3:17

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Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Heb 3:1 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, Heb 12:22

The Nitty Gritty Of Malachi And Hebrews: Serving God The entire rationalisation of Malachi and Hebrews is based on the singular need to realise we are here to serve God. ‘We all do that’ some reply. Mostly, without realising it, we expect God to serve us. In return for obeying God’s rules we are taught to expect things to go well for us. The Church is not immune to versions of a ‘prosperity gospel’. An example is the use of promises that if faithful, God will safeguard us from the repercussions of the end time by removing us to a ‘safe place’. Is that the reason we are here? Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand. Mal 1:10 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? Mal 3:14

Facing Reality What if there was no such thing as a ‘safe place’? What if all that we can ever expect for upholding our Christian values is animosity and spite? Christ makes no bones about it, such is the circumstance of our calling. As they say, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Is that God’s attitude? … this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Thess 3:10

92 It could be stated that the purpose of Hebrews and Malachi is to establish… we are here for a purpose – and carrying out that role will not be easy. Has it ever been easy for God’s people? The clear pattern of the bible suggests not. It would be ‘foreign’ to think otherwise. And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: … and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; Heb 11:32, 35 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake:

Mark 13:13

Ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. Luke 21:16 If any man come to me, and hate not his… own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26

WHO will serve God? Elijah: Preparing A People Elijah in dramatic style (fire hurtling down from heaven igniting bonfires and hacking off four hundred and fifty heads was dramatic 1 Kings 18:22) demands ‘well then; what is it going to be’? And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. 1 Kings 18:21 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Mal 3:18

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Hebrews similarly: To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts

Heb 3:1 Heb 3:15 Heb 4:7

God, whilst not actually severing heads at this stage, none the less wields His sword. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb 4:11 We do not have burning sacrifices and public beheadings in the Western world, yet God points out this is metaphorically how He sees the situation we are involved in. Malachi places us back on Mt Carmel. How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him. The gravity of the warnings not to fail together with the examples of ‘faith’ in Hebrews 11 indicate that what is required must be a near impossible mission. Impossible for man that is. An obligation is set before the Church. Christ gave everything fulfilling His Fathers ‘will’ for the upcoming covenant with Israel. The same is expected of us. This commission is applicable shortly before Christ returns. As it stands, the Church is completely unaware of, and unprepared for, any specific task. The book of Hebrews has introduced us to an assignment the end time Church is yet to perform. It is a ‘last minute’ directive just before the time of Christ’s return. Hebrews in the New Testament has provided the theme for the Elijah commission. For Church members to ‘about face’ and embrace a new and tough directive will take some adjusting. A simple deduction should have been recognised. If an Elijah is necessary to ‘prepare a people for the Lord’ immediately prior to His return, it follows that those same people would have been in an unprepared state prior to Christ’s return. Admitting this and that the Church has a previously unrecognised direction yet to

94 traverse is not a position most Church leaders are willing to confess. …He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. … the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple

Heb 10:37 Mal 3:1

Elijah: And Preparing A People. Turning Hearts And Changing Attitudes. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Mal 4:5

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. Matt 17:11 It is not feasible that the world could face ‘utter destruction’ as the result of a handful of children not being raised properly. ‘Turning the hearts of fathers to their children’ as in a matter of childrearing is not the intended meaning. The angel Gabriel updates the quote in Luke 1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Luke 1:17 Turning the hearts of the fathers has to equate to something other than family domestics. Christ points us to the right direction: Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matt 18:3 Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matt 19:14 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child,

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he shall not enter therein.

Mark 10:15

Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. Luke 18:17 Without a compliant attitude to ‘receiving’ instruction from God (His word) entry into the Kingdom will not come about. Being compliant is the opposite of being ‘hardened’. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God… To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Heb 3:12 The issue is not about raising children, but is directly to do with Christ’s second coming and becoming a Firstfruit. Following Christ’s lead on becoming as a child, the translation of both the OT and NT texts agreeably fits with ‘turn the hearts of the fathers to children’s hearts. In the original Hebrew and Greek the connecting words such as ‘a’, ‘to’ and ‘the’ are not present and common sense needs to be used to place them for normal English. A typical breakdown of the Greek of Luke 1:17 looks like this: In

spirit

children Lord

and and

power

disobedient

a people

of Elijah to

to turn

wisdom

hearts

of righteous

of fathers to make ready

to for

prepared

There is no ‘the’ next to children in the original Greek. Translators must use their discretion is adding words for common usage in another language. In this case they were lost for a ready meaning to apply that made sense (to them). It is the same for the Hebrew, no ‘the’ is present and translators need to make a decision. Since the subject of children is not applicable and given Christ’s clear reference to adults needing children’s attitudes – together with the clear context of both Malachi and Hebrews; turning ‘hearts to hearts of children’ is directed straight at leaders within the Church. They must change. God knows that to follow His will and all it entails is not for everyone. The Church has many layers within it. He has made provision for that.

The Milk Of The Word With a full understanding of the commitment God requires, and a track record of ‘active service’ there is little excuse not to follow in the footsteps of the recorded examples. We are talking of entering the Colosseum and facing the lions. And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. Luke 12:47 Hebrews draws a distinction between two groups within the Church. Those on milk and those on solid food. Hebrews is addressed solely to the latter. Therefore this book is not for the Church at large. Many are called, few are chosen. Without growth, members eventually are pruned. This in no way affects their long term prospects of salvation. They just will not be chosen as Firstfruits at the first resurrection. Very few will be. Many in the Church have produced fruit but never beyond a certain level. They have not progressed. Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. 11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Heb 5:10 The huge gap in understanding between where the Church as a whole is now and where they should be is attributable to the Church leadership. For thirty years the Church has stagnated, ‘slumbered’ as Christ puts it in his parable. Almost across the board sermons are nothing more than the basics we are told to ‘leave behind’. All we hear is on a par with the list of ‘milk’ subjects. Politics and competition for members has reduced many of the Churches of God to something more in tune with circus acts. God does not ‘permit us’ to move on under these circumstances.

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Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. Heb 6:1 Those that remain on milk are of no use at this time to God. A combination of factors; believing the New Covenant is in force now (it is all done for us) and ‘all we need to do is see things out until we go to a ‘place of safety’’ produces this kind of sterility. What is the alternative? That is the subject for the next chapter.

Summary For Chapter 5 A surprise side benefit of this chapter is we are now able to provide answers to what has stumped the experts for centuries. Connecting a few dots brings all into view with just the naked eye. • The Subject Of Hebrews. This is now clear. We serve ‘the Fathers will’ in securing the spiritual state of the nations of Israel in preparation for the New Covenant. Thereby the world will also eventually share in all the benefits and wonders of ‘eternal life’. By following in the footsteps of Christ those that ‘serve God’ will be chosen as the Bride of Christ. The creation of a ‘body’ signified by the Wave Sheaf Offering generated this opportunity. • Who Was Hebrews Addressed To? Hebrews is available to the Church as a whole. The Church is a wider body, the ‘many’ that are called by the Father. This book is addressed to those on ‘strong meat’. Very specifically it is for the eyes of the ‘few’ serious contenders that wish foremost to serve God without consideration of benefits in this world. They have their eyes fixed firmly on the world to come and the promises pertaining to becoming a Firstfruit. Defining those ‘on milk’ will be determined by the response.. • Where were the recipients? Anywhere. Everywhere. Nowhere in particular. A timeless document that only God can make relevant with pin point precision for more than two thousand years.

98 • When Was It Written? Immaterial. When is it applicable is more to the point. It has more bearing for the early period of the Church and the closing stages. Sandwiched between the early days and the closing period, the nations of Israel where firmly ‘Christian’. The finer points will be ironed out during the millennium. • Who Was It Written By? Can we answer that? I think so. There are passages in Hebrews that contain information that is not recorded in the bible. Who was privy to this informaton? New Testament writers usually explain what is already existing in the bible. Revelation being an exception but clearly documented as being recounted by an angel ‘in the wilderness’ to John. Examples of undisclosed information discussed are: • Moses quaked in fear ‘And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake’: This is not recorded anywhere in the bible. Who would have known what Moses said? • The extended information on Melchisedec is nowhere else found in the bible, who would have access to this knowledge? Also: Many changes in biblical quotes have taken place. These may seem subtle, but, who has the authority to change words in the bible when Christ says not one ‘jot’ can be changed? Examples are (from Hebrews chapter 10 alone) 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, v16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days… (was Israel in chapter 8) 10:16 I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; (changed the order from 8:10 which is itself is different from Jer 31:31) 10:17 ‘Sins and iniquities’ are added together as one item in v17 whereas in 8:12 Sins and iniquities are two separate subjects. Conclusion: These changes are not ‘sloppiness’ but deliberate and therefore are

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coming from someone with the authority to make the changes i.e. the original source or an agent of the original source. What do we mean by that? A completely incongruous statement appears in Chapter 13. There is a play on the Greek wording so this is a deliberately placed statement (nothing appears without reason in the bible). Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Heb 13:2 Somebody has had an unusual experience and it is undoubtedly the author. Taking all the highly unusual aspects of Hebrews and ‘some impossibilities’ thrown in for good measure, not to mention the permission to change facts here and there, I think we are being told that the original source of Hebrews is very high indeed. Direct from an angel. Who would be the likely ‘scribe’? The output of this book is lofty to say the least. A towering figure is involved who is also a close companion of Timothy. Such a person could hardly exist without knowing of him; this would exclude an additional individual in the bible we are unaware of. The closing of this document is typical of Paul. It could hardly be the work of any other than Paul. So why does he not sign it with his own name? The angel he ‘entertained’ ‘dictated’ the contents to him. It is not Paul’s ‘original content’ therefor he cannot claim copyright by putting his name to it. So, Paul did ‘write it’… sort of. Here are two of the comments from chapter one. All these points are satisfied. The style and language, the categories of thought and the method of argument, all differ widely from those of any writings ascribed to Paul. The latter quotes the Old Testament from the Hebrew and Septuagint, but He [the author of hebrews] only from Septuagint. Paul’s formula of quotation is, “It is written” or “The scripture saith”; that of Hebrews, “God,” or “The Holy Spirit,” or “One somewhere saith.” The passage that is most conclusive against the Pauline authorship (Heb 2:3) is equally conclusive against any other apostle being the author. But almost every prominent name among the Christians of the second

100 generation has been suggested. The epistle itself excludes Timothy (Heb 13:23), and Titus awaits his turn. Otherwise Luke, Clement of Rome, Barnabas, Silas, Apollos, Priscilla and Aquila, Philip the Deacon, and Aristion have all had their champions.

All options have been thrown in the basket except one: An angel of the Lord. Note: Heb 2:3 is used as a ‘proof’ that Paul ‘or any other Apostle’ could not have written Hebrews. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. The argument is that this writing was conceived by a second generation convert. Paul did not receive his information handed down by witnesses but direct from Christ during his time in ‘Arabia’. Gal 1:12. The author is not stating he obtained his knowledge via the ‘handed down’ route, rather, that those original witnesses can ‘confirm’ as a secondary line of verification his information. (Also note the multiple mention of angels in this chapter. They are on his mind).

‘One Size Fits All’ This modern colloquialism pigeonholes this masterpiece. Only God can write a piece of literature that fits so precisely the exact needs of every aspiring Firstfruit for all time and every situation. This is what the book of Hebrews is. God created a mystery around it, yet the mystery itself is the tactic best used to uncover the gems.

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CH A PTER 6

Paralambano: The Saints ‘Chosen’ ‘Even Thus’: A Day When Certain People Are ‘Taken’ Luke 17:30 In the neighbourhood of Sodom where Lot resided, life was trickling along pretty much as usual. The same peaceful atmosphere prevailed at the desert setting of Noah’s Boat Yard. People went about their usual daily affairs right up until the day it all changed dramatically. Christ says ‘Even thus’; (v30) during a time of humdrum routine, Christ will step unannounced back into the world’s affairs. The timing of ‘even thus’ is also specifically referring to a day where in the following verses it mentions certain people being ‘taken’. And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. 31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. 35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Luke 17:26 Two questions need to be answered. • What does it mean to be ‘taken’. • What does it mean ‘the day the son of man is revealed’?

102

To Be ‘Taken’ Greek: Paralambano Lambano/ to take Para/ alongside The Greek word paralambano means more than simply ‘to take’ an object or person somewhere. It is two separate words joined together forming a different meaning. One word is lambano, this is the word that means to literally take something somewhere. Para is a prefix meaning ‘alongside’. Borrowed from the Greek it is common in English e.g. Paramedic, paralegal, paranoia, Paralympics, parasite. There are more than 180 English words the use ‘para’ as a prefix, mostly scientific and medical terms. Paramedics are people that work ‘alongside’ doctors. Paralegals work ‘alongside’ lawyers. [Strong’s G3880] Paralambano: means “to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); receive, take unto, take with.” Wuest’s Word studies in the Greek New Testment (Mark 4:36) They took Him. The verb is paralambanō. The simple verb means “to take,” the prefixed preposition “alongside.” The same verb is used where the angel says to Joseph, “Take the young child and His mother, and flee into Egypt” (Matt. 2:13), that is, “Take the young child and His mother under your protection and care.”

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. Matt 2:13 In the examples ‘one shall be taken and one shall be left’ they were all taking part in normal activities. In the fields working the crops, sleeping peacefully in homes full of their own possessions. They are grinding grain (making bread, cakes, pretzels). One thing is clear, this is not during the end time, it is well before any times of trouble have started. They are in their own homes and working nine to five. A quarter of the world’s population has not died of starvation, wars are not raging.

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103

These times are perfectly normal. ‘Taken’ in the context of these passages does not refer to the resurrection still years in the future. What does it refer to? Do You Need To Be Told Sixteen Times? Sixteen passages, no less, are given to us to make one point absolutely clear beyond any doubt. This forms one of the most heavily emphasised pieces of information in the entire New Testament. Nothing else is given more priority. These sixteen passages establish a fact: There will be no warning whatsoever ahead of time that Christ is about to take over control of world affairs. One day the world is running under its own steam, the next Christ is in control. There will be no warnings, no signs, nothing to let us know ahead of time when Christ and the Father have ‘pressed the button’ to launch the overall Day of the Lord. Here are the passages. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matt 24:42

But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matt 24:37 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Matt 24:32 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his

104 portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matt 24:50

Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out . But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matt 25:7 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. Mark 13:32 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. Mark 13:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:35 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Luke 17:26 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. Luke 17:28 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird

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himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Luke 12:35 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. Luke 12:42 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10 [Peter’s use of the ‘thousand years as a day’ principle is used here starting with the Day of the Lord up to the end of the millennium]. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Rev 3:3 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Rev 16:15 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 1 Thess 5:2 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. Acts 1:7

106 God uses repetition to gather our attention. Sixteen times! This is a blatant hardboiled, in your face, no overtures, take it or leave it warning. If you have eyes to see. If you have ears to hear. A complete surprise means no tip off, no alarm bells. None. None whatsoever. That completely reinvents the understanding of how the end time starts for the Church. No warning at all means we will not see a Beast beforehand. No false religious leader will be on the scene. No king of the South will have arisen. America is still Number One. It will be a complete surprise. The whole concept of ‘watch world events’ is entirely inappropriate. Nothing will be there to see! How many times do we need to be told? The above passages should be clear that it is our own spiritual condition that should be observed. Point: There Is A Day One For The End Time. On that day one, one distinct day, an unknown day, you will either be chosen as a Firstfruit or not. Day one is when the Church finds out day one has taken place. What took place? There is a little more information in Malachi to guide us and some information in Revelation to add. From the sixteen passages it is clear that as of the ‘hour’ He ‘came’ those that were caught off guard, unready, will be ‘gnashing the teeth’. The parable of the ‘wise and foolish’ affirms once it is too late, the outcome is disastrous. What does it mean ‘the day the son of man is revealed’? Paul said the Day of the Lord comes as thief. The traditional thinking of the Church has the Day of the Lord positioned somewhere (depending on which Church) in the last three and a half years. If that should ‘come as thief’ and catch you by complete surprise then you missed the Beast, the false prophet, a quarter of the world’s population dying of starvation, world wars, the King of the South, all went by unnoticed… the list could go on. The expressions ‘the coming of the son of man’, the ‘day the the Son of man is revealed’, ‘the days of the Son of man’, ‘the hour your Lord doth come’; these are all referring to the same moment in time. That moment including the Day of the Lord in the context Paul is using it is the hour no one will know: ‘that hour knoweth no man’. Obviously (it should be obvious) this is the start of events, not at some point three

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quarters of the way through or towards the end. The Day of the Lord in most contexts is referring to the overall end time. The ‘day of the coming of the Son of man’ is day one of the overall end time.

Revelation Chapter 5. The Day Christ Is Revealed In the opening verses of this chapter, God the Father is seated on His throne holding the scroll. The scroll contains the seven seals that are the events of the Day of the Lord. No one can ‘look into these events or even look at the scroll’. This does not mean we cannot know the contents since all the information is publicly revealed in Chapter 6. It means God the Father is holding this scroll ‘close to his chest’. He is holding onto it with an iron grip until He is ready to ‘release’ it. Only God the Father knows the ‘day or the hour’ when He will ‘let go’. And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. Rev 5:1-7 Christ takes the scroll directly from the hand of the Father. The Father has ‘let it go’ – released the ‘end time’. At this juncture, before even the first seal has been opened the Saints are pictured as being ‘present’ , in a virtual sense, via their prayers. They are not literally there, the resurrection has not taken place, however they are now pictured as singing the new song: Thou… hast redeemed us to God by thy blood… And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. They have been ‘chosen’. Conversely, we are informed, sixteen times, those not chosen are all too aware of the fact.

108 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Rev 5:7-10

There is an amazing amount of significance in what just transpired, and none of it is lost on the angels. With the Saints chosen and Christ now holding – and opening – the seals, one fact is clear: the Kingdom of God – with its full retinue of staff – is now on the march. The heavens erupt into jubilation. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. Rev 5:11-14 Worth noting is ‘every creature’ in verse 13. This is the same Greek expression in Romans 8 where we are told the ‘creation’ is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. The wait is now over. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children

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of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. Rom 8:17 The first seal is enacted; The rider on the white horse, is Christ, bow in hand, now going forth to conquer. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. Rev 6:2 See: Habakkuk Chapter 3 The rider on a horse, with a bow, going forth to conquer, is Christ. Hold the thought that the Saints are not literally in God’s presence yet, but are counted as being there in a virtual sense via their prayers. (Chapter 7 and quite a number of passages show the Saints still to be physically present on earth until the sixth seal). The singing is not quite over. Revelation 14 continues on from chapter 5. It helps to understand that Rev 14 is a timeline. The same scene in Rev 5 with all the jubilation and singing with the 144,000 chosen Saints continues in chapter 14. The first seal is Christ commencing His manoeuvres to establish His dominion over the world and its peoples. The world does not ‘see’ this, what it experiences is the first angel declaring the ‘everlasting gospel’ to ‘all nations, kindreds and tongues’ that Christ has in fact set about returning. (A detailed explanation is in the Manual. See Appendix).

On What Grounds Were The Firstfruits Chosen? As in all walks of life, there are two sides to the Church. One thinks we are here to be blessed by God for being ‘good’. The other is more realistic ‘what does God ask of us’? Serving God, or being served by God. Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? 14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? 15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. Mal 3:13

110 Malachi addresses this issue, as does Hebrews. Hebrews is more direct with stronger language but both books leave it to us to fill in the gaps. In Malachi we are given a specific piece of information that helps lock the details together. Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Mal 3:16 We have a direct reference to people being ‘chosen’. They will be God’s ‘jewels’ – Firstfruits. They are people that definitely come from the group that serve God, ‘they that feared the LORD’ but then comes another detail. They ‘spoke one to another’ and the Lord took particular notice of what they were speaking about. From that conversation, their attitudes; God could read their ‘heart’. From there, those that pleased God were ‘chosen’; written in the book. What did God overhear? The same words Rebekah said: ‘I will Go’. One more set of scriptures are needed to follow up on and then a far more complete picture with which to draw up a conclusion will be available.

THE SA INTS IN ACTION IN THE END TIME Matthew 10: The Pattern Of The Twelve And The Seventy But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. Matt 10:23

Whatever the instructions, they are current until Christ has come. They are not in existence at present so for us in this time, this is yet to happen. Note: Israel is the focus and Christ is the author behind the scenes. He knows the exact situation even when writing two thousand years in advance.

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These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, 10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. 11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. 12 And when ye come into an house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. 16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. Matt 10:5 Paraphrasing: Christ chose His twelve disciples in v 1, they are told to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel in v 6. Along the way they are to heal the sick, even raise the dead and especially tell them the kingdom of heaven is at hand, vs. 7 and 8. Make no special preparation for the journey, as those whose households that you enter and are worthy will provide for you, vs. 9 to 15. ‘But beware, the times are treacherous, yet you must be guiltless. The authorities will arrest you, according to My purpose, I will put My words in your mouth when the time is right; but that does not mean they will appreciate or like what you say but do not give up’. Vs 16 to 22. The remainder of the chapter is generally encouragement to carry out this task. All the way through biblical history, God has given His servants the necessary tools to do the job. Moses with Pharaoh, Samson, Gideon, Daniel with his dreams, Elijah with the prophets of Baal. At every critical junction of God’s plan He steps in and provides all the help His people need to do the task God calls for.

112 When Does This Apply? They were to do this specifically amongst the tribes of Israel and right up to the day Christ arrives. That would make at least some of it applicable to today, if that is the case, what other details are relevant to us? Could it be that this all applies to the end time, that this is in fact instruction specifically for the end time? The three chapters that are particularly about the end time are Matt 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. We will check them for common denominators with Matt 10 to find the verses that can be appropriately linked to each other. But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. 10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. Mark 13:9

The gospel going to all nations first puts the context of this verse firmly in the end time, so being brought before courts of law and other public bodies is relative to us. But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. 12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. 13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my nameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Mark 13:11

We can be positive these verses are relative to the end time, back in Matt 10 we will pick up the same conversation starting in verse 16. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmlessc as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak,

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but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

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Matt 10:16

This is the same conversation spoken by Christ as recorded by Matthew, therefore this is also an end time instruction; we can add this section of Matt 10 to being relevant for us personally. Now we will go to Luke 10. This chapter starts off by answering another question for us; is Matt 10 only referring to the twelve disciples? Was it all an instruction just for them? We can see here that it is alike for ‘seventy also’ starting in verse one: After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. 3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. 5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. 6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. 7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. 8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: 9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. Luke 10:1 This passage is virtually identical to the first half of Matt 10 verses 5 to 15. Even the reference to the harvesters being needed is in Matthew, (the verse before in 9:37). The fact that it is the same for both the twelve and the seventy shows that this is a pattern. We have seen how the last half of Matt 10 is for us, today. What can we now find that would link the first section where Christ says to heal the sick and raise the dead and the last half about being brought before the courts that would show this is one complete instruction for the end time? We are looking for information that would show this is one conversation or instruction recorded in separate places, line upon line, and precept upon precept. What is the common denominator that shows this all belongs as a whole? In Matt 10:16 ( the end time section): Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

114 This is a warning to use extreme wisdom, remember this will be a very dangerous period to speak up in opposition to the Beast; the advice is to first ‘inquire in it who is worthy’ v 11, but eventually some will be apprehended and brought into the public realm for a witness. Now it is back to Luke 10:3 to the equivalent of the Matthew section dealing with going to the houses and healing the sick: Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. 5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. Luke 10:3 There is the common denominator. The sending forth as lambs amongst wolves is common to both sections and shows it was (more than likely) one original conversation/instruction although recorded in different chapters. Remember Christ said not to change a single detail (lambs/wolves), for our benefit! The reality is the end time is also the most difficult time to operate in. Unless God gave us abilities far and beyond the day to day, it would be utterly impossible to achieve anything in a ‘Gestapo’ type Europe now updated with high technology. All scriptures show the end time Saints being persecuted by the Beast. Where the Beast is, is where the Saints will be. The United States, Britain and Israel will be in captivity. That rules out the possibility of courts being in operation to be brought before. God is already dealing with them in different circumstances. We also need a region where there are ‘kings’ or heads of state; ten of them are with the beast. In Europe the remainder of ‘the lost sheep of the house of Israel’ are to be found. In this modern electronic age, if you were to purchase any goods with a card, use a mobile phone or a cash machine, every one of God’s people would be rounded up in one afternoon. The situation is similar to World War Two behind the lines in Europe, we will be utterly dependant on ‘underground support’. They will feed us, transport us and see to our needs. In return Christ says for those that are worthy and help us ‘heal their sick, raise their dead’. They risked their lives to help us. As we advise them, explaining how the scriptures apply, explaining that following the Beast means denying Christ. That will make life very difficult with fewer and fewer options being available. Without the ‘Mark’ none of the support systems are available. It would seem without any life support system they have sealed their own fate. On the contrary ‘If you seek to save your life, you will lose it, if you lose your

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life for My sake, you will find it’. That holds true for every one. Turning to God is the only means of survival. Scripture is consistent and adamant that survive they will, in order to be present for their future in the Millennium. Math 10 and Luke 10 are a bare bones account of the closing chapters of Gods people ‘at work’. Do we have more? The bible has a habit of covering the important details from several angles, often in surprising places. Here is another one.

ACTS 1:15 THE PATTER N OF THE ONE HUNDR ED A ND T W ENT Y On the day of Pentecost, when questioned about hearing the disciples in their own language, why did Peter introduce the Day of the Lord passage from Joel? What did the far distant future have to do with the events of his time? What was on Peter’s mind? And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And … in those days will I pour out my spirit. 30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call. Joel 2:28 Peter not only had something on his mind. He had confidence, drive, focus. He knew precisely where he was going with his speech, it was deliberate and calculated. Peter had a full confidence born from knowing what he was talking about. Where did this new found mastery of his subject come from?

THE GA LILE A N R ETR E AT In the days following Christ’s appearing to the disciples He had arranged to meet them in a mountain location near Galilee.

116 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. Matt 28:16 In that mountain area many disciples gathered to see and hear Christ, as many as five hundred. (1 Cor 15:6) They received instruction specifically pertaining to the Kingdom of God. Forty days of explicit instruction that included being told – commandments – exactly what was expected of them. Just how extensive the instruction was we will find out. Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts 1:2 But God raised him from the dead: 31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. Acts 13:30 Who are now his witnesses (οἱτινες νυν εἰσιν μαρτυρες αὐτου [hoitines nun eisin martures autou]). The very point that Peter used to clinch his argument with such powerful effect. [Robertson Word Pictures]

After more than a month of specific training far and beyond the detail they had gained during the previous three years, Peter asked a serious question. This question is the only hint (so far) of what had been spoken of and the only evident detail passed down in writing for our benefit. Peter asked ‘are You going to restore the Kingdom to Israel right now’? Remember, they had already received the Holy Spirit in full on the Sunday of the Wave Sheaf offering, complete with the instructions to ‘forgive sins or not to forgive’, at their discretion by baptising and laying on of hands. (John 20:22) They had been there for a considerable time with Christ away from all distraction soaking in all that Christ was giving them. This time, aided by the Holy Spirit, they comprehend and absorb the instruction.

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This was not just fast track learning, this was nearer to being a dress rehearsal, information being drilled into them to be applied in action in only a few days time. They were to be a ‘witness’ in Jerusalem. The Greek word means more than explaining what they saw. To be a witness in this circumstance meant ‘go and give them a practical demonstration’ and this was a command. Once Peter had seen the ‘tongues of fire’ descend he knew exactly what Christ was getting at. The ‘power’ of the Spirit was being ‘poured out’, it was available to the disciples there and then and part of being a ‘witness’ was to use the HS. This they promptly did, as commanded. Our English word ‘martyr’ derives from the Greek: A martyr (Greek: μάρτυς, mártys, “witness”; stem μάρτυρ-, mártyr-) is somebody who suffers persecution and death for advocating, renouncing, refusing to renounce, and/or refusing to advocate a belief or cause, usually a religious one. [Wikipedia]

Peter’s question was not one of his past ‘shoot from the lip’ comments. At Pentecost only a few days away he was a brilliant and inspired speaker. Commentators and critics are quick to pick up on this new found ability but somehow miss the obvious explanation. The question recorded was for our benefit, so we would know the general direction of what was being discussed. Is this all we will know of the subject matter spoken about at this retreat? Far from it, we are told just about every single detail! Think about it. After the horrific ordeal of seeing Christ being killed, the jubilation and relief of knowing He was alive again and then to follow it all up with an intensive one to one serious training course, how would they be feeling? Absolutely bursting with enthusiasm, overflowing with new found knowledge. Secure and comfortable with the new reality of their God. And…desperately wanting to share it with the world. The information all came pouring out at Pentecost, which we can now scrutinise for every detail echoing down from the mountain. But not all of the disciples had been so so enthusiastic. There were five hundred of them in Galilee and only one hundred and twenty at Pentecost. What happened? And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Matt 28:17

118 Who doubted? Not the disciples. The Greek [hoi de edistasan]). From δις [dis] (in two, divided in mind). [Robertson]

Forty days of being with Christ leaves no room for any doubt to His reality. That would not be a consideration. The teaching, the small print, the conditional requirements would have been the part causing a ‘divided’ response. What they were being asked (commanded) was to lay down their lives in order to carry out a commission – ‘to be a witness’. Christ was pulling no punches, He was not speaking in parables this time. Three hundred and eighty thought what He was asking, being a witness on His terms, was too much. The task was too impossible, they doubted and gave up.

The Promise Of Pentecost: The Power of the Holy Spirit And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. Acts 1:4 What was this promise? They had already received the Holy spirit. Christ added: ‘For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost’. There is a play on words going on here. Christ is contrasting the pouring out of two metaphorical substances. One is water, the other, the power of the Holy Spirit. Something was going to occur that was different or additional to having the Holy Spirit. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49

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…he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.

119

Matt 3:11

there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. Acts 2:3

We have a record of the applicable promise being given and the contents of it in John 16:23 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. ‘Verily, verily, I say to you’ - here is an unqualified promise, the ‘what I am saying to you now is the truth, its a promise’ ‘In that day you shall ask me nothing, you can ask the Father directly and He will do what you ask’. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. 25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. 26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: 27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. John 16:24 In effect the promise is: we will be given a ‘direct line’ to the Father who in turn will give a direct response. What is the difference between receiving ‘power’, ‘being endued with power’ from the Father and – receiving the Holy Spirit? And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. John 20:22 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. Luke 24:45

These are the identical events at the exact same moment, recorded in different

120 wording. The Holy Spirit (that we are familiar with) gives us the ability to discern, to know the difference between fact and fable and the difference to know when we ‘fail’ and when to strive toward raising our standards. The Holy Spirit leads and guides us; raising the dead is a bit beyond that. However, there are times when some outright sheer horsepower is needed for specific tasks that fall in line with the will of the Father. On those occasions, at such times, we are told not to hesitate, go boldly straight into the Holy of Holies and ask the Father personally for help to do His will.

In That Day The situation at Pentecost was definitively an ‘in that day’ moment as it was for the duration of establishing the Church in the early days. There are specific times where God will provide the extra ‘power’ necessary to do what He requires. The end time, most definitely after the Revelation 5 choosing of the Firstfruits, will be such a moment as this. It is one of the critical stages for fulfilling the will of the Father. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name…but the time cometh… At that day ye shall ask in my name… For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. John 16:24

ACTS CH A PTERS 1– 6 THE DETA IL OF FORT Y DAYS UNFOLDS • The Kingdom Has Israel At The Core. Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, Acts 1:6 The one detail Christ had not given them was the timing. This for us should be obvious, there was to be thousands of years before it was all over. That would have been totally disheartening to them and it has kept everyone on their toes since. What has been brought to our attention is that Israelite nations were in the central arena of discussion, a fact Christ did not deny implying that such an expectation was correct.

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• The Joel Section What meaneth this?…But Peter… said unto them… But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days… before that great and notable day of the Lord come… whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2 14-21 Note: The Holy Spirit as we know it, a ‘daily helper’ for us, was not known to Peter’s audience. They had no idea what was going on. Peter chose a verse out of ‘their bible’ that would best explain the situation. The Joel verse is applicable to the end time. However it was a verse they were familiar with that gave an adequate explanation for the immediate moment. The question is: how was Peter so well prepared to pull this verse into gear without a moments hesitation? The disciples were there because they were told to be there doing and saying what they had been taught to say and do. And what they were expecting to happen was happening: Peter not caught by surprise gave an informed answer from scripture without doubt part of the discussion at Galilee. Peter’s answer tells us clearly what was fresh on his mind. Forty days of discussion on the KOG included substantial time dealing with the return of Christ to establish the kingdom. Peter having not been told otherwise presumed it was close, another reason for using the Joel verse. ‘You men of Israel’ was part of what they had been taught was their objective. Placing the Joel section in here draws our attention to the fact that this overall portion of scripture is relevant to the end time program. For us, ‘what meaneth this’ is to do with the end time. The ‘power’ of the Holy Spirit will be released again. Peter could have quoted fewer verses without the Day of the Lord reference. God saw to it, for our benefit that he did not. • The Day Of The Lord Comes As A Thief. Peter would have picked up this detail from his time at camp Galilee, along with the Joel passage. 2 Peter 3:10 Have a close read of 2 Peter Chapter 3. All of the information would be consistent with what they were taught at Galilee.

122 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 2 Peter 3:2 • David Will Be Resurrected. Peter is able to explain in an intelligible fashion parts of the Old Testament in relationship to the return of Christ and the resurrection of the Firstfruits. A subject that must have been covered. When Christ returns David knows it will be his turn also. Peter has a very good grasp on what these scriptures mean, all of them to do with the KOG. From this example in handling the details we can safely say the teaching of the forty days was very comprehensive. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Acts 2:34 • The Wave Sheaf Offering Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear… Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Acts 2:33, 35 The part the Firstfruits play in the process of establishing the KOG would require a working knowledge of the Wave Sheaf. This verse shows an understanding of Christ’s position after having been accepted by the Father and ‘waiting expectantly’ (Heb 10:13) until the time for the balance of the Firstfruit harvest to join Christ at the time of His return. (As explained in Hebrews, those called through the process of the Wave Sheaf (accepted with Christ ‘for you/us’ have access to the Father for assistance (HS). After Christ Himself was accepted – for us, then He would organise the HS for the others involved with the first harvest. To repeat: this is the primary objective of God the Father at this stage of His plan. • Let All The House Of Israel Know Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:36 ‘Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly’ is slightly out of context in

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addressing his audience. From the point of view that it means exactly what it says, it would not be lost on us. The commission of all disciples is principally to the House of Israel. A point very clear in Peter’s mind after the forty days on the subject. It is worth noting what Robertson (Word Pictures) interjects here on v35: The critics are disturbed over how Luke could have gotten the substance of this masterful address spoken on the spur of the moment with passion and power. They even say that Luke composed it for Peter and put the words in his mouth. If so, he made a good job of it. But Peter could have written out the notes of the address afterwards. Luke had plenty of chances to get hold of it from Peter or from others.

Although Robertson is referring to the accuracy of recorded detail, it does show that commentators are a little bewildered at the sudden new found competency of the disciples. Another writer says: In the book of Acts, we find the early Christian community poised from the start to carry out its commission, confident and aware of Divine guidance.

The critics have failed to take into account the forty days of training on these specific topics being spoken about. It is not a ‘masterful address’ conjured out of nowhere, it is the result of forty days of sustained tuition. • A Full Knowledge Of The Holy Spirit Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:38 The disciples (120) are aware they have the authority to baptise and thereby effect the forgiveness of sins. ‘Aware’ as in they have been instructed in this detail. They would not be able to give the ins and outs of the ‘small print’ on the very day they themselves (as a complete surprise) had just received the HS. Therefore, they had not just received the HS.

124 • A knowledge Of The ‘Beast System’ – Typical End Time Circumstances Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Acts 2:40 Peter’s continuing speech reflects their background knowledge of Christ returning, ‘until I make thy foes thy footstool’ and a millennial setting when all children (future generations) are living in a world filled with God’s spirit. And with many other words did he testify and exhort. Once again we have an insight into how much had been taught at camp Galilee. In 2 Peter (Epistle) we see the same thoughts reflected. Galilee was the foundation on which the Apostles built their career. In light of the end time circumstances those that follow the Beast are doomed to destruction. Take the hard road and follow Christ is the advice, since He is the real Lord. Relying on Christ in the end time will lead to a future in the stunningly wonderful new world. • Knowing The Reality Of Serving God And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

Acts 2:44

With a firm understanding of the task Christ had given them and the comfort of knowing (faith) that the support to carry it out would be available, worldly possessions are not so important. ‘Seek first the KOG and all these things will be added’. Once the end time is obviously underway, money, bank accounts, property and possessions will be of no consequence. • Putting What They Were Told To Do Into Action Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man … Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. Act 3:1

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Peter (and John) did not ‘wonder’ what would happen, they knew. For the good reason this was part of what they had been commanded to do. This is the ‘power’ of the Holy Spirit they had been promised. • They Have A Full Understanding Of The Plan Of God Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus… 16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. 17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Acts 3:12 The former disciples, now Apostles are fully aware of what they are doing and why. They are gathering more Firstfruits for the return of Christ when the KOG will be fully established on earth. This takes an encyclopaedic understanding of the subject to fluently put together such a brief but packed statement. • These Disciples Are Now Amongst God’s Primary Representatives Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began… 24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Acts 3:21, 24 All those involved in the primary task of ‘serving God’, carrying out the Father’s will are frontline troops, all involved in the same campaign. They lose many a battle but win the war.

126 • Israel (Again) Is The Target Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Acts 3:25 A clear statement demonstrating a clear understanding of purpose and plan. • When Brought Before Synagogues, Governors: It Shall Be Given Unto You… Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:8 Not being perturbed by the heavy hand of the authorities shows they were expecting such treatment. Knowing he had the backing of the HS Peter raised the stakes launching a strong retaliatory rebuke. Peter and John are putting into practice former instructions given by Christ in Matt 10:17. At that time they did not understand the ins and outs of the HS. (See Matt 17:19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?) After the forty days they are seasoned campaigners, the benefit of that teaching is passed on to us. This is a practical demonstration for our future performance should we not ‘doubt’. • A Direct Reference To The Training Of The Forty Days Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. Acts 4:19 The point of Acts 4:20: for those that understand the will of the Father there are no options but to carry it out. ‘Today, if you hear His voice do not harden your heart’. We have been ‘witnessed’.

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It would be hard to imagine they are referring to some past events during Christ’s ministry, this must be from what is still fresh from their recent exercises. Christ did give them ‘commandments’. • An Example (For Us) Of Going Boldly Before The Throne And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29 A brief relevant prayer. The Apostles let the Father know they are on the job. The problem is outlined, the remedy requested and God answers. If the work being done is precisely what the Father calls for He has no option but to back up His crew. • Provision For The End Time Saints Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Acts 4:34 Once the end time is underway, obvious after Day One (paralambano/chosen), the needs of those ‘serving God’ will be met. Into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who is worthy; there abide till ye go thence. Matt 10:11 • The Wedding Guest With The Wrong Outfit But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: Acts 5:1

128 Ananias and his wife were not really with the program. For whatever reason they were only acting the part. Total commitment is demanded. • Example: The Impact Of The End Time Saints And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. 13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. 14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Acts 5:12 In the end time this is the pattern by which God’s people will get their message across. God the Father is serious about what is required and will certainly do His part. • The Authorities Stepping Up Pressure. Pattern Of Moses/Aaron ‘We Be Dead Men” Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. 21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, 23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. 24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. 25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. 26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said,

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We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. 33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. 34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; 35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. Acts 5:19

Pharaoh’s advisors knew they were up against something bigger than themselves. They said to Pharaoh ‘if we continue down this path we will all be dead men’. Pharaoh kept going with disastrous consequences. So it will be with the Beast. The only hope for the Israelite nations in Europe under the Beast is that those actually responsible for the welfare of the ‘captives’ (dispossessed, homeless, foodless; those that refuse the mark of the Beast) are seemingly protected in some way. The purpose of the vials of Revelation poured on the followers of the Beast in the last few years is to make it known whose side God is on. • Counting The Cost And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue… disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. 11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, 13 And set up false witnesses, Acts 6:8 Christ would have made clear the position of all those that were to be involved with the ‘will of the Father’. In this world you will not be able to win. 380 of the 500 at Galilee decided not to proceed. A no win situation is not an attractive proposition. Another way of expressing this situation is: Serving God is a very different proposition to God serving us.

130 • The Cost A brilliant speech and a job done to perfection, but an inevitable end. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: Acts 7:54 It was the end for Stephen but as with Paul he knew he had done his job. His vision, seeing Christ and the Father, encouraging, beckoning him in effect was a vision of the Wave Sheaf and his eventual entrance into it. He had qualified as a Firstfruit.

SUMM A RY FOR ACTS OF THE ONE HUNDR ED A ND T W ENT Y There is more to Pentecost than the Church has been teaching. God deliberately chose to place a cloak over the details. As in Hebrews, those on ‘milk’ will not be concerned with discovering all it has to offer. The Power of the Holy Spirit is the real subject. Who has it, what for, why and when. The example of how the early Church went about their business is a memorandum slipped into our personal pigeonhole. Verification There is a superabundance of information ready to be digested. It can be looked at from many angles. Does it explain Hebrews? Or does Hebrews explain what went on during the forty days? Either way we have a serious reservoir of information that at the very least is a separate confirmation of what we have learnt from Hebrews. The bible always provides at least one separate direction in which to double check our spiritual footing. The 2nd Epistle of Peter causes the critics much consternation. Once again there are issues that question whether Peter was the author. One of the points in favour of

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his being the author is that it reflects Acts so closely. The teaching and training at Galilee stayed with the Apostles all their lives. It is at the root of all they achieved. Galilee was the final training ground where disciples were elevated to Apostles and sent on their way carrying the flag for Christ. For us today, it is possible to open up the same pages of their manuals for the same instruction, carrying the same banner for the same Kingdom Of God. In Hebrews God commands it. God will provide the same Power of the Holy Spirit to perform it.

Fast Forward To The End Time These are incredibly difficult times. More difficult than any in history. The chances of survival for Church members that genuinely ‘serve God’ are slim. God is well aware of the circumstances and has given us the instruction we need but not without the abilities to do what He requires when the time comes. Apart from hostility and persecution food is an issue. Millions are dying of starvation at the time of the second, third and fourth seals. Those that do not take the Mark are the most vulnerable to these shortages. Twice in Luke 10:7,8 God instructs us to eat whatever they can provide us (these are really tough times). This is not the time and place to worry about ‘clean’ or organic food. Historically, if you can lay your hands on a dog, you are doing well. ‘Volunteers’ A dangerous difficult and humanly speaking, an impossible task. Who is willing, as in ‘volunteer’ to do it? The survival of the majority of the tribes of Israel is on the line. Without the direct intervention of people with the means to show the way through these times, to guide, instruct and when necessary literally keep them alive with miracles, they have no hope. Years of grinding, intolerable hardship and danger are involved. The will of the Father is that they survive. For those that ‘serve God’ there is no option. This brings us full circle back to Hebrews. • How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation.

Heb 2:3

132 • Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts Heb 3:7 • To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Heb 3:15 • Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. Heb 4:1 • Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Heb 4:7 • For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword. Heb 4:12

• Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) Heb 10:23 • Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Heb 10:38 • But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb 11:6 • But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn…25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. Heb 12:25 • Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire. Heb 12:28

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CH A PTER 7

THE BOOK OF HEBR EWS – A FINA L CONCLUSION

What does the Church DO in the end time? The Church of God has never had an itinerary with a specific task to perform when Christ is about to return. Many passages in the bible allude to one, however, this final instruction is a chapter of Church chronology that has been left for the relevant time. That makes sense. The specific details are given in the bible. Just as this book hopefully has demonstrated, far more information than previously thought is available if we look a little deeper, a bit more honestly and in the right direction. Looking at the bible from God’s perspective is the starting point. The appendix has more information. For now, Hebrews states what the will of the Father is. Hebrews shows us what ‘God’s perspective’ is. Following on from that it lays out in a robust style that there is a specific task and that performing that duty gives meaning to ‘the will of the Father’. By understanding the will of the Father, which is the will of Christ , ‘whose house are we’, we now also know ‘our will’ should be the same. This is important to understand. The current perception of the Saint’s function during the Millennium raises a question. If the Levitical priesthood is responsible for the running of day-to-day affairs during the Millennium what is the function of the Melchisedec Order?

The Ultimate Purpose of Hebrews This perhaps brings us to the ultimate purpose of Hebrews. The High Priest of the Melchisedec Order, Christ, serves the will of the Father. That is His Function. In the beginning (of our time) when the universe needed to be created, Christ at His will created it. The Melchisedec Order is an extension of its High Priest. When God the Father needs, ‘wills’ other tasks to be performed, the same Melchisedec Order, now expanded will perform it.

134 Hebrews is as gently as possible, raising our level of thinking to unimaginable heights. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him… For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 1 Cor 2:9, 11 The Melchisedec Order with Christ as its High Priest is the operational governing body of all existence that fulfils the will of the Father. ‘Existence’ not only being the entire universe, of which we have some scant knowledge but extending to the entire spiritual realm of which we have no knowledge at present. That is where Hebrews takes us. Our calling offers us this future. A life that shows God we are serious about Him, wanting to know more, wanting to please Him more drives us forward closer to the threshold of acceptance God has established. For us, in our time, what will convince God of our sincerity? What will be our Abrahamic moment when God can say ‘now I know’? Malachi gave us such an insight. In his book the question is asked ‘who will serve God’. Hebrews adds ‘that is why we are here, to serve God’ and again adds we should not shrink back from doing what ever is asked. Malachi goes on to quote Christ in saying ‘I will send the information you need at the very moment I am about to return’. ‘But who can abide the day of His coming? Who is worthy? Who will be still be willing to stand on that day? Who is it that I can look to at this time to fulfil My determination’? What God the Father is doing, what He wants to achieve, how He is intending to further mankind’s potential still rests on the shoulders of individuals from amongst those He has called acting on the knowledge they receive. As of this very moment the entire future of mankind is debatable. The outcome is still in the balance resting on individuals in God’s Church responding to what God has now made known in more detail. Mal 3:16 answers the question: Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

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The bible tells us a ‘conversation’ ensued. Since the bible nearly always deals in understatement it could be said that a real ‘buzz’ developed. This is not an official Church response. This is a personal response. A private decision based entirely on an individual’s relationship with God. Individuals will share their thoughts with other individuals. ‘And the damsel ran, and told them of her mother’s house these things’. Despite the far reaching consequences, she was very excited. This is the conversation that God will listen into. This is how God will single out those who serve Him, a conversation that will decide their Eternal future. Perhaps the story of the servant seeking a suitable wife for Isaac resonates more deeply? The servant was following orders, he discharged his duty. An angel ‘prospered the way’, yet at the end of the day there still remains a decision to be made. And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left. Gen 24:49 Was there a lot of deliberating to be done? And they rose up in the morning, and he said, Send me away unto my master. 55 And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go. 56 And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master. 57 And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth. 58 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go… 61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way. Gen 24:54

‘And took Rebekah, and went his way’ There is a sense of inevitable finality in these words. The immediate future would have been a blur for Rebekah and her maids. All of them were heading into completely unknown territory and circumstances. Nevertheless it was God’s will and they were well aware of it. With the excitement would have been confidence.

136 Several times the servant had mentioned that an angel had been watching over events and was ‘on duty’. We have the same circumstance in our day. A specific angel is ‘on duty’ overseeing the choosing of those to be invited to the wedding. The same sense of inevitability is present. There is no time to be lost. Once a decision is made there is no turning back. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. Rev 19:9 …I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Rev 19:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Rev 22:10 Rebekah made her decision. ‘I will go’.

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Appendix Additional Resources Hebrews: The Melchisedec Order And The Wave Sheaf Offering is a prelude to understanding the entire end time. It explains God’s objective and the part the Church plays in that. It does not give specific details of what takes place, the chronological events during the overall Day of the Lord. For that we need an entirely different approach. The function of individual people, now referred to as Saints once the end time is underway, can be precisely determined once a detailed and accurate understanding of the end time is available. Is that possible? Just as we saw how our ‘Hebrews’ book revealed a lot more of what had been right in front of our eyes all the time – so it is with details for the end time. Everything we need has been provided by God. What else would you expect? Not only are the details available, they are cross referenced from many quarters of the bible leaving us with a real sense of security for our findings. In a word, provable. We b s it e : w w w .t h e m e l c h i s e d e c o r d e r . o r g

The site contains all books, articles and ‘tools’ to view and read onsite or as free PDF and ePub digital downloads. (The site will be gradually uploaded after the Feast of 2014). Hard copies of books and presentation material are available for a donation or at no cost – as funds permit. (This work is not funded by, or part of any particular Church organisation).

Books • Hebrews – The Melchisedec Order and the Wave Sheaf Offering.

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The objective of this book is to show God has a particular task for His people prior to Christ’s return. It defines what the ‘will of the Father’ is. The book does not go into specific detail (time and place) of end time events which is a separate subject in its own right. (See below: Toolkit and Manual). • The Millennium. Without a detailed understanding of the end time, purpose and all events, it is not possible to really understand the Millennium. Why does God have an end time? What will it achieve? What is the purpose of the Millennium? What will man be doing during this period? All these questions can be provided with more detailed answers when the starting points are established on solid foundations. • Proving All Things. An expression liberally endorsed by all the Churches of God… but never backed up. The Church urgently needs a plain indisputable means to prove what it believes. Why has the Church never defined a means to determine what is correct or not in its bible understanding? Its not that difficult to find something that sorts out obvious superficiality. (See: a checklist of points over page). The real problem is it would be too embarrassing for the Church to do so. This book presents such a system and then proceeds to analyse what the Church has got right using this formulae to demonstrate how it’s application works. Examples would be the subjects of Israel, the Sabbath and Holy Days, the Plan of God. Then the book moves on to check out various (more responsible) Churches of God’s other main doctrines and themes to see how they stand up to the same scrutiny. • The Bible End Time Toolkit and Manual. ► All the specific end time details are spelt out in this bundled collection.

This is a down to earth working manual covering several hundred scriptures involved with the return of Christ. Subjects (the Beast, Babylon, Israel, Armageddon etc) have their main points featured to facilitate cross referencing with other scriptures. The colour coded manual system acts as a quick reference guide, a compilation of all end time scriptures, all of which must fit together. The ‘manual’ shows how what belongs to where. It offers ‘thoughts to be taken into consideration’ when deciding the application of verses. How to establish an accurate timeline is discussed. A collection of 200 individual cards with an end time event printed on each can be used to ‘position’ the timing of these events.

140 To ‘test’ all theories (as presented by any Church of God) the card’s position can be moved representing the timing of that event to an earlier or later stage. Do contradictions appear? You can’t have Babylon falling after all the ships in the oceans have been destroyed! The Church cannot ‘come out of Babylon’ after they have gone to the ‘wilderness’. More details on the website. • Presentation Material Charts and timelines more comprehensive than anything introduced before for those that relate to visual communication. • Teaching Material A large A3 size easel display (it folds out to more than a meter wide) with charts and timelines is ideal for small to medium group instruction. Available as funds permit. • Bible Studies In the UK and Western Europe, bible study sessions can be organised.

Excerpt from ‘Proving All Things’ – 10 points to validate Church Teaching The bible says: “…the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” Isa 55:12 The bible repeats this ‘scene’ in three places. Is it literal or ‘poetic’? How do you tell the difference? Points needed to establish or confirm a correct biblical precept: 1) • SCRIPTURE – A convincing inventory of plain scriptures is a must have. Scripture is the starting point. 2) • DISTRIBUTION – Different places in the bible where this precept occurs or is backed up is essential. The bible will always cover a subject from several

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directions, usually in different places in the bible not just one chapter. The bible always corroborates itself. 3) • GOOD FIT – The subject will fit very well in the overall plan of God. The plan of God is what the bible is about. 4) • CONTEXT – Context is paramount. Often the bible lays down words in black and white, but it would not be factual - as in ‘the hills singing for joy and trees clapping their hands’. There will be a reason for giving the statement however the context will usually sort out where a serious statement of fact has been made in contrast to a ‘poetic’ one that is painting an overall picture. 5) • SIMPLE – A precept must be able to be explained simply. Einstein: ‘anything can be explained simply if you understand it well enough’. If an explanation is complex it demonstrates something is flawed. 6) • APPLICATION – The precept will have an application. A working knowledge combined with practical application of the subject demonstrates a correct analysis i.e. it ‘works’. It will give a better understanding of existing scriptures. The plan of God, the bible as whole is joined together in a network of interlinked components. One correctly placed piece helps clarify all adjoining parts. A ‘blind alley’ subject, ‘an interesting fact’ on its own or a subject that goes nowhere will not be a correct one. God does not waste space within His own word or play ‘tricks’. 7) • REVEAL – A bible truth will always lead to another bible truth. It will expand the overall knowledge base… which leads to further understanding. A feature that becomes more obvious in hindsight, however a solid new direction can often unlock other concepts immediately as in ‘the lights turn on’. 8) • LEGITIMACY – Only biblical material itself is admissible as the primary source. Be aware of how and when opinions, feelings or traditions are introduced into explanations.

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9) • INTENT – An understanding should not be solely dependant on original language, commentators and bible translations to ‘prove a point’. The net intent of a scriptural passage takes preference over an individual word. Bible helps are used in a supportive role. Cross referencing from internal biblical details (equivalent to ‘eye witness testimony’) is the primary guide. 10) • TRANSPARENCY – Invariably there will be two sides to an issue, either a former mainstream belief or an alternative viewpoint. Besides explaining the new position, why the ‘old’ needed to be ‘fixed’ needs to be demonstrated. Seeing all the issues from every side provides checks and balances demonstrating a good (safe) understanding.

Conclusion: If a concept will not stand up to this assessment, it is either incorrect, or, we do not have sufficient material to instruct others in something we cannot be sure of. Why is being ‘right on the mark’ so important? As the end time gets underway, economies collapse and the Beast exerts dominion, the corporate Church organisations will quickly be unable to continue. From then on it will be the actions of individual members that will determine the outcome. Three main considerations are at play. • Your own life will be on the line. Needlessly wasting your calling would be a tragedy. You want to be sure you are fulfilling exactly what God requires. • The lives of the people you contact are at risk. By guiding them to resist the Beast, the only means to survive will be based on a true relationship with God… as guided by yourself. • Those acting on God’s behalf, personally representing God, must be able to correctly discern all the information that God requires to be delivered. The instructions must be correct. Taking the mark of the Beast is spiritually fatal. Not taking the mark of the Beast will seem physically just as grievous. Those not complying with state rules will have

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no access to food and all other means to live. They will have to rely totally on God for sheer survival. When life and death decisions are being made that ultimately determine the future shape of the world, (who goes forward into the Millennium) they can not be made on someone else’s ‘feelings’ or ‘opinions’.

Conviction Expecting people to believe you, putting their lives on the line when false representatives are doing ‘miracles’ will not happen unless you have indisputable answers to offer. You really need to know what you are talking about, and they need to gain confidence in knowing that you know. As is often quoted, God is not the author of confusion.