"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not
partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."
2023. ZWO the moves only got bigger as seen in this narrowed-down list of eleven of the most telling events of 2023: bigger burn-downs, flood-outs, digital control push, moves to collapse entirely the existing world order, and so on; in other words - basically more of the same - the emphasis though on 'more'; and going into 2024 the same program will without question continue even.. 'more and more':
***
__________________________________________________ Eph. 6:12 'For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places'
Part I - The Saviour promised; will shake the nations, Jews; who may abide...refiner's fire; virgin shall conceive – God with us, light in darkness; shepherds in the field, angel announces - born in the city of David...Christ the Lord; Zion's King; works of redemption
Scene 1: Isaiah's prophecy of salvation
1. Sinfony - overture (orchestra)
2. Comfort ye my people (tenor recitation)
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:1-3)
3. Every valley shall be exalted (air for tenor)
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight, and the rough places plain. (Isaiah 40:4)
4.And the glory of the LORD (chorus)
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. (Isaiah 40:5)
Scene 2: The coming judgment
5. Thus saith the LORD (bass recitation)
Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: --Yet once a little while and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come. (Haggai 2:6, 7)
The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts. (Malachi 3:1)
6. But who may abide (air for bass)
But who may abide the day of His coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner's fire. (Malachi 3:2)
7. And he shall purify (chorus)
And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. (Malachi 3:3)
Scene 3: The prophecy of Christ's birth
8. Behold a Virgin shall conceive (alto recitation)
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name EMMANUEL, God with us. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)
9. O thou that telleth good tidings to Zion (air for alto, chorus)
O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! --- Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. (Isaiah 40:9; 60:1)
10. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth (bass recitation)
For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. (Isaiah 60:2, 3)
11. The people that walked in darkness (air for bass)
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. (Isaiah 9:2)
12. For unto us a child is born (chorus)
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
Scene 4: Birth of the Saviour announced to shepherds Christ the Lord
13. Pifa "pastoral symphony" (orchestra)
14. There were shepherds abiding in a field (soprano recitation)
There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. (Luke 2:8)
15. And lo the angel of the Lord came upon them (continued soprano recitation)
And lo! the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. (Luke 2:9)
16. And the angel said unto them (continued)
And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10, 11)
17. And suddenly there was with the angel (continued)
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying: (Luke 2:13)
18. Glory to God (chorus)
Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men. (Luke 2:14)
Scene 5: Christ's healing and redemption of his people
19. Rejoice greatly O daughter of Zion (air for soprano)
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee. He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen. (Zechariah 9:9, 10)
20. Then shall the eyes of the blind (soprano recitation)
Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing. (Isaiah 35:5, 6)
21. He shall feed his flock (air for either soprano or alto)
He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (Isaiah 40:11)
Come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and He shall give you rest. Take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him for He is meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:28, 29)
22. His yoke is easy and his burthen is light (chorus)
His yoke is easy and His burden is light. (Matthew 11:30)
Part II – Christ revealed, rejected; crucifixion – iniquity of us all laid on him, he was cut off; resurrection – did not see corruption; ascension - gates open, received into Heaven, angels worship; Gospel preached to ends of the world, rejected; heathen rage; judgment comes; Christ victorious; glorious Alleluia chorus
Scene 1: Christ's Passion
23. (1) Behold the lamb of God (chorus)
Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)
24. (2) He was despised (air for alto)
He was despised and rejected of men: a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. (Isaiah 53:3)
He gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: He hid not His face from shame and spitting. (Isaiah 50:6)
25. (3) Surely he hath borne our griefs (chorus)
Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. (Isaiah 53:4,5)
26. (4) And with his stripes (chorus)
And with His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
27. (5) All we like sheep (chorus)
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)
28. (6) All they that see him laugh him to scorn (bass recitation)
All they that see Him, laugh Him to scorn, they shoot out their lips, and shake their heads saying,: (Psalms 22:7)
29. (7) He trusted in God (chorus)
He trusted in God that He would deliver Him; let Him deliver Him, if He delight in Him. (Psalms 22:8)
30. (8) Thy rebuke hath broken his heart (tenor or soprano recitation)
Thy rebuke hath broken His heart; He is full of heaviness. He looked for some to have pity on Him, but there was no man; neither found He any to comfort Him. (Psalms 69:20)
31. (9) Behold and see (tenor or soprano recitation)
Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow. (Lamentations 1:12)
Scene 2: Christ's Death and Resurrection
32. (10) He was cut off (tenor or soprano recitation)
He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of Thy people was He stricken. (Isaiah 53:8)
33. (11) But thou didst not leave his soul in hell (air for tenor or soprano)
But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell; nor didst Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption. (Psalms 16:10)
Scene 3: Christ's Ascension
34. (12) Lift up your heads (chorus)
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory. (Psalms 24:7-10)
Scene 4: Christ's reception in Heaven
35. (13) Unto which of the angels said he at any time (tenor recitation)
Unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten Thee? (Hebrews 1:5)
36. (14) Let all the angels of God worship Him (chorus)
Let all the angels of God worship Him. (Hebrews 1:6)
Scene 5: The beginnings of Gospel preaching
37. (15) Thou art gone up on high (air for alto or soprano)
Thou art gone up on high, Thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men; yea, even for Thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them. (Psalms 68:18)
38. (16) The Lord gave the word (chorus)
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of the preachers. (Psalms 68:11)
39. (17) How beautiful are the feet (aria for soprano)
How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. (Romans 10:15)
40. (18) Their sound is gone out (chorus)
Their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world. (Romans 10:18)
Scene 6: The world's rejection of the Gospel
41. (19) Why do the nations rage (air for bass)
Why do the nations so furiously rage together? and why do the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth rise up, and the
rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His Anointed. (Psalms 2:1, 2)
42. (20) Let us break their bands asunder (chorus)
Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. (Psalms 2:3)
43. (21) He that dwelleth in heaven (tenor recitation)
He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision. (Psalms 2:4)
Scene 7: God's ultimate victory
44. (22) Thou shalt break them (air for tenor)
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. (Psalms 2:9)
45. (23) Alleluia (chorus)
Alleluia! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ: and He shall reign for ever and ever. KING OF KINGS, and LORD OF LORDS, Alleluia! (Revelation 19:6; 11:15; 19:16)
Part III - Sin, death defeated: where is thy sting; Christ Jesus rose from the dead, so shall his redeemed; redeemed in Heaven give glory unto the Lamb that was slain - for ever and ever; Amen
Scene 1: The promise of eternal life
46. (1) I know that my redeemer liveth (air for soprano)
I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. (Job 19:25, 26)
For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first-fruits of them that sleep. (I Corinthians 15:20)
47. (2) Since by man came death (chorus)
Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (I Corinthians 15:21-22)
48. (3) Behold I tell you a mystery (bass recitation)
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep; but we shall all be changed in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. (I Corinthians 15:51, 52)
49. (4) The trumpet shall sound (air for bassist)
The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (I Corinthians 15:52, 53)
Scene 2: The final conquest of death
50. (5) Then shall be brought to pass (alto recitative)
Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. (I Corinthians 15:54)
51. (6) O death where is thy sting? (duet alto and tenor)
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. (I Corinthians 15:55, 56)
52. (7) But thanks be to God (chorus)
But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:57)
53. (8) If God be for us (air for soprano or alto)
If God be for us, who can be against us? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us. (Romans 8:31, 33, 34)
Scene 3: The acclamation of Christ
54. (9) Worthy is the Lamb that was slain / Amen (chorus)
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Blessing and honour, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 5:12,13)
Christopher Hogwood - Conductor
The Choir of Westminster Abbey
Organist and Master of the Choristers: Simon Preston
The Academy of Ancient Music
Soprano 1 ................................Judith Nelson
Soprano 2 ................................Emma Kirkby
Contralto ..................................Carolyn Watkinson
Tenor .......................................Paul Elliott
Bass ........................................David Thomas
Handel's Messiah - 1741: Composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741 over a brief 24-day period (260 pages), the correct title is simply "Messiah". It is an oratorio. Acclaimed through the centuries as the greatest musical composition ever written, the term 'inspired' has often been suggested in attempting to describe the work. Whether that be the case or not, certainly no greater subject matter were ever possible than that of this 'oratorio'. Written entirely with the inspired Word of God from the King James Bible, it is a presentation of the Saviour of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ, from the prophecies that went before, to His coming triumphant reign of heaven and earth. On the bottom of the manuscript Handel wrote "SDG" — Soli Deo Gloria, "To God alone the glory". Upon finishing the Alleluia chorus -- end of part II, Handel is said to have exclaimed "I did think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God himself!” In three parts:
*** Related: The Last Trump (solved) and the Pretribulation Rapture[study]
[repost]Jeremiah Burroughs (1599-1646) - One of the 'Puritans' - well regarded in his day, by his writings is still today
From: "The Eighth Book Of Mr. Jeremiah Burroughs Being A Treatise Of The Evils Of Evils Or The Exceeding Sinfulness Of Sin"
- The Sixt Part 'He That Committeth Sin Is Of The Devil' 1John 3:8
Book published 1654
*Clip is a robo-voice - speeded up quite a bit and tone lowered significantly. A 'speed clip' as it were. Although robo-clips are not ideal this is definitely 'listenable to', much more so with the scrolling text. Note: this is not entertainment it is a thing of history. Very few audio resources of Jeremiah Burroughs online, or printed in readable-text format even. This particular clip is nowhere else to be found. It is a rare thing in other words. Should be considered a classic even. Worth the effort for these reasons alone. And most importantly, it is the unedited original, meaning it has not been 'modernized', which makes all the difference. The scrolling text likewise is 'uncorrected' from the original document [16 min.]:
Sin makes a man conformable to the Devil, opened in Six Particulars.
First, Sin is of the same Nature with the Devil. Secondly, Sin is from the Devil. Thirdly, Sin is a furtherance of the Devils Kingdom in the World: For
1 By Sin we oppose Christs destroying the Devils Kingdom in the World.
2 By Sin thou opposest thy prayers when thou prayest, Thy Kingdom come.
3 By going on in a way of sin, thou becomest guilty of all the sin in the World. Fourthly, Sinning is a fulfilling the will of the Devil. Fifthly, Sin sells the Soul to the Devil. Sixtly, Sin, it turns the Soul into a Devil.
The Sixth and Last Demonstration of the Evil of Sin; It is from that reference Sin hath to the Devil.
The Scripture speaks of Afflictions, that they make us conformable to Christ; but Sin makes us conformable to the Devil. There are Six things to be opened about this: I have mentioned the First, which was this, That Sin was of the same Nature with the Devil: every Sin hath the same kind of Malignity in it, that the Devil hath. But,
Secondly, All Sin, it is from the Devil, either Originally, or at least by way of a Cause, helping it forward: Sin is the work of the Devil, not only a joyning with him, but his work: therefore Christ is said to come to dissolve the works of the Devil: Sin is from the Devil, therefore it is said in 1 John 3:8. He that commits sin is of the Devil, for the Devil sinneth from the beginning; and to this purpose the Son of man was manifest, that he might destroy the works of the Devil: He that commits sin is of the Devil, it comes from the Devil. And so John 8:44. Brethren (these things which I speak concerning the reference Sin hath to the Devil, though they may seem hard and harsh, yet) it is to be observed, none speaks so much of Sins coming from the Devil as John, who was of the most loving, sweet Nature of any of the Disciples; and yet when he comes to speak of sin, he speaks of it in the most harsh terms that possibly can be; so that it comes not from harshness, but may stand with a loving and sweet Nature to speak of sin in the harshest terms that we can do: for John the most loving, and beloved Disciple of Christ, so full of love; and yet none spake so harshly of sin, especially in its reference it hath to the Devil, as he saith here, John 8:44. You are of the Devil, and his lust you will do: Thus Sin, the lusts of Sin come from the Devil, and it makes a man or a woman to be the Child of the Devil: So the Scripture is clear it comes from him Originally; all Sin that is in you, is Originally the Spawn of the very Devil himself in your souls; and originally it comes from him: as all Sin originally comes from his temptations and suggestions, so also the Devil helps forward and furthers all sin that is in your souls, this is the evil of it. But here understand this aright,
The Devil is not so the cause of all Sin, as God is the cause of all Grace, not so: It is true, the Devil hath a hand in every Sin, but not such a hand in Sin, as God hath in Grace; for God hath such a hand in the work of Grace, that he doth not only give a principle of Grace, but all the operation of Grace is so from him, as it would never stir but by him, he gives the will to work and do all; the will and the deed are from him: But all Sin is not so from the Devil, though originally it is, and the Devil puts it on; yet we are to know, though the Devil now should tempt no more, yet there is enough in the hearts of men and women to sin against God all manner of sin, even from their own innate corruption that now is in them; if the Devil were destroyed, Sin would not be destroyed: In Grace there is no power to work but by Gods working together with it; but in Sin there is a power to work without the Devils working: though the Devil is forward enough to work with our corruption, yet I say there is corruption enough in our hearts for to work al kind of sin, though the Devil should not tempt us any more; therfore we must not lay all upon the Devil, as many do; when they fall into any wickedness, they will say, this is the Devil, and lay all the fault upon the Devil, and so think to take it off from themselves by laying it upon the Devil: No, know, though the Devil labors to further it what he can, yet there is such corruption in you, that it would stream forth from you though the Devil stir it not at all: therefore charge your own hearts as well as the Devil. In the work of Grace, we must give all the glorie to God; but in the work of Sin, we cannot allot all the fault to the Devil; we are not to take any of the glorie of the work of Grace to our selves, but we are to take a great part, yea, somtimes the greatest part of Sin to our selves: but however the Devil is the cause of Sin originally, and helps forward to it.
Thirdly, All Sin is the furtherance of the Kingdom of the Devil in the World. You know that the Scripture saith, that the Devil is the Prince that rules in the Air, and is called the God of this World, because he rules in the Children of disobedience. There is a Kingdom of the Devil set up by sin in the World, and maintained by sin in the World; it hath a succession in the World by sin: So that all sinners that continue in waies of sin, they do what in them lies to uphold the Kingdom of the Devil in the World, and the Rule of the Devil in the World.
1. Therefore men in sin, are exceeding opposite to the End of Christs coming in the World: for it is Christs End in coming into the world to dissolve the Kingdom of the Devil, as you had it before in 1 John 3:8. It is an especial End why Christ came into the world, for to bring down the Kingdom of the Devil, and yet thou by sinning upholdest the Kingdom of the Devil; so thou dost what in thee lies to oppose and resist the very End of Christs coming into the world. There is very much in this consideration to humble the hearts of all wicked men for sin; thou hast lived in a course of sin it may be many yeers; now Brethren know, the Lord charges thee with this, this day, That all this time that thou hast lived in a course of sin, thou hast done what in thee lies to oppose the End of Christs coming into the World; that if thou couldest thou wouldest hinder the end of the death of Christ, and of all that he hath done: for the especial end why Christ is come into the World, it is to dissolve the work of the Devil; and thou keepest up the work of the Devil.
2. Again, it follows hence, That thou dost directly contradict thy own Prayers: When thou prayest, Thy Kingdom come, in the Lords Prayer, thou prayest there that the Kingdom of Christ might come: but in every way of sin that thou takest liberty in, thou dost oppose the Kingdom of Christ: How dost thou take the Name of God in vain, and mock God in this Prayer? Every wicked man and woman in the world mocks God in praying the Lords Prayer, when they say Thy Kingdom come, and yet live in such waies as upholds the Kingdom of the Devil, instead of the Kingdom of Christ.
3. Yea further, this follows, That by going on in waies of sin, thou comest to be guilty, and standest charged for all the sins that ever were committed in the world: This may seem to be a hard thing, to charge any man or woman that now lives in waies of sin, that by that sin of thine that thou now livest in, thou comest to be guilty of all the sins that ever was done in the world, since the beginning of the world. I undertake to make that good thus; You know the Scripture chargeth those that persecuted the Prophets, as guilty of all the persecution of the Prophets that ever were, all the blood that was shed from Abel to Zacharias shall come upon this Generation, saith Christ; why so? why should all the blood shed from Abel to that time, come upon that Generation?
The Reason is this, Because they continued the succession of that sin of persecution of the Prophets, that as there was a persecution of the Prophets before, so they go on and uphold this succession of that sin. Now by the holding of the succession of a way of sin, we come to be guilty of all that sin that went before: As for example, Suppose there should be Treason against a King or State, by some vile treasonable act; now the Father commits the first act, the Son afterward goeth on in the same way, and his Children come after him, and goeth on in the same way, and their Children after them: now I say, the Children, and the Grand-children, and the great Grand-children, are guilty of the first treasonable act that was committed; why? Because they uphold the succession of the treasonoble act. So now, Sin that was in the beginning of the world, was to bring in the Kingdom of Satan; and the next Generation upheld it, and the next upheld the same, and the next Generation went on the same way; so that every Generation is not only guilty of those particular sins which they commit; but they be guilty of all that went before, because they uphold the succession of the Kingdom of the Devil, and the opposition of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ:
As for instance, Take a scorner of Religion, that is one sin (for we cannot open things but by instancing in particulars) I say, take a scorner of Religion, know thou art not guilty of these acts of scorning only in thy self, but art guilty of all the scorning of Godliness since the beginning of the world; why? Because thou holdest a succession of that way of scorning of Religion. So a Blasphemer may be said to be guilty of all the blasphemies in the world; why? Because he upholds the succession of that way of sinning against God; and so opposing the Kingdom of Christ, and upholding the Kingdom of the Devil. This is the third thing, Sin is the upholding of the Kingdom of the Devil in the World.
Fourthly, A Fourth thing is this, That Sin, it is a fulfilling of the will of the Devil: That is another distinct Consideration, and you shall see that in the opening of it, it will be of distinct use to you: I say, it is a fulfilling the will of the Devil; that place is very famous for that in the 2 Tim. 2:26. That they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Devil, who are taken captive of him at his WILL: There wicked men be taken captive by the Devil at his Will, or to do his Will, so you may reade it: some they be insnared by Satan to do his will, his lusts you do, as Christ speaks: you may think you do your own will in sinning, but certainly you do the will of the Devil as well as your own: As for instance, that of passion and anger Ephesians 4:26. Be angry, but sin not, let not the Sun go down upon your wrath; neither give place to the Devil: you think you give place to your own passion, but you give place to the Devil, and fulfil the will of the Devil: You come by sin to do the Devils drudgery and slavery; you do his work he sets you about, and his will you fulfil. Now for such a Noble Creature as Man is, to come to be a slave of the Devil, that is the lowest now of all Creatures; it must needs be a very dreadful thing; it is an evil to be in slavery to any thing vile or base. I remember I have read a Story of one Gunno, King of the Danes, that having overcome a People, he set a Dog over them to be their Governor; that is thus, he would have all Commands to go out under the name of the Dog, and they should be under the Government of the Dog; this he did in disdain and indignation against those people he overcame.
But now, as he would shew the baseness of that People that he designed to be under a Dog; much more debasement is it for an immortal Soul to be under the Command of the Devil, as all wicked men are under the command of the Devil himself. Thou wilt not fulfil the will of God when it is opened to thee out of his Word and Will, what thou oughtest to do; thou standest out against the Will of God: But now you that think it such a bondage to be obedient to the will of God, you be brought under a worse bondage, you are fain to be obedient to the will of the Devil. And certainly those men and women that think they be at most liberty when they be free from obedience to the Will of God; by that libertie they come to be under bondage, under slavery to the Devil All wicked men that think much to obey God, they must be obedient one way or other; we must be all servants, and obedient either to the Will of God, or the Devil: which is best then? Wicked men think it a brave life that they may have their own will; true, if they might have their own will, they might think it a brave life: but know, you have rather the will of the devil than your own, in that you do his will, you fulfil the will of the devil. To be in slavery, not only to the devil, but to any man, is a great evil, to be at the wil of man, yea, to be at the will of a good man is an evil: I should be loth to live in any such Commonwealth, as that I should be under the will of man in it, any further than might be revealed and bounded by some set Law. The difference between a Slave and a Subject is this,
A Slave is such a one as lives under Arbitrary Government, that is the WILL of such as are in Authority, is their Law, and they are ruled by no other Law but by the Will of such as Govern them, there is no Law set, to know when they shall offend, and when not; but when their Rulers say, this is an offence, that his will is crossed, that is an offence, and they be therefore punished: But now Subjects, they be bound to no obedience to any man, any further than some set Law doth require their obedience; that is a Subject, and that is the very difference between a Slave and a Subject. If men in Authority should command any thing, though good (I mean only indifferent) yet I am not bound in conscience to obey at all, because they command, except it be by a Law, except they command it by a Law: if he command it meerly as his Will, and only say, I Will, here is no tie upon the conscience. It is ordinarie for people to think, if men in Authority command, they will have such a thing done, Oh say they, Authority commands: We deny it, Authority commands nothing but what it commands by a Law; and then we are bound to obey, or to suffer, if it be a Law once: but if it be not a Law, though it should be the will of men in Authority, it doth not bind us at all, till it come to be a Law, any further than there is Equity it self in the thing, in its own Nature: for then doth a People come to be in slavery when they come to be subject to the will of men without a Law. Now Brethren thus; If it be a slavery, and a great evil to be subject to men, though good men, subject to their will, and nothing else, without Law; then what an evil is it to be in subjection and slavery to the will of the devil? meerly at his will? and yet every wicked man is so.
We should account it a very sore thing if we should come under Arbitrary Government, to be subject to the will of men. Now so long as thou remainest under the power of Sin, thou remained under the government of the devil himself; this is a sorer evil than affliction: A man were better live in any Country, though not so fruitful as England, and suffer hardship in his Estate, so he live like a Free man, than to live here, or in any other fruitful Country, and live under Arbitrary Government. This we hope for, not to be under the Wills of men, but the Laws made by them. Then it were better to endure hardship and any affliction, than bear this, to be at the will of the Devil, and fufil his will.
Fifthly, In reference to the devil, Sin hath this evil in it, if it grows to a height, itsels the soul to the Devil: As with Ahab, 1 Kings 21:20 when Elijah met Ahab, Hast thou found me, O my Enemy (saith Ahab)? And he answered, I have found thee, because thou hast SOLD thy self to work evil in the sight of the Lord: Now if he sell himself, he must sell himself to some body, to somwhat, we cannot sell a thing but we must sell it to some body, or to somwhat; now to what must Ahab sell himself? Certainly, to no body but to the devil; he sold himself to work iniquity and wickedness, and wickedness when it comes to the height, is a selling of our selves to the very devil himself. We cry out of those poor, miserable Creatures that sel themselves to the devil, we say, Oh how be they deluded and besotted that sell themselves to the devil? Certainly every wicked man and woman in the world, when sin groweth to the height sell themselves to the devil.
Sixthly and lastly, Sin when it grows to a height, it doth turn the Soul into a Devil; it makes men and women to become Devils, when it grows once to a height: The Scripture is very clear in that; you know what is said concerning Judas, John 6:70. Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a Devil? and so ordinarily the Scripture speaks in this kind of phrase, Revelation 2:10. Fear none of these things you shall suffer, behold the Devil shall cast some of you into prison: why? is the Devil come to be a Pursevant, or an Officer, or to give Warrants to cast into prison? No, but it is spoken of wicked Persecutors that the Devil sets on work, they be called by the name of the Devil. Sin when it comes to a height, it makes the sinners to be such, that they are pronounced to be Devils: the Devil shall cast some of you into prison; and one of you is a Devil: that is a strange metamorphosis. We reade of strange Fictions, of some Creatures turned into other Creatures; but this, for the Creature to be turned into a Devil, is the strangest metamorphosis that can be. Brethren, what made the Devil a Devil? they were once glorious Angels, more glorious Creatures than men and women, but what is it that should make them devils now? Nothing but Sin; it is Sin that hath made Angels to be Devils: and therefore do not so much wonder that sin should make men and women to be devils Incarnate.
Do not wonder at the phrase of Scripture, seeing Angels by sin, yea, the sin that the Angels did commit, did presently turn them into devils: therefore wonder not, that the continuing the acts of sin, when it groweth to the height, should turn men and women into devils. These be the Six Particulars in this Head, of Sins Reference to the Devil.
1. It is of the same Nature with the devil, joyns with him against God.
2. It is the work of the devil, that is, he is the Original, and helping Cause of it.
3 .It furthers the Kingdom of the devil.
4. It fulfils the will of the devil.
5. When it grows to a height it sels the Creature to the devil.
6. It turns them into devils.
These be the Six Particulars of the evil of Sin in the Reference it hath to the Devil.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1John 1:9 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness'
'..the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified'†Revelation 11:8
*** John 4:21 'Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father'
If the sufferings of Christ have secured us an entrance into heaven, the place where He suffered expresses our rejection from earth. His death has procured us a city on high; the place where He died divests us of a city below.
"He suffered without the gate," [Heb. 13:12] and, in so doing, He set aside Jerusalem as the present centre of divine operation. There is no such thing, now, as a consecrated spot on the earth. Christ has taken His place, as a suffering One, outside the range of this world's religion — its politics, and all that pertains to it.
The world hated Him, and cast Him out. Wherefore, the word is, "go forth" [without the camp - Heb. 13:13]. This is the motto, as regards every thing that men would set up here, in the form of a "camp," no matter what that camp may be. If men set up "a holy city," you must look for a rejected Christ "without the gate." [Heb. 13:12]
If men set up a religious camp, call it by what name you please, you must "go forth" out of it, in order to find a rejected Christ. It is not that blindsuperstition will not grope amid the ruins of Jerusalem [Rev. 11:7-8], in search of relics of Christ. It assuredly will do so, and has done so. It will affect to find out, and do honour to, the site of His cross, and to His sepulchre.
Nature's covetousness, too, taking advantage of nature's superstition, has carried on, for ages, a lucrative traffic, under the crafty plea of doing honour to the so-called sacred localities of antiquity. But a single ray of light from Revelation's heavenly lamp, is sufficient to enable us to say that you must "go forth" of all these things [John 4:23-24], in order to find and enjoy communion with a rejected Christ. [Rev. 18:4] C.H. Mackintosh (CHM) 1820-1896
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Matthew 23:37-38 'O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate..'[cf. Matt. 23:39]
November 2023 Zionist Jewish Agenda's Psychological Perception-Manipulation program for their Gaza-Takeover operation goes global scale - the cry of "Anti-Semitism.. Anti Semitism.. Anti Semitism.." has now been taken to an unprecedented planetary level. All the world now being pounded by an unrelenting barrage of the blatant propaganda from every possible so-called news source..
Haven't bowed down to the Antichrist-Zionist-Agenda [see Jewish Flag And Gaza] and mindlessly accepted whatever the Zionist Global Bureau of Propaganda [ZGBoP] tells you to believe [about anything and everything] about what's really going on in Gaza and who is really doing what - you are obviously a horrible "ANTI-SEMITE' and a danger to all the free-world and everything wholesome and good..
Anti Semitism.. Anti Semitism.. Anti Semitism" - a total fraud power-play to force silence upon the entire world by intimidation, openly admitted (video below):
"Anti-Semite..Holocaust ..It's A Trick We Always Use It" - Ex-Knesset Lady Shulamit Aloni
Amy Goodman Host Democracy Now, August 14, 2002 interviews former Israeli Minister Knesset member Shulamit Aloni who headed the Meretz Party -- Democracy Now, August 14, 2002
"..often when there is dissent expressed against ..policies of the Israeli government.. people.. are called anti-semitic.."
Rev. 18:4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Micah 3:10 'They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity'
Free will or election. Only one can be true. And which one of these 'gospels' actually limits atonement? This is the subject of this short but very much classic sermon "The Old Gospel versus a New Gospel" from widely regarded evangelist of days past, Rolfe Barnard (1904-1969). The audio clip below is about 24 minutes long. The audio is an original recording from a radio broadcast date unknown but that had to have been pre-1969 so is somewhat raspy - have to listen closely. A portion is transcribed below:
[Sinner's prayer? Altar call? Neither of those is scriptural. Well worth 24min. of careful listening if not 48 or even 72]
*** vidlink
[13:31] "...we have to go on and explain that after all, nothing that God and Christ have done can save us...unless we add something to it. Now my friends if I'm not telling the truth about what's called the gospel today I want you to write me and straighten me out. We thus preach that the 'decisive factor' which [......?] ...what we really say is that Christ saves us with our help...and if you think that out what that really means is we save ourselves...with Christ's help. But my friends, if we start, as is done now, by affirming that God has a saving love for everybody, and that Christ died a saving death for everybody...and yet we do not preach that everybody will be saved, we just show how foolish we are. The man who preaches that Christ died in a saving way for everybody...has got to preach that everybody must be saved. The man who preaches that God has a saving love for everybody...has got to preach...that everybody must be saved. But we say brother Barnard we don't believe that. I know but that's what you preach.
You get in an awful stew...ohhhh...how I will [......?] about it...these folks running around here limiting the purpose and love of God:
[who say] "Wait just a minute we are simply saying that the old gospel limited the work and love of Christ simply this way...that the love of God accomplished all it was sent to do. And that the love of Christ dying for our sins means that those whom it was meant for are to be saved"
Now we need to be clear here. In this kind of preaching is the popular preaching of the day, instead of exalting the grace of God and magnifying the cross of Christ...we cheapen them. And people who preach that way limit the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. People say to me brother Barnard...you believe in the limited atonement? And I say no but most of all the preachers in this country do...for they preach that Christ didn't actually accomplish what he set out to do...he just made possible something he hoped might accidentally take place. My friends the old gospel says of Christ...that Christ's death saves...aaall whom it was meant to save. The new gospel says that Christ's death, as such, actually saves nobody - what's good news about that?
What's good news about that? No wonder my friends you can go into most any church in this section today, and in three or four nights you enter the line, 95% of the people in the congregation will be saying that that fellow is preaching the truth.
Then I'm not saved. No wonder my friends that Baptists who've always said we believe in the eternal security of the believer...it's hard to find the Baptist now who feels any security - WHY? Well they've believed a gospel about a God who's made salvation possible...not a gospel about a God who actually saves. Dear old brother Spurgeon whom the preachers quote today but hate his gospel...they accused him of preaching the limited atonement and he answered in this way and I quote him. Brother Spurgeon said we are often told that we limit the atonement of Christ because we say that Christ has not made a satisfaction for all men...or all men would be saved.
Now our reply to this is, brother Spurgeon says, that on the other hand, our opponents limit the work of Christ...we do not. Our opponents say Christ died for all men. Ask them what they mean by him dying for all men. Ask them did Christ die so as to secure the salvation of all men..and they say noooo...certainly not. We ask them the next question...did Christ die so as to secure the salvation of any man in particular...they answer no. They are obliged to admit this if they are consistent...they say no...Christ has died in order that any man may be saved...if...and then follow certain conditions of salvation. Now, says Mr. Spurgeon, who is it that limits the death of Christ? Why it's you...you say that Christ did not die so as infallibly to secure the salvation of anybody. We beg your pardon...when you say we limit Christ's death we say nooo my dear sir...it is you that limits it. We say Christ so died that he infallibly secured the salvation of a multitude that no man can number, who through Christ's death not only may be saved...but are saved. Must be saved and cannot by any possibility run the hazard of being anything but saved. You are welcome to your atonement, says Mr. Spurgeon, you may keep it...we will never renounce ours for the sake of it. - [20:18]
Romans 9:22-23 'What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory'
[7-19-18] Israel's Declared 'Jewish-State' And Bible Prophecy: Isa. 28:16 - It Is In Haste, Has No Corner Stone, Will Not Stand
Updated[July 2018] Big news: Israel self-declares 'Jewish Nation-State' w/Jerusalem their "eternal capital" etc.. Bible prophecy types everywhere getting worked up chanting 'Israel back in the land, the nation restored after 2000 yrs. etc.', Israel's glory days have come, etc., all based on prevalent Judaized mis-interpretations of scripture relating to Israel and eschatology - all of which cannot be dealt with here for it is too much - but a basic understanding can be had which is plainly that the common interpretation of Israel's glory days having now returned is exactly the opposite of the reality. The reality is that Israel is setting itself up to go into the darkest days of her entire history. Israel in unbelief, which is the case, back in the land - anddon't miss that part about 'Israel in unbelief' - may declare itself anything they want to, but the only thing that matters is "what saith the LORD"*. The answer to that question - what God the LORD has already declared long ago - is the topic of this post. On that see below under two news items which first give the story. First then those two news items:
*** Israel Declares Itself 'Jewish State,' Jerusalem as Eternal Capital
[7-'18] JERUSALEM — Israel's parliament approved a controversial piece of legislation on Thursday that defines the country as the nation-state of the Jewish people but which critics warn sidelines minorities.
Benjamin Netanyahu called its passage "a defining moment in the annals of Zionism and the history of the state of Israel,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Knesset..
[repost]The Lord Jesus Christ, after having commanded the devils to come out of a man "which had devils long time" (Luke 8:27-29) - was then confronted by "the whole multitude of the country":
"Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him... Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked... Then the whole multitude* of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him [the Lord Jesus] to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear." (Luke 8:30,33,37)
*** "The world beseeches Jesus to depart, desiring their own ease, which is more disturbed by the presence and power of God than by a legion of devils."
(J.N.D. - Footprints for Pilgrims)
----------------------------------------------------------------- Although for the most part they are utterly blinded to the reality of it, what is most definitely true for the world, and it's 'religionists' of every stripe, is most definitely true also for apostate 'in toto' (near-entirely judaized) Christendom - 2019 2023 [Matt. 13:33; 1Tim. 4:1] - whom also 'will not have this man [1 Tim. 2:5] to reign over them..'
*Be not one of the "whole multitude"... Come out of her, my people..."Rev. 18:4
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Luke 19:12-14 'He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us'
Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria, Iran, etc., and Israel - all just part of the lastest episode of the one-only agenda that is being played out on the world stage - Tikkun Olam - it is the only thing happening - every bit of everything is to accomplish it - every bit absolutely controlled - pure theatre - because it does have to be played out - because the existing world system does have to be broken down for real before the desired 'Zionist-renovation' domination [link] can be achieved - because Tikkun - will not Olam itself; This post about that one-only plan:
*** On the Jewish flag. The Jewish/Israeli flag of today was not a thing of antiquity but was a product of the '1st Zionist Congress', which was held in 1897. This event apparently was the beginning of the outward political movement which would eventually establish the so-called modern state of Israel some 50 years later in 1948. The movement was born and the flag was born with it. From the beginning the flag was known as the Zionist flag. In 1948 this Zionist flag was officially adopted as the national flag of the newly reformed state of Israel. This brings up an interesting subject: Flags of nations always have significance to their design, and the design of the Jewish Zionist flag is no diferent:
The Zionist flag reveals the Zionist agenda. Hidden in plain sight - on a couple of levels. First level: The two blue stripes signifying the "promised land", referring to the biblical "promised land" of the Genesis 15 "Abrahamic Covenant", which is from river to river:
'Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth, That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?' - Job 20:4-5
"Since man was placed upon earth" - God the LORD is working out all his purpose. Nothing else is happening. Even the wicked. Made only to serve His sovereign purpose - and that for just a 'short time', for just 'a moment' [Proverbs 16:4]. And so, knowing this, understanding this, should not ye be among the chorus of voices singing:
'But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ' - 1Cor. 15:57
From Handel, HWV 56: Messiah
Collegium 1704, Václav Luks
Part III - 7th piece - chorus
*** Handel's Messiah – 1741
Composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741 over a brief 24-day period (260 pages), the correct title is simply "Messiah". It is an oratorio. Acclaimed through the centuries as the greatest musical composition ever written, the term 'inspired' has often been suggested in attempting to describe the work. Whether that be the case or not, certainly no greater subject matter were ever possible than that of this 'oratorio'. Written with the inspired Word of God from the King James Bible, it is a presentation of the Saviour of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ, from the prophecies that went before, to His coming triumphant reign of heaven and earth. On the bottom of the manuscript Handel wrote "SDG" — Soli Deo Gloria, "To God alone the glory". Upon finishing the Alleluia chorus -- end of part II, Handel is said to have exclaimed "I did think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God himself!” In three parts:
Third Part:
46. (1) I know that my redeemer liveth (air for soprano)
47. (2) Since by man came death (chorus)
48. (3) Behold i tell you a mystery (bass recitation)
49. (4) The trumpet shall sound (air for bassist)
50. (5) Then shall be brought to pass (alto recitative)
51. (6) O death where is thy sting? (duet alto and tenor) 52. (7) But thanks be to God (chorus)
53. (8) If God be for us (air for soprano or alto *version 1 soprano version 2 alto)
54. (9) Worthy is the lamb that was slain / Amen (chorus)
~~~ 'But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ' - good for singing all the day long:
'Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ' - Eph. 5:19-20 [cf. Ps. 69:30]
[updated 10-6-23]Below originally posted 9-30-18; reposting now not to speak to that event five years ago - but to say that what was said then (below post) is all-the-more applicable now after yesterday's 10-4-23, extremely obtrusive, nationwide so-called "Presidential Alert" test. Startlingly loud, Robo-speaking even, forced on all - clearly the takeaway is that the obtrusive system is now in place ready-to-go anytime. And since obviously it wasn't built just for fun.. that it is now 'online' can only mean that there are definite plans for future use. And the next takeaway is that John Q. Public can be certain that those future uses will not be 'pre-announced' as was the 10-4-23 test. Fact is, it seems real obvious that there is a huge planned future use coming for the new Orwellian 'alert-system'. Namely - when the Zionist-kabbalah-black-magic scheduled-time comes to actually launch their long-planned take-down-the-entire-world scripted 'Fake Gog-Magog WW3' scheme [link], no-doubt their shiny brand-new presidential-alert-system will come in real handy. Most likely even get a real heavy workout throughout the entire event - evacuate evacuate everybody everywhere the 'old-order' is going bye-bye.. blamed on umm 'WW3'.. yeah that's it [see video bottom page @ :14; 1:35]:
*** [10-3-18] Trump To Text Your Phone Oct. 3: First-Ever 'Presidential Alert' System Begins - All Carriers No Opt Out
ZNWO calling you on their new hotline to your personal phone 10-3-18 it begins
[excerpted] President Donald Trump may soon be communicating with you directly on your phone...Next Thursday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will do its first test of a system that allows the president to send a message to most U.S. cellphones.
Morethan 100 mobile carriers, including all the major wireless firms, are participating in the roll out
The test message will have a header that reads "Presidential Alert," according to the agency..
Romans 1:17 'The just shall live by faith'. Martin Luther's eyes were opened to the truth of this single verse of scripture setting in motion a chain of events that would break the power of the Catholic Church that had ruled over the world with an iron-fist through the long centuries of the middle ages. The world would be forever changed.
Historically October 31, 1517 is the date ascribed to Martin Luther's nailing of his 95 theses to the door of the Catholic church in Wittenburg Germany - acclaimed the beginning of what later became known as the Protestant Reformation, i.e. the 'protest' against the egregious errors of popery and Catholicism, with the call for 'reformation'.
Note: Luther also wrote the hymn at the end of the movie "A mighty fortress is our God"
*** see also: John Hus 1415 Burned At The Stake For Exposing Catholic Church Heresy And Corruption [Vid - 1977 b/w] -- "A 15th-century Bohemian reformer who [more than 100 years before Luther] set the stage for the world-changing reforms of Martin Luther"
***
[Note: If vid has BitChute Syndrome - i.e will not play -- here isalternate working link:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Romans 1:17 'For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith'
[Below excerpted from original post Oct 2017 - everything staged everything a ritual:]
*** Mandalay Bay Hoax: Las Vegas 'Illuminati Card', Jason Aldean Tattoo, October 1st - 10/1/17 - It's a Match
[updated 10-9-17*]Below was recently added to a number of images in the post linked at bottom documenting the Mandalay Bay/Las Vegas 10-1-17 supposed mass shooting*. This is so over the top though it needs it's own post. As many as possible should see this. Images are screenshots from this site: 50shades from a post on the Las Vegas Illuminati Card and Jason Aldean. [site no longer exists]
__________________________________________________
Las Vegas Illuminati Card And Jason Aldean Who Was On Stage The Moment Of Mandalay Bay Event
Mandalay Bay Las Vegas the performer on stage at the exact moment of the incident...Jason Aldean. And the 'Illuminati Card' for Las Vegas. What possible connection could there be between these two things? Note the Jack and Ace of spades on the Vegas Card. Image on the right is the tattoo on performer Jason Aldean's left arm [2nd photo proof]. Same Jack and Ace of spades - presumably 'JA' for Jason Aldean. Images are screenshots from here: 50shades[recommend see full post]. Note author's comment though. Jack and Ace signify a '10' and a '1'. October 1st - the day. Las Vegas10/1JackAceJason Aldean on stage - it's an over-the-top match:
See original full-post[more details; links]
*** And then.. after that 'biggest ever mass-shooting illusion' Las Vegas stage show - who would've ever guessed it - the 'Police Commander' of that grand event, John Pelletier, went to Maui to do some more 'commanding' - just a relatively short time before Lahaina was incinerated - link (this stuff can only be made up..)
[reposted]A.C. Gaebelein (1861-1945)was a staunch defender of the dispensational interpretation of scripture, as is well known by bible prophecy students familiar with his work, holding specifically to the 'pre-tribulation rapture' [Rev. 5:9], the tribulation-judgment of the Christ-rejecting Jews and world to follow (during which a remnant of Israel will be 'brought through' and saved - similar to the 'type' of Noah), and the physical return of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ at the end of that tribulation to begin the "millennial kingdom". Likewise, most students of their bibles are familiar with the account in the 9th chapter of the Book of Acts of the apostle Paul's Damascus road conversion experience. In regard to these things, Gaebelein here draws a compelling parallel between that experience of Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus and the yet still future day, described in the Word of God as "the time of Jacob's trouble" [Jer. 30:7], when the Lord will call an elect remnant of Israel [Isa. 65:9] and open their blinded eyes [Rom. 11:25], just as He did the apostle Paul's so long ago saying "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" [Acts 9:4]:
*** Zechariah 12:10 'And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced...'
The Holy Spirit makes the conversion of Saul of Tarsus not alone very prominent, but also speaks of that event as a pattern. He has given us three lengthy accounts of it in the Book of Acts (chapters 9, 22, and 26). In First Timothy we read: "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." (1Tim. 1:16). And again it is written: "And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time" (1 Cor. 15:8) [comparing himself to the other apostles; i.e. coming along after-the-fact compared to the others, not knowing Christ Jesus on earth; see: 1Cor. 15:9 - ed.]. These are inspired statements which tell us we have to seek for a deeper significance of the conversion of him who calls himself "a Hebrew of the Hebrews" (Phil. 3:5).
It has often been remarked that Saul's conversion is the model conversion and the different steps are reproduced in every genuine conversion. But this is far from being correct. Saul of Tarsus' conversion was an altogether unique one. There has, up to this time, never been a conversion like this one. Never again were the heavens opened and a light shone brighter than the sun; never again did a sinner, such a blind persecutor, behold Jesus in glory and hear His voice, and never again was one called in such a way "to be a chosen vessel" and to bear the Name of the Lord "before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. [Acts 9:15]" His conversion is certainly not a pattern or outline of every other conversion and yet it is a delineation, a hypotyposis [lifelike description of a thing or scene].
Charting the rising one world government, the emerging global spirituality, and the apostasy of the Christian church worldwide. Bringing the picture into focus.[Hover on linked scripture verses for pop-up window]
*note: BitChute videos has started using a new player - if a video does not load refreshing the page should load it; or, from the main page may need to click post title and the video should load when the post page comes up; fyi
Horatius Bonar [1808-1889]; 6 mins. Mt. 25:2-3;
also read: 'Foolish Virgins' by CHM
A. W. Tozer [1960?]; 24 mins.
'Enoch would go' [original recording]
It is of the utmost importance for the Christian reader to bear in mind that, whatever be the condition of the professing Church, it is his privilege to enjoy as high communion and to tread as high a path of individual devotedness as ever was known in the very brightest days of the Church's history. We must never draw a plea from the condition of things around us for lowering the standard of individual holiness and devotedness. There is no excuse for continuing a single hour in connection with anything that will not stand the test of Holy Scripture.
