Beyond
the Cloven Tongues
by
George Kirkpatrick
Vital Words to the Body of Christ
Freely We Have Received, Freely We Give
E-mail:
vitalwords@newfoundationspubl.org
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"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do: because I go unto My Father." *** John 14:12
The statement most often heard today is: "If we only had the power and authority
that was in the early church!"
People ask: "What has happened to the church?" There is no power or authority,
no separation from the world. There are certainly no "greater works", that
were spoken of by Jesus, evident in the church today.
They look back to the Day of Pentecost and the years that followed, and say:
"How we wish we could have lived in that time, when signs and wonders were
everywhere and the church was added to daily. Three thousand were added at
one time; five thousand another time. Great miracles were happening every
day. People were healed when Peter's shadow fell upon them. Demons were cast
out and people were healed when cloths, that Paul had prayed over, were laid
upon them.
What has happened to that great move of the Spirit which started when the
"cloven tongues" came on the Day of Pentecost? Man brought it under his control.
Down through the ages there have been outbreaks of Spiritual revival; but
they have always been short lived because man would turn them into another
denomination.
Man has always managed to bring the great moves of God under his control
and power, turning them into the denominational systems that we have in the
earth today. Isaiah wrote concerning what has happened to these great moves
of God.
"But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore." *** Isaiah 42:22
The denominational systems have robbed God's people of the power and authority
that God intended for His people. They have been hid away in man's prison
houses and have become a prey to the pastors, who have not warned them of
the wrath to come and the judgment which is sure.
Peter spoke of those who have made merchandise of God's people.
"And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." *** II Peter 2:3
With false words they have made merchandise of God's people. There is no cry to "restore" God's power and authority in the people. But Peter warned of the coming judgment that would begin at the house of God.
"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" *** I Peter 4:17
Judgment has begun on the house of God. Every day we see proof of this judgment.
God is revealing the sin, and if He does not judge the sin in His own house,
how can he judge the world? The organized church is not doing the "greater
works"! They are not even doing the works which were done by the early church.
God's people have been robbed and spoiled as they sit in the denominational
prison houses.
The majority of the people, today, go to three kinds of churches. We will
call these: The Church of Convenience, The Church of Comfort, and the Church
of No Commitment.
All have various names, denominational or non-denominational, all fall into
one of the three church groups.
The Church of Convenience is the church which is across the street or around
the corner. When the question is asked: "Do you go to church?", the response
is: "I go to so-and-so church, because it is handy". The Church of Convenience
could also be the Church of Comfort and No Commitment.
The Church of Comfort is the church where all the creature comforts are provided,
such as comfortable seats and plush carpets.
In these churches the will of man, or the spirit of man, is never challenged.
People go because they have never been challenged to change, never been convicted
by the message or made uncomfortable.
Then, there is the Church of No Commitment. This is the church where people
can sit for years and never make a commitment for Christ. Their way of life
is never questioned, and they are welcome, as strangers of God, in what is
supposed to be God's house.
All three of these churches use the name of "Christian" or "Christ-like".
America is full of such churches where the people believe their only duty
to God is to attend church faithfully; as if our righteousness was based
on our attendance record.
Many of these churches stir up the emotions. Their learned pastors are trained
to tickle the ear with fancy words, having no meaning. Their main goal is
to fill seats and build bigger and more elaborate buildings. This creates
more convenience, comfort, and more non-committed pseudo-Christians, or false,
pretending Christians. They have been told that if they attend that church,
they are acceptable in the sight of God. At the end of 30, 40, or 50 years
attending, they still have no power or authority in their lives, and very
little faith. Their knowledge of the Word is practically nil or based upon
man-made doctrines.
God's people have been lied to and robbed. In Isaiah, we find:
"Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:" *** Isaiah 28:15
God's people have made a covenant with death. Death is all that is spoken
of in these churches; "Die, and go to heaven". But all Jesus ever spoke about
was life.
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me,
though he were dead, yet shall he live:" *** John 11:25.
We are all dead in trespasses and sin, but by the Spirit, we are made alive.
The church systems have rejected the Spirit. Isaiah said the people have
also made a covenant with hell, (sheol) or the grave, as if death was their
only hope to be with God. The Bible says, He is the God of the living.
We read in Romans that, when we are baptized into Jesus' death, death has
no more dominion over us, *** Romans 6:9. Isaiah, also, shows us that those
sitting in these churches would be taught a false hope of deliverance.
"...When the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us..." *** Isaiah 28:15
Most churches teach a false rapture; that God is going to protect the
non-committed, being those who want one foot in the world and one foot in
the church, those who are babes in God and unskilled in the Word of knowledge.
When you talk to them, they will tell you that their hope is in dying before
the coming wrath upon the earth; or that God will take them off the earth
in the wrath. They have no strength, power or authority that will take them
through the wrath.
The people are not being warned, nor being prepared for the wrath to come.
This dying before the wrath, or the waiting on the rapture, is satan's deceitful
way of keeping God's people very weak and unprepared. When the time does
come to be strong and to go through the wrath, as Noah and his family, God's
people who have been deceived, will be too weak to make it. They will surely
die.
Isaiah stated"...they have made lies their refuge and under falsehood have
they hid themselves..." *** Isaiah 28:15
Paul writes in II Thessalonians:
"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:" *** II Thessalonians 2:11
They have made lies their refuge, so God has sent them a strong delusion
that they should believe a lie. This is because they will not search out
the truth for themselves. They have chosen, rather, to believe their easy,
man-made religion, as in the days of Jeroboam, after the death of Solomon.
When we ask: "Why is there no power, no glory, no authority in God's people?"
"Why are those, who are called by His name, so weak?" and, "Why are they
looked down upon as being lower than the wicked?", the answer becomes very
simple. Man has gone his own way, rejecting the ways of God and is not listening
for His voice. Man has become "children of disobedience".
Paul spoke of the "children of disobedience" in his letters to the Ephesians
and Colossians.
"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:" *** Ephesians 2:2
The "children of disobedience" are those who have the spirit of the prince of the power of the air working in them, not the Spirit of the living God.
"Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience." *** Ephesians 5:6
Paul said, "Don't let any man deceive you with vain words". The word for vain is KENOS which means "worthless and empty", "words that tickle the ear but have no value, no life-giving quality, no substance". They leave the hearer empty. Paul said because of this, the wrath cometh upon the children of disobedience.
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication,
uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness,
which is idolatry:
For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:"
*** Colossians 3:5-6
Paul says to put to death your members that are on the earth. The word for
members is MELOS which means "the old carnal nature", that nature which caters
to sexual vises, impurities in our lives, our sensual appetites, our desires
that are not of God, greed and covetousness. Paul lists all these as being
idolatrous, or the worship of idols. These have become idols in the people's
lives.
Covetousness is mentioned by Paul as one of these idols. Yet, covetousness
is taught from the pulpits. The Prosperity Message teaches that we are to
desire and demand it of God. They are taught to covet from God. Then we wonder
why man looks at the church and says, "I don't want to be like those who
attend there."
What has the church come to? Why has the church been stamped with "Ichabod"
as in the days of Eli? Why? Because, as Paul wrote to the Romans:
"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither
were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart
was darkened.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to
corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things."
*** Romans 1:21-23
They have turned the church into the image that man
envisioned, instead of the church being in the image of the uncorruptible
God. When we ask, "What is wrong with the church?", the answer becomes clear,
the church has been robbed and trapped in their denominational prison houses.
The Churches of Comfort, Convenience, and No Commitment do not see the true
Church that God is raising up on the threshing floor of Ornan.
God has a people, a remnant, a few that have not bowed their knee to Baal;
the god of this world. God has a few who know, and stand, on the promises
of God, as put forth in His Word. God has a remnant who have separated themselves
from the world and are cleaving unto His Word. They have taken up their cross
as Jesus directed; that their flesh may be destroyed, as Jesus' their example;
a people that He will fill with His glory.
We see this people, foretold, in the building of King Solomon's Temple. The
walk God requires of this people is not convenient, nor is it comfortable.
It takes total commitment...not just to building programs, or missionary
outreaches, or door to door evangelism, but a total commitment to God and
His will.
What God is looking for is changed lives that have come into His church and
are a part of His body, as the prophet Joel said,
"And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil." *** Joel 2:13
God is looking for a people who will rend (tear in pieces) their hearts to
destroy the old religious ideas, and turn their hearts unto God; not their
hearts only, but their ears, also. Many times Jesus said, "They have eyes,
but they don't see; and they have ears, but they don't hear". He was not
talking about their physical eyes and ears; but, they had not developed their
Spiritual seeing and hearing.
What does man need to do if he is going to be part of what God is doing in
the earth today? God is looking for changed minds and changed lives. He is
looking for a people that will make Him Lord in their lives. Lord means "supreme
in authority".
The Old Testament has many examples of the time we live in, and the place
that God's people have come to. God reveals His truths, His hidden truths,
in the types and shadows in the Old Testament. As we discover these hidden
truths, we will understand why the church is in the condition it is in today:
No power, no authority, and no glory!
Chapter 2
THE INCREASER OF THE PEOPLE
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." *** Romans 15:4
When we begin to realize that the complete Bible was written for our learning,
we discover that the Old Testament contains direct prophesies, types and
shadows which are yet to be fulfilled.
As we study and search for the truth, we discover many hidden truths tucked
away in proper names, places and countries. These hidden truths tell us what
God was doing in those places at that time. Many have future references as
to what God is going to do in these last times.
An example of a hidden truth would be Armageddon which means "hill of slaughter".
This foretells of the mighty slaughter that will take place when the Lord
of Hosts and His armies meet the god of this world, "satan", and his armies.
Also, hidden in men's names, are the mysteries of God. In these names, we
see the character, or nature, revealing how God is to use that individual.
An example: Esau means "red and hairy". The Bible records that Esau was red
and hairy at his birth. This was a physical characteristic that was portrayed
in his name.
Joseph means "another son" and was prophetic in nature; revealing that Rachel
would bring forth another son. Benjamin was Rachel's second son. His name
means "the son of his right hand". When Jacob and Rachel's first son, Joseph,
was sold into slavery by his brothers; Benjamin became the son of Jacob's
right hand.
When God sent Jesus, He was the Son of the Father. Yet, in the Bible, there
is the "promise of another son". This son will be the overcomers in the earth.
This son will be the son of Jesus' right hand.
What is it that we are to have hope in? Are we to have hope in the government?
Are we to have hope in the dollar? Are we to have hope in the church we go
to? God gave us His Word that we may have hope "in Him". As we read His Word,
we see that God, alone, has a future. If we are to have a future, we must
be "in Him". Outside of Him, there is no hope; there is no future.
Paul revealed, "...that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures
might have hope." *** Romans 15:4
God left His Word for all mankind. He also left instruction in His Word
concerning how we are to use His Word.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." *** II Timothy 2:15
We are told to "rightly divide" the Word of truth. Divide means "to cut straight
or dissect". The only way we can rightly divide the Word of Truth is under
the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Our motive must always be to come to the knowledge of the truth, never to
justify a belief or an idea.
Man-made doctrines and dogmas have been allowed to come into the church system.
This is why there are so many different beliefs and ideas running rampant;
expounding man-made doctrines, using the Bible to try to prove their false
teachings.
God has hidden many wonderful truths in His Word. We must rightly divide
the Word of Truth to find these revelations. The Holy Spirit, alone, can
reveal these hidden truths to those who seek Him with all their heart.
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him:" *** Ephesians 1:17
With this insight, let us consider the hidden truths found in the names,
Rehoboam and Jeroboam. These men's names reveal the two types of churches
in the earth, today.
Rehoboam and Jeroboam were kings in Israel following the division of the
twelve tribes. God gave Jeroboam the ten northern tribes; leaving two tribes,
Benjamin and Judah, to Rehoboam, Solomon's son.
Rehoboam's name means "enlarger of the people". Rehoboam, the enlarger of
the people, represents the churches that are teaching the people the
"uncompromised Word of God". These churches are teaching "True Praise and
Worship". They teach the people to seek His presence in their lives.
Rehoboam represents the churches which were established for the sole purpose
of bringing forth the Word of God. These churches are not interested in numbers.
Their goal is to bring forth a people to maturity - - - a people desiring
to grow up into the Head, which is Christ. These are ones who have made the
Bible their instructor. They welcome the washing of water by the Word in
their lives on a daily basis. The Rehoboam churches are not interested in
more buildings and elaborate adornment. Their only desire is to know more
of God.
Jeroboam's name means "he will multiply the people". Jeroboam represents
the
churches whose sole purpose is to increase, or multiply the people.
Their main goal is to fill seats so that they can build more magnificent
and elaborate buildings. Their only desire is to look good in the eyes of
the world. Programs, programs and more programs are established to bring
in more and more people and increase the size of their congregations. The
Jeroboam churches are constantly adding numbers, yet teaching only the milk
of the Word to babies; never teaching them the desire to grow up into the
Head.
"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." *** II Timothy 3:7
The whole concept of the Jeroboam church is "bigger is better". The better
and more successful they look in the world's eyes, the more acceptable they
are to God. How deceived they have become, and how they have deceived the
people!
Solomon was the greatest builder in the Bible. If big works would have pleased
God, Solomon would have been the most pleasing before God. But because of
the sin of idolatry, God took the kingdom from Solomon. Today, building programs
and big works have become many churches idols. The people serve the created
more then the Creator.
King Jeroboam immediately began to set up his man-made religion, compelling
the people to worship God his way.
"And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house
of David:
If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem,
then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto
Rehoboam, king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam,
king of Judah." *** I Kings 12:26-27
Jeroboam conceived this in his heart. It was not something he had sought
God for. This was something which came from his own mind. It was not God's
voice that Jeroboam was listening to, it was put there by the enemy. Jeroboam
listened to the wrong voice.
God had given Jeroboam ten tribes, but Jeroboam took the credit for being
made king, to himself. What God had spoken to him was ignored. God had given
it to him, yet Jeroboam felt it was up to himself to protect it. Like many
people today: When God, by His power, gives them something, they feel it
is in their own power to keep it.
Jeroboam feared that if the people went back to Jerusalem . . . the true
place of worship . . . they, again, would want to unite Israel. Today, we
have pastors who have that fear when one of their congregation visits another
church. They are afraid they might lose them. The pastors fail to realize
that they are set there as the shepherd of God's flock. The flock belongs
to God. They are not man's possession to protect.
Jeroboam operated in fear, not in the power God had ordained. He feared they
would rise up and kill him. Although God had placed him in authority, he
had no faith in God. With his own mouth, he denied God and depended upon
self. How much like the church system of today!
Many who have begun in the Spirit and the Word, have turned to their own
devices; using man-made ways and means to entice and snare people into their
systems. They take the freedom, Jesus died for, and turn it into the system
of slavery.
"Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt." *** I Kings 12:28
To believe that the children of Israel could be so easily deceived, one would
have to forget that these were the ancestors of those who God had led through
the
wilderness, and had shown all the miracles of deliverance. These stories
had been passed from generation to generation. It was part of their education
to learn of the mighty miracles that God did in the sight of Israel. They
were not told to worship the calves, but, rather, that God was enthroned
upon the back of the calves, just as He was enthroned upon the mercy seat
between the two Cherubim in the Holy of Holies.
Jeroboam, as many today, changed God's established order, just enough to
make his own ideas seem right. Jeroboam led them to believe that the invisible
God was standing upon the back of the two calves. He told them, when they
bowed before the calves, they were actually worshiping the invisible God,
the God of their Father. How deceiving! Yet, this is exactly what is happening
in the earth, today.
Jeroboam deceived the people with a look-a-like religion, close to what God
had ordained; but it was man-made and man- controlled.
Jeroboam told the people, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem to
worship". The "increaser of the people" would have the flock believe that
what he was doing was for their good, justifying in his own mind that he
was doing right. He did not have to deal with the real problems, such as
his fear that the people would kill him and desire Rehoboam's rule.
"And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the
people, which were not of the sons of Levi." *** I Kings 12:31
"After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again
of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would,
he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places."
*** I Kings 13:33
"He made an house of high places;" a place where he trained priests in this new man-made religion. He made priests of the lowest of the people; not men who were called of God, not the Levites; but men of the lowest sort who desired to be a priest. Whoever Jeroboam consecrated, became one of the priests in the high places. Today, we still have the high places. They are called seminaries. Man is still consecrating priests of the lowest sort, those not called of God, to be priests in their man-made systems.
"We are confounded, because we have heard reproach: shame hath covered our faces: for strangers are come into the sanctuaries of the Lord's house." *** Jeremiah 51:51
Strangers, not called of God, men of the lowest sort, are standing in the
sanctuaries of God.
Jeroboam also changed the feast days. The feast days were days which had
been set aside that the people might have a time to come together to worship
and praise God. These were special occasions which commemorated the mighty
miracles in Israel's history. God had made a Law that Israel was to observe
these celebrations, which we will cover, in depth, later on in this book.
There were three main feasts:
-1- The Passover
-2- The Feast of Weeks, or the Feast of Pentecost
-3- The Feast of Tabernacles
The Passover Feast consisted of three celebrations:
-1- The Passover
-2- Feast of First Fruits
-3- Feast of Unleavened Bread
The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, had one celebration. This was held in the
third month.
The Feast of Tabernacles consisted of three celebrations:
-1- The Feast of Trumpets
-2- The Day of Atonement
-3- The Feast of Tabernacles
The Feast of Tabernacles was held in the seventh month. We find that Jeroboam
changed the established order God had ordained for the feasts.
"And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day
of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the
altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made:
and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made.
So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day
of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart;
and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the
altar, and burnt incense." *** I Kings 12:32-33
Bethel means "house of God". Jeroboam offered burnt incense upon the altar
which he had devised in his own heart. This burnt incense was false praise
before God.
Jeroboam changed God's ordained feast days. Jeroboam made his feast day in
the eighth month; again, close to what God had ordained, but what he had
devised from his own heart. The increaser of the people was going about to
establish his man-made religious system, devising a system of
worship for the people. Jeroboam was only concerned with appeasing the people
in an attempt to discourage them from returning to Jerusalem, the True Place
of Worship.
Today, the church system has developed a worship system which they have devised
in their own heart. They still offer up false praise before the Lord. It
looks good on the outside, and it satisfies most of the people; but it is
unacceptable to God.
Today, as in the day of Jeroboam, those who are desiring to move on in the
Lord are leaving this system and coming to the True Place of Worship.
"For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah
and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing
the priest's office unto the Lord:
And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and
for the calves which he had made.
And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to
seek the Lord God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the Lord
God of their fathers.
So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon
strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and
Solomon." *** II Chronicles 11:14-17
Today, we see a great exodus from the denominational systems. Those, whose
heart is to seek the Lord, are leaving and coming to the place where they
can learn and grow in the Lord. They are returning to Rehoboam, the enlarger
of the people and the true place of worship, where they can be enlarged in
the knowledge and wisdom of God.
Jeroboam's desire was to enslave the people to his man-made system. Jeroboam
said, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem to worship God". Today,
we hear pastors say, "You cannot give these babies strong meat, the True
Word of God, because it will choke them. Yet, the babies they are referring
to have sat in their system for 20 to 30 years or more; truly, ever learning,
but never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth. As Jeroboam, they teach
what whey have devised in their own hearts.
Jeroboam created an easy, man-made system, one that would fulfill their religious
need. Today, those who are desiring to worship God in Spirit and Truth are
still leaving the Jeroboam system. Those who desire to have their ears tickled
are happy in their look-a-like system of worship. They believe their new
building programs are all God demands of them.
Jeroboam made a look-a-like worship of God, but there was no power or authority,
because God was not in it.
Chapter 3
The Enlarger of the People
Rehoboam was the rightful heir to the throne of David, being the son of Solomon.
But because of the sin of Solomon, (idol worship), God took ten tribes and
gave them to Jeroboam. He left two tribes to Rehoboam. How this transition
took place shows why there is no power and authority in the church system,
today.
After Solomon's death, all Israel came to Shechem to make Rehoboam king.
But there was a group headed by Jeroboam, that put demands upon Rehoboam
before they would serve him as king. While Solomon had been king, Jeroboam
had tried to get the people, under Solomon's rule, to follow him. Solomon
would not put up with this.
Jeroboam had fled into Egypt because he feared Solomon. When Solomon had
died, the people wanted an easier life. So, they sent for Jeroboam.
"And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake
to Rehoboam, saying,
Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous
servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will
serve thee." *** II Chronicles 10:3-4
The people of Israel, with Jeroboam as their head, demanded that, before
they would make Rehoboam king, he must make their life easier than it had
been under his father, Solomon.
The people of Israel, like the people today, want to serve a king who does
not put many demands on their lives. They do not want to serve a God who
says the people have to change. They want a religion that will change to
suit them.
Rehoboam asked for three days to consider the matter. Rehoboam sought counsel
from the old men who had stood before Solomon.
"And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon
his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return
answer to this people?
And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please
them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever."
*** II Chronicles 10:6-7
These were the men who had advised Solomon. Their message was one of compromise:
"Be kind to the people. Please
them, and speak good words to them. Don't hurt their feelings. Be a king
that compromises with their whims and they will serve you forever". This
is the philosophy of so many churches today: "Do anything to keep the people
coming".
Under the old men's counsel, Solomon had married strange wives, (not of Israel),
which God forbade in His law. King Solomon followed after their idol worship.
There was not one word of warning from the old men that Solomon's actions
had been wrong. They did not tell of God's judgment upon Solomon's sins.
They were quiet because they wanted to be pleasing in their king's eyes.
Their king was "government". Many are silent today about the sin that is
in our land and our government. They will not proclaim sin for the fear of
being displeasing to their king, "government". But Rehoboam did not accept
what the old men said.
There was something very important about the life of Rehoboam.
"And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty and one years old when he began to reign,..." *** I Kings 14:21
This verse tells us Rehoboam was 41 years old when he became king. *** I
Kings 11:42 tells us Solomon's reign was 40 years. Rehoboam grew up in the
house of Solomon. He remembered the days when all the world marveled at his
father's wisdom; and when the Queen of Sheba came, with all her pomp, to
seek the wisdom of Solomon. He also remembered when his father's whole heart
had been set on the things of God.
But, Rehoboam was also there in Solomon's later years, when his heart was
turned away from God. He saw his father turn to the idol worship of the false
gods of his strange wives.
I Kings 11 speaks of Solomon, after he had turned to idol worship.
"Because that they have forsaken Me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in My ways, to do that which is right in Mine eyes, and to keep My statutes and My judgments, as did David his father." *** I Kings 11:33
Rehoboam had seen the change that had come over his father under the guidance
of the old men's counsel. He saw his father as the wisest man in all the
earth, filled with godly wisdom. He saw him at his worst...a man bowing down
to dumb idols. Rehoboam could not accept the counsel of his father's old
advisors. Therefore, he turned to the young men.
The young men were those that had been brought up with Rehoboam. They had
witnessed, with Rehoboam, the change that had taken place in Solomon's life.
They had seen what sin had done to Solomon and knew the old men had been
consenting to Solomon's sin. They knew that Solomon had become unacceptable
before God.
God had spoken to Solomon and had warned him; that because of his sin, God
would take the kingdom out of his hands. Yet, the old men stood mute.
"And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after
other gods: but he kept not that which the Lord commanded.
Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee,
and thou hast not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded
thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant."
*** I Kings 11:10-11
Rehoboam rejected the advice of compromise from the old men and turned to the young men's counsel.
"And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people,
who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon
us lighter?
And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus
shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father
made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say
unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.
And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your
yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with
scorpions." *** I Kings 12:9-11
Rehoboam knew the ways of his father had not worked, and that they would
not work for him. Rehoboam, the enlarger of the people, was there for the
people's good, just as Solomon has been in the beginning.
At this time, the true worship of God had ceased and the people were caught
up in Solomon's building programs. There was no need for God because there
was much prosperity in Jerusalem. Solomon had made silver in Jerusalem as
plentiful as stones. All Israel's needs were being met.
Today, people are caught up in their building programs and proclaiming
prosperity. It is no more acceptable to God today, than it was in Solomon's
day. The people are still listening to the old men who say "This is pleasing
to God."
Today, there are two types of churches operating in the world.
The Rehoboam church, which is interested in the people who desire to grow
and learn the ways of God; and the Jeroboam church of comfort, convenience
and compromise. The Rehoboam church is turning the heart of the Father back
to the children, and the hearts of the children back to the Father. Jeroboam
only seeks to have an increase of people. There would be no compromise by
Rehoboam. He accepted the advice of the young men, instead.
The apostle John, spoke of the old men and the young men, and who they represent.
"I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning.
I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write
unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from
the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong,
and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."
*** I John 2:13-14
The fathers (the old men) and the little children are at the same place;
knowing the Father. The fathers (the old men) had just known him longer.
But the young men had overcome the wicked one. In verse 14, John writes that
the young men are strong, with the Word of God alive in them, and they have
overcome.
The Rehoboam church will be filled with the young men. The word "young" is
NEANISKOS. This does not mean youth, or very young, immature lads; but, rather,
it has the meaning of a man around the age of forty; men who have matured
in the Word and have become strong, having overcome satan in their lives.
These are the ones who make up the Rehoboam church.
Most historians agree that Rehoboam made a mistake when he rejected the old
men's counsel, and accepted the young men's position of "no compromise".
When anyone takes a "no compromise" position concerning the things of God,
there will always be those who will come against them, calling them "fanatics"
and many other such names. But God will have a people who will not compromise
the things of Him to please the world.
All of Israel came to make Rehoboam, king. Israel wanted an easier deal from
the king, as many do today. They want a better deal from God. They accuse
God of being too restrictive. When the church tells them they must change
their ways, they begin to look for a church that will accept them as they
are. Israel told Rehoboam they would serve him if he would give them a better
deal than they had received from his father.
After three days, the people returned to Rehoboam for his answer.
"So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day,...
And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel
that they gave him." *** I Kings 12:12-13
The word "roughly" means "sternly". When Rehoboam gave them his answer, they
knew there would be "no compromise". Israel only desired the things of the
flesh.
When God deals with the flesh, it takes chastisement.
God's Word proclaims "... despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor
faint when thou art rebuked of Him." *** Hebrews 12:5
Today, those who attend the Rehoboam church know that if they desire to be
part of the "enlarger of the people", they must deal with the flesh, because
the fleshly mind is enmity against God. *** Romans 8:7
When we take a "no compromise" position, the Jeroboam church is always there
to say: "We have an easy religion. Come and follow us. You do not have to
change to worship with us. We will accept you as you are. We will be kind
to you. We will aim to please. We will not say or do anything that is offensive
to you. We will change. We are willing to compromise, and we agree that the
Rehoboam church is far to restrictive."
The Jeroboam church is full of old men and children; never overcoming the
wicked one, never having the life-giving Word abiding in them, never becoming
strong in the Lord.
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:..." *** II Tim. 3:5
The power they have denied is the Holy Spirit's anointing. Jeroboam had a
form of godliness; but there was no power because God's anointing was not
upon it. God says
in *** II Timothy 3:5 "...from such turn away." We are admonished to turn
away from this kind of church.
"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." *** II Tim. 3:7
These are ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth
because they have denied the Spirit of Truth, or the Holy Spirit of God.
The Rehoboam church represents the overcoming church in the earth today.
They are overcoming satan and the world and are becoming strong in the Word.
The Word is living in them.
The Jeroboam church is the Church of Comfort, Convenience and No Commitment.
But God desires the Rehoboam church, the young men who can hear the voice
of God.
"Wherefore the king (Rehoboam) hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the Lord, that he might perform his saying, which the Lord spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat." *** I Kings 12:15
King Rehoboam hearkened not unto the people, for the cause was from the Lord.
Rehoboam was obedient to God's voice and was pleasing in His eyes.
As we asked in the beginning: "Why is there no power in the church today?"
The Jeroboam church is the most visible in the world today. They have raised
up priests of the lowest sort who have changed the worship of God. It is
now a look-alike religion, falling far short of God's perfect order. There
is no power and authority because God is not there. They have devised a form
worship from the desire of their own heart; and have denied the power, the
Holy Ghost. They refuse to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
This power and authority is in operation in the Rehoboam church; but there
are few. By compromising, Rehoboam could have become king over all Israel.
But, instead, he heard the voice of God saying, "This cause is from me."
Today, there are a few who will not compromise to the world and the church
system to fill seats. They do not depend on gimmicks and give-away programs
to entice the people into their look-alike religious system. There are a
few whose only desire is to enlarge the people. They put action to the words
of Jesus when he said,
"...I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." *** Matthew 16:18
The gates of hell are prevailing against Jeroboam's church system because
they have denied the power of the Holy Ghost: but God is raising up Rehoboam's
young men and making them strong. They have overcome the wicked one and the
Word of God lives in them.
Chapter 4
The Church in Moses' Tabernacle
In His infinite wisdom, God has shown us the day in which we live, in many
ways. God's Old Testament is full of types and shadows concerning what has
come to pass in the earth.
"Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." *** I Corinthians 10:11
God recorded everything that happened to Israel that we might be admonished
and learn by their examples.
The building of Solomon's Temple represents a type of what God is doing in
His people today. God is building His Spiritual temple and He will inhabit
it for all eternity. At the time Solomon built his temple, Moses' Tabernacle
and David's Tabernacle were still standing with their form worship service.
These tabernacles represent the church systems, today.
There is nothing recorded as to what happened to Moses' Tabernacle, but we
know that David's Tabernacle fell down. God said He would raise up David's
Tabernacle again. But, while form worship was continuing in Moses's Tabernacle
and David's
Tabernacle,
God was building a permanent dwelling place in the earth in Solomon's Temple.
First, let's look at Moses' Tabernacle. It took ten chapters in Exodus to
describe the building of Moses' Tabernacle and the pattern of worship. The
tabernacle of Moses contained the complete salvation plan of God.
There were three areas in Moses' Tabernacle:
-1- Outer Court
-2- Holy Place
-3- Holy of Holies
The Outer Court was where man dealt with his sin.
There were two instruments in the Outer Court:
-1- Brazen Altar
-2- Laver
Both the Brazen Altar and the Laver were made of brass. Brass is the symbol
of sin. The Brazen Altar was where the sin sacrifice was offered. It symbolizes
where we repent and lay down our life for Christ. The Laver was where the
priest washed to prepare for the service of God. It is symbolic of water
baptism, the putting off of the old, carnal man and dying to sin and our
sin nature. Dealing with our sin and water baptism is only the beginning.
Our main goal should be to enter into the presence of God.
Forgiveness of sin and water baptism are as far as most people go; not desiring
to go any further into God. They are happy, having dealt with their sin problem.
They are told that this is all that is needed to be pleasing in God's eyes.
In the Outer Court, there was only "natural light". The people who have only
come to the Brazen Altar and the Laver are in the outer court. When they
read the Bible, they have only "natural understanding" because they have
not come to the anointing, the Holy Spirit, which is their teacher. *** I
John 2:27
There is no covering, or Holy Spirit, over the Outer Court.
As we come into the Outer Court, we must come through an opening in the linen
wall. The opening to the outer court was called the "gate". It measured 20
cubits x 5 cubits, or 100 square cubits. It was four times as broad as it
was high. The way of salvation is open to all mankind.
When we come to the Holy Place, there must be a change of clothing, another
washing and an anointing. Only the priesthood or the ministers could enter
here. The change of clothing represents the "putting off" of old flesh, and
"putting on" our robes of Righteousness that we might be covered by the
righteousness of God.
"For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." *** II Corinthians 5:21
Before we can enter into the Holy Place, there is another washing that must take place. The priests' flesh had to be totally cleansed before putting on their priestly garments. The cleansing that must take place in our lives, is the washing of water by the Word. John said:
"Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." *** John 15:3
Paul said to the church at Ephesus,
"That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word," *** Ephesians 5:26
In order for us to enter into the Holy Place of God, we must be cleansed
and made clean by the "washing of water by the Word".
Next, there is an anointing that accompanies the entering into the Holy Place.
This anointing is the Holy Spirit. No one entered into the Holy Place without
this anointing. If we are to enter into the Holy Place in God we need the
anointing of the Holy Spirit. No one will enter in without this anointing.
When we enter into the Holy Place, we must enter in at the Door. John tells
us, Jesus is the "door".
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." *** John 10:1
If we enter into the sheepfold by any other way than the door, then we are
thieves and robbers.
Jesus said, "...I am the door of the sheep." *** John 10:7
In the Outer Court, we dealt with our sin. There was nothing to enter into.
But, in the Holy Place, we must enter into the sheepfold. The sheepfold is
the church. Jesus called us the sheep of His pasture.
When we enter into the Holy Place, we find three instruments of worship:
-1- Candlestick
-2- Table of Shewbread
-3- Altar of Incense
The first instrument of Worship in the Holy Place was the candlestick. The
candlestick was one stick which had six branches.
"And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the
candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and
his flowers, shall be of the same.
And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the
candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out
of the other side." *** Exodus 25:31-32
The only light in the Holy Place was the candlestick. Without the candlestick,
the Holy Place would have been totally dark. Those who have come into this
place in God, are called the light of the world. *** Matthew 5:14
The candlestick is referred to as "His". This is because Jesus is the
candlestick. The three branches on His left side represent the Old Testament.
The three branches on His right side represent the New Testament. Jesus,
the candlestick, is the connection between the two.
The three branches of the Old Testament show the three divisions in the Old
Testament.
1 - Patriarchs
2 - Judges
3 - Kings
The First Branch - The Patriarchs
God ruled His people through patriarchs from the book of Genesis to Joshua.
The Second Branch - The Judges
God ruled His people under Judges.
The Third Branch - The Kings
Israel then demanded a King. Their desire was to be as other nations.
Samuel was the last judge in Israel. He, also, anointed the first two kings,
Saul and David. Israel was then ruled by kings until the carrying away into
Babylon.
The three branches on the right side of the candlestick represent Jesus,
and who He is in our life.
1 - Jesus as Creator
2 - Jesus as Saviour
3 - Christ Jesus as Ruler & Reigner in our Lives
The first branch represents Jesus as Creator.
In *** Colossians 1:16-17, Paul stated,
"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in
earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or
principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him:
And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist."
The second branch represents Jesus as Saviour. This is our relationship with
God.
The third branch shows the ruling and reigning aspect of Christ Jesus in
our lives.
Peter said "...that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified,
both Lord and Christ." *** Acts 2:36
Lord means supreme in authority and Christ is the anointing in our lives.
Therefore, Jesus now rules and reigns in our lives; being both Lord and Christ.
The candlestick in the Holy Place represents the church.
"The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches." *** Revelation 1:20
The candlestick, which represents the church, is found in the Holy Place,
not in
the Outer Court, as some would have us believe. The only word for church
in the New Testament is EKKLESIA, and is made up of EK which means "out of",
and KESIA meaning "a calling". Therefore EKKLESIA means "to be called out",
or "the called out ones". These "called out ones" make up His Body, the church.
"And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over
all things to the church,
Which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all." *** Ephesians
1:22-23
His church will be the fullness of Him. Those who are the fullness of Him
will make up His Body. His church will have had the change of garments, the
extra washing of water by the Word and will have received the anointing which
is necessary to enter into the Holy Place in Moses' Tabernacle. These will
become His candlestick. They have come through the door into His sheepfold,
the church.
The next instrument of worship in the Holy Place is the Table of Shewbread.
Upon this table were 12 loaves of bread. Fresh bread was then put out every
seven days. The old bread was eaten by the priest. The number 12 represents
the number of God's
government. The bread represents the Body of Christ. Jesus said that He was
the bread that came down from heaven. *** John 6:33
Jesus also said, "I am the bread of life." *** John 6:35
The bread was unleavened. Unleavened bread symbolizes "no sin". Again, this
refers to Christ who had "no sin". The Table of Shewbread portrays God's
government in the body of Christ which is the church without sin (unleavened
bread).
According to I Corinthians 12, government is a gift of the Spirit.
"And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." *** I Corinthians 12:28
God is bringing forth His perfect government in His Body. This is revealed
by the Table of Shewbread.
The third instrument of worship in the Holy Place was the Altar of Incense.
It sat before the veil. The veil was the entrance to the Holy of Holies.
Incense was burned morning and evening on the Altar of Incense. The incense
was to represent praise and prayer before God. This was done every day, morning
and evening. It was a sweet odor
which went up continually before God. Our praise and prayer should be offered
up continually before God.
Those who have received His anointing and have been washed by the water of
the Word, are those who have put off the old garments of flesh. They have
put on His Robe of Righteousness and have entered by way of the door into
the Holy Place.
The next area in the Tabernacle is the Holy of Holies. In the Outer Court,
we had two instruments of worship. In the Holy Place there were three. In
the Holy of Holies there are six:
1 - Ark of the Covenant
2 - Cherubim
3 - Mercy Seat
In the Ark:
4 - Tables of the Covenant
5 - Aaron's Rod that Budded
6 - Golden Bowl of Manna
To come into the Holy of Holies, from the Holy Place, we must pass through
the second curtain. This curtain is called the "Veil". It was this veil which
was torn at the time of Jesus' death on the cross. Of course, the veil that
was torn was not hanging in Moses' Tabernacle, but in Herod's temple. At
the death of Jesus, the way was opened for His Body to enter into His very
presence through the Spirit. No flesh can enter His presence.
Upon entering into the Holy of Holies, the Ark of the Covenant (or the Ark
of the Testimony as it is also called) sits between the cherubim's wings.
Their wings completely span across the Holy of Holies overshadowing the Ark
and the lid of the Ark, the Mercy Seat.
The Holy of Holies shows us what God desires to be in our lives. Each article
symbolizes what the Ark represents in our lives.
The Golden Bowl of Manna contained the manna that was gathered in the wilderness
and miraculously preserved in the Ark. This shows God's provision in His
people. When Israel cried for bread in the wilderness, God gave them manna.
God promises He will provide hidden manna, or Spiritual manna.
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna..." *** Revelation 2:17
Therefore the ark represents God's provision.
Next, Aaron's Rod that Budded, symbolizes our authority in God. This comes
by the Holy Spirit; He is our power and authority.
"But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God." *** I Corinthians 1:24
The Ark represents our power and wisdom in God.
Next, the Tables of the Covenant contained God's Law.
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." *** Romans 3:20
It was by Moses' Law that we have the knowledge of sin; but we no longer
keep Moses' Law. We are to keep another Law, and that is God's Law; the Law
of Love and Liberty. When we keep this Law, the Spirit of Peace will rest
upon us.
Therefore, the Ark also represents our peace.
The second instruments in the Holy of Holies are the Cherubim.
The Cherubim protect the glory and holiness of God. When Adam and Eve sinned
in the Garden, the Cherubim were set at the entrance of the garden with flaming
swords to guard the Tree of Life.
"So He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." *** Genesis 3:24
It was the Cherubims that Ezekiel saw when the throne of God descended, ***
Ezekiel 10:1-22. The Cherubims were protecting the glory and holiness of
God's throne. The Cherubims are "our assured protection" in God. The Cherubims'
wing spread touched the curtains on both sides of the Holy of Holies, and
touched in the middle over the Ark. God's protection is complete. The Ark
represents our protection in God.
The Mercy Seat, or lid, on the Ark is where God meets man between the Cherubims.
This represents God's presence through the Spirit. The Holy Spirit anointing
is the only way we can enter into the Holy of Holies.
The Ark, then, represents God's Presence, Power, Protection, Peace, and Provision
in our lives. The ark is our Promise in God. When Israel went into their
promised Land they were to follow the Ark.
"And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant
of the Lord your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall
remove from your place, and go after it.
Yet, there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits
by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must
go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore." *** Joshua 3:3-4
They were to follow their Ark staying about 2000 cubits from it. Jesus is
our promise, and we are to follow Him into our promised land by about 2,000
years. If we follow Him, He will lead us into our promise. Joshua told the
children of Israel that, by following the ark, they would know the way to
go. By following Jesus, we will know the way to go; and He, too, will lead
us into our promised land.
The only light in the Holy of Holies was the "Shekinah Glory of God". There
was no "natural light". There were no "candles"; only the Glory of God. When
we enter into this place in God, we will live in His very Glory. We see this
in the Holy City, New Jerusalem.
"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." *** Rev. 21:23
Before we go on, lets consider the construction of the instruments of worship:
1 - Brazen Altar
2 - Table of Shewbread
3 - Altar of Incense
4 - Ark of the Covenant
The Brazen Altar which sat in the outer court, was made from wood and was
overlaid with brass (probably copper). Wood represents flesh. Brass represents
sin. This shows our condition when we come to Christ; our flesh covered by
sin.
In the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, observe that the Table of Shewbread,
The Altar of Incense, and the Ark of the Covenant are made out of wood covered
with gold. Gold represents God. Therefore, we see the same flesh covered
by God; or anointed by God.
Also, observe that the boards used to erect the Holy Place and the Holy of
Holies were also covered with gold; again, the flesh with God's anointing
upon it.
The dimensions of the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies tells us of the time
we live in and the time to come.
The dimension of the Holy Place is 10 cubits wide, 20 cubits long, and 10
cubits high; or 10 x 20 x 10 = 2,000. The candlestick is in the Holy Place
and represents the church; therefore, 2,000 foretells the time of the church
age; 2,000 years.
The Holy of Holies is 10 x 10 x 10 = 1,000. This foretells the 1,000 year
millennial reign with Christ, when we enter into His very presence. The time
of our entering in is very close. In *** Joshua 3:4, it does not say exactly
2,000 cubits; but, about. Therefore, our "day of entering in" could be at
any time.
Only those who have come to the place in God, to "enter in" will "enter in".
Those who have had the change of garments, the washing of water by the Word
and the Holy Spirit anointing will "enter in". Those who are depending upon
their man-made systems and the work done in the outer court: forgiveness
of sins and water baptism, without the anointing, cannot enter into His sheepfold
in the Holy Place in God. These will be purified and made whole in the wrath
of God.
Chapter 5
The Glory Has Departed
Moses' Tabernacle contained God's salvation plan and His redemptive work
upon the flesh. But God's glory was removed from Moses' Tabernacle in the
day when Eli was priest. All Israel had fallen into deep sin. Sin ran rampant
in the priesthood. They had turned their back upon God. The people sinned
because they knew their sin could be covered by the sacrifice of an animal.
Neither the priests nor the people had a heart for God.
Today, the same is true. Man sins because he knows he has forgiveness by
the blood of Jesus. In *** Genesis 6:3 God said, "My Spirit shall not always
strive with man:..." This was true at the time of the flood, and it was true
when Eli was priest in Israel.
Eli and his sons are examples of what has happened to the organized church
of today.
"Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord." *** I Samuel 2:12
Belial means "worthlessness". Eli's son's names were Hophni and Phinehas;
they knew not the Lord. Hophni and Phinehas were the priests, yet, they knew
not God. As we
saw before with Jeroboam, strangers were standing in the sanctuary of the
Lord's house.
By God's commandments, the priests were to partake of the sacrifices offered
to God. They used a three-toothed flesh hook; placing the hook in the pot.
All that came up on the hook was to be the priests portion. The priests were
to eat their meat sodden or boiled. God's way did not please Hophni and Phinehas.
What God had provided was not enough. Instead, they sent their servants after
raw flesh, demanding more than God had given.
"Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw." *** I Samuel 2:15
The priest's servants came, before they burnt the fat, and demanded the flesh, raw. The fat was to have been burned before the Lord as a sweet savor unto the Lord. It was a symbol of praise unto God. This was the sacrifice that God had demanded. But before this offering was made unto God, the priest's servants were there, demanding raw meat. Hophni and Phinehas refused to eat it boiled as God had ordained, but demanded to have it their way.
"And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force." *** I Samuel 2:16
The people wanted to offer their sacrifice to God, first. Then the priests
could have all they wanted. But, if the people did not give it willingly,
the priests servants would take it by force. This is prevalent in the organized
churches today. All their programs are to serve the priest (pastor). The
pastor's needs must be met first, before the needs of the people.
Instead of the shepherd caring for the sheep, it is the sheep's job to care
for the shepherd. Every need, real or imagined, must be provided. All the
needs for the home are provided, along with a good salary, transportation,
and expense accounts. There are, also, retirement and insurance plans. In
some cases, stock options on church holdings, are provided. If it is not
supplied, it is demanded by the sons of Belial. These shepherds are not willing
to live by God's supply. They even want the praise that was to be offered
up to God.
Their need to be honoured is shown by the titles they put before their names:
Reverend, Doctor, Holy, or Most Holy Father.
All of which are an abomination to God. Those who desire to be called reverend
need to read Psalm 111:9.
"He sent redemption unto His people: He hath commanded His covenant for ever: holy and reverend is His name." *** Psalm 111:9
It was Jesus Christ who sent redemption unto His people; Holy and Reverend is His name. No man has sent that redemption unto mankind: therefore, no man should be called Reverend or Holy.
"I am the Lord: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images." *** Isaiah 42:8
Our God is a jealous God. He will not share His glory with man. The flesh realm will never receive glory with the Spiritual realm.
"Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord: for men abhorred the offering of the Lord." *** I Samuel 2:17
The priests demanded so much that men abhorred the offering of the Lord.
There are so many, today, who are turned off at church because the priests
(pastors) have
robbed them of their worship and praise unto God; and have replaced it with
programs and man-made worship.
"Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation." *** I Samuel 2:22
Eli was old and knew of the adultery of his sons with the women of the congregation. Today, adultery is running rampant in the ministry. Sin is justified. Jeremiah saw the day we live in and how perverted the ministry would become.
"Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?" *** Jeremiah 7:9-10
Jeremiah said they would steal, commit adultery, swear falsely, and walk
after other gods. They would then stand in the house of God and say, "We
are delivered to do all these abominations". Such man-made doctrines, as
"Once Saved Always Saved", "Eternal Security" and "Predestination" have caused
the church system to accept sin. I have heard so many say, "As long as you
sin in moderation, it is acceptable unto God". These would have us believe
that God accepts sin, and that He is not a righteous, Holy and just God,
who, as the Bible says, hates sin.
Eli was old and he knew his sons' sin, but he would not deal with their sin.
So God sent His prophet, who told Eli his sin.
"Wherefore kick ye at My sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in My habitation; and honourest thy sons above Me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel My people?" *** I Samuel 2:29
God's question to Eli was: "Why do you honour your sons above Me?" Eli had
made himself fat with the chiefest, or best, that was offered before God.
Eli was as guilty as his sons. He enjoyed the good life and had become fat.
Fat has two meanings. One means to be physically fat, obese and overweight;
it also is used as being rich. We know that Eli and his sons were guilty
of both.
What God's people would not give them willingly, they took by force. Eli
was partaker in this. As Isaiah said,
"His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they
cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds
that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his
gain, from his quarter.
Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong
drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant." *** Isaiah
56:10-12
Isaiah saw what the leadership in the church system has become today. Taking strong drink, alcoholism and adultery are very present in the pulpit today.
"Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see." *** I Samuel 4:15
Eli was old and fat and blind. The church system, today, is old and fat and
blind, also.
1. It is old. The denominations have been around for many years. Their doctrines
are cut in stone and taught in the seminaries.
2. It is fat. They need not depend on God. They are sufficient in themselves.
We can compare them to the Laodicean church in Revelation.
"Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" *** Revelation 3:17
3. It is blind. Blindness means "no vision", "no foresight". The vision has gone from the church. All they teach is: "Become saved and baptized and hold on until you die, or the Lord comes." They have no vision of what God is doing in the earth. They are not striving to go into perfection, as spoken in Hebrews.
"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.
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection
of the dead, and of eternal judgment." *** Hebrews 6:1-2
Yet, these are the sermons heard in churches every Sunday. They continue
to lay the foundation, but they never build the house. They have no vision
of what the house will look like when it is complete.
"Where there is no vision, the people perish: . . ." *** Proverbs 29:18
We are told in *** I Samuel 3:1 that in the days of Eli, there was no open
vision. The same is true in the church system today. They have no vision.
They are blind, old and fat. But God was about to remove His glory from the
old, blind, fat system which man had perverted and turned to his own gain.
Another sin is hidden in the names of Eli's sons that we also find in the
church system today. Eli's sons names were Hophni and Phinehas. Hophni means
"pugilist" or "fighter". Phinehas means "mouth of brass". Brass represents
sin or the mouth of sin. People, with their mouths of sin, are constantly
fighting, bringing division and separation into the church. Division comes
because the Hophni's and Phinehas' want to do things their own way. If they
can't have their own way, they start another group.
Many denominations, with the same name, have many branches and divisions.
They teach the same basic doctrine, yet there is much division. One group
will not associate or fellowship with another group of the same denomination.
In the days of Eli, God removed His presence from Israel because of sin in
the priesthood and the people. And God will remove His presence from those
churches, today, that have sin in the priesthood.
God allowed the Philistines to come upon Israel. Israel suffered a great
defeat. Many times, God used the Philistines to bring judgment upon Israel
for their sin. After Israel suffered this great defeat, they came back to
their camp.
"...Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us,
that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.
So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of
the covenant of the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth between the Cherubims:
and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of
the covenant of God." *** I Samuel 4:3-4
Israel discovered God was no longer with them. Israel had rejected their
God. God was no longer with them because they were not worshiping the God
that dwelt
between the Cherubims. They worshiped the Ark. They thought the power was
in the Ark. But the Ark was only a representation of the power. The power
dwelt between the Cherubims. The power was not the visible Ark, but the invisible
God.
Today, man worships that which he can see with his physical eyes. He looks
for things that satisfy his fleshly eyes, instead of that which he cannot
see.
" ...for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." *** II Corinthians 4:18
When the Ark was brought into the camp of Israel,
"All Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again." ***
I Samuel 4:5
This was false worship and praise offered before God. It did not come from
the heart, but was offered up because of need. Israel had a need, but, this
time, there was no deliverance in the Ark. God would not save Israel. They
no longer heard His voice, nor sought His strength. The only time they called
on Him was when they had a need.
Many so-called Christians today, never seek God. It is only when they have
a need
or are in trouble that they seek Him. Then they begin to offer up false praise
and worship, making God many promises they don't intend to keep. They are
so foolish to believe they can fool God; but God knows the heart.
When Israel brought up the Ark, God did not come along. Instead, Hophni and
Phinehas were with the Ark. Their hope was in the Ark which they could see
with their eyes. And where was the Ark? It was in the hands of the sons of
Belial. Today, what looks good in the eyes of the people, is in the hands
of Belial.
God allowed the Ark to be captured by the Philistines, and Israel suffered
a great defeat. It was not because they lost the Ark; it was because they
lost God's presence.
When Eli was told that the Ark had been taken, and his two sons were dead;
Eli, the old, fat, blind priest fell from his seat backward, broke his neck,
and died. Man falls backwards in rebellion to God. When they fall on their
faces, it is to worship God.
Eli was dead. Hophni and Phinehas were dead. The Ark was taken. But there
was an heir to this whole system. Phinehas' wife was about to give birth
to that heir. When she heard the tragic news of that day, she gave birth.
"And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel:
because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her
husband.
And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken."
*** I Samuel 4:21-22
The glory had departed from Israel, not only because the Ark of God was taken,
but because of Eli and her husband's sin.
She knew it was the sin of her adulterous husband, and the greed that was
in the priesthood, that had caused this to happen in Israel. She named the
heir, "Ichabod", because "the glory had departed".
God's glory has also departed from the man-made, man-operated church today.
Losing the Ark did not end the ritualistic worship in Moses' Tabernacle.
They still offered the morning and evening sacrifices. They still observed
all the Feast holidays. They still changed the bread every week, and burned
the candles and incense on the altar. The only thing that changed was on
the Day of Atonement, the priest did not enter into the Holy of Holies, into
the presence of God, because the Holy of Holies was empty.
There was no more Presence, Protection, Peace, Provision, and Power in Moses'
Tabernacle, but the form worship continued. We do not know what happened
to Moses' Tabernacle, but we do know that, at the time of the building of
Solomon's Temple, form worship was still going on in Moses' Tabernacle at
Gibeon.
After the Philistines sent the Ark back to Israel, it rested at the home
of Abinadab in Kirjath Jearim. It was there until David brought it to Jerusalem
and put it in another tabernacle. This was David's Tabernacle. David's Tabernacle
reveals another move of God in the earth.
Chapter Six
Firstfruits of the Temple
When David became King, the Ark of God was in Abinadab's house. It had been
there since the Philistines returned it to Israel. The Ark rested in Abinadab's
house from the time Samuel judged Israel, through King Saul's reign, until
David brought it to Jerusalem in the 10th or 11th year of his reign. So the
Ark could have been in Abinadab's house for a period of about 90 years.
David's desire was to bring God's Presence, Protection, Provision, Peace,
and Power back to Jerusalem, so the people could worship and praise before
the Ark of God. David gathered all the people together, and went up to Abinadab's
house to bring the Ark; but David made the same mistake as many today. He
thought that we serve an ever-changing God.
David made a new cart because he felt there was not a cart in Israel that
was good enough to bring the ark. So he made one of the finest materials,
built by the finest craftsmen, and decked with all the finest decorations...a
cart that was pleasing in the eyes of man. This would surely make it acceptable
unto God.
David chose the finest oxen in his stables. He put upon these oxen his finest,
hand-carved ox yoke, and his most beautiful harness. David must have heard,
"We must serve God with our best".
David overlooked one thing; this was not the way that God had ordained the
Ark to be moved.
David had assembled a large group of praisers and worshippers to sing and
dance before the Ark.
"And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets." *** I Chronicles 13:8
This beauty, this pageantry, this preparation; all the money that was spent,
certainly God would be pleased with man's efforts.
But as the Lord spoke through Samuel to Saul:
"And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." *** I Samuel 15:22
David had a heart toward God. What David was doing was good, but his methods
were wrong. When the ox and cart came to Ornan's Threshing Floor (the threshing
floor represents a time of testing), the ox stumbled; and when Uzzah put
forth his hand to steady the Ark, God struck him dead.
This is an example of how man operates today. Man tries to serve God with
his best; with all the pomp and splendor, and the fine clothes. Man's best
efforts are futile. When he comes to a time of testing, all his efforts fail
because his heart is not turned toward God in obedience. David had operated
in his own way, and not as God ordained. When Uzzah touched the Ark, it brought
physical death. When we are disobedient, it brings forth Spiritual death.
After the breach upon Uzzah, the Ark was placed in the house of Obed-Edom.
It remained there for three months.
"Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever." *** I Chronicles 15:2
David returned to what God had ordained and confessed that the only way the Ark was to be moved, was by the Levites. This time, David assembled another large group of worshippers and brought the Ark to Jerusalem. There was no new cart, no fancy oxen. This time it was only the Ark on the shoulders of the Levites.
"And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that
bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with
the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen.
Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting,
and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making
a noise with psalteries and harps." *** I Chronicles 15:27-28
David was clothed with a robe of fine linen. The people came with true praise
and worship; with all the instruments as God prescribed in *** Psalm 150.
The Levites were bearing the Ark upon their shoulders, and David danced before
the Lord with all his strength.
But, when Michal, David's wife, Saul's daughter, saw the procession and all
the praise and worship before God, she despised David in her heart. When
we begin to praise and worship God with our whole heart and do the things
that are pleasing to God, we begin to realize that those of our own household
and those of the old system will despise us in their heart.
David brought the Ark to Jerusalem, setting it in the midst of the tent that
he had prepared for it.
"So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God." *** I Chronicles 16:1
When we compare David's Tabernacle and Moses' Tabernacle, there were definite
dimensions given to Moses' Tabernacle. This is not true of David's Tabernacle.
No dimensions of any kind were given. And no sacrificial system was ordained.
In David's Tabernacle, there was no veil separating the Ark from the people.
The Ark was visible to all the people. In Moses' Tabernacle there was form
worship. This was not found in David's Tabernacle. Instead of form worship,
David set an order of worship and praise. Praise and worship was offered
continually before the Ark.
"And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, and to record, and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel." *** I Chro. 16:4
The priests were to record. The word record is ZAKAR and means "to think, meditate, bring to remembrance". The word has the meaning of deep inner thoughts. These priests were constantly to meditate upon the Lord and to offer up praise and thanks continually.
"And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God. . ." *** I Chro. 16:42
Trumpets were played continually before the Ark, as well as cymbals and all
other instruments which God ordained. In *** I Chronicles 16:37, Asaph and
his brethren ministered before the Ark continually. In David's Tabernacle,
there was no Outer Court, no Holy Place. The only area that David's Tabernacle
contained was the Holy of Holies.
There was no Brazen Altar, no Laver, no Candlestick, no Table of Shewbread,
no Altar of Incense; only the ark, the Mercy Seat, the Cherubims, and the
objects in the Ark.
In David's Tabernacle there was no sacrifice for sin. The only entrance to
the Ark was through worship and praise. Those who enter in by worship and
praise have already dealt with the sin problem in their life.
In David's Tabernacle there was no gate, no door and no veil. The people
had access by worship and praise. David's Tabernacle shows that at the death
of Jesus, when the veil was torn in the temple, it was possible for man to
have access to the throne of God through the anointing.
In David's Tabernacle, the ministry of worship and praise was before the
Ark. This was something new. This was not foretold in Moses' law. This was
a direct revelation from God to David. After the Ark was brought up and placed
in David's Tabernacle, the Priests, who ministered in Moses' Tabernacle,
went back to their old, lifeless form worship.
"And Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of the Lord in the high place that was at Gibeon, To offer burnt offerings unto the Lord upon the altar of the burnt offering continually morning and evening, and to do according to all that is written in the law of the Lord, which he commanded Israel." *** I Chronicles 16:39-40
This new thing God was doing in the earth did not change the old form worship
in Moses' Tabernacle. Zadok, the priest went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices
according to the Law of Moses.
David's Tabernacle represents the move of God in the earth in the last days
which began with "Azusa Street" in 1906. This is prophesied in Amos 9.
"In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old." *** Amos 9:11
God raised up the tabernacle of David with the Pentecostal movement; praise
and worship returned unto the earth. Moses' Tabernacle still existed in the
old, orthodox, form worship.
David's Tabernacle, which represented praise and worship, had fallen down.
God raised up David's Tabernacle and He closed up the breaches so that there
would be no schism in the Body.
"That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another." *** I Corinthians 12:25
God raised up the ruins and built it as in the days of old. God is going to have a people who will praise Him continually. This is foretold in Psalm 102.
"This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord." *** Psalm 102:18
The Pentecostal Movement was the raising up of David's Tabernacle. Zadok
was the priest in Gibeon. In I Chronicles 16, Zadok and his brethren came
to Jerusalem to
see the bringing up of the Ark to David's Tabernacle. They witnessed the
presence and glory of God being brought back to the people of Israel. They
saw all the worship and praise and the dancing before the Lord. They witnessed
the move of the Spirit. Then they went back to minister in the old, lifeless
system of form worship. They returned to keep the old system going where
the glory of God had once dwelt, but now was departed.
In 1906, many came from the old denominational system to see what God was
doing. They then turned back to their form religion, hoping that the former
glory would return to the old, lifeless system.
God was doing something new in the earth. There was another revival of the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit around the middle 1940's, but by this time,
those who were part of the first move, had already denominationalized that
move of God, and had fallen into form worship by bringing it under man's
control.
There was another outpouring of God's Spirit in the late 1960's and early
1970's called the Charismatic Movement. By the early 1980's, this move of
God had all but died out. By the early 1980's, man was, again, establishing
great buildings to hold this move of God.
God has set up David's Tabernacle, and praise and worship rings in the
earth,
again. But this has become ritualistic in form, just as it had become in
David's time. But God is going beyond what He did in David's Tabernacle.
He is bringing this to pass on Mt. Moriah.
Let us compare David of the Old Testament with Jesus of the New Testament.
Both were beloved and both were given a way to the very presence of God.
David's name means "beloved". Jesus is our "Beloved". David made it possible
to enter into the very presence of God by erecting David's Tabernacle. This
shows that we can enter into His very presence through worship and praise
in the Spirit.
Jesus, at His death, tore the veil in the temple, thus, opening the way for
everyone to enter into His presence. Those who are still in the old form
religion churches and desire to come out, have access through the torn veil
to enter into God's presence.
"By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh." *** Hebrews 10:20
Those who still worship Jesus in the flesh can have access to God through
the new and living way. The new and living way is the Holy Spirit infilling.
This is still available to His people who have accepted His torn flesh, and
His shed blood, which is forgiveness of sin; but they must go beyond the
torn flesh, into a Spiritual walk with God.
God was not finished at David's Tabernacle. God had put it in David's heart
to build Him a permanent dwelling place; a place for His glory to rest. David
was not allowed to build this temple of God, but he drew the plans and provided
much of the material and money to build the temple. It could not be built
by David because the Word said he was a bloody man. This temple could not
be built except by the "all wise son", Solomon.
In the New Testament God speaks of building a permanent dwelling place in
the earth, today, out of living stones. Jesus could not build this house
because he, too, had to shed blood; not the blood of God's enemies as David,
but His own blood, that man may have forgiveness of sin.
Jesus was the foundation stone of this temple that would be built.
"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone." *** Ephesians 2:20
Jesus, as David, drew the blueprints in His life, and provided all the materials;
but He could not build the temple He would inhabit. This temple, also, has
to be built
by the one who contains all wisdom; and that is the Holy Spirit of God. It
is the Holy Spirit who is doing the work in the Body. It is the Holy Spirit
that is bringing the Body into the image of the Father.
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." *** I Peter 2:5
God is going to build His spiritual house. Solomon's Temple is a type of
this Spiritual house. We can see in the physical, what God is going to do
in the Spirit. This temple is being built on Mt. Moriah.
Chapter Seven
ORNAN'S THRESHINGFLOOR
The building of Solomon's Temple shows the type of the spiritual temple God
is building in the earth today. Many, today, are erroneously looking for
a physical temple to be built in the nation, Israel. Some believe it will
be built, again, on the original sight of Mount Moriah. But God will never
again dwell in a temple that man has built for Him.
The temple has been built 3 times; first by Solomon, then by Zerubabel (this
was the temple built after the Babylonian
Captivity), and the third, Herod's Temple. Herod's Temple existed at the
time of Jesus and was destroyed by Herod in 70 A.D.
The number three in the Bible means complete. All things are complete in
three. Below are some examples of God's number of completeness.
1. There are three attributes of God:
Omniscience
Omnipresence
Omnipotence
2. The complete Godhead:
Father
Son
Holy Ghost
3. The completeness of time:
Yesterday Past
Today ALSO Present
Tomorrow Future
4. God's creation:
Sun Animal
Moon ALSO Vegetable
Stars Mineral
5. There are three sins:
Lust of the flesh
Lust of the eyes
Pride of life
6. Three dimensions make a cube:
Length
Breadth
Height
7. Three lines make up the first geometrical figure; the triangle. The triangle
is the strongest
geometrical figure.
The list goes on and on. The number three always means complete.
Thus, the building of God's earthly temples are complete. No physical temple
will be built again that God will inhabit. God is building His spiritual
temple in the earth, which He will inhabit for all eternity. That temple
is being built of "Living Stones".
In order to understand the building of Solomon's Temple, we must look at
the preparation which God made through David.
After David had been king for many years, he sinned a great sin. This sin
brought much destruction upon the people of Israel. David numbered Israel
(took a census) which was against God's commandments. Because of this sin,
God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem.
"And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as He was destroying, the Lord beheld, and He repented Him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the Lord stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite." *** I Chronicles 21:15
When God repented, the angel of the Lord stood by Ornan's Threshing Floor.
"Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the Lord in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite." *** I Chronicles 21:18
God commanded David to erect an altar on the threshingfloor of Ornan. This
commandment was against Moses' Law. Under Moses' Law, only the Levites were
to attend
the altar and offer sacrifices. David was of the tribe of Judah and held
no priestly office.
David went up to Ornan and Ornan offered to give David the threshingfloor,
the oxen for the sacrifice and the threshing instruments for the wood used
in the sacrifice. He was willing to furnish all for David's sacrifice.
"And King David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost." *** I Chronicles 21:24
David's sin brought judgment upon Jerusalem. He knew that sin always has a price tag. David's sin had a great price tag.
"So the Lord sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men." *** I Chronicles 21:14
David's sin could not be paid for by someone else's sacrifice.
Because of David's sin, 70,000 Israelites died. Today, when we sin, it may
not cost 70,000 lives, but sin has an effect on everyone it touches. Sin
has a price tag. Sin is not free.
In ancient times, farmers had two main possessions besides their land: their
threshing- floor and their winepress. The threshingfloor was where they beat
out the full, ripe grain. The grain was winnowed, or thrown against the wind,
to remove the chaff. Only the full, ripe grain remained. Only the full, ripe
grain was taken into the granary.
The production of wheat shows how God operates in our lives. God is preparing
a people that will not be part of the Winepress of the Wrath of God, but
of the threshingfloor of the full, ripe grain.
First, the wheat must be planted. When it comes up, it looks like every other
grass. This is how we look when we accept God's forgiveness of sin. We continue
to look like everyone else around us until we begin to grow.
But some never grow. They continue to look like the grass of the earth. They
never take on the characteristics of wheat and they never mature. When wheat
comes to full maturity the true seed can be distinguished from that which
never developed. As wheat matures it grows above the grass of the earth,
and very shortly, it begins to form a head.
All this early growth takes place in the spring when there is plenty of
nourishment from the sun and rain. Then, something happens. The heat of
summer
arrives. This is the time of testing God puts in our lives. The head begins
to ripen and come to maturity. That which is in our head begins to take root
and hold fast. We come to the place where we no longer have faith to live
by, but we begin to know. We begin to operate on God's word and apply it
in our lives.
The heat of summer and adversity brings to full maturity that which we have
in our head. This is when the head of the wheat begins to bow down. This
is called humility. Now we have come to the place where we can be used of
God. But before God can use what is in our head, there is another step which
we must go through. That step is to separate the wheat from the earth.
If we are going to be used of God, we must be separated from the earth and
taken to the threshingfloor. On the threshing-floor, the pure grain is beaten
out with rods. This represents severe times of testing and maturing in our
lives today. All that the earth has produced in our lives must be totally
beaten out. When the work of the Rod of Reproof is complete, then as Luke
3:17 says,
"Whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge His floor, and will gather the wheat into His garner; but the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable." *** Luke 3:17
God is only going to take His full, ripe fruit into the granary. The chaff
will be burned. The chaff are those things in our lives that do not bring
glory to God; those things that we don't want to let go of. All those who
will go into His granary will go through the threshingfloor to be winnowed
by His fan.
What happens to those who will not come to maturity? In Revelation 14 there
are two sickles. These two sickles foretell of the harvest at the end of
the world. The first sickle harvests the whole earth.
"And He that sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped." *** Revelation 14:16
This is the Harvest at the end of the world spoken of in *** Matthew 13:39. The wheat and tares are harvested together.
"And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to Him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in Thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe." *** Revelation 14:18
After the earth is harvested, the second sickle is thrust into the harvest and gathers the full, ripe fruit. Then the vine is gathered.
"And the angel thrust in His sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God." *** Revelation 14:19
The vine brought forth the full, ripe fruit. This represents the church system.
The full, ripe fruit is the True Church; those who have matured on the Word
of God, not on the precepts and doctrines of men. The full, ripe fruit represents
those who have been to the threshingfloor and have separated from the
flesh.
The vine represents the church system which will be cast into the winepress
of the Wrath of God. Those that are cast into the Wrath of God are those
who must endure until the end to be saved.
"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." *** Matthew 24:13
Those that refuse to go to the threshingfloor now, will be brought to maturity
in the Wrath. The church system is teaching a False Rapture. Those who are
depending upon a rapture to take an immature, untried, untested and full-of-chaff
church off the earth, are destined to go through the Wrath of God.
David was taken to the threshingfloor for his sin. There, David built an
altar, and offered his sin and peace offering unto the Lord. *** I Chronicles
21:26
After David's sacrifice, the angel put his sword back in his sheath; the
plague against Jerusalem was stayed. You may wonder what Ornan's threshingfloor
has to do with the building of Solomon's temple. Ornan's threshingfloor was
where Solomon built the temple.
"Then Solomon began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite." *** II Chronicles 3:1
The temple God is building in the earth, today, is being built on the
threshingfloor. This is where our altar is erected and our sacrifice is made.
As I stated before, Solomon's Temple represents the permanent dwelling place
God is building in the earth. The word tabernacle means "temporary dwelling
place". Both Moses' Tabernacle and David's Tabernacle were made from temporary
materials. Solomon's Temple was constructed of permanent materials.
The tabernacles represented the flesh. All flesh is
temporary, but Solomon's Temple
represents the Spirit. The Spirit is eternal. Solomon's Temple represents
the Spiritual house, God's permanent dwelling place, in His people.
David, the beloved, made many preparations for the building of Solomon's
Temple.
"And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land
of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of
God.
And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates,
and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;
Also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought
much cedar wood to David." *** I Chronicles 22:2-4
David gathered the materials for the temple. He even began hewing the stones.
"Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the Lord an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto." *** I Chronicles 22:14
David supplied 100,000 talents of gold, and 1,000,000 talents of silver.
The brass and iron could not be weighed for the abundance. He even prepared
the workmen. David's heart was to build this permanent dwelling place for
God. In *** II Chronicles 3:1, "...David had prepared in the threshingfloor
of Ornan the Jebusite." By studying the building of Solomon's Temple, everything
David supplied was only a small percentage of what was needed to build the
temple.
The millions in gold and silver, all the brass and iron without weight, all
the stones and lumber that David had accumulated was just a small portion
of what was needed to build the temple. It could be said it was the Firstfruits
of the building.
We can see a correlation of this in the Baptism of Jesus. When Jesus came
to the river to be baptized of John, Jesus said,
"...For thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." *** Matthew 3:15
John possessed two things that Jesus was to possess after His baptism. One
was the heir to the priesthood, being the son of the high priest. The second
was the baptism of the Spirit John received in his mother's womb. God never
begins the new without fulfilling the old.
"There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth." *** Luke 1:5
Zachariah was the high priest. The priesthood passed from father to son.
Therefore, John, the son of Zachariah, was heir to the priesthood.
Jesus was of the tribe of Judah through the lineage of Mary and Joseph, His
step-father. On the day of Jesus' baptism, He became the heir to the priesthood.
We read of this in Hebrews.
"For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood." *** Hebrew 7:14
The priesthood passed from John to Jesus. This happened when John baptized
Jesus. There are only two priests mentioned after Zachariah; Annas and Caiaphas.
There is no mention of a tribe with either of these priests. Zachariah was
the last of the Levitical priesthood. His son, John, was the heir to the
Levitical priesthood.
The second thing Jesus received in the river that John possessed, was the
Holy Spirit anointing which was upon John. We know by *** Luke 1:15, that
John was filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. But John told
the people, "He (Jesus) must become more and more, as I become less and less."
No man can decrease unless the Holy Spirit anointing is upon him. But as
John baptized Jesus, the anointing that was upon him had transferred to Jesus.
The proof of this was when John began to criticize the activity of the government
and when he began to doubt who Jesus was.
"But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done." *** Luke 3:19
God did not send him to criticize the government. His only duty was to prepare
the way in the wilderness for Jesus. Before John baptized Jesus, he spoke
with boldness and courage. But after the baptism of Jesus, John was thrown
into prison for what he said to Herod. John began to doubt who Jesus was.
He sent his disciples to Jesus.
"...Art Thou He that should come? or look we for another?" *** Luke 7:19
Before John baptized Jesus, there was never any doubt in John's mind who
Jesus
was. But, now, doubt had set in. The anointing was gone. John became less
and less and Jesus became more and more. John's work was to prepare the way
in the wilderness. His job was complete, but Jesus' work had only begun.
When Jesus raised up out of the water, He received another baptism of the
Spirit in the form of a dove. The dove is the sign of peace. Jesus possessed,
not only the anointing which had been upon John, but the Baptism of Peace.
"...for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him." *** John 3:34
For God gave the Spirit without measure to Jesus. What David planned for
the building of King Solomon's Temple was only the beginning, only the down
payment, or the firstfruits of the temple.
This was a type of the anointing that was upon John and, also of the anointing
that came on the Day of Pentecost.
"And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." *** Romans 8:23
Paul said that "ourselves", which included Paul, have received the firstfruits of the Spirit.
"Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." *** II Corinthians 1:22
The word "earnest" is ARRABON and means "deposit or down payment".
"Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit." *** II Corinthians 5:5
Again, we have received only the down payment of the Spirit.
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel
of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with
that Holy Spirit of promise.
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased
possession, unto the praise of His glory." *** Ephesians 1:13-14
The Holy Spirit of Promise is the "earnest of our inheritance". The Day of Pentecost was the receiving of the firstfruits of the Spirit. It was only the down payment of the Spirit. But we have the promise of God that we, who have received the down payment, will receive the fullness, as Jesus our example. It was not David, the beloved, who built the temple, but Solomon. Solomon means "peace or peaceable". We see the temple was built in the time of peace.
"Is not the Lord your God with you? and hath He not given you rest on every side? for He hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the Lord, and before His people." *** I Chronicles 22:18
God will build His temple in the earth when we have subdued the enemies on
every side (satan and his kingdom). The earth is going to be subdued before
God. We will overcome the flesh in the time of peace. We must allow the cleansing
fire of the Cloven Tongues to do its work now to prepare us to receive the
Baptism of Peace.
Great are God's promises for the temple He is building in the earth. David
provided the firstfruits to build the temple. We received the firstfruits
(the Cloven Tongues) to prepare God's permanent dwelling place in the earth.
David prepared the place where the temple would sit. The Cloven Tongues are
preparing us to become a permanent dwelling place of God.
Chapter Eight
THE GLORY OF THE LATTER HOUSE
Before we proceed with the building of Solomon's Temple, it will be necessary
to compare the time that the temple was built, with the times we live in
today.
"So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that
was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which
Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness.
But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjath- jearim to the place
which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem."
*** II Chronicles 1:3-4
This was before Solomon began to build the temple. The old form worship was
still active in Moses' Tabernacle at Gibeon. Even though the glory had departed,
it did not stop their form worship. The Ark was in David's Tabernacle on
Mount Zion where worship and praise were offered up before the Ark night
and day. The two form worship systems operated simultaneously.
God was about to do something else. There was another mountain, Mount Moriah
where God would build His house of permanent materials, not temporal. The
temporary material is flesh (skin). The permanent materials are Spiritual.
Moses' Tabernacle represents the old denominational system, where the glory
has departed. David's Tabernacle represents the Pentecostal, denominational
systems, which are offering up worship and praise in temporary tabernacles
(the flesh) based on emotion and form. Although they began in the Spirit,
man has brought this mighty move of the Spirit under his control. These two
systems are still in the earth, today. They are very visible.
On Mount Moriah, the land had been cleared, materials stored, and God was
ready to begin construction of His permanent house.
Moses' Tabernacle was at Gibeon. Gibeon means "little hill". Those in Moses'
Tabernacle, the old denominational system, have very little vision . . .
"Get saved, get baptized and hang on until you die or Jesus comes again"
. . . is as far as they can see.
David's Tabernacle was on Mount Zion which means "parched place" or "sunny
heights". The "parched place" is where the heat is turned up in our lives.
When we begin our walk with God, He begins to cleanse us as gold and silver
are cleansed. The "sunny heights" represents the higher
vision, or Spiritual vision, that comes with the anointing.
When the Pentecostal movement began, God poured out His Spirit and lives
were changed. The Word began to open in a new way. The people were given
a "higher vision". They still needed to be saved and baptized in water, but
they knew there was more. They could see the results of the outpouring of
the Spirit in their lives.
Yet, there was still a greater work that God was going to do on Mount Moriah.
Moriah means "my teacher is Jah" or "my teacher is God". These people are
going to be built into a permanent dwelling place of God. These have not
been taught by man or their man-made systems. They have been taught by God,
Himself. These have grown up into the head which is Christ, and have "put
on" Christ. Their desire is not to please man, but God, alone.
There were three positions of God in Moses' Tabernacle:
-1- Outer Court
-2- Holy Place
-3- Holy of Holies
The Outer Court is only natural light; a place to deal with sin. We have
the Brazen Altar and the Laver. Those who have gone no farther than the Brazen
Altar and the Laver, have only accepted initial salvation and baptism; no
move of the
Spirit. This is as far as the old denominational system has gone.
In the parable of the sower, Jesus said that the seed which was sown was
the Word of God. By studying this, we find the seed by the wayside brought
forth no fruit, the seed which fell on shallow earth brought forth no fruit
and the seed which fell among the thorns brought forth no fruit. The weeds
in their lives choked out the Word. Only the seeds which fell on good earth
produced seed; and that seed did not produce seed evenly.
"But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold." *** Matthew 13:8
There are those in whom the Word only brings forth thirty fold. Thirty is
the age of maturity. When we become 30, it means we are somewhat mature.
The Outer Court is this "maturing realm". This realm consists of a steady
progression from Step 1 to step 30.
When we mature completely in this realm, we step up to number 31 where we
enter another move of God.
Jesus was thirty when He began His ministry. Joseph was thirty when he stood
before Pharaoh. David was thirty when he became King. All three of these
men had been tried and proven before they were used in their rightful place
in God. Therefore,
the Outer Court is the "maturing realm". The thirty fold realm is where we
find the old denominational system.
The second move of God in Moses' Tabernacle was the Holy Place. The Pentecostal
movement is represented in the Holy Place. This is the sixty fold realm,
or the "suffering realm".
Jesus said some brought forth sixty fold. In this realm the Holy Spirit begins
to work in our lives by cleansing all impurities; turning up the heat in
our lives. The Holy Place contains steps 31-60. The sixty fold realm is where
we must die to self. We must do this before we move to Step 61, which is
entering into the Holy of Holies.
The Holy Place in Moses' Tabernacle is the "Cloven Tongues realm". On the
Day of Pentecost, Cloven Tongues of fire came upon the flesh. These were
cloven tongues of "cleansing fire". When we see an artist's conception of
the Cloven Tongues, they are usually red or crimson. When a fire burns red,
there are impurities in the fuel. Our God is a consuming fire, and there
are no impurities in Him; therefore, His fire is pure white, a fire so bright,
the human eye cannot behold it.
The word cloven is DIAMERIZO which means "to put asunder, to divide, or
separate". The Cloven Tongues of fire brings separation. The "Cloven Tongues"
separate those who desire to go on into God, from those who are happy with
their old form worship.
The very presence of God is in the hundred fold realm, the Holy of Holies,
the third move of God in Moses' Tabernacle.
"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: And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." *** Malachi 3:2-3
At the time Solomon began to build the temple, Moses' Tabernacle and David's
Tabernacle were still having their worship services. They were holding form
worship in Moses' Tabernacle, and in David's Tabernacle they were holding
form worship and praise. But God was beginning to build His permanent dwelling
place on Mount Moriah.
David's Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple were in Jerusalem. Jerusalem represents
the "true place of worship". Jesus told His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem,
until they would be endued with power from on high, *** Luke 24:49. He was
speaking of the Day of Pentecost.
Only when we come to Jerusalem, the true place of worship, and tarry there
in obedience, willing to remain in the suffering realm until all flesh is
burned away; only then will we step into the Holy of Holies, the hundred
fold realm, the very presence of God through the anointing upon the flesh.
Now is the time of preparation. All materials needed to build a permanent
dwelling place are being stored; ready to begin permanent construction in
our lives. But as Solomon, before we can become a part of the temple He is
building, our heart has to be right. Solomon's prayer to God shows where
we must be if we are going to be part of that temple God is building in the
earth.
"And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father,
and hast made me to reign in his stead.
Now, O Lord God, let Thy promise unto David my father be established: for
Thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this
people: for who can judge this Thy people, that is so great?" *** II Chronicles
1:8-10
Solomon's only desire was for "wisdom and knowledge". We need to go to the New Testament to understand what Solomon asked for.
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him." *** Ephesians 1:17
Solomon's desire was to walk in that "Spirit of Wisdom and Knowledge"; to have the revelation of God in his life. God was pleased with Solomon's request, and because of this, He added all other things unto him.
"And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast
not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither
yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself,
that thou mayest judge My people, over whom I have made thee king:
Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and
wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before
thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like." *** II Chronicles
1:11-12
Through the Spirit of Wisdom and Knowledge, Solomon became the wisest of
all the kings of Israel. His wisdom was spoken of by Jesus. Solomon did not
desire riches, wealth, honour or long life.
His whole desire was for wisdom and knowledge to rule well over God's people.
Solomon's desire was pleasing in God's eyes.
Solomon's desire was not the things of this world. Yet, today, God's people
are taught not only to desire the things of the world, but to demand them
of God. They are told, "Keep believing and confessing unto God until He gives
you your every want." The New Testament tells us the exact opposite. The
things of this world and the things of the flesh are enmity with God. Yet
the "Faith and Prosperity" message continues to be taught and believed.
In many churches the message is: "Get saved. Get Baptized. Get filled with
the Holy Spirit and Get rich." In the beginning, God blessed Solomon because
he did not desire riches; his only desire was to be pleasing to God. This
should be our total desire, also.
God said, because Solomon's heart was right before Him, He would give him
all those things that he did not desire in the flesh. These things are not
to be demanded from God as a basis of our serving Him; they are a reward
from God because we do what is right in His eyes.
This was the demand of Jeroboam and the people of Israel when they came before
Rehoboam.
"And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever." *** I Kings 12:7
Some put these same demands upon God today. They want God to be their servant.
They want only good words spoken unto them. They do not want to be admonished
for their sin. In their heart they would serve a god like this forever; as
long as change is not demanded in their lives.
God desires a people who want to serve Him; not a people from Gibeon, (Moses'
Tabernacle), who have very little vision in their form worship; or the people
from Mount Zion, who have received the anointing, and have gone no further.
These have a vision of who God is, but no vision of what He is going to do.
God is looking for a people who are allowing Him to build them on Mt Moriah.
He is looking for a people who will hear His voice and that will be willing
to be taught of God. He is looking for a people whose only desire is to be
pleasing in His sight.
Those who are not satisfied with just the firstfruits, or the down payment
of the
Spirit, are allowing the Cloven Tongues to cleanse the chaff out of their
lives. They have overcome the world and are set apart unto God. They hear
what the Spirit is saying unto the churches. They have allowed the "Cloven
Tongues" to do their cleansing work and are being prepared to go on into
God's presence. This day of "entering in" lies directly ahead of us. God
will have a people.
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." *** Isaiah 60:1
It is time we go "Beyond the Cloven Tongues". It is time we go on into that
which God has promised. God is building a house in the earth; built out of
the Living Stones spoken of in *** I Peter 2:5.
This is a Spiritual house, built from Spiritual stones, which God is shaping
now, in the earth. Just as David quarried the stones for Solomon's Temple,
the Holy Spirit is molding and shaping us after His will. When He builds
His house, it will be perfect in every detail.
Haggai speaks of this Spiritual house:
"The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts." *** Haggai 2:9
Haggai was written after the Babylonian captivity. When the Jews returned to Jerusalem they found the house of God burned and stripped of all its wealth. Zerubbabel began to rebuild the temple out of the rubble. Haggai understood that the "former house" was King