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Behold, They Will Not Believe Me

Miraculous Signs for Pharaoh

(Exo 4:1 KJV) And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee.

Exo 4:1: Moses raised this third difficulty (cf. 3:11, 13) because the Lord had not appeared to any Israelite since the days of Jacob, more than 400 years before. God did not hesitate to grant three signs which would convince the Israelites of the reality of His appearance to Moses. Biblical faith is never simply credulity.

• How often we feel like Moses that they will not believe me! Many time's messages are rejected because someone feels that it could not be the Lord that gives it. I remember when I was young I wanted to preach with great signs, And then I was reminded that the signs did not bring obedience, only love does and that love comes through faith.

(Exo 4:2 KJV) And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

• I see here a question that God must surly asks us today. What is in your hand? WE hold in our hand the Power of God, What a Rod, We hold in our hand a great sword.
  • Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
  • Prov 26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
• If we could just learn to be skillful with the Word of God it demonstrates all the power or the rod. The rod here is not used to break backs of the people but to give the direction and chastisement as appropriate.

(Exo 4:3 KJV) And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.

• Have you ever found yourself running from the power of the Lord? Maybe you are in a powerful altar service and you stay be in your seat instead of getting involved. God has called you to do a ministry and you pull away. Someone begins to praise and you move away. The leader calls for the sick and you hold back instead of giving God a chance. Don't be afraid of God or his power he will not hurt those he loves without there being a greater reward and blessing. You will never grow or have power until you run toward God not away from him.

• God can take the snakes in our lives and turn them into rod for him if we will be the witness and learn to bring them to God.

(Exo 4:6 KJV) And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.

(Exo 4:7 KJV) And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.

• Our God changes sin into righteousness, he does not forget sin he destroys it, It exists no more.

(Exo 4:9 KJV) And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land.

Exo 4:9: "The river" is the Nile, which was considered to be the divine source of all the prosperity of Egypt. If Moses had the power to turn this source of life into a sign of death, then Israel would understand that God had surely given him the power to destroy Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods.

• Folks are always looking for a sign. We want signs to show us Gods will in our lives. We want signs to prove he is God. We want signs of his healing. We look for signs to show his coming. Do you really think God is pleased with our need to see signs?

Exo 31:13: Even those doing the Lord's work building the tabernacle were not exempt from the commandment concerning the Sabbath. To do work was to defile the Sabbath. As the cross is for many Christians the symbol of Christianity, the Sabbath was the symbol of Israel's relationship with God. To defile it amounted to a rejection of that relationship.

(Exo 31:14 KJV) Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

• God took his day very serious. Notice why! It is a sign, a witness to the entire world that does not know God. He is the God that makes you HOLY [sanctify] to be his people and he wants some time in our lives to be spent with him not on the world. God is not pleased with what we have done in our lives. We spend little time with him, we give him no day, and you may say Sunday. No even Sunday, you may spend a little time in church then you watch TV, washes the car, go fishing, cut the grass, and what ever else. What kind of witness are we to the world to day, could it be why there is no power in the church?

Deu 6:5: The principle of love is a major theme in Deuteronomy. In Luke 10:27 Jesus stressed love as the essence of pure religion, and elsewhere He referred to it as a kind of "eleventh commandment" (Matt. 22:34-40; John 13:34; cf. Rom. 13:10).

• The most important element in our lives is Love for God. In one place the word says that God is Love.
  • 1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
• The Word says it better than I can, if we do not love God then God does not dwell in us.

(Deu 6:7 KJV) And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Deu 6:7: Certainly these words are a direct admonition to parents to establish family worship in the home, as well as to take seriously their responsibilities to teach God's Word to their children at every opportunity. The church does not have the only responsibility for teaching God's truth. The word translated "teach" is more literally "repeat." Teaching God's Law is a parent's major task (cf. vv. 20, 21; Josh. 4:6, 7, 21, 22). The individual in his home and community was to be distinguished by obedience to the commandments of God (vv. 8, 9).

• Here is maybe the most important sign we show to others. Do we teach Christ in our homes, to our children, when we are at the store? If the love of God is in our hearts then you will talk about him, you will insist that your children hear and know, and most important the word we be talked about instead of just what's on TV or what happened at work. How much do you love him, How much of a witness are you?

• Some worry about the mark of the Beast, I worry more do you have the Mark OF CHRIST?

(Deu 6:9 KJV) And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Deu 6:9: The "door posts" (mezuzot, Heb.) eventually became small reeds or cylinders containing parchment, known individually today as the "mezuzah," which was fixed on the right-hand door post of every room in the house.

(Deu 13:1 KJV) If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

• 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
  • How often do we follow someone because of the signs and wonders? We need to try the Spirits. Not everyone is of God. There are many false prophets to day. One must look beyond the surface to the teaching, a man of God will not teach against the Spirit. For example one who studies the Word will find it hard to except many teachings not because I say so but because of the Bible. For example someone who is a good friend recently said that they thought you should only baptize in the name of Jesus, yet read Matt. 28: 19 Now I am not the smartest Guy in the world, (you don't have to say AMEN here) but I can read. Teach what? What the Bible says not what some man wants taught?

Mat 28:19: (vv. 19,20) The commission of Jesus was to the whole church in every age. The imperative word in the commission is "make disciples of all the nations." However, the baptizing and teaching ministries have the force of a mandate because they follow logically the imperative "make disciples." Matthew concludes his Gospel with the blessed promise of our Lord's presence as we endeavor to carry the gospel to all people. Acts 1:8 informs us that it is by the precious Holy Spirit that we are empowered for our global task. The presence of the Savior and the power of the Spirit are God's twin certainties that we are to lay hold of and continually keep dear to our hearts as we serve our risen Lord until He comes.

(Mat 28:20 KJV) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Deu 13:1: These verses (vv. 1-6) warn the people against false religious leaders who would attempt to draw them away from Yahweh. Since both prophecy and dreams were a common means of divine revelation, the Israelites were vulnerable here to one who would claim divine revelation, perhaps even performing a "sign" or "wonder." The invitation to "go after other gods" (v. 2) would immediately identify a false prophet (cf. Num. 11:29, note). Verse 3 explains why false prophets are sometimes able to perform miracles.

(Deu 13:2 KJV) And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;

(Deu 13:3 KJV) Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

• I believe it would be safe to say that not many will pass the test today. We serve many Gods, our jobs, families, money, sports, entertainment, and religion, almost everything but God.

• We should not follow man but after Christ, We must walk in godly fear, let us look at the dictionary and see what fear is.
  • Fear (fr) noun 1.a. A feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger.
• There is danger in not doing as God tells us. b. A state or condition marked by this feeling: living in fear.

3. Extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power.

• I believe as we look at the word you will find that this is the usual way that fear is used in the Bible. We should stand in awe as well as respect for his power.

. [Middle English fer, from Old English fµr, danger, sudden calamity.]

• In this place this is what we should recognize the danger or sudden destruction of not serving God.

• I cannot stress enough the great message that still applies to day. God will destroy those that turn others away from him. He expects us to separate ourselves from these kinds of teachers as well and not give them place to speak. I also want to point out that it is because God loves us that the penalty was death. Better them to die then you, The wage of sin is death.

(Deu 28:45 KJV) Moreover all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall pursue thee, and overtake thee, till thou be destroyed; because thou hearkenedst not unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded thee:

Deu 28:45: Verses 45-68. If God inflicts vengeance, what miseries his curse can bring upon mankind, even in this present world! Yet these are but the beginning of sorrows to those under the curse of God. What then will be the misery of that world where their worm dieth not, and their fire is not quenched! Observe what is here said of the wrath of God, which should come and remain upon the Israelites for their sins. It is amazing to think that a people so long the favorites of Heaven, should be so cast off; and yet that a people so scattered in all nations should be kept distinct, and not mixed with others. If they would not serve God with cheerfulness, they should be compelled to serve their enemies. We may justly expect from God, that if we do not fear his fearful name, we shall feel his fearful plagues; for one way or other God will be feared. The destruction threatened is described. They have, indeed, been plucked from off the land, vs. 63. Not only by the Babylonish captivity, and when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans; but afterwards, when they were forbidden to set foot in Jerusalem. They should have no rest; no rest of body, vs. 65, but be continually on the remove, either in hope of gain, or fear of persecution. No rest of the mind, which is much worse. They have been banished from city to city, from country to country; recalled, and banished again. These events, compared with the favor shown to Israel in ancient times, and with the prophecies about them, should not only excite astonishment, but turn unto us for a testimony, assuring us of the truth of Scripture. And when the other prophecies of their conversion to Christ shall come to pass, the whole will be a sign and a wonder to all the nations of the earth, and the forerunner of a general spread of true Christianity. The fulfilling of these prophecies upon the Jewish nation, delivered more than three thousand years ago, shows that Moses spake by the Spirit of God; who not only foresees the ruin of sinners, but warns of it, that they may prevent it by a true and timely repentance, or else be left without excuse. And let us be thankful that Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, by being made a curse for us, and bearing in his own person all that punishment which our sins merit, and which we must otherwise have endured for ever. To this Refuge and salvation let sinners flee; therein let believers rejoice, and serve their reconciled God with gladness of heart, for the abundance of his spiritual blessings.

(Deu 28:46 KJV) And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever.

(Deu 28:47 KJV) Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;

• Not every sign is a sign of good; not every witness is a good witness. Here the sign is for a witness to the world of unfaithfulness. Many in our churches to day have the sign of unfaithfulness in their lives. It shows on our faces. In the way we hold our conversations. People read us. Most importantly it shows that in the power we have to defeat Satan. Many have no power at all and are often falling instead of standing. Revelation talks about the mark of the beast, I believe the mark or the sign is what the world sees in us every day, unfaithfulness, compromise, and no power. May God help us to return to him before it is too late?
  • 2 Chr 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

(Deu 28:49 KJV) The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

(Deu 28:50 KJV) A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor show favour to the young:

(Josh 4:5 KJV) "And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take you up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:"

(Josh 4:6 KJV) "That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?"

Josh 4:6: The importance of teaching one's children about the Lord cannot be overemphasized, as stated also in vv. 21, 22. Cf. Ex. 12:26, 27; 13:8, 9, 14; Deut. 6:20-24.

(Josh 4:7 KJV) "Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever."

• Many of our children never hear the Word taught in their homes or ever see signs of Christ in our lives. Someone asked me lately why I still believe in women wearing dresses to church and a lot of the things that seem so much of the legalistic side. The reason is simple, Not to place us under bondage but to demonstrate to those around us we have changed and are changed and to be a sign unto them. When I am looking for a particular street I look for a sign that gives the name. Is it so bad that when people are looking for Christ that they would see us as a sign that if you follow us you will find him? As Paul put it so nicely, 1 Cor 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

(Judg 6:7 KJV) "And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,"

(Judg 6:8 KJV) "That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage;"

Gideon's Campaign

(Judg 6:12 KJV) "And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour."

Judg 6:12: Note that the One who speaks with Gideon is called "the Angel of the Lord" in vv. 11, 12, but "the Lord" in vv. 14, 16 (cf. Gen. 16:7; 18:2; 32:24, notes). Note v. 22.

(Judg 6:13 KJV) "And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites."

• Do we ever question the mind of God? I do and I often find out that he is a lot smarter than I am and can see the big picture that I can't. When we hit trials it does not always mean that God is not with us, but that we haven't asked or we haven't listened to his will for us. We were created to be a glory for
  God a witness, praise, and to be that we have to overcome obstacles down here. The reward is worth the cost!

(Judg 6:15 KJV) "And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house."

• I often find myself thinking if not saying out loud that O. Lord how can I do what you have asked. The list of excuses is always long, and the answer is always short, I will be with thee.

Judg 6:16: The promise is that the Midianites will be defeated as if they were only one man.

(Judg 6:17 KJV) "And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then show me a sign that thou talkest with me."

• It has been said that I am hard headed, and I do not deny this, I have often asked for a sign, and been told to act in Faith. Faith does not require a sign.

(Judg 6:19 KJV) "And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it."

(Judg 6:20 KJV) "And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so."

(Judg 6:21 KJV) "Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight."

• When God uses his rod on the hard heads like myself he can bring fire from the rock, I am glad for his staff and his fire, for with the fire comes cleansing.

(Judg 6:23 KJV) "And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die."

(Judg 6:24 KJV) "Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites."

• Instead of taking the altar out of our churches we need to building them, in church, in our homes, at our jobs, to give Praise for what God is doing, Real victory only comes when we learn to praise God wherever we are at.

(Judg 6:26 KJV) "And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down."

Prophecy Against Eli's Household

(1 Sam 2:22 KJV) "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."

(1 Sam 2:23 KJV) "And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people."

(1 Sam 2:24 KJV) "Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord's people to transgress."

• Many of man of God causes the people to transgress. Eli's sons sinned and they brought their sin into the house of God. It sent a message to people that it was O.K. To sin. The wage of sin is death and God demonstrates that over and over to us. We can not afford to willfully transgress Gods word. Will the people listen; they will listen and follow your sinful ways before they will the righteous ways. Because people by their flesh nature will commit sin. The only help is to put on a spiritual nature, which comes through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

• Note: They could have repented and God would have forgiven them. They chose not to listen to their father. How often we try to teach our children but they take a rebellious attitude, they refuse to hearken and hurt comes their way and ours. Folks will often blame the parents and the parents blame themselves, we should not, if we do all that we can to teach and discipline. The fault lies at the children's door, man has continued to be disobedient and try to blame others. We are responsible for our own sin and so are our children.

(1 Sam 2:26 KJV) "And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men."

(1 Sam 2:27 KJV) "And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?"

(1 Sam 2:28 KJV) "And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?"

(1 Sam 2:29 KJV) "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?"

• Now after giving Eli the warning he may not be able to have helped what his son's did but he could have taken more action, His lack of taking action was like giving approval. We cannot control the wrong and our children will answer for there sin's, But we too are held accountable if we do not take a firm action, that lets our kid's know we will not put up with sin in our house.

(1 Sam 2:30 KJV) "Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed."

(1 Sam 2:31 KJV) "Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house."

1 Sam 2:31: (vv. 31-33) This prophetic word probably describes Saul's massacre of the priests at Nob. Abiathar, Eli's descendant, escaped as the lone survivor (22:13-20).

(1 Sam 2:32 KJV) "And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever."

(1 Sam 2:33 KJV) "And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age."

(1 Sam 2:34 KJV) "And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them."

(1 Sam 2:35 KJV) "And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever."

• If we fail to do the will of God, don't be surprised when he removes you and replaces you with one that will. God calls we do a work for him, his way not ours.

Samuel's First Prophecy

(1 Sam 3:1 KJV) "And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision."

• 1. I see a child that ministered unto the Lord.
  • ministered, ministering, ministers verb, intransitive 1.To attend to the wants and needs of others: Volunteers ministered to the homeless after the flood.
• 2. The WORD of was precious, I would that today the Word would become precious in the lives of Gods people. We look at it today as if it is just another interesting book, It is Gods plan for you and me, It is the keys to the kingdom, and it is the way of Life that seems precious to me.
• 3. Not everyone could read and understand what God had to say God wouldn't speak to everyone like he does to day. We live in a time in which he has made his power known to all men, who has given us an instructor (Holy Ghost) to lead and guide us. We have the opportunity for open vision but our eyes are closed not that we are blind, but you can't see if you won't look.

(1 Sam 3:2 KJV) "And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;"

(1 Sam 3:3 KJV) "And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;"

• Ye are the temples of the Lord, how many of the lamps have gone out?

(1 Sam 3:4 KJV) "That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I."

(1 Sam 3:5 KJV) "And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down."

(1 Sam 3:6 KJV) "And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again."

(1 Sam 3:7 KJV) "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him."

• While I was yet a sinner God called me unto repentance? God is calling many to day yet they don't know who is calling and the preachers are not telling them. It is by the foolishness of preaching many are saved, why, because someone must tell them where the voice comes form and how to respond. If you don't do it God will send someone else. Will they believe you depend a great deal on you. Are you living in the Spirit, Do you let the light of God show in your temple, Do you speak with power and authority, Is the Word of God precious to you, Do you have an open vision or communication with God? If not don't try to lead others till you have found the way yourself.

(1 Sam 3:8 KJV) "And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child."

• How long does it take us men of God, us Christians to realize that it is God calling us, it is God calling our children?

1 Sam 3:9: Eli, at length, discerned the source of the voice calling Samuel. Recognizing the call of God is not always easy. Here Eli performed faithfully as a witness, and Samuel was instructed to return and indicate his willingness to hear whatever God would say.

(1 Sam 3:10 KJV) "And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."

(1 Sam 3:11 KJV) "And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle."

(1 Sam 3:12 KJV) "In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end."

• We need Ministers that preach the Word with such force that it would cause the ears to tingle. We often preach and cause them to itch; we need power that tingles. Maybe that is why I like a preacher that gets a little loud, has some life, a dead voice will lead to a dead response. Do we the servants hear?

• There is great power in prayer.
  • James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

(2 Ki 20:7 KJV) "And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."

(2 Ki 20:8 KJV) "And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?"

• All too often we will not except the Word of God. Has God ever lied? Has God not ever done exactly what he said he would do? One thing in this life you can count on if God tells you to do something he will not fail you. We can trust God and we do not need a sign. Often the Spirit will move on the minister (as with Isaiah) and he will instruct the people to do a thing, maybe as small as lets stand. The people will not receive it they refuse to be obedient and thus the service never breaks out. The healing does not take place, God wants a people to serve him through Faith and not by signs. If it is of a sign it is not of FAITH.

(2 Ki 20:10 KJV) "And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees."

2 Ki 20:10: Hezekiah requested that the sundial do the unnatural, i.e., change its direction from descending to ascending at an accelerated rate. Through the years, men have tried again and again to explain what transpired but have failed to reach a consensus. Although the details of this phenomenon are not given, clearly it was localized in its effect and confined to Judah (cf. 2 Chr. 32:31). God simply chose this unusual happening to indicate His answer and confirm His mercy upon Hezekiah, showing thereby His omnipotence and omniscience.

(2 Ki 20:11 KJV) "And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz."

• Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

2 Chr 32:24: Verses 24-33. God left Hezekiah to himself, that, by this trial and his weakness in it, what was in his heart might be known; that he was not so perfect in grace as he thought he was. It is good for us to know ourselves, and our own weakness and sinfulness, that we may not be conceited, or self-confident, but may always live in dependence upon Divine grace. We know not the corruption of our own hearts, nor what we shall do if God leaves us to ourselves. His sin was, that his heart was lifted up. What need have great men, and good men, and useful men, to study their own infirmities and follies, and their obligations to free grace, that they may never think highly of themselves; but beg earnestly of God, that he will always keep them humble! Hezekiah made a bad return to God for his favours, by making even those favours the food and fuel of his pride. Let us shun the occasions of sin: let us avoid the company, the amusements, the books, yea, the very sights that may administer to sin. Let us commit ourselves continually to God's care and protection; and beg of him never to leave us nor forsake us. Blessed be God, death will soon end the believer's conflict; then pride and every sin will be abolished. He will no more be tempted to withhold the praise which belongs to the God of his salvation.

(2 Chr 32:25 KJV) "But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem."

(2 Chr 32:26 KJV) "Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah."

• This is very important and often left out of the great story. "Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done" rendered means to give what is due or proper. Here God has just healed him and given him victory over his enemies, yet he does not give God what was due God. We often fail to return to God what he should have from us. We ought to give praise, we grumble, we ought to pay tithes, we give the left over, we ought to pray for others, we talk about them. Hezekiah lived and had many possessions but was not a great King as he had been before. He was humbled himself but for the wrong reasons. God wants us to serve him not because of fear but out of Love.

(Isa 7:11 KJV) "Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above."

(Isa 7:12 KJV) "But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD."

• Why do we tempt the Lord in what we ask and do? It is not always what we say but what is in our heart and how we say it.

(Isa 7:13 KJV) "And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?"

(Isa 7:14 KJV) "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

• Here is our sign, the one that takes us from death into life, that changes a heart, that gives hope where there is no hope, that takes hate and makes it love, Jesus!

• They were promised a saviour, did they believe it, and did they accept it when he came? God promises us access to the same Saviour, will we be any different from they?

(Isa 66:19 KJV) "And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles."

Isa 66:19: The verse describes a great missionary work by the Jews during either the Tribulation (Rev. 7) or the Millennium.

• I'm just a dumb country boy but mayhap this is not referring to such a time so far off. In the earlier chapters much is said about the coming of Christ, this would make me think that this is dealing with a time closer at hand. Let's look at the day of Pentecost.
  • Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
  • Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
  • Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
• It doesn't say it was fire but as fire. This means to me it had a lot of the same effect that fire would have, in appearance, and in manifestation. I believe that they were consumed by the presence of the Lord.
  • Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
  • Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
• "I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory." This plainly says that men from every nation were there to witness what? God's Glory, a promise full filled.
  • Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
• If you look back to the tower of Babel you will note the people were as one. With the coming of the Holy Ghost the giving of tongues brought about oneness. Think about the key word confounds. This means to confuse, isn't the world confused, the church is confused because they will not accept the truth. This is a sign, But a sign of what? "They shall come, and see my glory." We want people to come and see the church's glory, we want people to see we serve God, we should want the world to see his glory in us. God wanted the world to see is his Glory. Maybe if we would spend more time on worshipping him people would really begin to see a one of accord people, which would demonstrate the glory of God. I am not against tongue, or the use of tongue, but I have concern over what the gift has become in the house of the believers. It no longer confounds (amaze) the world, it no longer represents purity, nor in many cases does it represent glory to God. Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 1 Cor 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.1 Cor 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
  • edify (de-f) verb, transitive edified, edifying, edifies To instruct especially so as to encourage intellectual, moral, or spiritual improvement. [Middle English edifien, from Old French edifier, from Late Latin aedificre, to instruct spiritually, from Latin, to build. See EDIFICE.]
• The Word says that this gift encourages spiritual improvement or to build up one's self. Now who can be against improvement, and the church was formed to improve us. Let us not forget the difference between glorying God and improving myself. We indeed need to show the world a sign, of a changed life through Christ. You can believe your tongue tells a lot to the world.
  • Acts 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
    • See section on Tongues near the end of this study.

• How clean is your vessel, your temple, if the offering is of God won't he accept it. Gen 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Isa 66:23: This verse is one of the highlights of prophetic vision that one day the Lord alone will be universally worshipped. The prophet teaches that there will be regular, faithful, and meaningful worship by all in the millennial age.

(Ezek 12:8 KJV) "And in the morning came the word of the LORD unto me, saying,"

(Ezek 12:9 KJV) "Son of man, hath not the house of Israel, the rebellious house, said unto thee, What doest thou?"

(Ezek 12:10 KJV) "Say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; This burden concerneth the prince in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel that are among them."

(Ezek 12:11 KJV) "Say, I am your sign: like as I have done, so shall it be done unto them: they shall remove and go into captivity."

• If God is the sign, and Christ dwells in us what does that make us? What kind of sign to the world are we? Do they see Christ or the world? If they follow us, will they find heaven or hell?

(Ezek 14:7 KJV) "For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to inquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer him by myself:"

• You think God needs man to answer your questions? Only when he chooses, you can not afford to put idols in your heart, you can not put iniquity in your lives without answering to God.

• Now what kind of sign do you become? One that says doesn't go my way or you end up where I'm. Where are you? If the blind lead the blind they both fall in a ditch. We need to learn to read the signs we see. You see if we would look and read the prophets we follow we might decide to change our course. It doesn't matter if you are looking at your church, denomination, or doctrine, if it does not read Christ in capital letters, don't follow it. If it teaches anything that goes contrary to the Word, leave it alone. You do not want to fall into the hands of an angry God. I much rather be cuddled and loved than spanked.

(Ezek 14:10 KJV) "And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him;"

(Ezek 24:24 KJV) "Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD."

• God is not going to tolerate these preachers that follow everything but him. He is not going to overlook the lack of study; he will not look the other way to false teaching and preaching. I have learned some years ago to step behind the pulpit and turn it over to God. I rarely am led to speak on what I have studied all week, not because it is not of God or not good. God wants to give your need; I'm just the horn he blows. Now I wish I could say I have never gotten into myself while speaking, but, I have and yet each time I do I know I've failed. It wasn't the people but me. I earnestly seek to do the will of God, and not my own.

Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Mat 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

Mat 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

• Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
• Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
• Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
• Acts 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
• Acts 2:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
• Acts 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
• Acts 2:28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
• Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
• Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
• Acts 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
• Acts 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
• 2 Pet 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
• 2 Pet 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
• 2 Pet 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
• 2 Pet 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
• 2 Pet 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
• 2 Pet 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Mat 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

• Have people changed any that they want a sign. If judgment is coming, if we will really be held accountable for the way we talk the way we live we want proof. If we will look around us the signs are everywhere. God wants a people that live in such away that they do not have to be worrying about the signs but a people that are ready when ever. I went to see some folks here while back and I noticed they were uncomfortable and kept looking around the whole time as if trying to find something without saying a word. Then I noticed half up under the couch a magazine, which was not one you would expect in a Christian's home. I reached over and picked up and handed it to them. As I did I said are you looking for this. They were very red faced and I explained I did this to show you something, what you do in secret will be shouted from the rooftop. If it had been Jesus sitting here how would you have felt. They began to stumble, then I reminded them Jesus is here, he's in my heart and is supposed to be in yours, what your eyes see so do his. A sign is not what's needed, signs do not convince men, but faith, with actions, a life that is changed, now that is proof that can not be argued against. We preach the word and people refuse to hear does that change the fact that he's coming again? We had better begun not to look out the window to see if company's coming and began to live like we know its coming and are going to arrive any moment.

Mat 16:2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

Mat 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

Mat 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

Mat 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Mat 16:7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.

Mat 16:8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

Mat 16:9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

Mat 16:10 Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

• When God does answer our prayers, gives us a sign we soon forget it.

Mat 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

• How big a hammer does it take to make us realize that what God is trying to teach us? We need to pay close attention to the religions and then you may learn that religion is not salvation.

(Mat 24:3 KJV) "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"

Mat 24:3: The Olivet Discourse is the fifth and last great discourse in Matthew (chs. 24; 25), so named because of the location of its delivery on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem. It is given its most extensive form in Matthew (cf. Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:5-36). Three questions have been raised by the disciples: (1) When is the destruction of Jerusalem prophesied by Jesus to take place? (2) What will be the sign of Christ's coming? (3) What signs will foreshadow the "end of the age"? The first query is given less attention than the last two. The coming destruction of Jerusalem, which was accomplished by the Roman general Titus in A.D. 70, is pictured along with the course of the entire age in 24:5-28. However, even this is clearly viewed by Jesus as a foreshadowing of the fateful days of the Great Tribulation period. The greater portion of the material relates to the awesomeness of those days.

• The Disciples were finally beginning to catch on that the world is going to come to an end. I wonder when we will really begin to catch on? This world is almost gone, our loved ones almost lost, and still we heed not the warning signs.

• We should quit listening to men and start looking to God by pray, by our bibles, By teachers that have proven fruit for the truth of Gods plan.
  • 2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

• AS I was praying looking at this passage not long ago I realized that I have not given this verse the importance due it. I though this was only refereeing to those men who clam they are the Jesus. Then suddenly the Holy Spirit reminded me that we say we are Christ's and that the light of Christ is in us. If we say we are of Christ and the light of Christ is in us (the Holy Spirit) and our lives tell a different story how many are misled? We are the only Christ that many see in this world and many are deceived. For more often then not we do portray a very holy Christ.

Mat 24:6: Jesus anticipates warfare as a way of life throughout the present age. He cautions the disciples not to be unduly alarmed by these necessities, for the end is not yet.

(Mat 24:7 KJV) "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."

• One could say that Church will rise against Church, Pastor against Pastor, and there shall be spiritual famines, and sin, and a great shaking in many places.

(Mat 24:9 KJV) "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake."

• Are you loved by the crowd or hated, and if you are hated is it really due to Christ or your own stupidity. I heard a man talking the other day how bad things are going in his life and how no one likes him, I so wanted to point out that it is not because of his Godly witness but because of the lack of it. No one likes or respects hypocrisy.
  • Isa 32:6 For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practice hypocrisy, and to utter error against the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.
  • Mat 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
• 1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
• 1 Tim 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

(Mat 24:11 KJV) "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

• I'd like to have a $100, for every time I've heard someone stand and give what was supposed to be a prophecy and it was just words without power. Words that did not come out to be true word that spoke a blessing because that is what the people wanted to hear. There is a whole lot more warnings then blessing given to the church in the Bible. I only know that when it's of God you can feel it's impact, it touches and most important it will be remembered.

• How much proof do you need to know that eternal salvation is for the ones that meet the requirements? I mean you have to be in love with the Lord.
  • Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
  • Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

(Mat 24:14 KJV) "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."

• Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
• Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
• Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
• Rev 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Mat 24:15: Abomination of Desolation (see chart).

The terminology "abomination of desolation" is found in Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11. This text is one of the clearest examples in Scripture of a prophecy with multiple fulfillment. (1) The first reference is to Antiochus (IV) Epiphanes, who reigned in Syria from 175 to 164 B.C. Antiochus halted the sacrifices in the temple and defiled the temple by raising up an idol, a pagan altar to Zeus. (2) Jesus seems to have in view, at least typically, the near destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in A.D. 70 by the Roman general Titus. That Christians of that time so understood this prediction is evidenced by the fact that many followed the command of vv. 16-18 and fled to the mountains during the Roman invasion and siege. (3) Daniel and Jesus, and even Paul (cf. 2 Thess. 2:2-4) and John (cf. Rev. 13:14, 15), see a future eschatological and ultimate fulfillment in the actions of the Antichrist during the Tribulation (Rev. 6-19), also identified as Daniel's Seventieth Week (Dan. 9:24-27). In Dan. 9:26, 27 it becomes apparent that a reenactment of Antiochus' treacherous desecration will occur when "the prince who is to come" (v. 26) makes a seven-year covenant with Israel (v. 27). The "prince" who is the Antichrist (Paul's "man of sin" and John's sea "beast") breaks his covenant after three and one-half years. There follow the desecration of the temple, great persecution of Israel, and the more severe judgments of the Tribulation. This chapter then is a further description of Daniel's Seventieth Week, and in a number of instances parallels the sixth chapter of Revelation,

(Mat 24:16 KJV) "Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:"

(Mat 24:17 KJV) "Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:"

(Mat 24:18 KJV) "Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes."

(Mat 24:19 KJV) "And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!"

(Mat 24:20 KJV) "But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:"

(Mat 24:21 KJV) "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."

(Mat 24:22 KJV) "And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened."

Mat 24:22: The shortening of those days could not reflect the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The Tribulation period is clearly in view. That period is strictly limited by God for the elect's sake. This world, bent on self-destruction, would finally succeed in destroying itself if God did not intervene. The Tribulation is climaxed by the glorious return of Christ to establish His millennial throne (vv. 27, 29-31; Rev. 19:11-20:6). This coming will be visible to all men even as lightning is seen across the face of the sky (cf. Acts 1:9-11).

(Mat 24:23 KJV) "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not."

(Mat 24:24 KJV) "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

The Coming of the Son of Man

(Mat 24:29 KJV) "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:"

Mat 24:29: (vv. 29-31) The culmination of the Tribulation brings its darkest hour. At the intervention of Christ from heaven, the elect will be gathered by the angels from the ends of the earth.

(Mat 24:30 KJV) "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

• I have had to struggle with the sign of the Son on man in heaven here. I have found a few differing comments on this passage but none that dwell on the sign. As I have though about this and prayed about this a though begin to form. The wise men looked for the sign and followed the sign. On the day of Jesus baptizing John saw a sign, the dove. Now then if the sign for the wise men was the star and the dove was the sign for John what is the sign we should see. After the resurrection did Jesus say as to what sign would be given? I believe the sign is a two fold happening, A) There will be a great light in heaven such as not common to man, B) and the Holy Sprit will open the eyes of the world that Christ is coming. In much the same way that he opened the eyes of the disciples after his resurrection.

• elect (-lkt) verb elected, electing, elects verb, transitive
• 1. Theology. To select by divine will for salvation.
• verb, intransitive To make a choice or selection.
• adjective 1. Chosen deliberately; singled out.
• 2. a. Chosen for marriage. Often used in combination: the bride-elect. noun 1. One that is chosen or selected.
• 2. (used with a pl. verb). An exclusive group of people. Used with the: one of the elect who have power inside the government. [Middle English electen, from Latin ligere, lct-, to select : -, ex-, ex- + legere, to choose.]
• God is sending his angels for the elect, That is the Bride, the ones that are chosen. Now who do you think are the ones that have been chosen, the Church that is made up of born again believers.
  • Mat 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

• We who are supposed to be the men and women of God often show the world the true sign of what we are. We betray Christ just effectively as Judas by not living a godly life.

Mark 8:11: Verses 11-21. Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we should chide ourselves severely, as Christ here reproves his disciples. How is it that we so often mistake his meaning, disregard his warnings, and distrust his providence?

(Mark 8:12 KJV) And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

(Luke 11:16 KJV) And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.

• God wants a people that trust him and accept him and his word not on a sign, but on faith. We often waste many hours trying to prove God, his gifts, etc. We only need to demonstrate our love for him by our lives that is the greatest proof of all. Jesus had done many signs, blind made to see, sick healed, thousands fed, yet just one more sign. We often do the same thing with God, we pray he answers and then we try to bargain with him, if you do this, I'll change, We have it wrong, It should be I'll change and it doesn't matter if you do anything for me, because you already gave your all when Jesus died on the cross.

Luke 11:29: Verses 29-36. Christ promised that there should be one sign more given, even the sign of Jonah the prophet; which in Matthew is explained, as meaning the resurrection of Christ; and he warned them to improve this sign. But though Christ himself were the constant preacher in any congregation, and worked miracles daily among them, yet unless his grace humbled their hearts, they would not profit by his word. Let us not desire more evidence and fuller teaching than the Lord is pleased to afford us. We should pray without ceasing that our hearts and understandings may be opened, that we may profit by the light we enjoy. And especially take heed that the light which is in us be not darkness; for if our leading principles be wrong, our judgment and practice must become more so.

(Luke 11:30 KJV) For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.

(Rom 4:11 KJV) And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

• God's word teaches us that we need circumcision today not of the flesh but of the heart. This means we cut away the things of the world and it's lusts and clings to the things of God. The Bird must be a holy Bride, which we are. There is no grater witness then a holy life.

• I had not planned to do a study at this point on the tongue issue but seeing that this is where the scripture takes us let us visit this subject to some degree. We may note that it is intrusting that the Jews require a sign. Often we in the church still want a sign, why? To help find some of the answer we must go back to the Word. Not to a doctrine.

(1 Cor 1:18 KJV) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

• To proclaim the death and resurrection of Christ to those that refuse to believe is silly to them. It also carry's more meaning in that the word tells us...
  • Mat 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
• Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
• Mat 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
• Yet to those that have believed, and have been born again the cross is the power of God. If I can let me put it a little different, to these that accept the death and resurrection in their hearts they are empowered by God through the Holy Spirit. But the seed has to be in the heart, not just the mind. By heart I mean in the depth of the soul. For if you accept that Jesus raised from the dead then you can accept healing, conversions, tongues, prophecy, signs and wonders, But if you do not really accept the resurrection and know that it is true you can not possess Faith which is the key that unlocks the door. Jesus said he is the door, but I believe that faith is the great key that opens all possibilities in our lives.
  • Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen..
  • Luke 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

1:18-19 HUMANITY, Intellectual Nature--Human wisdom is limited when it comes to understanding the ways of God. To the unaided human intellect, God's provision of salvation is utter folly.

1:18 SALVATION, Definition--Salvation is God's atonement for sin through the cross of Christ (15:3). That message is the dynamite (Greek dunamis) of God which transforms those who are being saved. Paul spoke here of salvation in the present tense. God's salvation is past (justification), present (sanctification), and future (glorification). God has acted to save us, and we have accepted salvation through faith in the past. We are experiencing salvation daily through the power of the Spirit in the present. We will know the fullness of salvation at the resurrection.

1:18-31 EDUCATION, Spiritual Renewal--One kind of preaching, teaching, and learning emphasizes elegant language and scintillating ideas but is devoid of spiritual energy. It can be entertaining or boringly dull. In either case, it fails to transform lives. Authentic Christian teaching does not bypass the intellect. It is predicated upon the assumption that a rational understanding of the faith must be infused with the spiritual power that reaches to the roots of personality and causes the Word to become flesh. The preaching of the gospel is "foolishness'' only in the sense that unredeemed people regard it so. Paul neither confessed to foolishness nor advocated it. He certainly was not arguing for an uneducated ministry. Nor was he denouncing education in general. Human knowledge is not opposed to the wisdom of God. It simply falls short of the spiritual understanding that comes through Jesus Christ.

(1 Cor 1:19 KJV) For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

(1 Cor 1:20 KJV) Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

• There is great understanding that can be gained with the use of a balanced education, yet we must realize that the most important knowledge is the Word of God. Second is a relationship with God that we know his voice and walk in his Sprit. I am most concerned because today I hear many preachers and teachers and Christians that do not know the voice of God in their lives. This means that they are going on head knowledge and that's dangerous. Now it is true that they may feel a leading or a conscious thought that this or that is the right direction, and one may say I do this in faith. I obey in faith but I don't follow the blind in faith. If his word says it or he speaks it to you or you have leading of what you know does of God than you walk in obedience believe what God is telling you.
  • 2 Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
  • 2 Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
  • 2 Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
  • 2 Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
  • 2 Th 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
• You can be sure that ever sign or wonder is not of God. Every feel good service is not of God, every interpretation is not of God, every doctrine is not of God. How then do you know the truth?
  • 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
  • 1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
  • 1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
  • 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
  • 1 John 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
• Big key right here those of the world speak of the world and are accepted of the world. When you hear someone that speaks all the time and says nothing, who proclaims the great knowledge he has gained through the worlds books and studies it is a good place to begin to really pray and seek the Lord before following. Seek conformation in the Bible for what is being taught, seek it in your spirit, see if other folks know to be of God get the same leading. Why shortchange the Holy Spirit, when it is of God he lets us know. I do not seek to keep you from learning or experiencing new things in Christ, just be sure that what you do is of God. God will never have you do anything that goes against his word, or to hurt the name of Christ.
  • 1 John 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
    • John 10:1 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 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
• John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
• John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
• John 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
• John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
• John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
• John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
• You can not be taken from God by me or anyone else but you can follow man right out of the sheepfold by refusing to listen to God in your heart and not obeying his word. You can't live to holy but you can live to sinful.

1 Cor 1:21: 1:21-30 GOD, Wisdom--The wisdom of God goes beyond the highest point of human wisdom. Human philosophies would never have thought up the Christian gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. Those persons who have been saved by the grace of God have seen that true wisdom which comes from God. God Himself is not known by human wisdom, nor is He found at the end of an argument. God is known only when He reveals Himself and we respond to that revelation in faith. Christ is the outward expression of the wisdom of God. See Isa 55:8-9.

1:21 REVELATION, Word--God communicates Himself and His purposes in many ways to a world which does not know Him. God did not use human wisdom as His major means of revelation. He chose what appears to the world to be foolish announcements to save those who humbly believe. Ironically in a sophisticated world which worships wisdom, God uses simple and seemingly foolish ways to reveal the greatest wisdom of all to all who will see and respond.

1:21 SALVATION, Definition--God's salvation comes to the world through preaching the message of Christ crucified on the cross for our sins. That Christ-centered message is the wisdom of God. Those who believe it in their hearts will be saved. Salvation, then, comes through hearing good news about Christ and committing oneself to the message (Ro 10:9).

1:21-25 EVANGELISM, Gospel--Christian preaching has a basic content summarizing the gospel. The Greek word kerygma is used to indicate this basic core of what is preached. It centers on Jesus Christ. The kerygma has several vital elements: (1) Jesus is the Messiah; (2) He lived a marvelous, victorious, sinless life doing good; (3) He died on the cross in our place to pay the penalty of our sins; (4) He was bodily raised from the dead; (5) He is coming again to end this present evil age; (6) He calls all people to repentance and faith; and (7) He promises forgiveness, redemption, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life. The world calls the kerygma foolishness. Believers know it is God's wise way leading to salvation.

(1 Cor 1:22 KJV) For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

1 Cor 1:22: 1:22 MIRACLE, Vocabulary--Jews always sought for signs during the ministry of Jesus--signs that God was at work, signs to prove relationship with God. They refused, however, to let Christ's miraculous signs point them to God. In contrast Paul, though having performed signs himself, insisted that preaching Christ was more important. Miracles are without purpose if they do not lead to faith commitment to Christ.

(1 Cor 1:23 KJV) But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1 Cor 1:23: 1:23 JESUS CHRIST, Death--Christ's death as the way to salvation does not fit a logical system of human argument. It represents God's wise way of reaching all people for salvation without requiring human accomplishments.

(1 Cor 1:24 KJV) But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

(1 Cor 1:25 KJV) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

(1 Cor 1:26 KJV) For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

1 Cor 1:26: 1:26-30 HUMANITY, Potentiality--God surprises us. He works through people without worldly qualifications. No one can boast of attaining or deserving a position with God. Still God takes us in His service and works through us to amaze those who claim proper credentials for success.

• It doesn't take a college degree or an even a college course to be a servant to Christ it only takes a willing heart that is ready to work. Severing takes working and working takes praying and praying takes studying, and studying takes believing, and believing takes reasoning, and we could go on and on for you see it is Christ in us that makes it possible and us in Christ. Christ in us is power and authority, us in Christ is shelter and support.

1 Cor 1:27: 1:27-29 ELECTION, Righteousness--Election is not by human standards. God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise and accomplish His purpose. The weak and despised are chose by God to receive righteousness, holiness, and redemption in Jesus Christ. The goal of election remains a holy, obedient people.

(1 Cor 1:28 KJV) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

(1 Cor 1:29 KJV) That no flesh should glory in his presence.

• I often find myself wondering who is getting the glory God or the man or the church. Do we build churches for comfort, or to glorify God? Many churches to day do not do either, but they do give glory to man. There is nothing wrong in a nice building but there is a lot wrong when it is for the wrong reason. There is nothing wrong with demonstrating gifts of God to bring him Glory and save the lost as a sign to the world. But when it brings man the Glory it is wrong. When a preacher is so big he can't have time to talk to the people, could it be wrong? When the church is so big you can't know the people, could it be wrong? When the house is so nice you can't have the poor over, could it be wrong? When the car is so nice you can't just let anyone have a ride, could it be wrong? When the stage is so fine and the instruments so special that we can't touch them could it be wrong? When the pastor lives like a king and the members go hungry, could it be wrong? When we have to sell the gospel instead of giving it away, could it be wrong? When we have a singing and have to charge a fee to hear, or charge the church to sing or preach, could it be wrong? Show me the salary that Jesus said to charge. Show me the church building that Jesus said to build. Show me the concerts that he held with all the big names. As a little boy recently note. " I didn't know Christ cost so much."

1 Cor 1:30: 1:30 JESUS CHRIST, Wisdom of God--God's wisdom is not seen in human argument but in a person--Jesus Christ. What He has done cannot be argued away. He has made it possible for us to be seen as morally pure, set free from sin, and in right relationship with God.

1:30 SALVATION, Redemption--Christ Jesus became our redemption. He paid the penalty for our sins on the cross and released us from our slavery to sin. In Christ we are accounted righteous by God, just as if we had never sinned. We are viewed as holy just as God is holy. These words describe our present state in Christ.

(1 Cor 1:31 KJV) That, according as it is written, He that Golyith, let him glory in the Lord.

• See section which begins on page 18

(1 Cor 14:22 KJV) Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

(1 Cor 14:2 KJV) For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

• There are times to talk to God when men can't ease drop and we can get into the deep things of our hearts. Things we may not would confess because they are so deeply buried there. Yet God has found a way to open a pray line to him that is even more private then the mind it self.

1 Cor 14:3: 14:3-5 CHURCH LEADERS, Prophet--The prophet proclaims God's message to build up, exhort, and encourage the community. Prophecy is Spirit-inspired speech from God that is intelligible and convicts the hearts of the hearers. Prophets edify the church and not simply themselves. For this reason, Paul preferred the gift of prophecy over that of tongues. Prophecy is to be exercised in a spirit of order and not tumult.

• Tongues serves a very important function but it is prophecy that is the tool used to reach into hearts of the hearers. First it edifies, (this it to build up) in this case it builds up the faith and knowledge of the hearer. It is to give exhortation, (To make urgent appeal.) This is to give an urgent appeal to the church the unbeliever that Jesus is the answer. And comfort, (peace) we all need some peace in our lives, this is what a relationship with Jesus does.

• Now I realize that I'm just a country boy but it seems to me that there is a time that I need uplifting. But not in a way that glorifies me. I need to be about uplifting and building up Christ and his church. So as not to be misunderstood I will say this, that if all the folks are in one accord, in agreement and the rest of this chapter is followed that something that I may do to build up myself, if done as a joint effort by all present may help to build us all. So if we are praying and I begin to get lost in Spirit I would not be surprised if others prying also lost in the Sprit that the hidden things in the heart would began to flow out.

• Again I clearly see that it is God and his church, which is to build up, or be lifted up, not me the finger or toe in the church. So if I began to get lost in the Spirit I need to look to God to for the interpretation and so speak it. Now this would appear to me that this would be a tool to bring back into line with what to pray for and not what I may desire. For example if I am praying for the church and I get carried away you the ones around me would not know what burden or joy I had so how could you cry or rejoice with me except I interrupt. And if God gives me the answer to a question how would you know. Also I feel that the scripture that tells us ..... Mat 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. This is very important part of what the church fellowship is for, to bear one another burdens through pray. So interpretation is most important.

(1 Cor 14:7 KJV) And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

• There is a very important need to communicate with each other; it helps us to grow. Please note this is not talking about private pray at home but at the church. It does not matter what men say but it matters what the word says. All horns do not sound the same, all prays are not the same neither would all interpretations be the same. Yet if I was the player of the horn and the harp there would be a style that would come out of each in the way I played that would easily be distinguishable to another musician listening.

(1 Cor 14:9 KJV) So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

• I see hear that I have control over what is coming out of my mouth. One will often jump to the writing of James here but that is not at all in context to this writing. But lets suppose for a minute that it is, Than when I speak in tongues it is God's Spirit in me in a pray language or message language, then I still have control. If I do not have control it is because I do not have the Spirit. Words that carry no meaning to the hearer or the listen serve no value except maybe a feel good value for me.

(1 Cor 14:11 KJV) Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

• These two references appear to me to be saying that there are many different languages in the world. If I speak to someone from a different language in English they won't know what I have said. If I speak in the church in an unknown tongue (language) the hears don't know what I have said and thus it only can profit me. And then if I don't interrupt I am the only one lifted up.
  • John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
  • John 12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
• It is Christ that I must lift up his death and his resurrection that is what saves the lost. Let's revisit the day of Pentecost for a moment. First the folks were as one with each other, this is what we must be with the Spirit and with each other. Then there was the sound of Wind that filled the house.
  • Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
  • Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
• Picture this group of folks sitting around praying and maybe visiting about what they are waiting for with anticipation. When in the room God gets their full attention with what must have sounded like a tornado coming in. One of the things I have noticed that he often uses signs such as wind, lightening, clouds, fire, to get our attention.
  • Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
• I picture this in my mind as looking somewhat like lightning and the tongues of each bolt licking out and touching each one. Now it was the presence of the Spirit that landed or sat upon them, this reminds me of the way it must have been when God sent down the fire to consume the sacrifices of old. I feel he did this for a reason and this is the only recorded time of an experience like this one, yet in the old testament he consumed offerings in a similar manner and are we not to offer our bodies up to be temples, sanctuary's for the holy Spirit. Are we not to be purged and is not fire one of the purging tools often mentioned in the Bible. On this day God purged the church, he instilled a New Hope and a promise was fulfilled. behold, they will not believe me
• But will they believe what they see and feel. This was given to all men to be a great sign that would pass from generation to generation just like the rainbow God gave Noah.
  • Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The third Person of the adorable Trinity.

His personality is proved

(1.) from the fact that the attributes of personality, as intelligence and volition, are ascribed to him (John 14:17, 26; 15:26; 1 Cor. 2:10, 11; 12:11). He reproves, helps, glorifies, intercedes (John 16:7-13; Rom. 8:26).

(2.) He executes the offices peculiar only to a person. The very nature of these offices involves personal distinction (Luke 12:12; Acts 5:32; 15:28; 16:6; 28:25; 1 Cor. 2:13; Heb. 2:4; 3:7; 2 Pet. 1:21) His divinity is established

(1.) from the fact that the names of God are ascribed to him (Ex. 17:7; Ps. 95:7; compare Heb. 3:7-11); and

(2.) that divine attributes are also ascribed to him, omnipresence (Ps. 139:7; Eph. 2:17, 18; 1 Cor. 12:13); omniscience (1 Cor. 2:10, 11); omnipotence (Luke 1:35; Rom. 8:11); eternity (Heb. 9:4).

(3.) Creation is ascribed to him (Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13; Ps. 104:30), and the working of miracles (Matt. 12:28; 1 Cor. 12:9-11). (4.) Worship is required and ascribed to him (Isa. 6:3; Acts 28:25; Rom. 9:1; Rev. 1:4

[Middle English gost, from Old English gst, breath, spirit.]

Strongs for ghost = 4151. pneuma, pnyoo'-mah; from G4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by anal. or fig. a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by impl.) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Comp. G5590.

utterance (ter-ens) noun

1. a. The act of uttering; vocal expression. b. The power of speaking; speech: as long as I have utterance. c. A manner of speaking: argued with forceful utterance.

2. Something uttered or expressed; a statement.

• So then these folks were filled with the Holy Ghost or the Sprit of God and as they were filled they spoke in other languages then the one common to their nationality as God put the words in their mouths.
  • Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
• God had a plan, he put Jews ( his people ) from every nation in the right place to witness the full filling of his plan.
  • Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
• When word of what was taken place reached the streets these men came to see. If we are in the will of God people will come to see. And were confounded ([Middle English confounden, from Anglo-Norman confundre, from Latin confundere, to mix together, confuse: com-, com- + fundere, to pour.]) confused because every man from different languages could understand perfectly what was being said. They may have not grasped the meaning of the words but they knew the words.
  • Acts 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
  • Acts 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
• So the tongue was not unknown to the hearer only the speaker, Yet it would appear to me he knew what he was saying, thus he may well have been just as amazed as the Jews when they discovered that as they spoke they knew in the mind what they were saying but there lips made a different sound.
  • Gen 11:1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.
  • Gen 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • Gen 11:3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar.
  • Gen 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
  • Gen 11:5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
  • Gen 11:6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
  • Gen 11:7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.
  • Gen 11:8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
  • Gen 11:9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.
• In Gen we see God confounding the language of the people to cause division and in acts we see God confound the language to bring men to gather. Not so we will do as they did at Babel and lift up ourselves but so we lift up the church and the name of Christ. That we his living temples would be the towers that all men may see and know our God can put up wall and take them down.

• We want all that we can get. When I want a gift for my birthday I like tools or books. But I want good tools and books, not a tool that is not of good craftsmanship because it will break and injury me when I am needing it most. I want a book, which is interesting to me and at a level of my understanding. Here we need to seek gifts that will have benefit to the church and us. With the most important thing being to edify the church. Then we are to excel ( Synonyms: excel, surpass, exceed, transcend, outdo, outstrip. These verbs mean to be or go beyond a limit or standard. ) In up lifting the church.

(1 Cor 14:14 KJV) For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

(1 Cor 14:15 KJV) What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

• There is a time to be lost in deep prayer which our mind doesn't know what to pray. See how Paul puts it in Roman's.
  • Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
  • Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
• Yet this is the kind of pray that is for me. It is to build me up and meet the needs of my life. I may not no what God wants in my life yet just as Jesus makes intercession at the throne of God for us his Sprit makes intercession for us too. Now because the Sprit lives with in us you can not hide what is really in our heart. When we sing or pray in the Spirit it does not mean that we have to do it in tongues. He said he would do it with understanding. If it is not in a way that can be understood no one knows what is said so the witness if of little value. The goal is to bring us to gather in one mind and accord, that is why we need to make sure when we use the language of the Spirit that is interpreted.

• Here are a couple of interesting points. One notes that when we bless, when I pray privately I am praying for my needs and burdens. It seems to me that most pray done at a public setting is to bless the listeners that may be taking their needs to God, or just saying a blessing over them, or taking needs I want their help in praying for, but it needs to be understood.

(1 Cor 14:18 KJV) I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

(1 Cor 14:19 KJV) Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

• I guessing can argue all day and for years about this gift but Paul the one who gives us almost all the teaching in this area says in the church I would rather speak words that people understand so that I teach which would uplift God. He admits readily that he often speaks in tongues but would seem to indicate not in the church.

(1 Cor 14:20 KJV) Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

• Now we often fuss and fight about these things as children and he says not to do so. Act as men there is a time and place for all things. He does not ever teach not to use this gift he just teaches there may be times it is not appropriate. I can use a screwdriver as a chisel, but it will bend, chip, and damage the drive blade, so why not use a chisel?

(1 Cor 14:22 KJV) Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

• Now then here lies a question is this language of other nations as spoken of in Acts and mentioned earlier or is the groaning and intercession of the Spirit for us? So long as it is interpreted it does not matter which. Some would say it is the only one or the other but I think it would be what God needed the unbelievers present to see and hear. Now a sign is only good if I can read it. So if the sign is offensive I won't even look at it much less read it. So we are back to the teaching, why not let the Lord lead us and use the gift of prophesying, which is being lead by Spirit. There is one other point I have often heard here is why not let God take our tongue (the words off our tongue) which would be understandable to the hearer and to us and thus allow convection to enter the heart.

(1 Cor 14:24 KJV) But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

(1 Cor 14:25 KJV) And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

Orderly Worship

(1 Cor 14:26 KJV) How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

• Seems plain to me that we need a leader, a shepherd to lead and feed the flock. Not everyone doing his or her own thing, what edifies God. I often find in today's church's people talking reading newspapers or books; you can not be of one a mind or accord this way. We refuse to stand when asked, won't sing, won't pray, look around, chew gum, argue about the drapes or carpet, talk about our brothers or sisters, sell and buy, entertain, etc. Then wonder what is wrong in our services. Those things that do no lift up or build up or bring glory to God should not be done.

14:26-33 WORSHIP, Corporate-- Corporate worship in the early church included several elements. Worship sought to interpret God's will clearly to His people and to strengthen the church.

(1 Cor 14:27 KJV) If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

(1 Cor 14:28 KJV) But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

• Now one can say what they want but this is really plain. If you feel you must speak in a language other then the ones about you then do it in order and only from one to three people in order and one must act as an interpreter. If you aren't going do it like this doesn't do it in church and speak to yourself and God. This would also indicate that if you speak you will know what to interpret. It really does not mater if it is French or an in the voice of angles does it right or not at all, because it will not edify God. Again if the church is really sincere in its efforts to worship God why not obey what we are told. I think we are often more interested in feeling good and being noticed and impressing others then pleasing God. Note none of what has been said thus far is in contradiction to the notes in the Full Life Study Bible that is the international study Bible for Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians. Page 376

• Even when preaching or speaking out such as a telling of a future event this should be done in order and the people given the right to reason and decide by content if it is of God. Not every one that steps behind the pulpit is of God. Not every so-called prophecy is true. If it is contrary to the written word, or if there is no Spirit present in what is said I would question the word spoken. Let me put it this way, if I see a street sign that is not consistent with what the designs of other signs, or say it is made of wood and painted and the spelling is wrong, I wouldn't trust it.

(1 Cor 14:31 KJV) For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

• There is a time to talk and a time to shut up. Wait your turn and then do so in a manner that is constant with learning or comforting.

(1 Cor 14:33 KJV) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

• We are never to lose the self-discipline of a disciple. We do have control over our bodies and how we allow the work of the Spirit in us.

• Note: I do not fully agree with the Believer Study Bible notes (above) on the last line. Some would call shouting, being slain in the Spirit, Tongues as being chaotic and out of control. It is only that way when it is in the flesh and done in such away that it would take from the worship what is Gods. If a man is shouting and leaping for the joy of God, that's OK. If he begins to sing worldly songs and / or begins to mock then he is out of order. People leaping and praising God, demonstrating the gifts if done in the order is not out of order.

(1 Cor 14:37 KJV) If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

(1 Cor 14:38 KJV) But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

• Often we are so foolish to believe that Gods gift and his word are only for us and from us. God put the water in the well and we use many different buckets, jars, and bottles to carry it in. We may not all do things exactly alike, but so long as it does not go against the Word then we should not be so apt to fight it.

• Here again seems plain to me, we should desire a relationship so close to God that both of these things are evident in our lives.

(Rev 15:1 KJV) And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

Rev 15:1: 15:1-4 GOD, Justice--God is a just God. His righteousness is ever true. He will not let the right fail. Nor will He let evil continue. He is faithful to His own righteous nature and will set all things right in the end. We should fall down in worship and gratitude.

Verses 1-4. Seven angels appeared in heaven; prepared to finish the destruction of antichrist. As the measure of Babylon's sins was filled up, it finds the full measure of Divine wrath. While believers stand in this world, in times of trouble, as upon a sea of glass mingled with fire, they may look forward to their final deliverance, while new mercies call forth new hymns of praise. The more we know of God's wonderful works, the more we shall praise his greatness as the Lord God Almighty, the Creator and Ruler of all worlds; but his title of Emmanuel, the King of saints, will make him dear to us. Who that considers the power of God's wrath, the value of his favour, or the glory of his holiness, would refuse to fear and honour him alone? His praise is above heaven and earth.

Heb 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

• So I end here knowing there is much yet that could and will be said. Behold, they will not believe me is a very good question. If you walk in the Spirit and you teach his word and live his Word, some will. We must not lose this confidence or our rewards but serve in patience so as we do the will of God we look for his coming with joy. There are many signs for the world to see I am one and so are you. There is the Bible, the Church, and the Spirit, the healing and tongues, the preachers, the teachers, the thousands of books and tapes. The sign of most importance is that the world sees Jesus in us.

1 Cor 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

1 Cor 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

1 Cor 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

1 Cor 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

1 Cor 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

1 Cor 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

1 Cor 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

1 Cor 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

1 Cor 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.