GOD IS,       1

    SEEING THE INVISIBLE. 
The Lord, who is the true God, while not seen, is made visible in many ways. The scripture states that, “the invisible things of Him are clearly seen.” Rom. 1:20 

Now that sounds like a conundrum. Or could be considered to be contradictory. How can we possibly see that which is invisible? We understand them by the things which He has created, even finding in them an understanding of the very makeup and likeness of the Godhead. Incidentally, in the same verse where that statement is made, the declaration of the creation of the Lord leaves men with nothing whereby they can deny His existence.  


        TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE. 
In order to see, there are two components necessary, an eye with which to see, and light. The eye can only function when there is light shining on and making the surrounding objects visible. The necessity of light is emphasized by the fact that the eye can only see when light is present. Light gains entrance to the eye through the transparent eye tissue. 

Then the eye transfers the light rays into electrical signals, which in turn are transmitted to the brain where the brain deciphers them to be images. Light makes what would otherwise be invisible, visible. When something is so complex, how could it just have happened or evolved? What is the process of change that took place, or is taking place? Only a Divine intelligence could design such a plan for the eye to function in such a manner. “The seeing eye, the LORD hath made.” Prov. 20:12


    GOD IS LIGHT. 
Life and light are synonymous, for there can be no life without light. The very first action of the Lord in bringing about life on this earth was to create light, that is physical light. This He did on the very first day of creation. He also divided the light from the darkness, creating Day and Night, and named them at the same time. Gen. 1:3-4 

In the very beginning, God - whose nature and being is light - took of his own essence, and made a light fitting for this world. It is vital that we understand that “God is light.” 1 John 1:5 

From eternity past, He is light, but light is not God. He has always been a person of light from whom an immense light emanated. It is His essence, His essential quality. Darkness is dispelled in His presence. The Father God is called the Father of lights. Light is in the plural, for all light originates from the Father. 

The light everlasting and eternal, which speaks of Himself. Then the natural, created light which is the source of all life for this world. Plus, the light of the world, [Spiritual light and life] the source of all abundant or eternal life. Only in the Lord do we find light and life. 
            (Any input appreciated) 
       

    

                GOD IS,    2

    THE FATHER OF LIGHTS. 
Every and all light is the gift of the Father. There is no greater giver nor greater gift than that which comes from the Father. It is precisely what this world needs. Both the natural light which maintains plant and animal life and the spiritual light which will bring about eternal life. 

The word in the Greek is, phos, meaning to give light. Expressing, “light as seen by the eye.” It can also mean to shine. It is, luminosity in the widest sense, figuratively, naturally, artificially, or literally. In other words, without the Lord there can be no light of any kind. All light originates with Him. A scientific explanation is given, stating that, light is a luminous emanation, probably of force, which comes from certain heavenly bodies enabling the eye to see form and color. James 1:17  


    NO VARIABLENESS. 
Unchanging, invariably, always the same. He has stated in His Word this particular fact of His nature. “I am the LORD, I change not”. Mal. 3:6a 

He is constantly accessible, regardless of the day of the week, or the hour of the day or night. He is there every moment of time for all who will call upon His name. He receives and treats all alike. There is no shadow of turning with Him. No sun rise or sunset. No eclipse. The child of the Lord may approach Him boldly knowing with deep assurance that they will be received and heard. Heb. 4:15 

He is constant and steadfast. Light is the only constant in the universe. It never changes. A constant in science is any characteristic of a substance, numerically determined, that remains always the same under specific conditions such as gravitation, the velocity of light, electrical conductivity, etc. 

Of them all, light is the only true constant. It never changes. It is always the same. No wonder, for all light comes from the Lord. James 1:17c 


    THE GARMENT OF THE KING IS LIGHT. 
Light enfolding itself around and about Him creating a shining beautiful garment. Ps. 104:2

We are afforded a glimpse of the bright scintillating garb of the Lord on the Mount of Transfiguration. The Father appeared in a bright cloud, one that was brightly illuminated and full of light. There He spoke of His feelings toward His Son. Mt. 17:5 

The raiment of Jesus was white and glistering, radiant or glistening. Luke 9:29 

The face of the Lord Jesus was shining with sun like glory while His clothing became as white as the light. Mt. 17:2 NIV. 

Mark reports His clothing to be dazzling white, whiter than any bleach in the world could whiten them. He who is the light of the world stood before the disciples that day in full revelation of the glory of the light of the Almighty.




                GOD IS,  3

    LIGHT THE LIFE OF THE WORLD. 
He is life. The support of all life comes from one source and one source alone. John, writing concerning the Lord Jesus, said that "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men". From the very start, all the creation of the Lord needed light to live. To maintain that life He created ‘green herbs’ and they became the food of substance for the living creatures of the earth. Gen. 1:30 

The green leaves of plants use light to combine carbon dioxide and water to create food. In this manner, light energy is converted into chemical energy. Light is processed into food. The food produced by light is eaten by men and animals, and life is further sustained. 

God, who is light, maintains the natural balance for life to continue on this earth. He is the light of life. Without the light of the Lord, there would be no life on earth, and this world would be one big glob of ice, bleak and barren. It might well be noted here that nutritionist are emphasizing the need of green vegetables in our diets. John 1:4


THE WORD OF GLORY BECAME FLESH. 
Wonder of wonders, the eternal ever existing Word, the Logos, became a man. Dwelling among men they saw His eternal deity. So powerful is the love of the Lord for man that He was compelled by its force to come to earth to redeem His fallen creation. Jesus, in earthly journey made manifest the glory of the Father. John 1:14 

Like light, there were two sides of His nature to be manifest. The spiritual, eternal nature of God, which He had always possessed. Then the natural, the body of flesh, the character of one born of a woman. 

Light is at once and the same time material and immaterial. The material being the natural while the immaterial is a type of that which is spiritual. Light, when shining through a crystal, is scattered in a manner that can only be done by a wave which is immaterial. 

On the other hand, light is so substantial that it falls of its own weight. When nearing a star it is known to bend by the weight of the star's gravity. The Lord of abundant and tender mercies visited this earth as the “dayspring from on high.” The rising of light, the dawn of a new day from the East. Lk. 1:78 

The light of the world, both natural and spiritual, combined in one person, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the true light, a light dispelling all bondage and darkness from the hearts of those who come to that glorious light. John 1:9 

The unrighteous resist and fight the light, for that light reproves sin. Those who embrace the truth come to that light, that they might receive pardon and forgiveness from their sins. John 3:20 

The eye is the gate through which light enters. If that eye is singled to righteousness, the whole is filled with righteousness. If the eye is bent to see evil then the life is evil. Luke 11:34



                GOD IS LIGHT  4

    SEEING THE INVISIBLE. 
The ability to see the invisible is not a minor circumstance, nevertheless it is possible. Moses was one to whom the invisible God saw fit to reveal Himself in various ways. Because of that revelation, he was able to lead his people out from Egypt and captivity. The glory of the Lord was the source of his reaction and boldness. 

He was in the presence of the glory of the Lord until the glory was literally transferred to him. The shining, the transmitted light of the God in whose presence Moses had been, was too bright for the Israelites to look upon. The skin of his face was shining [Hebrew, to shoot out horns or rays.] How intense that light must have been for he had to wear a veil over his face when among the people. When he went into the presence of the Lord, he removed it for he was in the presence of the God of light. Ex. 34:30, 34-35. 

In the days prior to the release of Israel, the Lord proved Himself to them by means of light. While Egypt suffered in the worst kind of darkness. A darkness that could be felt, a thick darkness; so great was the plague of darkness that for three days they were unable to see one another. Further more, they were unable to move from whatever situation they were in when the darkness came upon them. Contrariwise, the Israelites, in Goshen had light. Ex. 10:22-23 God is light. 


    WHAT A DRAB WORLD THIS IS. 
Take away light and there is no color to even the brightest of colors. Color is not in the flowers nor in the bright colors that are used to paint houses and the rooms of our houses. Color is in LIGHT. In darkness there is no color to be found. There is nothing more dismal than a life without Christ. The eye gate, the gate to the soul, 

The individual that is living a life of sin and iniquity is stated to have “an evil eye.” Jesus then referred to a light which such a person may possess as being a light of darkness, great darkness. He was making this statement to people who were religious. Most certainly, a darkness equal to that of Egypt. Religion is not the true light, the Egyptians were religious. Mt. 6:23 

Jesus is Light. He is the light of the world. He is the light that shines into the darkness of this world giving color, joy and happiness to those who walk in His light. Jesus said, “I AM” the light of the world. This is an absolute, anyway this statement is considered whether naturally or spiritually, that is precisely His nature and being. Those who love Him and follow Him have found the true meaning of life on this earth and the new heavens and earth to come. John 8:12 

Their daily life is enhanced by the presence of the light of the world. Their spiritual life is growing brighter and brighter as they walk the path of light unto that perfect day. Prov. 4:18  



 
                GOD IS LIGHT  5

THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR. Rev. 22:16 
This so beautifully relates to the prophecies of the Lord Jesus who would come as a light to the world. He is the forerunner of a new, a bright and glorious day. Be it as the Savior and the light bearer to one who has long been in the darkness of sin or the illumination of the Word to one who has already been saved. 

He makes all things new. “The inward man is renewed day by day.” Every day we may know the renewing of our Spirit, soul and body, in the Lord. We may have our daily routines but there is always a daily challenge and an ultimate victory.  2 Cor. 4:16 

The Lord has promised those who overcome that they shall be given the morning star. Rev. 2:8 

He is also the beginning of those resurrected from the dead who possess a new, a resurrected body. He is the first begotten of the dead. He is alive and lives forevermore. Rev. 1:5 

As the morning star He is the dawning of that new day. The seventh day, the day of rest. A period of a thousand years where there will be no light outside of the Lord God Himself, and the Lamb will be the light at that time. The Lord is not confined to that which He has created but manifests His superiority by being the only source of light. Rev. 21:23, Rev. 22:5


THE PROPHECY OF SIMEON. 
A man who greatly loved the Lord to whom there was given a revelation of the coming of the Messiah. He had received a revelation that he would not die before the coming of the Savior. Lk. 2:25-26 

He came by the Spirit into the temple at the precise moment that Jesus was brought there. He took Jesus into his arms and prophesied over Him, proclaiming Jesus to be, “a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel”. Lk. 2:32 

The daystar from on high, the dawning of a new era had arrived. Jew and Gentile were to be united in Christ because of the coming of the “light of the world”. The light that would dispel darkness from the hearts of the people, had entered into the world. The revelation of the Word, the more sure word of prophecy. 2 Pet. 1:19 

Now, to those who were isolated in the darkness of iniquity and sat in the shadow of death, there has come a tremendous light breaking forth into glorious light and liberty. Mt. 4:16 

Faith, trust, confidence in the Lord Jesus brings transforming light into a soul that is in spiritual darkness. Where they were once the children of the blackness of sin, they are now the children of light. Exalted and accepted by their heavenly Father and welcomed into the fold as a member of His flock. Jn. 12:36 

They are those who walk in the light, embrace the light and seek constantly to do the will of the Lord. They are obedient to the Word and grow spiritually through its instructions and directions.    




                          GOD IS.  6

    ENERGY. 
Our sun is the source of all energy, from the oil that is to be found under the earth to the winds that circulate on the face of the globe. When Jesus said that those who follow Him will have the “light of life”, He was not only speaking of light in a spiritual sense but touching on the fact that our natural life requires an electrical impulse in order to operate. 

The Lord, in creating man, produced one of the most magnificent machines existing. David, the proficient Psalmist must have had considerable understanding of the human body. In his contemplations and compositions he wrote these words, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well”. Ps. 139:14 

It would seem as if though anyone studying the human body would be well aware of the tremendous intelligence and creative ability that was used to bring it into being. 


    EACH ORGAN OF THE HUMAN BODY FUNCTIONS BY ELETRICITY.
For instance, the brain, which is the master control of the entire body; it is constantly receiving and sending electrical signals created by means of chemicals. It not only motivates the entire body but also is a storehouse of information. 

Here is a point of interest. There are twelve pairs of nerves that are utilized in carrying messages to certain parts of the body. Around the throne of the Lord there are twenty-four thrones occupied by twenty-four elders. Rev. 4:4 

These elders are new testament elders. The twelve who were chosen in the days of the Lord Jesus, for He promised that they would occupy thrones. Mt. 19:28 

The second set of twelve are the twelve Apostles of the last days who are seen as stars in the crown of the Woman of Revelation twelve. Rev. 12:1 

Stars are spiritual leaders in the revelation language. The seven stars in the hand of the Lord Jesus are the seven leaders of the seven revelation churches. Rev. 1:20 

The leadership of the eternal order of heaven is new testament oriented. 


    ANOTHER THOUGHT NEEDING CONSIDERATION. 
Memory is one of the great functions of the brain, or mind. The memory or the mind would seem to be an undying area of the make up of man. Consider the rich man who died. When lifting up his eyes, he saw the beggar in Abraham’s bosom. That in itself would be horrible torment. The ability to see from hell into heaven and the capability to behold the joys and blessings that are there. Even though he was dead, he still remembered Lazurus and his brothers. He sought that there might be a warning given to them, lest they too enter into such a horrible state of being. There was no possibility of passing from one place to the other, for there was a great gulf FIXED, in other words it was permanent and eternal. Lk. 16:19-31 

Memory is then eternal. The unsaved will always remember, the saved will not. The past life is all washed away. Isa. 65:17 


                                         GOD IS. 7
 
 
KEEPING BOOKS? 
Surely the Lord has more important things to attend to than the keeping of books on every person and their every deed. Even the angels would be taxed to keep up with the multitude of actions that are committed everyday. There is of course, the book of life, which is in the possession of the Lord. In it are recorded the names of all who would ever come to Christ. For their names have been recorded in the Lamb's book of life from "the foundation of the world". Rev. 17:8 

The Lord in His foreknowledge knew the ultimate fate of every man. Therefore He was able to record their names away back there, knowing exactly the end results of their lives. From the prophet Malachi we understand that the Lord kept a book of remembrance when His people talked about their reverence for Him. Mal. 3:16 


THE BOOK OF LIFE AND OTHER BOOKS. 
There is a great difference between the "Book of Life", and what is simply termed books. The Book of Life is a record of those who love the Lord. The books are just records that have been kept. The mind is a recording machine. Some have better success in maintaining things taught and heard. 

Others of us find, that too quickly, thoughts and memories that we would like to retain, just slip away. The day of the opening of the books is soon to take place. A time when every man will stand before the Lord and give an account of the deeds done in the flesh. Notice that it is the dead who are judged. Rev. 2O:12 

For those who are Christ's are living. They will not be judged for their names are in the Lamb's Book of Life. We sometimes forget that Christ took our judgment, and that judgment begins in the house of the Lord. The judgment of the Christian is a thing of the past. 1 Pet. 4:17


THE BOOKS. 
A few years back, there was an experiment shown on Public TV. The brain of a person was exposed. Electrodes were touched ever so delicately on different areas of the brain. As this was done the person had instant recall of the events of their life. 

Another person, while kneeling in a prayer of repentance, saw the sinful events of their lives flash before them. As each of these past acts were revealed, they confessed and received forgiveness. The greatest storehouse of every one of us is very personal, and lies within our memories which are stored in a recorder [the brain] made by the Lord. 

There is no other need of actions and deeds being recorded anywhere else when we have such an effective capability of storing them. Everyone carries with them a complete memory of their past until the Lord washes it away. The books [the memory] containing past events will be opened.  Rev. 20:12 




                GOD IS.  8

    THE MYSTERY OF ELECTRICITY. 
“Electricity is a mysterious incomprehensible entity which is invisible and visible AT THE SAME TIME. It is both matter and energy. It is a mysterious force which looks like blue-white fire and yet cannot be seen. It moves forward at the speed of light... yet it vibrates in the AC cord without flowing forwards, It is totally weightless yet it has a small weight. When electricity flows through a light bulbs filament, it gets changed into light. Yet no electricity is ever used up by the light bulb, and every bit of it flows out of the filament and back down the other wire.” W.J. Beaty Electrical Engineer.


    THE MYSTERY OF GOD. 
Most anything which we do not understand becomes a mystery to us. Life is filled with mysteries, not the least of which is the LORD. Electricity is a prime type of the being and existence of the Lord. While the person of the Lord is hidden, His book is open. He has approached mankind in every way possible to make Himself known to them. Who would know the secrets of electricity except man in his curiosity explored and researched such a matter? So with the Lord. “Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all of your heart. Jer. 29:13 

The mystery of God is the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ as His only begotten Son. Paul spoke of “the full riches of complete understanding”; there may be things about the elements of this world that are being discovered or remain a secret, but the Lord has given us a Word that reveals who and what He is. We need not be ignorant of the majesty of His person. All wisdom and knowledge is found in the Lord Jesus. Col. 2:2-3


    VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE. 
No wonder electricity is both. It comes from the source of all energy and light, the Lord God Himself. Paul stated that the invisible things of Him are clearly seen being understood by the things which He has created. Rom. 1:20 

Very deliberately and systematically the plan of the Lord was toward investing Himself in creation. He is very visible in electricity. He manifests Himself as light, yet light itself is invisible. However we see by light. Our eyes are virtually useless in darkness. He is a consuming fire. Heb. 12:29 

He is constant. His very appearance is that of lightning, that blue white flash. His Spirit is inexhaustible, flowing forth and filling the hungry with His power and light without being diminished in anyway. Moses dared leave Egypt “as seeing Him who is invisible”. He had confidence in the Lord because of His mighty works made manifest in delivering the people of the Lord.  Heb. 11:27               
    


                    GOD IS.  9

    HOW ABOUT LIGHTNING? 
Please understand that we are not saying that lightning is God, not by any means. 

Lightning is a most spectacular happening in nature. It is both exciting and dangerous, for it can kill. Lightning travels at the speed of light or one hundred  eighty-six thousand two hundred eighty-two miles per second [two hundred ninety-nine thousand seven hundred ninety-two kilometers]. 

It is composed of a succession of flashes, mostly four in number, and that is the number of the earth. The existence of God is seen in lightning. The face of the Lord Jesus at the time of His resurrection is an example. As His true essence was manifest, His countenance “was like lightning.” Mt. 28:3 

How real was it? Ever been scared to death? Well, the men who were guarding the tomb were. They became frightened and became as dead men - or those brave soldiers passed out from fear. Is lightning frightening? Oh, yes. Jesus, on His return, will come with the speed of lightning, or light. He will come from the east, or the sun rising, and shine unto the west. Circling the whole earth in a matter of seconds. Incidentally the word used in the Greek for “coming” is “parousia” which is commonly used for the rapture. He will be highly visible at His coming. Lightning is hardly something that can be considered secret and unseen.


    A GLIMPSE OF HIS PHYSICAL APPEARANCE. 
Daniel saw the Lord; in appearance and configuration, He was like a man. But that is where the resemblance ends. Daniel saw the Lord in all of His glory and majesty. Clothed in fine linen, which is a type of righteousness. Rev. 19:8 

He is righteousness personified. He is our righteousness. Barnes’ notes describes the beryl as being “a mineral of great hardness, green and bluish-green” and a “six sided prism.” Certainly no man ever endured hardness as did Jesus, Green is the color of life. The six sides of the stone relate to the number of man. A prism will refract light and show its various colors like that of a rainbow. 

In His face, here, is to be found that amazing, scintillating, flash and glow of the glory of the Lord. The appearance of His face is given in this manner that we might understand that we are not looking at the glow of a light globe. This is a living light, it is undulating, it is pulsating it is flashing like lightning. Dan. 10:6 

The electrical energy creating lightning originates with the sun. It is no small wonder, when we see the face of Jesus, that it also has that sun like glow to it. The Apostles, and John on Patmos, all saw His post resurrection countenance. They saw as it were the reflection of the same living glow that is common to our sun. Mt. 17:2  Rev. 1:16



                        GOD IS.  10

    JESUS, AS REVEALED TO JOHN. 
John had two things going for him. 

It was the Lords day. Therefore a day of worship. 

John was in the Spirit. That would be the cause for all the Revelation that was to follow. 

Of all the books of the Bible, the book of Revelation requires a greater anointing and spiritual knowledge to interpret its mysteries. 

Because it is the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, we would naturally expect to see Him presented foremost in the book, and He is. In keeping with our theme, John saw Him in majestic splendor and glory. 

His face was shining in full radiance as the sun in its might and power. The Greek word for strength used here is, dunamis, from which we derive our word dynamite. His face was showing forth that which was resident within Him. Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Mt. 28:18 


    BRILLIANT RAYS OF LIGHT SHINING FROM HIS HANDS. 
Once again we are impressed with the presentation of the Lord as being surrounded with a light of the most brilliant kind. Be certain that any light associated with the acknowledgment of this aspect of His being, is far greater than anything that is common to earth. The NIV gives a noteworthy translation here. 

“His splendor was like the sunrise, rays flashed from His hand, where His power was hidden”. Hab. 3:4 

I love the thought of Christ, rising in the east or the sun rising, dispelling the darkness of the past night. Coming forth with a splendor that gives hope to all of a new day. The Word of the Lord is so exciting. His hidden power flashes forth from those blessed hands that were nailed to the tree. 


    IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE THRONE OF THE LORD. 
There are four living creatures. They are first introduced to us in Eze. 1:13 

They reappear in the book of Revelation. Rev. 4:6 

They are wrongly called beasts. A better translation is living creatures. That they are spiritual beings who serve the Lord, there is no question. 

There is what appeared to be a brilliant burning flame of fire which was actively surging up and down in their midst. 

It is most imperative that we see that there is great activity of fire and glory in their midst. They are also described as creatures who give forth a light as is customary with a lamp. 

Ezekiel also witnessed that there were flashes of lightning bursting forth from their awesome presence. Their movements, the four moving as one, in perfect harmony and purpose, moved at the speed of lighting or the speed of light. Which ever way they went they were there in a flash of time and returned in a split second. Eze. 1:14

How exciting heaven is. 



                GOD IS.  11

    HIS THRONE, THE SOURCE OF LIGHT. 
It must be accentuated that the throne of the Lord is anything but a stodgy political position of some worldly monarch. This throne is living. Everything about it speaks of life, the life of the Lord. Eternal, everlasting life. The description given by John is correct. In his case he used the only comparison available to him when he said that, from the throne “proceeded lightening”.

The brilliant, gleaming, radiant ever active and pulsating light of the Lord. Thunder accompanies lightning and is the result of the lightning dividing and super heating the air to some 20,000 degrees C, which is three times the heat of the surface of the sun. 

Voices also are heard. Of interest is the plurality of voice. In other words the voice of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit may be heard speaking from the throne. The one who enlightens, the sevenfold Spirit of the Lord illuminates the throne. Rev. 4:5


    WHEN LIGHT IS DARKNESS. 
An astonishing statement, indicative of one who has had the enjoyment of the light of the Lord and then lost it. Most assuredly, if one has had the light of life and has lost it, what had been light becomes gross darkness. 

The prime example is a being named Lucifer [Meaning; brightness, light bringer, spreading brightness]. There is no other created being in the angelic sphere who was in any greater position than he. He was as close to being God as any could be without being God. He occupied the highest place of leadership before the Lord. Isa. 14:12-14 

Pride and a strong desire to usurp the authority of the Lord brought about his downfall. He will be cast out and down, even to the sides of the pit. Yet to be accomplished. Jesus said that He beheld him fall as lightning. Luke 10:18 

Satan too was a being of light but that light is now darkness. He is still masquerading as a purveyor of light. But his light is nothing but darkness. 2 Cor. 11:14  

Most unfortunately, the Lord in His wisdom, has permitted access to heaven to that fallen one. For he is the accuser of the brethren, day and night. Rev. 12:10c 

He does not have time to give us a personal visit. He is before the throne day and night. He will be cast out again creating havoc on the earth. Rev. 12:12 

At the close of the tribulation he will be dealt with again and be chained and bound for a thousand years. He will be cast into the bottomless pit, shut up and sealed. At the close of the millennial reign, he is briefly loosed and will deceive the nations who have been resurrected in the second resurrection. Rev. 20:9 

In the end he and all of his are cast into a lake of eternal fire where they are tormented day and night, eternally. Rev. 20:10


     

                                           GOD IS. 12

    THE TRUE LIGHT. 
Not only the real light but also the light of truth. He is the very personification of truth, as He gave His life for the world. He brought the only light of truth which is the source for the spiritual enlightenment for all born into this world. John 1:9 

He came with the explicit purpose of giving a full understanding of Himself as the  truth, that we might know Him who is true. Also, that in a world confessing many gods we might know the one true  God and thereby possess eternal life. 1 John 5:20 


    LIGHTNING IN THE CLOUDS. 
It is thought that lightning is produced by the interaction of ice particles called, hydrometeors, colliding in the clouds. These ice particles are tossed about by updrafts and gravity, constantly crashing into each other, causing the upper portion of the cloud to become positive while the lower part becomes negative. 

This will build up a tremendous electrical presence ultimately causing lightning in the cloud or striking the ground. 

The conflict of the ages between the positive forces of the Lord and the negative forces of the devil have brought forth the light of the Lord, which always dispels darkness. Satan is in a loosing battle and he knows it. The Lord is not against using lightning, or what is called His arrows, against those who trouble His people. Ps. 18:14 Hab.3:11 

The majestic voice of the Lord will be heard creating fear and consternation. The lighting down of His arm will be made manifest in great anger. It will cause fear and dread to such a degree that there will be no resistance to the manifestation of His mighty arm. The people of His purchase will all ‘passover’ into the land of His promise and that safely. Ex. 15:16 

He did it once, He will do it again. His redeemed are the people purchased by His blood. Acts 20:28 

With cloud burst, thunder storm and hail He will visit this earth in the last days. Isa. 30:30 

The shout, the spectacular sounding of that glorious voice will create both joy and fear, depending entirely on the spiritual status of the hearer.  At His coming, at the time of the first resurrection, He will come “with a shout, and the voice of the archangel” [who is Christ.] 

Please stop and think! With such a display of a tumultuous and clamorous voice, can His coming be secret? This is also the time of the trumpet sound, the last trumpet, the trumpet of the resurrection. 1 Thes. 4:15 

There is scheduled a five fold judgment, among many others, where the Lord will manifest Himself from the very heart of heaven causing lightning, voices, thundering, an earthquake and great bursts of hail, all of which will be felt and seen here on this earth. Rev. 11:19 

This is but one of a series of such formidable events that are to visit the earth in these last days. 

  


                            GOD IS.  13

    A CONSUMING FIRE. 
This is a very explicit statement revealing an aspect of the being of the Lord which is not commonly declared. Even a casual reading of the Word of the Lord will show evidence of this truism. From the very beginning of our subject let it be known that fire is not God. 

Over the span of the ages fire has been an object of worship by heathen people who did not know the Lord of glory. The following in no way has any reference to worshipping or the exaltation of fire. However it must be admitted that the Lord on various occasions revealed Himself as one who occupied a holy fire. Heb. 12:29 

As fire He is seen, both in judgment and in great and abundant mercy, in the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire. With fire He covers the broad aspect of His dealings with mankind, both good and bad. The heart attitude of man determines the particular manner in which the Lord of Fire will be made manifest to that particular group or individual.


    FIRE IN JUDGMENT. 
The very first record of the manifestation of fire against sin is in relationship to Sodom and Gomorrah. The Nineteenth chapter of Genesis very explicitly explains the sin of the occupants of the cities. A subject, the discussion of which, is destined to become taboo in the near future. The world will have the same attitude as those cities before the second coming of Christ. Paul opened his letter to the Romans with a scathing statement against those who profess themselves to be wise, but are fools. Rom. 1:22

Then in plain words, easily understood, words that need no interpretation, he outlined the spirit of the end of the age. A prophecy which is definitely being fulfilled today and can only increase in intensity and volume in the future. Rom. 1:23-31 

They are not ignorant of the standard of the Lord. They understand that those living in the sin outlined by Paul are worthy of death, that is the second death. Included also, are those who have pleasure or approve the wickedness committed by others. Rom. 1:31 

Sin is sin, whatever works of the flesh may be the particular act of the sinner. Deliverance from all sin is still made a reality in the lives of those who will come to the Lord in repentance. His forgiveness is complete, absolute and eternal. Paul made a fearful remark here, for he said, “when they knew God.” These statements were directed at a people who were not innocents, they had a knowledge of the Lord, yet refused to hear and repent. Consequently, their hearts were darkened to the reality of the holiness of the Lord. 1:21 

It was the fire of the Lord that was poured out on the cities because of their extreme wickedness. They were totally given over to corruption. Gen. 19:24   




                GOD IS.  14

    THE BUSH THAT WAS BURNING BUT NOT BEING BURNT.
Amazing that the bush was covered and filled with flames, but remained exactly as it was, perfectly normal. This fire was most unusual. It was however, just as named, fire.  A fire that could be consuming and destructive. In this case it did not destroy the bush. Actually the Angel of the Lord was the fire. Ps. 104:4 

He had come as The messenger of the Lord. This angel [messenger] was none other than the Lord Jesus. He is the true messenger of our God and appears in several theophanies, [prebirth appearances of Christ], in the Word. That it was not a created angel is readily seen in the introduction of Himself. 

No created angel can ever claim to be God. If he does he is a liar. when the Lord said “I am” Moses recognized Deity, bowed His head and could no longer look upon the bush or the Lord. The Lord called him and appointed him a task that was tremendous. Ex. 3:2-10 

The Lord answer the prayer of Moses by sending ball lightning and great hail storms, such as there had not been in the history of Egypt. Ex. 9:23-24


    THE PILLAR OF HIS PRESENCE. 
The cloud and the pillar of fire, one and the same, depending entirely on whether it was night of day. What excitement to have such a visible manifestation of the Lord constantly with them day and night. The presence in the pillar was their guide, provider, and protection. They were a marching miracle. They needed no generator to lighten their march or their camp at night, nor air conditioner by day to keep them comfortably cool. Ex. 13:21 

The pillar had miraculous action while it lead them by day. When their camped was moved, it stood between the pursuing Egyptians and the marching or camping Israelites. Ex. 14:19 

To the enemy it was total darkness, like the darkness of a heavily clouded night. On the other hand it was light for the camp of the people of the Lord.  Ex.14:20 

If that light be darkness how great is that darkness. Mt. 6:23 

The morning they crossed the Red Sea the Lord looked at the Egyptians through the cloud and created a problem for them. He caused the wheels of their chariots to fall off. What better way to deter them from following the Israelites and defeating them. 

Eureka! The Egyptians finally caught on that the Lord was on the side of the Israelites. That they were in dangerous circumstance and had better clear out by retreating. Ex. 14:24-25 

The Lord commanded Moses to stretch out His rod over the sea causing it to close up again. The Egyptian army which had followed them into the split of the sea were all destroyed, along with their equipment. Not one was able to escape. Ex. 14:28-29

     


                                     GOD IS.  15

           A FAMILY EXPERIENCE WITH THE PILLAR. 

My Father, passing Bethel Temple (a downtown church in Seattle, Washington) saw a gas filled balloon advertising healing meetings in the church. My twin sisters had been stricken with Polio and needed healing badly. Much was spent on doctors and medications seeking healing for them. Returning home he urged my Mother to attend these meeting with the girls, then six years of age. The very first night Mother and the girls went to the altar to give their lives to Christ. The next night when praying at the altar, as the Evangelist approached her, she sternly warned him not to give her an electrical shock as he had the night before, when he had laid hands of her. Later she was to learn that she had felt the power of the Spirit and it not an electrical shock. Bethel Temple became their church home. I was not saved until some years later.

The pillar of light was to visit them in our home. The youngest of the twins had a sucker stick in her hand and fell. The stick entered between the nose and the eye, causing the eye to cross. One night, sometime after midnight when all had retired for the night the power of the Lord came into our home. The front room was lightened with that glorious light. In a moment of time that eye was healed and immediately straightened. Two doctors, in later years have verified that there is not even a scar. The next morning the neighbor lady from across the street came over. She was big eyed and all bewildered. The night before she had been awakened by a bright light shining over our house. She testified that she saw a pillar of light shining over our house that lightened the whole house. The pillar, the glory of the Lord still exists today.

During World war 2 Mother worked at Boeings and had to get up very early in the morning and leave the home while it was yet dark. Though she never felt afraid. There were instances of divine protection. One cold winter morning while waiting for the bus a German shepherd dog came and sat at her feet. She had never seen the dog before nor did she ever see it again. One night, coming home late from a service a car began to follow her at her walking pace. Immediately there was a light that surrounded her and accompanied her until she arrived safely in the house. At a later time, once again that protecting light was to surround her and escort her, even though she saw nothing dangerous.  



                   God is.  16

    THE SMOKING FURNACE AND THE BURNING LAMP. 
Abram had prepared his sacrifice before the Lord In the darkness of the night a dual fire appeared. It must have been a very impressive sight for him to behold as in the darkness these extremely bright objects of light become visible. Gen. 15:17 

We have to ask, why two? The burning furnace. According to Easton, it was an oven for the baking of bread, which is a symbol of the Word of the Lord. The true bread. The blazing lamp is to suggest the presence of the Holy Spirit. Breaking the darkness is the Covenant of the Lord. Sealed and verified by the presence and light of the Living Word and the power and glory of the Holy Spirit. The Lord made Himself known by fire.


    THE MANIFESTATION OF THE LORD IN FIRE TO ISRAEL.
    The glory and fire of the Lord was revealed to them when He came down to Mount Sinai. The sight was so awesome that the people standing at the base of the mountain shook for fear at the sight unfolding before them. The greatest storm ever rested upon that area, as they heard the thunder and the voice of the trumpet and saw the lightning from the cloud that was upon the mountain. Ex. 19:16 

The cause was the mighty presence of the Lord as He descended in fire and the smoke of a mighty furnace. Even the mountain trembled at His presence. Ex. 19:18 

Would Moses dared to have gone up had not the Lord called him to approach Him? Moses was indeed a brave man.

    The fire of the Lord came into the camp of Israel because the Lord was angry with them over their constant complaining against Him. Now, are we not glad that we live under the New Covenant? The Lord did not like it then and He still does not like those who complain. Num. 11:1-3

    The fire of the altar was ignited by the Lord Himself. Lev. 9:24

That fire was to be perpetually maintained by the priest. Showing the everlasting, eternal nature of the Lord. Lev. 6: 12-13 

At the time of the dedication of the temple, following the prayer of Solomon, the Lord came down in fire and revealed His glory to the children of Israel. Showing His delight with the temple which was dedicated to Him. 2 Chr. 7:1-3 

The glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord, causing the people to worship. The people of Israel certainly learned that Jehovah was a God of fire. We pray for another visitation of the fire of the Holy Spirit upon the body of Christ throughout this world.

 


                GOD IS.  17

    HIS THRONE REPRESENTS HIS ESSENTIAL QUALITY. 
Since He is light and fire we would anticipate that these elements would appear in conjunction to His Holy presence and His throne. John, who received the Revelation of Jesus Christ equated the throne of His occupancy with lightnings, thundering and voices. 

Note that all are in the plural, showing that the throne of the Lord is one of great activity and manifestation of light and sound. The fire was to be seen in the seven flaming lamps that were before the throne which are the seven Spirits or the sevenfold Spirit of the Lord. Rev. 4:5 

The Holy Spirit is not divided into seven Spirits but is one Spirit. Eph. 4:4 

His sevenfold nature is found in Isa.11:2. 


    EZEKIEL WAS PRIVILEGED TO SEE THE THRONE. 
In relationship to the throne here is seen a MAN who is seated upon that throne. The scriptures give us a variety of glimpses at the throne and its occupant. In this case he saw a MAN; there is only one man who could possible be associated with that throne and that is Jesus. He is the King of Kings. Rev. 19:16 

Having this position He is proclaimed to be the only Potentate. 1 Tim. 6:15 

He is the triumphant Lamb who is designated to occupy the throne. He is seen in the very heart, the midst of the throne with the evidence of having been slain. However He is standing, so He is not there as a dead body. Rev. 5:6 

Because of the various aspects of His work and accomplishments He may be seen in different positions in the heavenly order. Jesus was able to offer to share His throne with those who overcome. Even as He had been victorious and had occupied the throne of the Father. Rev. 3:21 

So it is the throne of the Father. The throne of the Son. It is the throne of the Spirit for the presence of the Spirit is seen in the seven horns and eyes which are upon the Lamb and are recorded as being the seven Spirits of the Lord, or the Holy Spirit. Rev. 5:6 

Jesus predicted that He would return and sit upon the throne of His glory, at which time the twelve Apostles would occupy twelve governmental thrones and we see them as twelve of the twenty-four who surround the throne. Mt. 19:28 

In the prophecy of the Forty-fifth Psalm and repeated in Hebrews 2:8 

By the Father and proclaimed to the Son that the Son was God and that His throne is eternal. The throne of the Lord is an awesome place, from the promises made to the disciples and those who overcome the world, the flesh and the devil. 

They are also afforded a place, not only in the kingdom, but a place in the throne. It is an immense throne to be occupied by all of these. 



                  GOD IS. 18

    THE NATURE OF THE LORD IS REVEALED IN THE FIRE. 
Isaiah called it the “spirit of burning.” Isa. 4:4 

It is evident in this verse that there is a process of cleansing taking place. It is a wonderful work of the Lord whereby He is cleansing His church. His purpose is that she might be made fit to be His Bride. She is named Zion; that identifies her as the true spiritual Sion of the Lord. She is the city of the living God. The heavenly Jerusalem. Now, which city do you think is most important to the Lord? Heb. 12:22 

The spiritual city has a true foundation, the chief corner stone, the Lord Jesus Christ. Only that which is built on Him and by Him will stand. 1 Peter 2:6 

He will stand on Mount Sion with a special group of saints. So the Mountain is His. Rev. 14:1


    THE CLEANSING OF THE SANCTUARY. 
A work of purification that will bring the church to an immediate and eternal decision, to be or not to be holy. There will no longer be a middle road of compromise. The Lord will wash away all filth from His people, “by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning.”  Isa. 4:4 

Any real revival will have these two elements in it. A conviction of sin for the church member, and a purification by the Holy Spirit and fire. The fire of the Spirit is most pleasant but the burning of the flesh, the sanctification of body, soul and spirit, may be just that a burning, a destruction of our wants and ways. 

His presence is as the ”refiners fire and like fullers’ soap”... Strong stuff, but it gets the job done. As a refiner increases the heat until he has pure silver and gold, so the Lord will use the fire of the Spirit, or firey trials, to purge the church. The precious metal will stay in the fire until all impurities are removed. 

Are you in the fire? Praise the Lord He is sanctifying, that He might receive an offering of righteousness. See it in Malachi 3:2-3


    AND WITH FIRE. 
The fire is to purge, to cleanse, to destroy all of that which is superfluous. Today, we seem to have dismissed the words of John found in Mt. 3:12 

When speaking of the Spirit baptism, he recognized its sanctifying powers. The Lord Jesus holds the fan and will completely, thoroughly cleanse His threshing floor. We are living in harvest time. The chaff will be separated from the wheat and burned in the unquenchable fire. 

It becomes a matter of letting the Spirit of the Lord work a separation from the flesh, now, or if we wait, then it becomes a fire of judgment. Lord please send the fire, now, today.

     

                God Is.  19

    A FIRE THAT IS GREATER THAN FIRE. 
The fire of the creator who created fire for the use of mankind is far greater than that which He created. He is an eternal fire and will quench all other fire. To demonstrate His superiority over man made fire He stepped into the fire Himself. The friends of Daniel, men of spiritual stamina and integrity determined not to bow to false gods. Consequently they were thrown into a fiery furnace that had been heated seven times hotter than was common or necessary. Dan. 3:19 

There is a prophetic message here pertaining to persecution in the end of the age. It will be increased seven times. The number seven that speaks of the end of the age prior to the second coming of Christ. Having been bound and cast into an exceedingly hot furnace; it was so hot it killed the solders who threw them in. Surely, they too would die. Dan. 3:21-22 

The king in amazement saw not three but four. Furthermore he had more spiritual discernment than some modern day theologians. He said, “the fourth is like the Son of God.” Dan. 3:24-25 

With the presence of the Lord it is possible to live in the greatest fire kindled by man. For our God is a flaming fire. 


    LIVING WITH FIRE. 
The fires of hell are not the only eternal fire in which men will live. Our God is an eternal blazing fire. Heaven is His throne and He will manifest Himself in all of His splendor. It was Isaiah who asked the question. “Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us will dwell with everlasting burning?” Isa. 33:14

These words were relating to the condition that prevailed in Zion - those whom The Lord called sinners and hypocrites. It speaks of a revival of holiness and purity returning to the church in these last days. The Lord also promised that He would, “purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin”. Isa. 1:25 

How else is the dross removed except by fire? There is a time of sanctification about to break in upon the true church of the Lord which will change many practices and attitudes. 

Jesus had a special message for the Laodicean church pertaining to the gold market and it was not in New York. He urged them to buy of Him, gold, the righteousness of the Lord, the eternal Spirit and nature of the Lord. Spiritual gold and glory, gold which had been thoroughly tested in the hottest of fire and has had all the dross separated from it. 

This is the time of the age where the bride should be seeking after her bridal gown by drawing closer to the Lord Jesus. Seeking Him, and calling upon His name, that she might be clothed with the garments of beauty and holiness. Be ready, for at such an hour as ye think not. 



                GOD IS. 20

NOW, JUST WHO WILL DWELL WITH FIRE  
The answer  is plain and simple. The righteous, the upright.  Those who walk according to the Word. Isa. 33:15 

It must be remember that when written by the scribes, there were no chapter and verse divisions in the Bible. Verse fifteen belongs with verse fourteen. 

Our God is a consuming fire. Heaven, His throne, is a place of fire. Not the destructive fire of this earth, but heavenly fire, which Is most pleasant. John the Baptist stated concerning Jesus Christ that He would baptize "with the Holy Ghost and FIRE". Mt. 3:11 

The baptism of the Spirit is indeed a  baptism of fire. During that precious experience, the power of the Spirit - like electricity - will flow through the spirit, soul, and body of the person being baptized in the Spirit. It is the most wonderful of all the sensations experienced in this life. It is truly out of this world. It is heavenly.  

When  writing of the fire of the Lord it is this, heavenly, sort of fire, that is intended. Little Wonder then, that on the day of Pentecost (when they were filled with the Spirit) there were seen cloven tongues of fire resting upon them, the cloven tongues suggesting that the fire resting upon them was alive and flaming. It was a fire which was alive and blazing like that of a fireplace. Acts 2:3
 

THE VISION Of EZEKIEL.  
There were multiple factors in the vision of Ezekiel (as he was in captivity in Babylon) which relates to our subject.

He saw a whirlwind. A hurricane or a typhoon, no doubt. 

Of this we may be certain, it was one tremendous wind storm. The word in the Hebrew used here is ruwach, which may indicate anything from, Spirit, breath, to any movement of air. Rather than a storm caused by the elements, we are looking at the mighty moving of the wind or the Spirit of the Lord. 

Elijah was caught up into heaven by a whirlwind accompanied by a 'chariot of fire'. What an abundant entrance into the glorious presence of the Lord. 2 Kings 2:11 

A tornado is accompanied by Lightning as well as strong winds. What spectacular events these were, in which both Ezekiel and Elijah were involved. A whirlwind, a typhoon, or a Hurricane, develops from the meeting of two winds from different directions. Two invisible elements coming together making a visible - like the Godhead. 

What took place in the life of EIijah is borne out by the words of Nahum. The Lord has His way in the storm. Way, in the Hebrew, is a road, a course of life, or a mode of action.  Nah. 1:3

It was proven to be true in the life of Elijah. The Lord took him up a road that he had never traveled before. The throne of the Lord is spectacular beyond imagination.



     GOD IS.  21

THE CLOUD. 
The Lord concealed Himself in the thick cloud that He might appear before the people. His shining glory was to be hidden from them. From the cloud the Lord was to speak to Moses that the people might have confidence in him. Ex. 19:9 

The Lord met with Moses in a thick cloud that was filled with lightning and thunder. Ex. 19:16

Moses waited while the cloud settled down on the Mount, for six days, and on the seventh He called out to Moses from the dense cloud. That seventh day is a type of the of the day of rest, the Millennial reign of Christ on earth. On that day, the day of the true Sabbath of the Lord, the people saw the appearance of the mount as being covered with a devouring fire. Ex. 24:17 

Nevertheless Moses went up, into that cloud and devouring fire, and remained there for forty days and nights. He dwelt with the “everlasting burning and the devouring fire” of the Lord. Ex. 24:18

Returning from his sojourn on the mount Moses was saturated with the fire, the glory of the Lord.


EZEKIEL SAW AN IMENSE CLOUD APROACHING HIM. 
The cloud was filled with the fire of the Lord. The whole of the cloud was shining because of the fire and the glory of the Lord. The fire was blazing in a circuitous fashion, in folding itself much like the wheels of the four living ones. Others have described it as, “catching itself, kindling itself”. The fire is burning brightly with an intense force. 

His vision is to convey to us the vigor of this great manifestation of the mighty glory of the Lord. It has to be as sometimes is seen in the heat of a great forest fire the fire generates its own fire storm. A twirling blaze that makes the fire most difficult to control. Rest assured, there is no fire on earth like the fire that Ezekiel is gazing at, no doubt with great wonderment. Eze. 1:4


AMBER. 
As Ezekiel is transfixed by what he is seeing, suddenly and predominantly there appears the color of amber from the midst of the fire. Suddenly Ezekiel was looking at a throne which is occupied by what he states is “the appearance of a man”. Eze. 1:26 

From the waist up, this man was as glowing metal, full of fire, as if it had been heated in the hottest of furnaces. From His waist down it too was like a glowing fire with a brilliant light surrounding the whole person. Jesus is the light of the world. John on Patmos saw the Lord Jesus and used just a portion of what Ezekiel had seen as a description. That is His feet with the appearance “as if they had been burned in a furnace”. Rev. 1:14

What a glorious majestic throne is the throne of the Lord. Far beyond that is the striking beauty of the occupant of that throne.   



                                          GOD IS. 22
 
REVEALED IN THE RAINBOW. 
The brightness, the effulgence of the light surrounding the person seated on the throne was intense and beautiful. It created a complete rainbow, a perfect circle with all of its bright colors around and about the throne. Eze. 1:28 

The Lord is a covenant making and keeping God. The bow in the clouds was His sign with Noah that He would never again destroy the earth by flood. The Lord said that it was His bow, which He had set in the clouds as a token and sign of the Covenant. Gen. 9:13 

The thing that is important here is the Covenant. The Lord in making a Covenant always takes of Himself, His own being and becomes the surety of the Covenant. He is the Covenant in totality. If He is not involved in the Covenant, there is no Covenant. Christ is the instigator of the NEW, the Covenant which assures that all Covenants made by the Lord are legitimate.


THE RAINBOW. 
To produce the rainbow there are three elements which must be present. A cloud, producing rain. Rain to act as a prism and most important. bright sunlight. In the vision of Ezekiel the bright light and cloud are mentioned. To produce such an impressive rainbow, there had to have been moisture in the air around the throne. Incidentally, rain is a symbol of the Holy Spirit and the revival that is initiated when the latter rain, the Spirit, is poured out. We have before us an example of the diversity of the Godhead and the beauty of its unity. Three producing one.
 

THE MIGHTY ANGEL. 
This is one of those instances in the scriptures where an angel is not a created angel. Take a good look at Him. He is mighty, strong and powerful. Jesus is the all powerful one. Mt. 28:18 

His clothing is that of a cloud. It is guaranteed that it was a Huge, powerful nimbus cloud filled with electrical activity. The rainbow that was as a crown to Him illustrates the completeness of the Godhead which was made manifest in Him. His face shining and glistering with the sun like glory of the Lord. We have seen Him appear like this before. Now and in the past, we worship at those glorious feet. This time they are seen as pillars of fire, shining, and gleaming like well polished brass. They are no longer to be feet where forgiveness may be obtained but then they will be feet of judgment and retribution. Rev.10:1 

John had also seen Him with flaming eyes having feet like fine brass and a voice like that as the sound of many waters. He face did shine with the glory of the Almighty like the sun shining in its strength. He is fearsome in His roll as judge. Better to know Him as savior.
 
 
 
 
                                      GOD IS.  23
THE COLORS OF THE RAINBOW. 
The rainbow is always an item of interest when spread across the sky. It is hard to view one without calling the attention of someone else to it and sharing its beauty. The circle of the rainbow is typical of the completeness of the Lord, of his never ending life. He is without beginning of days or ending of life.  Heb. 7:3 

Its three basic colors represent the Triunity of God. The red, on the outer circle, the visible one, the Lord Jesus. Red in commemoration of His  blood sacrifice on the tree. Yellow is the color of the Father. The color of the sun, of the glory of the Lord. The blue is the color of the Holy Spirit. It is He who brings us into contact with the Lord. It is the color of the sky that we so greatly enjoy on a sunny day. 

There are actually seven colors to be found in a rainbow. They blend one into the other without having any visible line of demarcation. Seven is the number of the sevenfold Spirit of the Lord which is seen before the throne of the Lord. The one rainbow with its three basic colors is a type of the Godhead. Three in one. Incidentally, there are colors of the rainbow and in the spectrum of color which our eyes cannot see. They are there, but invisible to us. Just like the Lord, He is there but unseen to man.


THINGS INVISIBLE. 
In this series we have seen the visibility of some things that are invisible. So is the nature of God. He is not seen but at the same  time is highly visible in that which surrounds us daily, most of which we take for granted. Just common every day items, such as the  air we breath, the light whereby we see, the sound that grants us the  privilege of communication are invisible but so necessary for life here on earth. 

The Lord is made visible by  the creation which surrounds us daily and these precious invisible items created by the Lord which are so vital and necessary.  Rom. 1:20

Not the least of the things created is man. We are triune beings dwelling in a body that is highly visible. Possessing a soul that is carnal and sinful, but highly necessary for the life of the flesh is in the blood. Lev. 17:11  

Each of us having a spirit that is invisible and sometimes hard to define until it is born again of the Spirit of the Lord. Then we begin to understand the spiritual side of our nature. In the beginning the Lord said “let us” make man in “our image” and “after our likeness”. Gen. 1:26 

He made Adam a single man but in his composition the Lord made him a triunity with each part being different yet totally dependent one upon the other. In ourselves we have one of the most potent examples of the Godhead.




                                      GOD IS. 24
 
     THE LORD GOD IS A SUN. 
Shocking? The Lord is exactly what His Word portrays Him to be. From the outset let it be clear that the scripture does not say that the sun is God, nor will this study in any way try to present Him in that light. However, He is a sun. Ps. 84:11

That is, He is the source of all light and the light of every star or sun in the universe. Aside from Him there is no light anywhere of any kind. Before He created light for this universe, He was already light. Before He created the sun, moon and stars, He was light. He has never known darkness. His is like a sun shining in the fullness of its strength. He is positively the greatest, the brightest light in the whole of the universe.
 

     THE EVERLASTING LIGHT, THE NEVER SETTING SUN. 
Our sun and moon are destined to cease their shining. They will no longer give forth light as they do now. Isa. 60:19-20 

In exchange, the redeemed will bask in the eternal light, that which existed before the Lord created light for this world. In that day, our sun will no longer go down nor will the moon cease from giving light. There will be no night or darkness there. Time will be no longer. The Lord Himself will be their light and their everlasting glory. 

John in the Revelation given to him saw the new Jerusalem, the real city of the Lord. He described it as a city that had no need of the sun nor of the moon. It will be a city that is lightened by the true light. The glory of God and the Lamb is the light of that glorious eternal city. There will be no darkness there, not even a shadow. Pure light will radiate into ever nook and cranny of that city of cities. Rev. 21:24 

There will be no nighttime there, which means that we will never have to sleep because we will never grow tired. Our bodies will be like unto the majestic resurrected body of the Lord Jesus. It is a perfect city, no need of candle or electrical wiring. The light of that city is a gift from the Lord. Rev. 22:5 

The new Jerusalem, the city of the Most High, is the repository of the eternal, everlasting glory of the Lord. She is filled to the fullness with that spectacular presence and power of His light and Spirit. The city has the appearance of a stone most precious and would be of intrinsic value. The jasper is the name given for it and could be of a red or yellowish color. 

Red would seem the most fitting for the people who make up that city are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. What is most impressive is the fact of her transparency. Clear as crystal. Being of that nature she would refract the light flowing through her and manifest all the colors of light, even as a piece of valuable crystal will show the colors of light. Rev. 21:11
 
 
                                 GOD IS.  25
SPEAKING STARS. 
Present day scientists are so convinced that there is someone out there who has life that they are sending messages and listening to the sound of the universe trying to discover that life. The Bible has already said concerning the heavens that, “Day after day they pour forth speech.” Ps. 19:2 

The Lord has given them a voice which is heard world wide, by every speech or language.  Ps. 19:3 

Once again, the Lord is “clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made”. Rom. 1:20 

Not only is He seen but most certainly comprehended by His creation which surrounds us, both in the heavens and on the earth. 


WHAT IS THE MESSAGE THAT HAS BEEN SENT?  
The message is that, “the heavens declare the glory of the God”. Ps. 19:1 

If there were no other message, the fact that the universe is here should be enough to convince a person that all this needed the hand of a creator in order to be brought into existence. Let's listen to their voice. All stars are suns. The sun, which supplies and maintains life on this earth is a star. 

The two are synonymous. We live in an amazing universe. There are stars that are  six-hundred thousand times brighter than our sun. There are enormous stars. Take for instance the star named Antares. It is six-hundred million miles wide. A modern jet traveling at one-thousand miles per hour would take forty-six years to cross its face. Remember, “Our God is a sun and shield”. Ps. 84:11 

However huge, however bright, however much hotter other suns may be than our sun, the Lord is still greater than all because He brought them into being.


THE LORD USED THE HEAVENLY BODIES AS A TYPE. 
Joseph, who was a type of Christ, in his second recorded dream saw the sun, moon and eleven stars coming and bowing down to him. Gen. 37:9 

His Father with great indignation, rebuked him, as if though he could control his dreams. Jacob very readily interpreted the dream. He identified himself as the sun or possessing the headship of the family.

The moon, was his Mother and the eleven stars were his brothers. In this manner Jacob gave personality to the heavenly bodies. Gen. 37:10 

Using them as types and symbols, thus establishing a basis from which we may derive one of those so obvious and yet so mysterious evidences of the Godhead. The sun is a type of the Father. The moon a type of the Son, the Lord Jesus while the stars are a type of the Holy Spirit.  
    


                                     GOD IS. 26

    THE STARS ARE REFERED TO AS SYMBOLS OF GODS PEOPLE.

    THE LORD HIMSELF USED THEM AS  ILLUSTRATIONS.
He is well aware of the number of stars. As matter of fact He is the only one in all of time and in all of the universe who knows the exact number of the stars. Also, He determines or controls the number of them. In addition to that He has named each and every one of them.  Ps. 147:4 

Therefore He urges mankind to lift up their eyes and really seriously consider the fact that there had to be a creator for such wonders to exist. By His strength they maintain their orbit by the greatness of His might and power. Isa. 40:26

    The language of the symbol used by the Son of God in the book of Revelation connected stars as being representative of His people. In this case Jesus is shown holding seven stars in His right hand. Rev. 1:16 

These stars are  positively identified as being the seven angels or the seven pastors of the seven churches. Their number is limited to seven because the Lord wrote to seven different churches which existed  at that time.
Rev. 1:20, 2:1,3:1 

Stars are used again to represent leadership in the church of the last days. The woman of Revelation twelve could not be Mary by any stretch of imagination. The Revelation was not given until after the resurrection of Christ. The woman is the last day bride of Christ. She is royalty, for she is crowned. If the seven stars were depicted as leaders of the church, then the twelve stars in the crown of the woman are also Apostolic leadership. Rev. 12:1 

They are presented as stars because of their light, their comprehension of the Word of the Lord, and the precious anointing of the Spirit illuminating them.

There is another star that must be considered here. This one will look like the others and at one time was a part of the hierarchy of heaven. He is seen as a fallen star. His name is Lucifer, meaning brightness, light, bringer or star of the morning.  Isa. 14:12 

In his pride he sought to usurp leadership from the Lord. Note, among other things, he wanted to be a ruler over the stars of God. The stars mentioned are not the created stars of the heavens. They are the saints of the Lord. Isa. 14:13 

Be aware that he will approach the church as an angel of light. He is the perfection of deception. 2 Cor. 11:14 

His last day deception is so clever that he will convince one-third of the stars [saints] that he is the Christ. The church of today faces a time of testing as no others have faced in the gospel dispensation. The tail [the ultimate, a part of his final actions] of the dragon is noted as drawing the stars and casting them to the earth. 

He does not treat them with love or gently. They are just a pawn in his hands. He will deceive with false teachings and doctrines of devils. Rev. 12:4 
      


  GOD IS.  27

 FURTHER EVIDENCE OF STARS REPRESENTING PEOPLE. 
It is promised that the spiritually wise shall shine as the firmament. Those who turn many to righteousness as the stars, forever and forever. It is very evident that the glory of the Lord will rest upon the soul winner and they will glow with the eternal light of His presence.  Dan. 12:3 

The path of the just will shine more and more intensely until the day of perfection. The Lord establishes a standard of purity for those who would walk with these benefits in their lives. Prov. 4:18 

Jesus promised the righteous would shine as the sun in the eternal kingdom of their Father. Remember every star is a sun. What a bright and glorious place heaven will be with all the brightly shining saints gathered together. Mt. 13:43


 MEASURE OF THE SHINING OF THE RESURRECTED. 
All who have trusted In the Lord Jesus Christ will be resurrected in the first resurrection. All will most sincerely feel the joys and blessings of heaven and the assurance of life everlasting. 

However there will be a difference in the status of people in the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There will be as many differences in the appearance and the measure of glory resting upon each individual as each star differes one from another. 

How boring heaven would be if we all were the same and there were no variations. Just as here on earth. In this life, no two people have the same voice, finger prints, eyes or DNA, so in heaven here will be a great diversity. Some will have star-like glory. Others will have moon-like glory. The highest glory will be that of the glory of the sun. A glory that is reserved for the Bride of Christ who literally has all the three. Rev. 12:1 

The great variety of glory in resurrection is recorded in 1 Cor. 15:41
 
Be assured that there will be no disappointment in heaven. No one will feel jealous because someone has more than they have. All will feel very equal there, in spite of the great differences. Heaven will be heaven for all. No one will feel slighted. That there will be differences may be further noted in the twenty-four elders to whom thrones are designated. They encircle His throne. The twelve early disciples received the personal promise of the Lord Jesus that they would occupy twelve of those thrones. Mt. 19;28 

The oher twelve are the stars in the woman's crown. Rev. 12:1 

Jesus gave even a better promise to the overcoming saints. They were to be elevated to the very highest and were to sit with Him in His throne and the Fathers throne. That is the place that is reserved for the Queen. The Bride is the eternal Center piece of heaven and delight of the Father and the Son. Eph. 2:7 

Jesus will Have a Bride, a Wife, a Queen who will live and reign with Him throughout eternity. Rev. 3:21



       GOD IS.  28

    ARE THE STARS REALLY SENDING MESSAGES? 
Scientists say that the stars are constantly sending messages of light out into space and consequently to this world. What are they saying? By its light, the direction in which a star is traveling may be known. The brightness of a star is another statement that may be garnered from the light that it is emitting. 

Also carried by its light is the color of the star. It tells its temperature, its composition [elements], also its weight and size. All of these are measurable and give knowledge of each and every star, only by the light that flows from them. Spiritually, their voice is also heard. If one can garner no other message from them, the very fact that they are in existence and maintain their status quo in the universe requires a divine intelligence. Ps. 19:1-3


    HIS STAR. 
This is one of the most amazing prophecies to be found in the Bible. Truth, out of the mouth of a prophet hired to curse the people of the Lord. Balaam, [meaning devourer], was his name. The proper name for his character. In defense of the people of Israel the Lord appeared to him and commanded that he not go with those who had hired him, and he did not go. Also the Lord said that he was not to curse the people, and he was unable to do so. Num. 22:12 

Let it be known that Balaam was not a prophet of the Lord. The Lord can use any donkey to speak if He so desires. Which one was the donkey? The man or the beast? The whole thing is a very intriguing story, but to the prophecy. “I shall see Him, but not now. I shall behold Him but not nigh”. 

This visitation was not for his day, a matter of which he was well aware. The only way that he will ever see Him is at the great white throne judgment. “THERE SHALL COME A STAR.” A direct Messianic prophecy. A proclamation of the coming STAR from heaven. The story illustrates the ability of the Lord to take adverse purposes and turn them into good, for His people.  Num. 24:17


    THE SON AS A SUN. 
Remember, every star is a sun. Jesus was to come as a star. Malachi prophesied that He would rise as the “Sun of righteousness, with healing in His wings”. Wings or extremity, we may consider it two ways. In the laying on of hands He healed. The healing ministry will continue until He returns. Both may be considered extremities. Jesus is the Sun, the shining forth of the righteousness of the Lord. Mal. 4:2 

He is the light of the world. He is the light of life. He came as a light to lighten the Gentiles. He is the true light. He will be the light of the New Jerusalem. His Sun will shine forever.   



       GOD IS.  29

    LETS FOLLOW THE LIGHT OR THE STAR. 
Balaam said, He would come as a star out of Jacob. Malachi stated that He would arise as the Sun of righteousness. Both types speak of one thing and that is a great light that would shine brightly in the darkness. He was also to come with a scepter, or as one who would rule. Over the ages, stars have been used by royalty as symbols of their office and have been incorporated into their coat of arms. 

In relationship to the birth of Christ, the announcement made to the shepherds was spectacular. We are not surprised that the angel of the Lord was the one who appeared to them. He is the Lord Jesus in angelic form. “The glory of the Lord shone round and about them”. They were bathed in the glorious light of the Lord for the sun of righteousness had come to the world. Luke 2:9 

When the parents of Jesus took Him to the temple, Simeon, a just and devout man met them. He had been waiting to see the Messiah for the Lord had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen Christ. He prophesied over Jesus these words, “A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel”. Luke 2:32 

Zacharias declared that, “through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us”.
Luke 1:78 

All these are evidence that real, true light had come into the world at the birth of the Lord Jesus. He is the Sun of righteousness.

    In the song of victory composed by Deborah and Barak, “in the very final statement they sang”, “Let them that love Him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might”. Thus, equating the shining of the glory of the Lord in His people to the brightness of the sun. Judges 5:31 

Jesus, Himself, touched on the same theme by making the positive statement that, “the righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father”. Mt. 13:43 

Peter, having heard the audible voice of the Lord on the Mount of Transfiguration called it a more sure word of prophecy. He urged the church to take heed to the light that dispels darkness, while looking forward to the dawning of a new day, a new form of life. That which all experience when they come to Christ, and find that new life in Him. 

Furthermore the promised rising of the day star in their hearts. The entrance of the Lord Jesus coming, not only in the initial phase of our spiritual life where we become babes in Christ, but in a good healthy spiritual growth. The beginning of our spiritual life is but foundation. There must be a positive and progressive evidence of the deepening of that life that is so abundantly bestowed upon us in Christ Jesus. We must increase in wisdom and knowledge in the Lord. 2 Peter 1:20     



       God Is.  30                   
   
    THERE SHALL COME A STAR. 
So reads the prophecy of Balaam. The wonderful thing about that statement is that it was fulfilled just as stated. Yet many are failing to know and receive its importance. Balaam spoke of a “bright one” who would come in the future. He gave that Star honor and personality by capitalizing the letter S in star. Jesus, the Revelation declared Himself to be “the bright and morning star.” Rev. 22:16 

Peter adds to His witness by calling Jesus “the day dawn,” and “the day star.” Consider also that He offers the “morning star” to those who are triumphant. Rev. 2:28 

There is much evidence that Jesus is that bright shinning light from on high who may be equated in the language of typology, to a star.


    HIS STAR. 
So stated the wise men. That star was not the possession of another person, except for the Lord Jesus. It was His and His alone. It did not belong to another. Mt. 2:2 

It was a star that possessed intelligence. It had LED [went before] these men from the east and came and STOOD, [to abide] precisely, over the house in the which the Christ child was domiciled. Jesus at this time was no longer considered to be a baby. He is now called a young child. Mt. 2:9 

This star was not a meteor, a conjunction of planets or any other natural occurrence in the skies. The impossibility of just any star performing in this manner is out of the question. Which star is over your house pointing out where you live? The same Lord who led the children of Israel by a cloud and pillar of fire sent both the wise men and the star to lead them. The Lord is not confined or limited by the laws of nature. He performs His deeds in a supernatural fashion. Dare we deny Him the ability to do and act according to His own will and way? He is God and nothing is impossible with Him.


    HIS PRESENCE. 
Saul was to meet him on a dusty road. A light greater than the noon day sun shone around him. In this blazing, blinding light, Saul met the Sum of righteousness, the light of the world. Acts 26:13-15 

This same Jesus is seen as having a countenance that was shining with a brilliancy of the sun shining in full strength. Rev. 1:16,20 

Then He is seen as a mighty angel whose face was as it were the sun. Can you imagine such strong light. To look upon Him would be like looking directly into the surface of the sun. It is blinding, do not try it. Rev. 10:1 

That this angel is Jesus is further confirmed by the fact of His cloud covering and that same rainbow that is seen around the throne is likewise seen around His head. He is a star. He is a Sun. He is light.



 
                           GOD IS.  31
 
 WHERE IS  THE HOUSE? 
The Lord whose throne is in heaven and the earth is His footstool asked a pertinent question. Where is my house and where is the place of my rest? Isa. 66:1 

Just where is His throne. The response to that could well be anywhere and every where. Solomon realized that the Lord did not dwell on the earth, nor in the house that he had built. For even the broad expanse of the heavens could not contain Him. The Lord is most certainly much greater than all of His creation. 1 Kings 8:27 

We are reassured that  there is a throne by the many statements of John in the book of Revelation among them he saw a throne "set," established, fixed. Rev. 4:2


 WE HAVE SEEN VARIOUS CHARARISTICS OF GOD. 
In very definite and positive ways the Lord reveals the reality of His nature. He most definitely is Light. 1 John 1:5 

All light originates with Him. Absolutely, He is just what the Word makes Him to be and that is Fire. A sin destroying eternal fire. Heb. 12:29 

God is also a sun. His glory outshines the sun and will throughout eternity. In His brilliancy He is A sun.
Ps. 84:11 

The Lord Jesus is given the position of the Sun of righteousness. He is the very demonstration of the righteousness of the Godhead. Mal. 4:2 

All these have one thing in common, they are an emission of light in one way or another. They serve as pointers directing us to the next step


 PAUL WROTE TO TIMOTHY. 
In his letter he penned these words concerning the dwelling place of the Lord. "Dwelling in light which no man can approach unto". 1 Tim. 6:16 

Jesus, during His life time here on earth, shone as the sun. Mt. 17:2 

The Jesus of the book of Revelation is seen having a countenance as the sun. Rev. 1:16 

The righteous in the kingdom of the Lord will shine as the sun.  Mt. 13:43 

We even find proof in the Bible that the sun is occupied, For there is seen an angel standing in the sun. Rev 19:17 

Then there is that gorgeous woman, who is the Bride of Christ and she is clothed with the sun. Rev. 12:1 

She is also that New Jerusalem, the spiritual one, the eternal one, which is lightened by the sun like glory of the Father and the Lamb. Rev. 21:23 Rev. 22:5 

The New Heavens and the New Earth will not require a sun. The Lord is their eternal light. 
 
 
 
                                      GOD IS. 32

GOD IS OMNISCIENCE.  
Although it is not a word found in the Bible, it still presents a concept of who  GOD IS. It is a theological or a religious term.This particular aspect of His  being is most certainly recorded in the Word. His wisdom and knowledge are  infinite. He has known the end from before the beginning and has proclaimed the  conclusion openly, in the prophetic utterances of the Word. The things which He  has stated will take place. He will do that which well pleases Him. Because He  Is God He can make such statements. Isa. 46:10


HE HAS THROUGH KNOWLEDGE  OF THE ENTIRE MAN.
David was one who was well aware of the intimate knowledge of the Lord, in regards to the entire life of man. He acknowledged that the Lord  had possessed his way of life and formed his bones from his mothers womb. From conception the Lord is involved in the life of all who are born into his world.  Ps. 139:13 

In this Psalm the close affinity of the Lord to the life of David is  acknowledged. David was well aware of the fact that the Lord had totally inspected his life. Ps. 139:1  

Thus knew him in a complete manner. So much so, that before he yet considering a matter the Lord knew and understood his thoughts. Ps. 139:2 

Even in the natural associations which we have in this life we come to know each other, quite well. How much more does the Lord know each  and every one of us. The Lord saw and understood each and every action and had  become familiar with his reactions to circumstances. Ps. 139:3 

Before a word is even spoken the Lord knew it, completely. Ps. 139:4 

He knew that the Lord had fenced him in and had laid His hand on him. His ways were directed by the Lord. Ps. 139:5 

That would be through knowledge and guidance in the life of man. The  Lord knows the way we take. That includes all of us.


WHO HAS OR CAN INSTRUCT THE LORD? 
Has anyone been able to understand the mind of the Lord? Or is there anyone with the knowledge and wisdom whereby they may instruct Him? Or can any counsel Him. The mind and thought pattern of the Lord is so much greater than that of any man that such a question becomes ridiculous. Isa. 40:13 

The Lord in comparing the thoughts of man and His thoughts and the ways of man with His, used the analogy of the heights of the heavens above the earth. Isa. 55:8-9  

Space is measured in light years. A measurement that is meaningless to us  because of the great expanse of the universe. So is the knowledge of the Lord above that of  man. The Omniscience of the Lord is highly evident in the words of Hagar. “Thou God seest me”. In her trouble and deep distress the Lord knowing her situation made Himself known to her, giving her promises that encouraged her heart. Gen. 16:13 

Prophetically the Lord spoke to her about the character and nature of her son Ishmael. A prophecy that we see being very strongly fulfilled in our world today. There was to be a spirit of opposition one against another and against the outsider and stranger. Gen. 16:12 

The place of this contact cannot be ignored is was at a well named Beer-lahai-roi, or "well of a Living (One) my seer". Gen 16:14 

Ishmael is yet to know revival.



 
        GOD IS.  33
 
 NO ONE, NOTHING HIDDEN FROM HIS SIGHT. 
Some one greater than ‘big brother’ sees and knows the doings of each and every person on the earth. How can He possibly be envied with this ability, when He must behold the wickedness of the world? There is no creature that is hidden from Him. All works wrought by men are openly and unashamedly committed before the Lord. Heb. 4:13 

The eyes of the Lord are upon all, sinner and saint. On behalf of those who know Him, His eyes are constantly upon them. He knows their good days and heir bad days. He is mindful of them and will manifest Himself in night and power of behalf of those who have perfect hearts before Him 2 Chr. 16:9 

Where can man hide from  Him when He fills heaven and earth? His mighty, glorious presence is everywhere.  Jer. 23:24 

From heaven to hell, and unto the uttermost parts of the sea, His presence is there. He is inescapable. To Him even the darkest of nights is as bright as the day. Ps. 139:8-12
 

 THE NATIONS ARE BUT A DROP IN THE BUCKET TO HIM. 
Their might, their wealth, are meaningless in His sight. They are counted as the small dust of the balance. Mankind becomes so smug and self satisfied.

Quickly he forgets the Lord, until catastrophe strikes and then he will call upon the Lord. Even the isles of the sea are a very little thing to Him. Isa. 40:15 

According to an article in the Jakarta Post, [Indonesia] "the Dec. 26. 2004 earthquake caused the north coast of the island of Simeuleu to rise by 1.3 meters while the south coast sunk by fifty centimeters. The March 28th quake lifted the western part of Nias three meters above the surface of the sea. It also caused the island of Nias to shift some 12 meters westward away from the island of Sumatra". 

The events come to us as warnings of more horrendous things that are impending. It is time to recognize that He is God and has poured out His love and mercy on the world in great abundance. That day of mercy is drawing to a close; it is time to turn to Him with a whole heart. 

He is the true God, the only living Lord and dispenser of life. The earth will tremble before Him. None of the nations of the world will be able to withstand His indignation. He has determined a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness. Jer. 10:10 

From the very beginning the Lord determined His works; the things that He would accomplish with humankind and in the earth. He has known from eternity the things that would take place on earth; there is nothing of the works of men on the earth that could surprise Him. Acts 15:18 

He knew it from eternity past.   
 

 
                               GOD IS. 34
 
GOD IS LOVE. 
The Lord could not be God, were not His very essence and being love. The only true love that has ever been known in this world is the Love of the Lord. Human love, mothers love cannot even begin to be compare to the love that the Lord has displayed to this world. 

His love is an emotion, the measure of which is only found in Him. John, twice in First John four mentions the fact that "God IS love". v. 8, 16 While the emphases "IS," is obviously supplied it nevertheless needs to be, for love is precisely what He is.


THE EVIDENCE OF THAT LOVE DWELLING WITH US. 
The Lord is constantly giving evidence of the truth that He desires to dwell within the spirit nature of His people. Love, originates from the Lord. He is the source, the out raying of true love. That which is known as Agape love. Love that is so pure and powerful that the Lord alone is able to meet its standards. 

The nature of the Lord is to share, share of Himself and most definitely; in doing so He shares of His love. The proof of the possession of His nature is to love as He loves. To love Him is not at all difficult. The true test comes with our attitude one toward another. 

For, if we manifest love one to another, that is, His love, that becomes the proof that He is dwelling within. Unless He is within, we cannot emulate such tremendous and majestic love as He possesses. Moreover, His love in us is to be perfected. To come to a fullness and measure equal to His. 1 John 4:12


THE RECIPIENTS OF HIS LOVE BELIEVE AND KNOW. 
Unequivocally, they are fully aware of His Spirit of love residing within. For love - His love - is the control that is in effect when the tests come and we are able to stand and pass the test. 

The Lord and love are totally mingled by John in his statements relating to the unity of the Lord and His love. So much so, that one cannot be without the other. Where the Lord is there is love. The person who is filled with, and demonstrates love, gives positive evidence of their relationship with the Lord. 1 John 4:16
 

 
   GOD IS. 35
 
THE MAGNITUDE OF HIS LOVE. 
The measure of His love is beyond human understanding. The more we delve into the scriptures that reveal the enormity of His love the more we are made to marvel at such abounding love. His love for humanity drove Him to surrender His "only begotten". Actually, to take of His closest companion, the Word, the Logos and send Him not the world to become the only sacrifice that could deliver man from the bondage of sin.
John 3:16
 
HIS LOVE MADE MANIFEST. 
In the showing forth of His great love He made it known that it was for the sake of others that He was willing to take on human form and to be sacrificed on their behalf. Life, a good life, now, in this world and life, real life, that is eternal life has been made available for all who will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 John 4:10 

Where His love prevails there will be love for one another in the body of Christ. It is a basic sign indicating that one has truly been born of the Spirit. 1 John 4:7 To not exercise love and not to demonstrate a pure love is an indication that the person does not know the Lord. 1 John 4:8
 

WHAT IS THE EXTENT OF HIS LOVE? 
His love reaches far beyond those who would become His friends, and reaches even to those who were his mortal enemies. The very ones responsible for His death were the object of His prayer. He asked the Father to forgive them for they did not understand the what they were doing. Luke 23:334 

If He must die, then someone had to take His life from Him. In all actuality, each and every person born into this world bears a responsibility for His death. He died for our sins and iniquities. 

The love of the Lord reaches out even to His enemies. Jesus taught that we were to love our enemies. This is the real test of our Christianity. Everyone  at sometime in their Christian walk will find that they have an enemy. Mt. 5:44 

Most generally it will be a fellow Christian, whom we feel has harmed us. Perhaps even spoken harsh and untrue things about us. If we are filled with the love of the Lord, He will help us find a way whereby we can love them with the true measure of His love. 

Love is imparted to us of the Lord. It is a virtue that comes with the manifestation of His being within us.     



 
 
                                         GOD IS.  36
 
LOVE BEYOND COMPREHENSION. 
That is, human understanding. Once a person has tasted of that marvelous love, they begin to understand the enormity of it. They receive of its passion and have become partakers of His love. They now know that love, which is so great that it surpasses any realization that is possible, before one participates of it. 

As far as the purpose of the Lord is concerned it is also incomprehensible that such a goal could be met. With the Lord, all things are possible. When He sets His mind and will to a purpose, rest assured it will happen. His supreme objective is that He, through the Spirit might bless His people until they are " filled with all the fullness of God". Eph. 3:19


HOW GREAT IS THE BOND THAT HE  PROPOSES? 
The thought of a continuous and consistent relationship is expressed in several other ways in the scripture. We have, for instance, the promise that He will abide with us. That means that He will continue, to remain, in the place that He has occupied in our lives. He does not come and go, He is consistently with us. John 15:4 

He has declared that He will dwell in the spirit being of those who are the temple of God. Further more that He will walk in them and be their God. Where could there be a closer fellowship that? 2 Cor. 6:16 

Being the dwelling place of Christ, by faith, will result in a solid association which will develop roots of strength and cause one to have a solid foundation in the love of the Lord. Eph. 3:17 

When the Spirit of the Lord that brought Christ from the dead dwells in us. That same Spirit "shall quicken your mortal bodies". How could it be otherwise, His presence in us not only heals but produces a lively body and spirit. There is a life giving force to be found in His continuous presence. Rom. 8:11


HIS LOVE IS CONDUCIVE TO OBEDIENCE. 
Doing His will and being obedient to His commandments will bring assurance of His presence.  For, that is the example that He left to us. He obeyed the Father. He taught in such a manner that His joy might remain in us in the very completeness of its blessings. John 15:11 

We frequently quote the scripture that, "whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father, in My name, He will give it to you". John 15:16  

Wait a minute, there is a  contingency. That if we are fruitful and that fruit remains with us, then we have the privilege of asking what we will and the Father will respond. Fruit bearing Christians are blessed of the Lord. 
 


  
                     GOD IS.  37
 
THE EPITOME OF CARING, IS IN HIS LOVE. 
The extreme care that He exhibited toward Israel, manifests how great His love and thoughtfulness towards His very own can be. The Lord measures the compassion of humans by their actions toward the "little guy," toward the insignificant in the their eyes. Actions and attitudes performed toward them is rated to be the same as toward the King. 

If you have done it unto them, one of the least of My brethren, you have done it unto Me. We all know that the person of position or prestige will be shown great respect. The same should be shown toward all people, and that without respect of persons. Mt. 25:40


IMAGINE THE LORD FEELING JUST AS THEY FELT. 
When someone we love is in great affliction, whether from circumstance or sickness, we empathize with them. In the case of a child, if we could we would take their place rather than see them suffer. Would you believe it, the Lord, "In all their afflictions" was afflicted with them. Isa. 63:9 

He could have delivered them immediately, but for their own benefit He allowed them to face every trial and difficulty that came their way. How else could they learn to trust Him? Life’s lessons are great teachers. 

Nevertheless, He suffered, even more than they, because of the tremendous love that He had for them. The same can be said for all men, even the vilest sinner. It grieves Him to see them continue in the way of sin when the price of their redemption has been paid.


THE ANGEL OF HIS PRESENCE WAS WITH THEM. 
The angel of His presence is none other than the Logos, the Word, which was later to be made flesh, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord promised Moses that His "presence" would go with them and that He would give them rest. Ex. 33:14  

The Lord, in His love and compassion, heard their complaints in Egypt. He said that He had seen the affliction of His people, and had come to save and deliver them. Acts 7:34 

When the Lord takes action, He really takes action. His compassion, His love, His pity, His emotions were so stirred that He set forth to redeem them. 

This He did in His own way. Do not expect the Lord to work just the way you may be planning. 

When He does it His way, it is done in a proper and through manner. He bare them, that is He took them up, or took the responsibility of their deliverance. He carried them. Gave them the best of food. Clothing that did not wear out. Healed everyone of them as He took them out of Egypt. 

Had they but learned not to complain and rebel, He would have taken them directly into the promised land. Isa. 63:9 

But they rebelled and vexed the Holy Spirit. Foolish people. Let us beware, that we do not emulate their example. Isa. 63:10



 
                GOD IS.   38

GOOD AND UPRIGHT IS THE LORD. 
We would anticipate that any being worthy of the title of God has to be good morally and beneficially, in every aspect to His adherents. So, we find the Psalmist proclaiming that the Lord, Jehovah is good, that is He is gracious, dispensing good things to all who will come to Him. He is upright or straight forward in His dealings with us. His Word lets us know exactly our standing with Him. Ps. 25:8
 

REPENTANCE. 
A deep sorrow and conviction of sin is a manifestation of the goodness of the Lord. However heart sick His dealings may make us, the results are marvelous. For it is His goodness, His mercy which leads us to repentance. Because He loves us He will correct and perhaps even punish us to manifest, in us, the riches of His goodness. Rom. 2:4
 

BECAUSE HE IS GOOD, ALL HIS GIFTS ARE GOOD. 
Not only are His gifts good but they are perfect. As our heavenly Father, He will never give a gift that is detrimental or harmful.

From the gift of salvation to the resurrection from the dead, everything that He so graciously bestows upon us is worthy, perfect and always beneficial. James 1:17  
 

THE LORD IS CONSTANTLY IMPARTING HIMSELF TO US.
His purpose being that we might have His likeness while we are yet in this world. He metes out His grace in great abundance that we might constantly show forth the beauty of His life in us. Whereby we may at all times, in all things exemplify a good works ethic that comes directly from Him. 2 Cor. 9:8  

Comfort and peace of heart and life is established in us when we do His will. He then can establish us in the Word and the good work which He has planned for us. 2 Thess. 2:17


HE WORKS IN US GOOD THINGS. 
His intent is to bring us to a place spiritually where He may see us growing according to His will. Developing, molding, forming our life into that which, by good works, conforms to His will. This is the consummation of the salvation which He has begun in us. Our conformity to that which pleases Him brings glory, honor and praise to the Lord Jesus. Heb. 13:21 

Why do we settle for an inferior status in the Lord when we can have His fullness? We are indeed a strange breed. Far too willing to settle for second best or even less, when we could have the very best.


WHAT MAY WE EXPECT FROM ONE WHO IS GOOD? 
As in all things He is the essence, the spirit, the real meaning of good. The Psalmist found that when he called upon the Lord, that in His goodness He manifest quick forgiveness and a great abundance of mercy. Ps. 86:5 

Moreover, because He is good, He would make known His loving kindness and the multitude of His tender mercies. Ps. 69:16 

Yes indeed, He is  good.



 
                                GOD IS.  39
 
THE SECRET OF RECEIVING OF HIS GOODNESS. 
The Lord delights in a people who seek after Him. They learn to be patient in their waiting before Him; to tarry before the Lord is to prepare the heart to hear His voice when He speaks. Time spent with the Lord is time well spent; it has a very special reward. The Lord takes cognizance of them and will reward them openly. To be closeted with the Lord has great rewards. Mt. 6:6 

He is good to that soul that seeks after Him with the objective of knowing Him better. Lam. 3:25 

When we recognize how manifold are the many benefits which He has bestowed upon us, it is easy to praise Him. He is worthy of constant praise and adoration, regardless of our circumstances. Actually, there is relief when we are in adverse situations by praising Him. Event to the singing of praises unto His worthy name. Ps. 135:3
 

THE LORD IS GOOD TO ALL. 
Though not all will worship Him, still He extends His goodness to all. His tender mercies are extended to each and every person. Ps. 145:9 

Because He is life, He has extended to every living creature the privilege of life by giving to all, life, breath and all things necessary for their form of life. Acts 17:25 

He causes the sun to shine and the rain to fall upon both the righteous and the unrighteous. He treats them equally with His daily bounties. Mt. 5:4 

His invitation to partake of who and what He is, is extended to all. For the whosoever will may taste of the Lord and find for themselves that He is good. Ps. 34:8 

This verse may be a reference back to the Manna with which the Lord supplied Israel during their wilderness sojourn. It was of such perfection that they needed no supplements to maintain perfect health.
 

HE IS MORE THAN A SHORT TERM BENEFACTOR. 
His mercy is eternal. Those who are the recipients of His mercy are blest of Him unto eternal life. The precious promises of His Word are extended to all and every generation of human kind. Ps. 100.5 

Man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward; difficulties and problems are a part of this life. Some are of our own making; others come from without, but they are certain to take place. There is no better friend to have than the Lord who is so good to all who trust in Him. 

The Word declares Him to be a stronghold in that day of trouble. He never fails to show Himself strong on behalf of those who place their trust and confidence in Him. Nah. 1:7 

In that goodness, which is a part of His nature, He manifests a willingness to forgive. He is merciful, far beyond that which we are worth to receive. The Word gives  a measurement of mercy that is stated to be "plenteous". 

That is mercy sufficient to cover the sin of the world unto all generations of time. The greatest aspects of His nature are seen in His love. His forgiveness and His mercy. They are immeasurable and eternal. Ps. 86:6 
 
 
 
 
 
                              God Is.  40
 
THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD. 
The Theological term is Omnipresence or Omnipresent. It is a part of the being of God that sets Him far apart from every thing, and everyone else in the universe. 

An immortal being could not be God without having this essential capability as a part of His nature. It is vital that He is able to hear the prayer or praise of each and every individual situated in the twenty-four time zones of the earth. 

Simultaneously, He is able to listen to the voice of each of His children, individually, as if they were the only one who was addressing Him. 

Even when there is a multitude of people calling upon His Name. Not only is He listening, but He is there. Indeed, the Lord is God. 


THE VIEW OF KING DAVID. 
Writing in Psalm one hundred thirty-nine he gave us explicit evidence of the Lord in this category. 

David was well aware that the Lord had looked deeply into his soul and thoroughly knew and understood him. Ps. 139:1 

As the Son of God, the Lord Jesus also possessed this attribute. Mt. 9:4  

The Lord knew his every action and his thoughts were not hidden from Him. The Lord completely understood all of his ways, and his actions and reactions. Ps. 139:2-3  

Before David, [And every individual who has ever lived on earth, for that matter] had spoken a word the Lord already knew, completely,  what his words would be. Ps. 139:4

The Lord was before him, anticipating his deeds, and guiding him in the ways of the Lord. He was also behind him, in correction and instruction. David felt as if though he was completely surrounded. He was strongly conscious of the fact that the Lord had His hand upon his life. PS. 139:5 

The Lord is not mistaken in His judgments for He knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts. All thoughts and actions are known by Him. Heb. 4:12-13


  
                                        GOD IS. 41
 
THE SONG OF DAVID. PS 139.
The astonishment of David is repeated by all. All this is more than I can comprehend. With my limited knowledge and foresight, how can I fathom such a marvelous being who knows the end from the beginning, and all that is in between? Furthermore, how can I ever attain unto such a complete wisdom and knowledge? Ps. 139:6 

Zophar [Twittering, or chirping bird, seems to be the most accepted meaning of his name] - one of Job’s friends. No doubt his name explains his nature. Nevertheless, he made a statement that needs to be considered here. 

"Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens - what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave - what can you know?" Job 11:7-9 NIV.
 
There is no way to escape the Spirit of the Lord; most certainly ascending up into heaven He will be there. Even to the depths of hell, His Spirit is there. There is no place that may be accounted as a refuge from the presence of the Lord. Ps. 139:8 

Job said, "Hell is naked before Him", even destruction is laid bare before Him. Job 26:6 

His eyes are ever watchful, beholding all the works of men and the paths which they take. Job 34:21 

There is no dark place, or even the shadow of death, which may become a hiding place where the sinner can hide. Job 34:22

Fleeing to the utmost parts of the sea, even there the hand of the Lord is made manifest. 

Hoping for the cover of darkness as a shelter is in vain. 

Even the night is made light by the presence of the Lord. The night is made to be as the brightness of the day, because the Lord is there. 

To the Lord there is no difference between night and day. Because He is light, He is never in darkness. There is no shelter or hiding place where one may escape from Him. Ps. 139:11-12
 
The Lord is not far from each and every one of us. He is as close as the confession of our heart and mouth. Our very existence is totally dependent on Him. We live by Him, we are alive because of Him, our being is through Him. We are His handy work. He is nigh to all.
Acts 17:27-28
 

       GOD IS. 42
 
I was awakened this morning with the scripture of the day going over and over in my heart and mind. Then the Lord began to add thoughts and scriptures to it, which I will endeavor to convey to you. There is a special message in it for you. 

This is most unusual. I have purposely tried to keep personal references out of the studies and will in the future. However I am so impressed to use the following scriptures, and their thoughts, that I am breaking custom this time.



GOD IS A REFUGE. "THE SECRET PLACE". Ps. 91:1
Most children seem to have a secret place where they can find sanctuary. It may be a special room. Underneath an over turned chair covered by a cloth. A barn. Under a tree, or beside a brook or lake. A place to which one may resort to be with their own thoughts - where they may muse, in private, over a situation that has developed in their life.


FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE LORD, THERE IS A SECRET PLACE.
It has been discovered by those who dearly love the Lord. It is when we determine in our hearts to allow the Lord to fully dwell in our hearts and lives, for, "he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him". 1 John 4:16 

Inasmuch as God is love there is no question as to where the SECRET PLACE may be found. It is in His mercy, His grace and His love.


THE SECRET PLACE IS FOUND IN HIS AWESOME PRESENCE.
That glorious manifestation is not always what we would think it to be. In the Tabernacle of the Wilderness it was that most Holy Place, forbidden to all but chosen and anointed high priest. 

He was not allowed to enter there, but on one day of the year, and then only with the blood of sacrifice with which he made atonement for himself, his family, the people of Israel and the Tabernacle itself. Lev. 16:16-17 

The Most Holy place was a place of total darkness until the glory of the Lord was made manifest on the mercy seat. The presence of the Lord was seen in the cloud, in this case, a cloud of incense. Lev. 16:2

Not only was the darkness of the Most Holy place His secret, place but the darkness of space is also His dwelling place. He sits on the circle of the earth and uses the blackness of space as His tent. Isa. 40:22 

He has made darkness his secret place and surrounding Him are dark waters, the thick clouds of the sky. Ps. 18:11
       


 
                                       GOD IS. 43
 
UNDER THE SHADOW. 
Precious assurance of the presence of the one who is overshadowing. In this case it would be the Lord. Jesus gave meaning to the theme in His statement,"How often would I have gathered thy children together as a hen doth her brood under her wings". Luke 13:34 

A simple every day simile for those who have raised chickens. Yet, it is a profound word because of the person speaking and His reference to protection. Like the wings of a great eagle's outspread wings, symbolize divine protection. Here we find one in whom we can fully trust. An overshadowing that has never failed. Ps. 36:7 

David had found that glorious secret place. A refuge to which he would flee until his calamities and problems were fully past. Ps. 57:1


THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS. 
Jesus speaking prophetically of our days, the last days. Those days prior to the second coming of Christ. As much as we would like to ignore the adverse conditions that are in the world, we cannot, for they are all around us. The Word of the Lord is being fulfilled. 

The signs are insurrections, uprisings which divide nations. In many cases almost a return to tribal warfare. We have had wars that were to end all wars, but these conflicts keep arising. First in one part of the world and then in another. Earthquakes are almost routine. In spite of man's ability to produce more and larger crops, famine still prevails in many nations. The conditions that we see in the world today will continue unto the end. Mt. 24:8 

Diseases that were stopped at one time are returning and gaining strength. Even the animals and pets, tame and wild, are attacking human kind. More and more they carry diseases which are being transferred to men. Rev. 6:8 

Persecution is on the increase. Mt. 24:9 

Offences among the brethren are likewise being multiplied. Mt. 24:10
 

A PROMISE FOR THE TIME OF TROUBLE. 
It is on such occasions as this that the overshadowing presence of the Lord will be made known. David was confident that in troublous times the Lord would hide him in "His pavilion, in the secret place of His Tabernacle". Yes there is a secret place of the Most High to which we may flee and find refuge for the storms of life and from those things which are coming on the earth in these last days. Ps. 27:5 

David said that the Lord was his hiding place, the preservation of his life and that the Lord would "compass" him with songs of "deliverance". Ps. 32:6




                                    GOD IS. 44
 
A MAN, DESIGNATED TO BE OUR HIDING PLACE. Isa. 32:2
This is a prophecy that is for the now and for the stormy future. A man. Who else could it be but the Lord Jesus. He is our help and refuge in troublous times. How wonderful to have a protector who has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. A very present help in a time of need. One who has said," I Am, with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Mt. 28:20


HE IS THE "WIND BREAKER". 
Sheltering from "every wind of doctrine," which blows against the those who adhere to the truth. One of the great tests of the last days is those who are unscrupulous in their teachings and practices. Men arising with doctrines and methods that are contrary to good solid Bible principles. 

Interesting that this is termed "wind of doctrine" using the same Greek word, pneuma, as is used for the Spirit. It is very evident that there is a different spirit to be found here in these who are con artists. Eph. 4:14 

These are covetous individuals, looking upon the church as a source of money, an income for themselves. Making merchandise of the people of the Lord, if they can. Deceiving them with soft and lying words. 2 Pet. 2:3 

Our deliverance and protection is in the WORD of the Lord. It is vital that we hide it in our hearts. It is our shield and buckler. It is the one true hope of the church. Ps. 119:114


THE COVERING FROM THE TEMPEST. 
Modern day Meteorologists can predict the coming of hurricanes and strong winds. So, the Word of the Lord has laid before us a tempestuous time of for the end of the age. The strength of the storm depends entirely on where one lives on this earth. The hurricane of persecution will eventually cover the whole of the inhabited earth. 

Some, already are going through times of great opposition because they trust in the Lord Jesus. 

For others, there is but a gentle wind blowing. 

Hear the words of Paul to his son in the gospel, Timothy. "THIS KNOW ALSO, That in the last days perilous times shall come". 2 Tim. 3:1 

The church has been softened up into believing that they will be raptured out and will not see these things that are coming in the last days. Don’t be deceived. No nation on the earth will escape the difficulties, the trials and persecutions that are inevitable. 

But we do have a MAN. The covering, the shelter, the great rock, a wall of defense. One whose name is a strong tower in which the righteous may take shelter until the storm be past. The name of the LORD, Jehovah is that blessed "hiding place". Prov.18:10  



 
 
                                     GOD IS.  45
 
A STATEMENT OF WHO AND WHAT THE LORD IS.
 
MANY OF THE PSALMS ARE PROPHETIC. 
The ninety-first is certainly one of them, and is outstanding in its promises. David spoke out strongly for the LORD, Jehovah. He had found Him to be one in whom he could implicitly place his trust. The LORD had proven Himself to be the only refuge and fortress exactly at the time that David was most needy and under pressure. He fully trusted in the Lord with great confidence Ps. 91:2


IN TIMES OF GREAT STRESS AND DIRE DIFFICULTIES. 
Help and deliverance was certain. The trap of the enemy would be made ineffective. Here is one that the people of the Lord need to really lay hold of and that is a promise of health, even in the midst of deadly plagues. The promise of the Lord was to the obedient that they would be delivered from all diseases that were brought upon the Egyptians. Ex. 15:26 

His promise was that He would keep all diseases from them and lay them upon those who hated them. Deut. 7:15 

It is better to be kept from the plagues that are in the earth than it is to be healed of them. Though, we certainly welcome the second if we miss out on the first.


PROTECTED IN A MOST GENTLE WAY. 
Covered by the soft down of the body and wings of the parental bird; warmed and fed. 

Such a beautiful type of the nurture and care of the Lord for His own. Truth, His truth, His Word is the divine protection given to His people. It becomes their shield and rampart. Their strong fortress. Ps. 91:4 

As great and important as His name is He has exalted His WORD even above His name. His name and His Word are the hope and mainstay of our salvation. It is imperative that we fully comprehend the importance of His name and His Word. Ps. 138:2c 

The faithfulness and abundant mercy of the Lord are immeasurable. He will never cease to manifest His majestic love and compassion toward those who love and serve Him. In His name they will be lifted up, encouraged and blessed in the Lord Jesus. Ps. 89:24 

There is a place of security to be found in the Lord the likes of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. He is the God of all comfort. 2 Cor. 1:3  


 
 
                                        GOD IS. 46
 
WORDS OF ASSURANCE. 
The Lord speaks with a promise and in a positive manner. He does not say "do not be afraid", but with full assurance, "thou shalt not be afraid". 

There is a reason and cause for such confidence in the face of the horrendous conditions that shall prevail in the last days. That is to be found in the relationship that we have with the Lord. When we are "in Him," there is no place for fear. Ps. 91:5 

The secret place is a place where fear cannot enter. The opposite of fear is love that has been perfected in Christ Jesus. Our Lord is a God of perfection. All His works are wrought in perfection. Love, His love in us, when it has reached its highest form is perfect love. A love which so fills the heart that here is no room for fear of any kind. Love rebukes fear, is eliminates it from our hearts and lives. Fear is of the devil. He uses it to torment people. It has a very negative work in our spiritual man keeping us from having that perfect love that is in Christ. 1 John 4:18


COMING CATACLASMIC FEARFUL EVENTS. 
What many preachers will not tell you today: these prophetic statements relate to the end of the age, and will transpire before the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The first statement found here in Psalms forty-six, two, is in relationship to a complete and absolute change of the topography of the earth. "In the drastic changes that will take place, we will not fear. There is a secret place. Even though the earth be removed, altered and changed - to such a degree that the continents which now exist, will not be seen again. 

Jesus is speaking of our day said that there would be great (mega) earthquakes in a great variety of places. Luke 21:11 

At His coming. Isaiah said, "The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard and shall be removed like a cottage". That is one mighty shaking of the earth. Isa. 24:20 

Mountains shaking and hills swaying. Jer. 4:24 NIV. 

Jesus in His revelation to John said, "every island fled away and the mountains were not found". Rev. 16:20 

Note these words. "And the cities of the nations fell"; consider that both cities and nations are in the plural, which makes it to be all encompassing. The prophecy of Jeremiah pertaining to this subject is powerful. He saw the earth returning to the same condition as Gen. 1: 2  "WITHOUT FORM AND VOID," or "tohuw waa bohuw". Jer. 4:23 

The destruction of the current cities and the works of men will be complete. Jer. 4:26 

People, non-existent. Jer. 4:25 

This gives us sufficient evidence that the conditions of the earth as they exist today will not exist during the millennial reign of Christ.

 

 
 
                                      GOD IS. 47
 
CONDITIONS THAT WILL PREVAIL IN THE LAST DAYS. 
Jesus called this time of the last days, "the beginning of sorrows". Mt. 24:8 

After the Lord laid before Israel the blessings of obedience, He then gave them the judgments of disobedience, among which are these words; there was to be "no ease," which in the Hebrew may be interpreted, "to toss violently and suddenly (the sea with waves.) Strongs Dictionary. 

Ever since the 12/26 tsunami the whole world is on edge. With each earth quake, for those near the beaches there is fear and even evacuation. "No rest," not settled place. No refuge. They were to have a "trembling heart". Jesus spoke of this and said that "Men’s hearts" would fail "them for fear". Luke 21:26 

Failing of eyes. A lack of a vision and understanding of the mighty works of the Lord in the last days. Then, sorrow of mind. This may be seen in the negative approach that is used by the news media of the day. It is always the negative that is accentuated, seldom is the positive addressed. All this is found in Deut.28:65
 

PREVAILING LOVE. 
"You will not fear the terror of night". Ps. 91:5 NIV. 

The secret of the Lord is found with the "good Man". The one whose heart is determined to trust the Lord. He will not fear the tidings of evil. Ps. 112:8 

We might take notice that the Lord did not promise that there would not be floods and fires, but He did promise to go through them with us. Isa. 43:2 

We must arrive at a place where we can say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man SHALL do unto me". Again, the promise is not necessarily deliverance from, but deliverance in, a time of trouble. Heb. 13:6 

Some mock the idea of perfection in Christ, but here is one that we cannot do without. "Perfect love casteth out fear". The love of our Lord is absolutely perfect. He loves with an intense love. A love that mankind does not understand until he becomes well acquainted with love, as it is revealed in Christ. 

Because fear is a life long part of our lives, we will fear. To fear is human. However, when His love inundates our hearts, it expels that which we have lived with for so long. To continue to be filled with fear after receiving the Lord Jesus into our hearts and lives is not normal Christianity. 

It shows that we have come short of fully loving the Lord and having been fulfilled in His marvelous love. There is a place where fear is utterly removed and we live and walk in victory. 1 John 4:18 

Fear is tormenting. Because of the terror created by terrorists, the world has entered into a season of terror such as we have never seen before. It is a world wide problem, because peace has been taken from the earth. Rev. 6:4      
    
 
 
 
                                   GOD IS. 48
 
MY REFUGE. 
In His great mercy He becomes a hiding place and a sure refuge for His own. Under the shadow of His wings, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, is to be found that place of peace and safety, "until these calamities be overpast". Ps. 57:1 

It is not a thing of joy to write factually concerning the last days. We must come to an understanding of what is before us as portrayed in the prophetic utterances of the prophets of old. Even in the Psalms, the devotional book of the Old Testament, Repeatedly there are glimpses of the end of the age. Such as;


THE ARROW THAT FLIETH. 
Surely, we find here modern day missiles of all shapes and sizes. An ability to send explosive charges flying through the air which cause great and indiscriminate damage. Whether or not nuclear warheads are used, the threat and fear are always there.  Ps. 91:5b 

There is a positive deliverance of the Bride of Christ. She will not fear. In the ultimate, the Lord Himself, will destroy the earth and bring forth a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells. In that blessed place, the past will not be part of our memory nor will we ever recall any of it. Isa. 65:17
 

FEARLESS IN A TIME OF EPIDEMIC. 
Diseases, new and old, sweep around our globe today, in short time. People who are infected with diseases can be in several countries in a brief period of time, thanks to the ability of air travel. We read constantly of the emergence of old and new diseases. But, to those who trust in the Lord. There is no fear. Ps. 91:6
 

DESTRUCTION AT NOON. 
The brightest time of the day. Many areas of our world are suffering drought. Likewise, intense and unusual heat waves. These are but a warning of that which is to come. There is a moment of time when the whole of the world will feel an extreme and burning heat. Rev. 16: 8-9 

There is a great rock which will act as a shelter if we will only trust in Him. Isa. 32:2
 

THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD AVAILABLE TO ALL. 
The redeemed of the Lord are to be preserved, though surrounded by these extreme events that will happen to the world. They are kept by the Lord, though they face the same conditions. They will find that trusting the Lord brings deliverance. They will only see what takes place, without being a part of it. They are dwelling in that secret place of the Most High and He has become their hope and stay. Ps. 91:8-10     



 
 
                                    GOD IS. 49
 
UNWAVERING LOVE. 
The love of the Lord knows no boundaries. He has amply manifest the great magnitude of His love at Calvary. The love of the Lord Jesus was so strong that He was totally surrendered to do the will of His Father. It is said, concerning Jesus, "I come to do thy will, O God". Heb. 10:9 

All of His acts were acts of love, in obedience to His Father and in reaching out to mankind. "Because He set His
love". Ps. 91:14 

A determined, clinging, love that could not be diminished. It was the cementing factor between the Father and the Son, both of whom are the very essence of love. The secret of deliverance is to be found in our attitude or our love toward the Lord Jesus. 

We must have the same determination To love that was manifest in Him. Our love for Him is made known, not by the words of our mouth but by our obedience to His word. Jesus established this principle and added a beautiful promise with it. That is, the fullness of Lordship would come and abide in our spirit nature. John 14:23


RELEASED AND ESTABLISHED. 
Here is found a special promise of deliverance and exaltation. In the case of Christ, His deliverance and exaltation came after He had fully executed the work for which He had come into the world. 

He suffered in a manner that we never will fully understand before the promise was fulfilled in His life. Yet we want to go through life and our Christian experience without Trials and difficulties of any kind. 

Sorry, but that is not the way it works. The experiences, the heartaches of life, make us realize how good and gracious the Lord is. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the LORD delivered him out of them all". Ps. 34:19

 
BECAUSE HE HAS KNOWN MY NAME. 
The ability to remember and recall the name of another person is important to that person and your influence in their life. In business it can make the difference between making a sale and loosing a sale. 

The living God has a name. Do you know His name? Do you address Him by name? His name is of great importance to every Christian; He has privileged us to use His name in prayer and ask for "whatsoever, in His name and it shall be done". John 14:13-14 

That is a broad spectrum with great possibilities. His name is the only name of salvation. Acts 4:12
 


 
 
                                          GOD IS. 50
 
HOLINESS. 
Holiness, is just exactly what the Lord is. He is everything that is to be defined by the word. Above and beyond everything and everyone else in time or in the universe, He is Holy. He has every right and prerogative of bearing the name "Holy," for it is truly representative of His being and nature. Isa. 57:15 

It signifies His absolute liberty from all that is or can be called evil or corrupt. It also manifests His complete sanctity and purity which shows forth His thoroughly ethical nature. The confession of the Word is that "there is none holy like the Lord". In sanctity and purity, none are equal with Him. 1 Sam. 2:2 

His holiness makes Him to be a subject of fear. He will judge the nations of the world according to His own holy character. Rev. 15:4
 
 
THE HABITATION OF HOLINESS. 
Isaiah equated the holiness of the Lord to His glory. In order to receive of His glory it is necessary to enter into His holiness. Isa. 63:15 

He is also called the redeemer. As the Lord of hosts, the Lord God Almighty, He is the Holy One of Israel. Isa. 47:4 

He will and does make Himself known as that One who is altogether Holy. Isaiah likewise addressed the backsliding of Israel by calling them a sinful nation, loaded down with guilt and condemnation. They had turned the backs on their Holy One. Isa. 1:4 

Pathetic but it is often repeated in the church of today.
 
 
DAVID DETERMINED IN HIS HEART TO PRAISE THE LORD.
His harp and his voice he lifted unto the LORD because of the truth of His Word and the mighty power of His Holiness as the Holy One of Israel. Ps. 71:22 

The power of His covenant is in His name and in His Holiness. He alone is Holy and to be Reverenced. Ps. 111:9
 
 
THE VISION OF ISAIAH. 
In heaven, he saw creatures of fire, the Seraphim. They are bright, brilliantly shining beings who are filled to the uttermost with the fire of the Spirit of the Lord. From one of them is heard the threefold cry of "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts". Isa. 6:3 

It is a proclamation of the Holiness of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The thrice Holy Lord our savior and redeemer. It is a pronouncement of the equality and unity that exists in the Godhead. The four living creatures of the book of Revelation are heard uttering the same blessed words. It assures us that heaven will be a place where anthems of adoration and praise will be heard continuously. Rev. 4:8   
   

 
 
                                             GOD IS. 51
 
THE HOLINESS OF THE LORD EXEMPLIFIED. 
His holiness is to be found revealed in His Son, the Lord Jesus. The human side of the Lord Jesus must always be kept in mind, for He was every bit a man. One who was subjected to the same temptations that we face. Regardless of His Godhood, He was tempted in every manner in which we are tempted. 

He had to face up to His manhood, His human nature, and bring it into subjection. He did not seek to make a name for Himself, He was of "no reputation". He did not come as a great world leader, but rather to serve, as a servant, literally as a slave. Then, most importantly, He was born after the similitude of all mankind. 

He further, humbled Himself in obedience to the Fathers will and submitted to crucifixion, that He might redeem mankind. He is our example of Holiness manifest in human kind. If He did it, we can. The right to work His works has been delegated to the Church. Phil. 2:7-8 

Jesus fully became one with us in all areas of life. He faced every trial and temptation that we do and "Yet without sin". Heb. 4:15 

This presents a tremendous challenge to all who would fully follow Him. However, it is not a goal which is unachievable. It as a matter of making the same commitment that He made, and that as a man. The man, Christ Jesus. 1 Tim .2:5


THAT WE MIGHT BE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD. 
The sinless one became sin for us. Something that He never experienced in His life for He never knew what it was to sin. Nevertheless, He was made to be sin, to bear our sin and to take the punishment of every sinner on Himself, that we might be freed from all guilt. 

In a glorious exchange we are to be made righteous, pure, holy in Christ. He became what we are, that we might become what He is. When He paid such a tremendous price to free us from our sin and condemnation, is it not fitting that we accept such a tremendous offer and live in His righteousness?    2 Cor. 5:21 

How great, how real, is the promise of being a NEW CREATURE in Christ to be full filled in our lives? Paul included it among the "all things". The old has passed away, now there is to be the manifestation of that person who is in Christ and now living, in the flesh, the life of Christ. 2 Cor. 5:17 

Paul sought, "to be found in Him," that is in Christ. 

Not with a righteousness originating from the Law, but that true righteousness which is imparted, by faith, through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a gift, and like all the gifts of the Lord, is something to be greatly desired. Graciously the Lord gives; may we as well graciously receive. Phil. 3:9


 
 
 
   GOD IS. 52
 
UNDER THE SHADOW. 
Precious assurance of the presence of the one who is overshadowing. In this case it would be the Lord. Jesus gave meaning to the theme in His statement," How often would I have gathered thy children together as a hen doth her brood under her wings". Luke 13:34 

A simple every day simile for those who have raised chickens. Yet, it is a profound word because of the person speaking and His reference to protection. Like the wings of a great eagle, outspread wings symbolize divine protection. Here we find one in whom we can fully trust. An overshadowing that has never failed. Ps. 36:7 

David had found that glorious secret place. A refuge to which he would flee until his calamities and problems were fully past. Ps. 57:1
 

THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS. 
Jesus was speaking prophetically of our day, the last days. Those days prior to the second coming of Christ. As much as we would like to ignore the adverse conditions that are in the world, we cannot, for they are all around us. 

The Word of the Lord is being fulfilled. The signs are insurrections, uprisings which divide nations. In many cases almost a return to tribal warfare.

We have had wars that were to end all wars, but conflicts keep arising; first in one part of the world and then in another. Earthquakes are almost routine. In spite of mans ability to produce more and larger crops, famine still prevails in many nations. The conditions that we see in the world today will continue unto the end. Mt. 24:8 

Diseases that were stopped at one time are returning and gaining strength. Even the animals and pets, tame and wild, are attacking human kind. More and more they carry diseases which are being transferred to men. Rev. 6:8 

Persecution is on the increase. Mt. 24:9 

Offences among the brethren are likewise being multiplied. Mt. 24:10
 

A PROMISE FOR THE TIME OF TROUBLE. 
It is on such occasions as this, that the overshadowing presence of the Lord will be made known. David was confident that in troublous times the Lord would hide him in, "His pavilion, in the secret place of His Tabernacle". 

Yes there is a secret place of the Most High to which we may flee and find refuge from the storms of life, and from those things which are coming on the earth, in these last days. Ps. 27:5 

David said that the Lord was his hiding place, and the preservation of his life. Also he believed that the Lord would "compass" him with songs of "deliverance". Ps. 32:6




                               GOD IS.  53
 
KING. 
Royalty of an unchallengeable nature. There is no king who may be compared to Him; His capabilities far out weigh any of just a common man who may be appointed to be a king. 

In ancient times, as well as now, His kingdom was a Theocracy, a kingdom ruled by the Lord. He was to be both Lord and King. 

It is Paul, writing to Timothy, who is to recognize the magnificence of His exalted and eternal authority; Of all that have been and ever shall be given the title of a king, none shall ever be able to equal Him. 1 Tim. 1:17 

The glorious extent of His office is so tremendous that He is proclaimed, not only to be a king, but 1s a King over kings, and is Lord over lords. In other words, the supreme authority.
 

POTENTATE AND KING. 
Paul was not through with the exaltation of his King. He singles the Lord out as being the only Ruler, the only Potentate. 

None have ruled as He does. From eternity to eternity. Both in time and eternity. All others have been but temporary. His kingdom is everlasting. He has never been anything other than Ruler and Leader. 1 Tim. 6:15 

There is no one else like Him in all of the universe. He is supreme over all. As many as people elect, choose and those who just plain take over, ALL previous, existing and future governments of any kind are of His choosing and appointment. All powers of leadership are in the control of, and subject to, the purposes of the Lord. That is particularly so in the end of the age. Rom. 13:1


KING ETERNAL. 
Not only is He the one who is the eternal King, but He is also the king of eternity. King of time, and the everlasting King of eternity. The Psalmist affirmed that the LORD [Jehovah] is King for ever and forever. Ps. 10:16 

Jeremiah joins him in stating that, "the LORD [Jehovah] is the true God, He is the living God and an everlasting King". Jer. 10:10


KING IMMORTAL. 
The deathless one. Unique and standing alone in His glorious character as the Immortal one. Jesus had to be born into this world and become a mortal being in order to die for mankind. The Lord is immortality. That is His essence.

It is not possible that He should die, He ever lives, He is life. He, it is, who possesses Immortality. 1 Tim. 6:16a 

He gives immortality to those who accept His Son, the Lord Jesus. Christ has smashed the power of death, revealing life and immortality, through the gospel. 2 Tim. 1:10b 

The same immortality that is the nature of Jehovah Himself. 



 
                                         GOD IS.  54
 
SEEING THAT WHICH IS INVISIBLE. 
The invisible God is highly evident by the things which surround us in this life. Jesus used the analogy of the wind. Invisible, unseen, yet very evident. "It blows where it pleases". John 3:18 NIV. 

This translation makes its independence very evident. We do not see it as it passes by, but we can certainly feel it. We see the results on the trees, on the waters of the earth. It motivates the clouds to bring rain, snow or even dry weather. It has a daily effect upon our lives. The earth would be a miserable place without the wind. As a matter of fact, it would be deadly.


WHEN SPIRITUAL WINDS BLOW. 
Jesus likens those born of the Spirit to the wind, unseen but evidenced by their New Life in Christ. 1 John 3:9 

The word, ruach, in the Hebrew, is translatable wind, breath and Spirit. In the Greek, it is the word pneuma. Likewise translated wind, breath and Spirit. The Word teaches that God is a Spirit. John 4:24 

While the Spirit is unseen, once again its influences are highly visible. The visitation of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost was accompanied by the sound of a mighty rushing wind. Acts 2:2 

The visitation of the Spirit was seen in the anointing that rested upon those who were filled with the Spirit that day. That which is not seen of the Lord is made highly visible by the things which He has created. Not the least among them is the relationship that He builds between His people and Himself. Rom. 1:20


SEEING WHAT NO MAN HAS SEEN. 
The Lord Jesus made it very evident that no man has seen God. However, Jesus who was in the bosom of His Father, had not only seen Him but came into the world to declare Him unto all the nations of the earth. John 1:10 

So precise is the relationship between the Father and the Son that Jesus was able to say. "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father". John 14:9 

How exacting is the similarity between the members of the Godhead. Jesus was the explicit entity of His Father. Paul said of Jesus that He, "is the image of the invisible God". Col. 1:15 

Obviously He is not the Person of the Father but is the exact likeness of that person. He has all the nature and character of the Father, so much so, that He was able to say, "I and my Father are one". John 10:30 

He is speaking of the unity that exist between Himself and His Father. He is not making Himself to be His own Father, but is equating Himself to the Father, for they are a perfect unit. In His prayer for His disciples Jesus prayed for the same kind of unity to exist between His disciples as exists between Himself and His Father. "As thou Father art in me, and I in thee". John 17:21 

Perfect absolute harmony, each being a part of the life of the other. One in every purpose and work. 

To love the Lord Jesus is to obey Him. Those who will follow this manner of life will be loved of the Father. The Father loves His only begotten Son. Therefore the promise of the Lord Jesus is that "WE" will come and make "OUR" dwelling place to be with that person who truly loves Jesus. What a tremendous promise. John 14:23



 
                                   GOD IS. 55
 
WISDOM. 
In all the attributes that are His, He is the true essence of every attribute. The highest authority and greatest revelation. In the matter of wisdom, He is wisdom personified. His wisdom is manifold, perfect and absolute. Wherever wisdom is manifest, He is that wisdom. Eph. 3:10 

How great is the wisdom of the Lord? If foolishness, that is, being dull or stupid could be charged to the Lord, that foolishness would exhibit an extremely higher wisdom than the greatest and highest wisdom of man. The whole of the universe was fashioned in the wisdom of the Lord. 

Man - a small part of His creation - is still trying to figure out how the whole thing fits together. Men are constantly changing their ideas of the universe and its contents. Our wisdom is minuscule when compared to the wisdom of the creator. 1 Cor. 1:25


THE WISDOM OF THE LORD. 
It has pleased the Lord to share with those who are His, at least a measure of His wisdom. We see it in the impartation of the spirit of wisdom brought about by the hands of Moses being laid upon Joshua. Deut. 34:10 

The wisdom given to those who prepared the materials and who constructed the tabernacle was amazing. The explicit order of the Lord was that it be built precisely according to the pattern shown to Moses when he was in the Mount. Ex. 25:9 

The construction crew was led by Moses and had to be meticulous in their work. It had to be built according to the plan that Moses had seen. There had to be perfect communication between Moses and the workmen. Ex. 25:9 

Bezaleel was singled out by name and called to the work. Aholiab was to be his partner. Both designated by the Lord for this particular purpose. The Lord filled them with His Spirit, in wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and ability in workmanship. Ex. 35:31 

Whom the Lord calls, He also equips for the Service that is to be required of them. 

NOT ONLY THEN, BUT NOW AS WELL. 

The same Spirit that rested upon the tabernacle builders is resting upon the church of the Lord Jesus today. A spiritual church may only be built by spiritual people. It is the desire, the will of the Lord, that the wisdom which may only be found in the Lord be given to the church of today. It is a gift that comes from the Lord. 

It not only embraces spiritual wisdom but also the revelation of the Lord and of His Word. His goal being that we might fully comprehend His perfect will in all things. Eph. 1:17 

Among the gifts made available to the church is the gift of wisdom. Not a wisdom that originates with man, but one of the gifts of the Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:8 

The Lord gives freely to all who ask of Him.  
 
 

 
                        GOD IS.  56
 
IS HIS WISDOM AVAILABLE? 
Job posed the question, "Where shall wisdom be found?" Job. 28:12-15 

After thorough searching as to where it may be found, then seeking after the value or the price for which it might be purchased, he found it to be out of the reach of man. Beyond his abilities to achieve or acquire. Job 28: 16-27 

His conclusion was that, "the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom". Job 28:28 

The fear, honor or reverence of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Its roots or beginnings are to be established in that heart and life that will truly serve the Lord. Ps. 111:10    


THE LORD SHARES HIS NATURE AND CHARACTER. 
Particularly so, in the case of wisdom. The promise is, that for those who are without wisdom, upon requesting of the Lord, that which is missing is abundantly supplied. James 1:5 

To those who are the redeemed is extended the right and privilege of not only knowing the power of the Lord but also the wisdom which is His. 1 Cor. 1:24 

What glorious spiritual blessings are extended to His very own. God, through the Lord Jesus Christ, has been made to be a four-fold benefit to His people. 

Redemption, sanctification, righteousness, and in keeping with our theme, wisdom. 

Our wisdom is not of this world but is of Christ, and in Him. 1 Cor. 1:30 

The challenge that faces the church of today is to learn to walk in the wisdom that is spiritual. Being, in Christ, and living an example and witness to those who are not saved.


ALL WISDOM. 
The source of the wisdom of the Lord is so apparent that it is many times overlooked. Consider the admonishment of the Apostle Paul. " Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly". Col. 3:16 

He placed a real strong emphasis on having the Word hidden in our hearts. The Word abiding, and possessing our very lives, is the means whereby the wisdom of the Lord is imparted unto us. In contrast to the wisdom of the world, the wisdom of the Lord is pure, clean and perfect. It is also peaceable. 

Disruptions and arguments arise from a lack of His wisdom. It is gentle, patient. Easily approached. Filled with compassion, good fruits or works. Without partiality, not choosing or rejecting. Without dissimulation. It is also that wisdom which produces the peace, which will result in the fruit of righteousness. James 3:17-18                                 



 
                                     GOD IS. 57
 
HE SAW THE SPIRIT OF GOD. 
The invisible was made visible on this very special occasion. The Spirit obviously had form, and came as a witness verifying that Jesus was the Son of God. The Spirit did not take on the form of a dove, but as a dove descends swiftly, so the Spirit came upon Jesus. Mat. 3:16

On the day of Pentecost there was also another manifestation of the Spirit. This time as cloven or split tongues of fire. Acts 2:3 

There is a difference. The first time, when the Spirit came upon Jesus it was the personal revelation of the presence of the Spirit. The second time, on the day of Pentecost, it was as the appearance of a physical sign. Nevertheless, the same Spirit.


THE LORD IS THAT SPIRIT. 
Some translations reverse these words and state that where "the Spirit is Lord". 2 Cor. 3:17 

Showing that when the anointing of the Holy Spirit is present and in control, there is glorious liberty. There are some things that are inseparable yet very distinct in God. For instance, the sharing of the name Lord or Jehovah as is so predominant in the Old Testament. He said in Isaiah that "I am the LORD or Jehovah, that is my name. Isa. 42:8 

His name alone is JEHOVAH.
Ps. 83:18 

God is not a name. It is a title which is bestowed upon a multitude of objects, and deities. Our God has a name and has widely published His name. As LORD He is Spirit. As Father, He is LORD. Jesus acknowledged Him as both FATHER and Lord, the Lord of heaven and earth. Mat. 11:25 

As Son, He is LORD. God hath made that same Jesus, both Lord and Christ. An act of the Father that was well pleasing to Him. Acts 2:36 

LORD or Jehovah is a shared name and speaks of the ever existing LORD of heaven and earth.


THE SPIRIT OF GOD. 
Is made manifest by the Spirit of Christ. As with all things relating to the Lord, The Spirit of the Lord is found in equal proportion in each of the members of the Godhead. Take for instance the statement of Paul where he recognizes the "Spirit of God" to be the "Spirit of Christ". Rom. 8:9 

The presence of that Spirit dwelling in us makes certain that we are a spiritual person. If we do not have the Spirit of Christ, then we are not His. Even in the Old Testament prophets, when the Spirit was moving in them and they prophesied, Peter said it was the Spirit of Christ. 1 Pet. 1:11 

It makes no difference whether He be called the "the Spirit of God," or the "Spirit of the Lord," or the "Spirit of Christ," it is the same Spirit. The Lord is a Trunity, Father, Son and HOLY SPIRIT.  




                                               GOD IS.  58
 
OMNIPOTENT. 
The Sovereign being. Absolute Lord of the universe. Supreme leader and complete power and authority over all. The Almighty. The title is used in Rev. 19:6 when it becomes apparent that of all the past powers and authorities, natural and spiritual, the Lord is supreme over all. 

The great volume of praise and worship unto Him is most impressive. It is first mentioned as the voice of a great multitude. They are the redeemed of the Lord and have good reason to glorify the Lord by lifting up their voices in anthems of praise. 

Secondly, the sound is like the roar of many waters; perhaps it could be likened unto the sound of a tremendous waterfall. 

Thirdly it is like the rumble of powerful thunderings. [Note thunderings is in the plural.] 

This is not just noise, but is the response of a grateful people who love the Lord with all that is within them. Heaven will be a place of harmonious vocal praise unto the King of kings. While it will be a noisy place, its sound and the reasons for such glorious praise, is vastly different that the noises of this earth.
 

PANTOKRATOR, THE OMNIPOTENT ONE. 
While not translated in the KJV as Omnipotent, the word in the Greek is nevertheless used elsewhere in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul introduced Him as the Almighty, who is of such great compassion and love that He will be a Father to the redeemed. We think of a Potentate as being one who is almost unreachable, surrounded by a multitude of civil servants who become a buffer. Here, with the Lord, His interest is that of a Father, intimate, loving and filled with care and concern. Always doing that in the lives of His children which is for their best interest. 2 Cor. 6:18
 

REVELATION SCENES REALATING TO HIS OMNIPOTENCY.
There can be none greater than the person who can legitimately claim to be the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. None before Him and none after Him. He likewise is all between, the Almighty. Rev. 1:8

The very epitome of all that is Holy and righteous is to be found in Him. He is Holiness, personified. He is also recognized as the one who is eternal. Always existing, existing today and forevermore. He is the Lord God Almighty. Rev. 4:8 

Thanksgiving is appropriate for the redeemed to present unto one who is the Lord God Almighty. The day will come when He will have finished His purpose in the earth. At that time He will take unto Himself the right and ability to be the single sovereign. Rev. 11:17



 
                                  GOD IS. 59
 
REVELATION SCENES. Continued.
We are introduced to a group of people who are obviously Messianic Jews. They sing the song of Moses, the Law. Also, they sing the song of the Lamb, salvation by the shed blood of Christ. That would require an association with both the teachings of the Old and New Testament. 

They acknowledge Him to be the "King of saints". That is, all who have been saved through faith in the shed blood of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus. Their proclamation also embraces the truth that all of His ways Are just and true. Rev. 15:3 

They recognize that the Lord has wrought a mighty and marvelous work in bringing them out of the great tribulation. They will have gained a tremendous victory over the anti-christ and all of his works during that period of time. Rev. 15:2 

The timing is at the extremity of the tribulation period. At the time of the seven last plagues which take place at the conclusion of sounding of the seventh trumpet or the "last trumpet". As we have already noted, it is here that the Almighty takes over everlasting control. Rev. 11:15


THE WITNESS OF THE TWO WITNESSES. 
These men are representative of the ministry of the Lord to the nation of Israel. They are the Law and the prophets. 

The Law was given to Moses. It became the religion of Israel. Moses died and God buried him. No man was present to witness his burial. Consequently, to this day it is not known where the Lord buried him. Deut. 34:6 

That there was a resurrection of Moses is self evident by the statement of Jude. Michael [A theophany of Christ] and Satan did battle over the body of Moses. Jude 9 

Who do you suppose won? The Lord of course. How else could Moses have appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration except he had been translated in heaven. He is recognized and acknowledged by the Disciples of the Lord. They called him by name. Mt. 17:3-4 

The actions of the two witnesses during the tribulation are comparable to the works of Moses in Egypt. Rev. 11:5-6 

Elijah, representing the prophets was carried into heaven, alive, by a whirlwind. 2 Kings 2:1-11 

The Prophet Malachi, proclaimed the return of Elijah as a sign of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. Mal. 4:5 

John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah, but was not Elijah. Elijah was on the Mount of transfiguration. Mt. 17:3 

The manifestation of the power of the Lord in the book of Revelation follows the pattern of the Life of Elijah.




                                          GOD IS. 60

THE ROCK. 
The rock is used in the scriptures as a symbol of the deity, or the God of a people. The rock considered to be a  place of refuge and protection. The people of the true and living Lord also referred to their God as being their rock. To them, the rock was but a type, while to the heathen, the rock could well have been their god. Moses in his song made a difference between the two by stating that "their rock is not as our Rock" Deut. 32:31 

Immediately, we note a difference between rock and Rock. Moses gave personality to "our Rock" by capitalizing the real Rock. This is found consistently in all the versions of the Scriptures. This Rock is more than a created rock, He is the Creator. 

Even the enemies of Moses and the people of the Lord were made to acknowledge that "our Rock" is indeed the Rock of strength and power; they were brought into existence by the Rock whom they all too easily would forget and forsake. Deut. 32:18 

The Rock was the source of their salvation. In growth and prosperity, they left the Lord, and "lightly esteemed" or forsook the very one who was their savior. Deut. 32:15


MANIFOLD AND PRACTICAL BLESSINGS OF THE ROCK.
The rock, a fortress, a place of refuge in a time of strife and warfare. Behind its strong walls there is a hiding place. 

Within the solid rock walls of a fortress one finds rest and refuge, a place of safety and shelter. King David, whose many difficult experiences in life would well prepare him to express his appreciation of the rock, found the rock to be his shield, a protection from the many arrows and darts sent his way. 

The LORD was the horn, the power of his salvation. His high tower, from which he could look down on the enemy and know his every movement. The rock was to him a savior, not only in a spiritual sense, but in a very real manner from the hand of his enemies. 2 Sam. 22:2-3 

He likewise had found the Lord to be a habitation of strength. One to whom he could continuously go for a time of repose and refreshing. David’s statement, "Thou hast given commandment to save me" shows to us that it was the Promises of the Lord, the Word, the call and anointing of the Spirit on his life, that was his mainstay and confidence. Ps. 71:3 

The prayer of David was that in that day of trouble when he was about to be overcome by his many problems, that the Lord might direct him to that high and lofty rock. Ps. 61:2 

Stability is found for those who are based on the rock; they are not easily moved. They are steadfast and stable. Ps. 62:2 

The one who is the Rock is sufficient for every situation in life, and will abundantly satisfy the protection and security for His own.  


 
                                 GOD IS. 61
 
JACOB’S PILLOW. 
In the perfect plan and purpose of the Lord, Jacob found himself a resting place for the night. In the leading of the Lord he chose a stone for his pillow. Gen. 28:11 

Little did he know the Divine intervention that was about to break in upon his life. That stone has the earmark of "headship" upon it. Jacob was about to have an encounter with the Lord, a revelation by dream that was to seal the call and direction of the Lord for his life. 

In his dream-vision he saw the staircase that led from earth to heaven, with heavenly beings ascending and descending on it. Gen. 28:12


MORE IMPORTANTLY. 
He saw the LORD, or Jehovah. It was here, on this occasion that he was to receive the same promises that had been given to his Father and Grand-Father. 

He no longer rested on promises made to his predecessors, but now the promises were his; they were made personally and directly to him. 

Each and every person must have their very own experience with the Lord. No matter how Godly parents may be, the children must experience the Lord for themselves, before they can know that He is real. 

In the pledge given him is to be found that which is secular, pertaining to blessings that are for this life, as well as its needs and necessities. 

Also to be found is that which is Messianic; that which was to be the blessing of his future seed, or the Christ of God. Gal. 3:16 

That seed, singular, the individual and not the nation, was to be the source of the Confirmed Covenant. A Covenant which had been made with Abraham, Isaac and now Jacob. A Covenant which preceded the Law by four hundred and thirty years. A promise which the Law could not supersede nor could it in any way replace it. Gal. 3:17


THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW. 
It was added. It was a substitute, serving the objective of the Lord until the promised seed should come. 

The two, the Law and the Promise are incompatible. When either is in effect, the other is annulled. 

If our spiritual inheritance is of the Law then the Promise is ineffectual. 

If the Promise is predominant then the Law is silenced. Gal. 3:18 

The seed of the Promise is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the end of the Law. He satisfied the demands of a just God with a perfect sacrifice which cannot be duplicated. Rom. 10:4    





                                    GOD IS. 62
 
NEBUCHADNEZZARS DREAM OF THE ROCK. 
His dream was so overpowering that it frightened him, and awakened him from his sleep. While he could not remember his dream, he knew that it was a horrible and terrible dream, and wanted to know its contents and it meaning. 

He therefore demanded that the so called wise men, the necromancers of his court, tell him the dream and its meaning. He threatened them with death if they could not perform, but gifts, rewards and great honor if they could recall and interpret his dream. 

He knew that their previous prophetic utterances before him had been but lies. Now he was putting them to the test. They complained that there was not a man on earth who could perform in such a manner. They stated that only one with whom "the gods" dwelt, could do such a thing and their dwelling was not with flesh.  Dan. 2:1-11 

This greatly angered the king and the sentence of death was passed on all of them, including Daniel. Then they sought Daniel. They knew where the real answer was to be found. Dan 2:12--13.


THE SECRET REVEALED. 
Daniel, with his companions, had a prayer service that was a matter of life or death. The Lord made known to Daniel in a "night vision," the dream of the king and the meaning of it. 

Daniel was moved to praise the Lord and declare His greatness, proclaiming that He is the Lord possessing wisdom and might. The Lord is in charge of times and seasons and can change them at any time, according to His own pleasure. 

That is certainly a statement that needs our consideration in light of the changes that are taking place in our world. He establishes kings and all world rulers, and removes them. They govern by His authority. The wisdom of the wise and the knowledge of the knowledgeable comes from Him. He knows and makes known the deep and secret things. He sees into the darkness while He, Himself is the source of all light, natural and spiritual. Dan. 2:17-22


DANIEL GAVE THANKS AND PRAISE UNTO THE LORD. 
He had ample cause to worship the Lord. The Lord made known to him that which no other man knew, not even the king who had the dream. The revealer of secrets and the source of all wisdom is still available to the church today; He gives wisdom in great abundance when asked. James 1:5  

Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, informed the king that he had "found a man" - One who can explain to the king the context of his dream as well as the meaning of it. Dan. 2:23-25 (continued...)




                                  GOD IS.  63
 
THE FORGOTTEN DREAM AND INTREPRETATION. 
In his dream the king had seen a great and impressive image. It was seen as a brightly shining statue of great proportions and awesome in its appearance. Dan. 2:31 

It's metals decreased in value from the head down to the feet. By the time the kingdom represented by the feet is in effect, it is a weak mixture and has lost its splendor. 

The whole is to be smashed by a rock cut out of the mountain without hands. That rock will overcome and fill the whole earth with glory. 

The kingdoms represented by the image will become like the dust of the threshing floor and be carried away as the wind carries the chaff of the threshing floor. Dan. 2:32-35


NEBUCHADNEZZAR, THE HEAD OF GOLD. 
His kingdom surely was a great nation. Its splendor and beauty was magnificent. He was given the title of "king of kings". A God given authority and rule. He ruled a great kingdom from a city of wonders, the great Babylon.


THE SECOND KINGDOM. 
It was depicted by the breast and arms. Silver, while of value, is inferior to gold. In keeping with the arms it was to be a dual nation. In history, it is known as the kingdom of the Medes and the Persians.


THE THIRD KINGDOM. 
The belly and the thighs, represented by a metal of lesser value. While powerful, as represented by the brass it still showed a deterioration from the first two. This was the Grecian Empire.


THE FOURTH KINGDOM. 
The legs of iron. There is to be found here a twofold meaning. Political and religious. The religious has outlasted the political by far, keeping alive the spirit and attitude of the Roman Empire until the end of the age. 

Under the guise of religion it has become a political force that is predominant in many countries of the world. The leaders of many nations embrace its doctrines and teachings, and are in subjection to it. It will not produce the anti-christ. 

With all other religions, it will embrace and welcome the last day political/religious order of that movement which will be led by the anti-christ, whose religion will be an amalgamation of all religions into one body, and that will not be the body of Christ. This spirit of great compromise becomes more and more evident every day. The religious world is preparing itself for the great takeover perpetrated by the anti-christ.  




    GOD IS. 64
 
THE MOUNTAIN. 
A reference to the eternal and everlasting kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. The mountain is the great and eternal kingdom of the Lord; this is an event which shall take place in the end of the age. The blowing of the seventh trumpet, the last trumpet, is of great consequences to the body of Christ. 

During that period of time, that is the time allotted to the sounding of the trumpet, the consummation of the plan and purpose of the Lord will be finished. Note carefully the passage of scripture found in Rev. 10:7 "In the days," [plural] when he shall begin to sound," Days and the word begin, both carry a measure of time. 

Furthermore, the sounding of the seventh trumpet will be followed by the pouring forth of the wrath of the Almighty, contained in seven golden vials. The righteous judgment of a righteous God. Rev. 15:7 

These lead to the terrific final judgments upon a world that has totally turned itself over to do evil, and to following and worshipping the devil. These events are recorded in Revelation sixteen. 

There will be great rejoicing in heaven and the sound of loud voices proclaiming that "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever". Rev. 11:15 


THE STONE. 
Cut from the mountain without hands, showing that what is about to take place is a work of the Spirit of the Lord. This is that time of which Jesus spoke when the stone would fall on men and grind them to powder. Today those falling on that stone in repentance find salvation. 

When it rolls down off of the mountain of God’s holiness, it is too late for anything but judgment. Total annihilation, ground to powder. Mt. 21:44 

Isaiah uses such terminology pertaining to the inhabitants of the earth as "shall perish," and "shall be utterly wasted". Isa. 60:12 

With such a total catastrophe scheduled for the end of the age, how will sinners escape this horrible event and find their way into the millennium? Daniel's interpretation of the dream was that the whole of the image and its memory would be ground into the finest of powder and scatter abroad like the chaff of the threshing floor. 

"No place was to be found for them". That too sounds very final. The stone from the mountain itself will become a great mountain and fill the earth with the glory and power of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Dan. 2:34 

"Thy kingdom come"; the prayers of the saints over the ages of time will be fulfilled in a kingdom of holiness and of the righteousness of the Almighty. Sinners would be most uncomfortable in that kingdom.



 
 
                                         GOD IS.  65
 
THE INDESTRUCTABLE KINGDOM. 
"One like the Son of man". This is a title which Jesus used concerning Himself. Mt. 20:28 

Thus, with certainty, we may identify the Man who is granted the leadership of the eternal kingdom of the Lord. He is granted supreme and eternal power over all the inhabitants of the earth. There is no end to His dominion, so it will not only be during the millennium, but on in to the eternal New Heavens and New Earth, that He will reign. It will never cease to exist for it is as eternal as He is. Dan. 7:13


COMING WITH CLOUDS. 
He is seen approaching the Ancient of Days for conformation and entitlement to His coming rule. The statement of the scripture here is vital to our understanding of the Second Coming of Christ. We all know that He is coming surrounded with a heavenly cloud. Dan. 7:13 

Let us consider the cloud and its meaning in relationship to the revelation of His coming. At His ascension He was received up into a cloud as His assembled followers watched. Acts 1:9 

The pronouncement is then made that as they had "seen Him go", He should also return in the same manner. In other words His coming will be visible and known. Acts 1:11


HIS COMING. 
The Greek word "parousia" is the word that is referred to when speaking of the rapture. 

It is translated "coming" in the Bible. Jesus is speaking of His return when He said that as the "lightning" comes out of the east and "shineth" even unto the west, so shall also the parousia of the Son of man be. Mt. 24:27 

Lightning strikes are highly visible. His coming [parousia] will be as a bright shining light. The book of Revelation speaks of His second coming in language easily understood. 

Behold, look, see, observe He is coming. 

His coming is with the accompaniment of clouds. Daniel agrees with Revelation, He is coming in clouds. When He comes, every eye shall see Him. That literally means every individual that has ever lived, starting with Adam, down to the last baby born just prior to His return. 

We know that the dead will see His coming for the scripture reports that those who crucified Him will see His coming. His appearing will cause a great cry of pain and anguish when it is realized that the gospel is true. Rev. 1:7 

Jesus Himself taught that His coming would be highly visual. By His sign in the heavens and by the revelation of His high and holy position sitting at the right hand of power. Then, as He is seen coming in the clouds of heaven. Mt. 26:64




 
                                   GOD IS.  66
 
THE FIRST RESURRECTION. 
This is the resurrection of the righteous. Those who have died in the faith. It is related to the descent of the Lord Jesus from the heaven.  1 Thes. 4:16 

It is what is generally called the rapture. It is the descending of the very same Jesus who was seen ascending. Acts 1:11 

His coming will be the moment of a great change between the righteous and the unrighteous, both living and dead. It is the moment where a final, eternal designation is made. A separation between the sheep and the goats. 

He will come in His glory and divide the whole of humanity from Adam to the very last individual, those yet living on the face of the earth, and the dead. The sheep will enter into their inheritance with Him and rejoice in His eternal kingdom. Mt. 25:31-34 

It is the responsibility of the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to pass judgment on all of mankind for the Father has committed all judgment into His hands. John 5:22 

This will not be a long and drawn out process. Instantaneous judgment will take place at His appearing. Incidentally, His coming [parousia] and His appearing [epiphaneia] are one and the same event. 

When He appears He will judge, both the quick and the dead. His coming, His appearing, are both designated as the beginning of His kingdom. 2 Tim. 4:1


A RESULT OF HIS FIRST APPEARING. 
Among other things, one of the greatest accomplishments of His first appearing was the evidence of His victory over death, of which, He destroyed its authority and mystery. Manifesting His victory over death in His release from the tomb. "Life and immortality" are now made available to all through the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Tim. 1:10 

Those who really anticipate the appearing of the Lord must heed the Word of the Lord. The challenge is issued to keep ourselves, "without spot," "blameless" until that day comes. The Word of the Lord confronts every weakness and frailty of human nature and will change it where the working of the Spirit is permitted. We need not to live in bondage to the carnal man. Those who pass the test are to be rewarded with praise, honor and glory at the appearing of our Lord. 1 Pet. 1:7 

There is a crown of righteousness that will be distributed to the victorious at the time of His appearing, to all who look forward to that precious day when we shall see Him face to face. 2 Tim. 4:8 

We anticipate with great expectation, that day of "blessed hope" - with a deep longing in our hearts, for He shall appear in all of His glory and splendor. Titus 2:13 

We shall eternally be like Him when we see Him, as He is. 1 John 3:2 




                                    GOD IS.  67
 
AN APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION. 
Paul writing, pertaining to  the coming [parousia or rapture] encouraged the church at Thessalonika to recognize that there will be a sequence of events leading up to the Second Coming of the Christ of God. These need to be carefully and prayerfully considered. 

Unfortunately, the precious doctrine of the return of Christ has been misrepresented, and uninformed groups in the church universal have gone off the deep end and declared a date for the day of His coming. An event that has not yet taken place. 

Nor will it happen until all the proceedings necessary for His return are in place; the big one being the coming, and reign, of the anti-christ. 

The subject matter of the following verse is confirmed in a two-fold manner; his use of the word parousia, and then relating it to "our gathering together unto Him".  Matters which positively refer to the Second Coming. 2 Thess. 2:1 

His concern was that they not be misled by those who would trouble them into thinking that the day of Christ was about to take place. He did not believe that the Day of Christ was about to happen in his day. They were to remain undisturbed even though a so called spiritual revelation was proclaimed, or someone gave a word; even if a letter came purporting to be from Him. 2 Thess. 2:2


DO NOT BE DECEIVED. 
How important these words are. It is a true warning of the Word and of the Spirit - for the church of today. 

YES, JESUS IS COMING! Positively, very definitely. 

However, first things will be first. 

Paul said that day WILL NOT COME except there be a falling away first. That falling away will be a mega event where a large segment of the church will follow the man of sin. He will perpetrate a major split in the church. Even among the Evangelicals. 

Signs of this are already appearing. In the midst of attempts to unify, divisions are looming even greater and more intensive. Consider this, the man of sin has a coming, parousia. 2 Thess. 2:9 

He also has a moment of revelation [apokalupto]. 2 Thess. 2:8 

His duplication of the coming of Christ will amaze the world and convince many in the church that he is the real thing. The Second Coming of Christ is also called a revelation [apokalupto]. 2 Thess. 1:7 

An imitation must look as real as it possible can, in order to confuse and deceive the people. The greatest deceiver - who will pull off the master deception of the ages - is about to appear on the scene. 

Any person without a solid knowledge of the WORD and a real manifestation of the gift of discernment is subject to deception.   




                                             GOD IS.  68
 
A SECRETIVE COMING? 
Lightning is not a very hidden occasion. It is very visible. The Lord Jesus, Himself, compared His coming, [parousia, rapture], to lightning. Mt. 24:27 

Striking out of the east [the sun rising] and flashing unto the west. The glorious manifestation of the Lord Jesus at His coming, will be like lightning, both in visibility and in speed. He will circle the earth In a matter of seconds, coming in such an awesome manner that the peoples of the earth will be filled with the greatest fear ever known to mankind. 

From the political leaders to the poorest of the poor, the unsaved will attempt to hide from Him by going into the dens and caves of the mountains, or any other place that they may have chosen to hide from a catastrophe of any kind. Rev. 6:15-16 

How ironic, they call for the mountains and the rocks to hide them from the Rock - that great fire descending from space like a blazing meteor. 

Jesus said that His coming [parousia, rapture] would be seen as He comes in the cloud, with power and great glory.

 
THE REVELATION OF THE LORD JESUS FROM HEAVEN. 
The word revelation speaks to us of something that is to be unveiled. An event that is to be made known and very public. 

Perhaps secret and unexposed up to a certain moment, then widely publicized. 

So is the Second Coming of Christ. Other than the words, coming [parousia,rapture] and appearing [epiphaniea] the Apostle introduces us to a third word relating to the same event. 

That is revelation [apokalupsis] or an opening up, a making known. Not only will He been seen but the vast host of the mighty angels will also be revealed with Him at the same time. 2 Thess. 1:7


THE MANNER OF HIS REVELATION. 
In flaming fire. 2 Thess. 1:8 

Greatly evident and highly visible. 

Contrary to popular belief, His Coming will in no way be an unseen and secret event. A quickly approaching fiery meteor would strongly attract the attention of the world. 

The Lord Jesus will circumnavigate the earth in a matter of seconds and woe be unto His enemies. The Psalmist writing of His coming stated that a fire would burn before Him and that it would be tempestuous around and about Him. The greatest fire storm ever on this earth will take place at the time of His revelation. Ps. 50:3 

It is to be noted that this event takes place at the time of the gathering of His saints, those who have embraced His everlasting covenant. Ps. 50:5




                                     GOD IS. 69

THE REVELATION OF THE WICKED ONE. 
Take particular notice, please, that as Christ will have a moment of revelation [apokalupsis], so the anti-christ will have his revelation or unveiling [apokalupto]. He is an imitator, and will consummate the expectations of many when he comes on the scene - in particular, the light, frothy Christian who lives on the excitement of the gospel and never takes time to delve into the deeper truths of the Word. 

What lies before us is too serious to be taken lightly. The church is on the verge of the greatest deception that has ever been perpetrated on any one person or group.


THE RAPTURE. 
The coming [the word parousia, is used here] of the anti-christ. He will precede the coming of the Christ of God. 2 Thess. 2:9 

He will be violently destroyed at the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus. By the spirit of the mouth of the Lord, that is the Word spoken in the power of the Spirit. 

Furthermore, he will be completely annihilated by the brightness [epiphaniea, manifestation or the advent of Christ], of His coming [pariouisia]. 

The scriptures plainly show that the anti-christ will be dealt with at the time of the Rapture or the Second Coming of the Christ. This event takes place at the conclusion of the great tribulation period.


THE COMING ANTI-CHRIST. 
He will come with great power, [dunamis, strength, might], with manifestations of miraculous signs and lying wonders. 2 Thess. 2:9 

How frightening to think that there can be a duplication of those things which follow the preaching of the Word. We have an example in Moses and Aaron standing before Pharaoh and the magicians duplicating their signs. Ex. 7:9-8:19 

The magicians recognized the handiwork of the Lord, but Pharaoh continued to harden his heart.


BE WARNED. 
The acceptance of the great deception in the last days is predicated on the spiritual condition of the heart. 

In the life where wickedness prevails there will be a deception. Those who do not love the truth of the Word of the Lord will find themselves being deceived; because of blatant unrighteousness, the Lord Himself will send a strong delusion that those who work evil works will be thoroughly deceived. 

What a pathetic condition - but the warning of the Word is there for all who read it to thoroughly understand the events that will take place in the end of the age. 2 Thess. 2:10-12 

This is not a time to play games with the gospel of Christ. More than in any other generation, this is the time for serious commitment to the Lord. 

These are the last days and many living today will face these very serious consequences before too long. 




                                  GOD IS.  70

THE MAN OF SIN. 
The very ultimate of that which is sinful and unrighteous. He is the very epitome of all that is gross and wicked. He is the product of the powers of darkness and is destined for destruction and ruin, but not before he has had his day. He is the son of perdition. 2 Thess. 2:3 

Jesus called Judas a son of perdition. Judas is a type of the anti-christ who will also come from the church. The greatest disagreement has always come from those close to or in conjunction with leadership. 

Please, the Pope is not the anti-christ, nor will any future Pope become this man. The anti-christ will eventually be the sole head of all religions. He comes on the scene as a member of the hierarchy of the most spiritual body of Christ, ever. A perfect church without spot of wrinkle. Consider 1 John 2:19  

The nature of Judas was also one of opposition. A spirit that is much in evidence today, even in the church. 


HE WILL EXALT HIMSELF. 
He is a first class promoter and con artist who will boast concerning his powers and abilities. This is also a spirit that is much in evidence in the world and in the church today. Self must surely be his middle name. 

Because of his ability to produce signs and wonders he will convince many naive individuals in the church that he is indeed, God manifest in the flesh. Multitudes will be believe him and follow him into perdition. 

The book of Revelation introduces him as a beast. That illustrates to us the nature of this individual. It does not say that his appearance is like an animal of some sort; he will be an object of worship. As the devil was worshipped so he will be also. Devil worship will increase more and more as we approach the end. Rev. 13:4 

Imagine the deception that will take place in the hearts of people in that day causing them to say, "Who is like unto the beast"; he has completely bewitched the greater segment of the population of the earth who will now follow him. 

He is the hero of the ten kingdom empire; the ten leaders of the ten kingdoms will have but a brief period of authority. 

He will persuade them to surrender their power to him, and they will make a unified decision to support him in all of his wicked ways. Their power and authority will be completely surrendered to the anti-christ, the beast. Rev. 17:12-13 

He is the leader of the ten toes of the great image. The next statement is like a challenge. "Who is able to make war with him". Foolishly, and in complete deception, they will attempt to make war with the Lamb. This is a bad mistake, for not only is Jesus the Lamb of God but He is Lord of lords and King of kings - the supreme authority ruling over all other possible  authorities. Rev. 17:14 



 
 
                                        GOD IS. 71
 
TEN HORNS, TEN KINGDOMS. 
Daniel saw the great kingdoms of this world, which are for us, in the past and in the immediate future. Among them periodically appeared what is termed as a "little horn". While little, indicates small or insignificant, in this case this "little horn" was to be greatly significant. 

Daniel saw the last day ten kingdom empire and described its dreadfulness. Exceptionally strong, with tremendous ability to tear apart any that would dare challenge it. It also had the ability to stamp them into the ground. Obviously, all will be in submission to this ungodly empire. Dan. 7:7 

The ability of the "little horn" is amazing in the light that this empire is already of great strength and is so exceedingly cruel. Nevertheless, he is able to move in on the powers that be and completely uproot three of them and assume full power. The seven remaining will be in complete submission to him. He is Mr. Big mouth. A master at propaganda and possessing tremendous ability to sway the peoples of the earth with his philosophy. Dan. 7:8 
 

THIS SYSTEM IS DESTINED FOR DEFEAT. 
The vision given to  Daniel continued unto the end. He saw the defeat of this last day world system of government and the casting down of its thrones. Dan. 7:9 

The Ancient of days then assumed all power and authority. Daniel saw the Lord, clothed in white and with snow white hair. He sits enthroned in His very own light. Ps. 104:2  

The king of righteousness sits enthroned in the righteous kingdom of the ALMIGHTY. His throne is most majestic with the glory of the Lord seen as fire and encircled with fire. Fire can be very destructive. The coming of the Lord Jesus will be with flaming fire. 2 Thess. 1:9 

However, fire, if it is the fire of the Holy Spirit, can be very profitable and is most certainly a pleasant thing to experience. Mt. 3:11 

Our God is a consuming fire. Heb. 12:29 

To be purged by the fire of the Lord Should be the desire of every child of the Lord. Mt. 3:12 

When the Lord comes, the very brilliancy of His coming will - in a matter of moments - judge and destroy the false kingdoms and all of the citizens of the same. Dan. 7:10 

In the New Testament it is the brilliancy [brightness, epiphaniea] of the rapture [parousia]. 2 Thess. 2:8 

His coming is the most spectacular event of the ages. It is a most blessed moment for those who are in Christ and ready to meet Him at His coming. The Bride hath made Herself ready.  
 
 


 
                                      GOD IS.  72
 
THE GOD OF BLAZING GLORY. 
Isaiah, in prophetic vein, proclaimed the Name of the LORD. There is one who bears the glory and the right to be called by that precious name, and that is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. His coming is from afar, from the very portals of heaven. He will come with righteous but burning anger, and thick clouds of smoke. NIV. 

His lips will speak with great indignation, His tongue will be as a flaming and devouring fire. Isa. 30:27 

Again, Isaiah - when he proclaimed the coming of the Lord - spoke of His coming with fire and His chariots like a hurricane. Most likely the strongest to ever have visited the earth. The time of His coming is a time of great and intense extremities, events that have never happened before, or the mightiest that have ever occurred. 

He will rebuke the world for rejecting Him and refusing His salvation so generously offered to all, and it will be by fire. By His fire and His sword, His Word, He will judge the inhabitants of the earth. Those slain will constitute a great multitude. Isa. 66:15-16


THE RIVER OF FIRE. 
What an awesome sight that will be, like the river of lava flowing from a volcano. So, a river of fire will flow before Him, while a great multitude of the redeemed of all ages will minister unto Him; they are the cloud of His coming. 

The judgment is set, the court is convened; the books of remembrance are to be opened, and mankind will be judged according to the recordings found there. Dan. 7:10 

Remember, Our God is a consuming fire. Heb. 12:29


THE LITTLE HORN OF DANIEL EIGHT. 
Historically, this horn represent a man who called himself Antiochus Epiphanes, "the illustrious". But the people of his day called him Antiochus Epimanes, "the furious". That speaks volumes of his character and conduct. Prophetically, he represents the one who will come under the instigation of the devil himself. Dan. 8:9 

Consider, he will possess the ability to deceive even those who are called "the host of heaven". Dan. 8:10 

When Lucifer fell from heaven, he deceived some of the angels into revolting with him. They too were cast out. A segment of the last day church will be deceived into following the forces of darkness, and will fall and follow him. Stars represent the redeemed. The tail of the dragon [the devil] will cause a third of the church to follow him. Rev. 12:4 

This is that of which Paul wrote in his letter. 2 Thess. 2:3 

There is a specific moment when this takes place.
  

 
                                              GOD IS.  73
 
THE HUGE RED DRAGON. 
The woman of Revelation twelve is of such great importance that the devil [the dragon] will focus his attention on her and in particular her offspring.  Rev. 12:3-4 

We have here, pictured for us, the last day political force of the amalgamated nations. The ten kingdom empire. 

It must be stated here that the woman is not the virgin Mary, nor is the man child that is born, Christ. 

The book of Revelation was not given to John as a lesson in history, the past. Rather, it is just what is proclaimed to be, a Revelation. An unfolding of the future. 

See what is says about itself. It contains a message concerning the "things which must shortly come to pass". Or in the future. Rev. 1:1 

"The time is at hand". Rev. 1:3 

A statement that we find related to the messages to the seven churches. The time element is considered to be about the year 94 AD, which is long after the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ. 

Contained in the book is to be found, "the things that are, and the things which shall be hereafter". Rev. 1:19 

From the time of John on Patmos, the futuristic vein of the book is further verified by the words, "I will show you things which must be hereafter". Rev. 4:1 

Furthermore, when the prophecy of the book is about to be fully enacted, it says, "the time is at hand". Rev. 22:10 

With such a persistent witness we have to know that the book is to be fulfilled in our day and not the past.


WHO WANTS TO PREACH THIS MESSAGE? 
This generation of Christians will see persecution such as none other have known. The easy going, "bless me, bless you" gospel, will not prepare hearts and lives for the tests that some are already experiencing and many others will before we are through with our sojourn here in this world. 

To whom does the kingdom of heaven belong? Jesus said, "they which are persecuted for righteousness sake". Mt. 5:10 

So, we are going to be popular with the political leaders? Jesus listed the last day order of things. Under the beginning of sorrows. Mt. 24:8 

They will afflict you. They shall kill you. "Ye shall be hated of all nations for my names sake". Mt. 24:9 

If you lived in some countries of this world, you would know that this is a fact of life today. Those who are recorded as the heroes of faith written in Hebrews eleven, knew that in suffering the horrors of hatred and persecution, leading to death as martyrs, they would be granted a "better resurrection". Heb. 11:38 

Even the precious woman of Revelation twelve will suffer persecution. Rev. 12:13 

As will those Christians who are not sheltered with her in that very special place, prepared by the Lord. Rev. 12:17 

Some will be left behind because they were not wearing a wedding garment.    
 


 
                                       GOD IS. 74
 
WAR WITH THE SAINTS. 
We know, and well agree that the saints are the redeemed. The scripture has just shown us a concerted attack on what is called, "the remnant of her seed". That they are Christians is self apparent, for they keep the commandments and have the testimony of Jesus. Rev. 12:17 

They are composed of those who were unprepared to be a part of the delivered woman, the Bride of Christ. One cannot partake of the wedding without a wedding dress. Also with them will be those, mostly Jews who will believe the witness of the two witnesses and will accept Jesus as their Messiah. The two witnesses are the two olive trees or trees of oil, the anointing. The two candlesticks, light bearers, who are in the immediate presence of the Lord. They are Moses, the law, and Elijah, the prophet. Zech. 4:2-3  

Note the similarity of their work during the three and one-half year tribulation with their first visit to earth. Rev. 11:4-6


THE ANTICHRIST WARRING WITH THE SAINTS. 
If all are caught up at the beginning of the tribulation, who on earth are these saints? Except they are the group that we have already identified. The ability to conqueror them is given him. They will give their lives for Christ. He will have complete control over the entire world. Rev. 13:7 

Working in harmony with him will be the great harlot church. The church of compromise. A merging of every religion on the face of the earth. The beginnings of this religious conglomeration is already in the process of formation. She will be noted as the religious butcher. One who delighted in persecuting the believers in Christ, and killing them. It is apparent that her responsibility was to murder the saints. Here again we find some saints in the tribulation and in conjunction with the harlot church. Rev. 17:7 

The church and world powers will be so elated and filled with pride over their successes that they will think to make war with the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. Their defeat is certain. He, Jesus, is Lord over every lord and King over every king or earthly power, dictator, president, prime minister or potentate. As always, the docile, slain Lamb is more than conqueror. Rev. 17:14 

The last to die as martyrs will be the two witnesses. Only after the conclusion of their testimony will war be waged against them and they will be slain. Rev. 11:6-7 

For three and one-half days their bodies will lie on display in Jerusalem. The same city where our Lord was crucified. The world will greatly celebrate their deaths. However, they await the resurrection of the righteous dead. Rev. 11:8-12     



                                      GOD IS. 75

NOT ONLY IS HE LOVE, HE IS A LOVER. 
In a great variety of ways the Lord expresses His majestic love in the lives of His people. He daily loads us with His benefits. Ps. 68:19 

There has been no greater manifestation of His love than that which will be known, by His church, in the last days. He has proclaimed and demonstrated the absolute greatness of His love for Her. The beginning of His love is to be found in John 3:16 

"For God so loved". That love of redemption, of new birth. Birth is the beginning of life. The ultimate of His love is found in His desire to have a true friend, a faithful companion, a wife who is totally dedicated to Him. Paul said that, "Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. Eph. 5:25 

Paul was not speaking of the great buildings and cathedrals of today. His vision was the "ekklesia," the called out ones. A people meeting the standard that has been established by the Lord Jesus.


HE GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT. 
The sacrifice of Himself contains many elements which are foreign to us. We see the physical suffering only. While the one who was crucified had spent eternity in the glories of heaven, the praise and honor that had been His was all laid aside, as an evidence of His love. The eternal, the everlasting one tasted death for all men. Heb. 2:9 

The scriptural revelation of God staggers the imagination. He is so great. He is so infinite. So supreme, that the mind of man cannot fully comprehend Him. When we understand one aspect of Him, we discover that there is yet more to know about Him. He is inexhaustible. Throughout eternity we will still be learning more and more about Him.
It was not just any man hanging on the cross. It was Jesus, the Son of God of whom the Word declared that, He was GOD, "manifest in the flesh". 1 Tim. 3:16 

To try to measure the  extent of His love is an impossibility. It cannot be over stated how tremendously the heart of the Lord Jesus longs to be with that one who is engaged to Him. The true bride to be is esteemed to be a "chaste virgin" who is espoused to Christ Jesus and to Him alone. 2 Cor. 11:2 

A real heart felt relationship with Christ is to be found in the consecration that is made to Him. He has said that, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light". Mt. 11:30 

He has certain requirements and stipulations for the bride to meet. For the carnal man they are impossible but the spiritual man will lovingly and gladly fulfill them. Those who are in His Bride will seek to please Him, in all things, in all ways.



                                   GOD IS. 76

A HUSBAND. 
The Lord considered Himself to be married unto Israel. The creator, their Maker, proclaimed Himself to be a husband unto them. Not only was He their creator as the creator of all men, but He was also the one who brought Israel into existence. Isa. 54:5 

In His love covenant with them He had promised to sustain them in every area of life. He established for them a pattern of life that would have made their lives full and complete, had they but followed Him fully. As Jehovah Sabaoth, LORD over all the hosts of earth and heaven, all were in and under His command. 

In delivering them from Egypt and establishing the Passover as the feast of redemption and communication with them, He revealed Himself as their Redeemer. Think of it, He was the Holy One, the only true God to Israel. 

There are none greater than the LORD. They had a perfect guide and protector. They were privileged to have an intimate relationship with the God of the whole earth.


FEAR NOT. 
Words spoken to Israel from the One who created and formed them according to His very own will. They were redeemed by the Lord who knew them by name. He was not a God afar off but cherished them in a close relationship. He dwelt among them in the tabernacle and made His presence known in the revelation of His glory. Isa. 43:1 

Consider carefully His promises to them. He did not say that adverse circumstances would never overtake them. Nor that they would not face difficulties in their walk through this life. 

Unwanted and unhappy circumstances will come to us. They are unavoidable. 

He did promise His presence with them, and that they would not be overwhelmed by their problems. Deliverance was assured as long as a proper relationship was maintained. Isa. 43:2 

Victory is found in His being, in a knowledge of who He is, as revealed in His name. He is Jehovah, the One who is Holiness, the Savior. Isa. 43:3 

In His love for them as a nation, they were precious, valuable, and greatly prized - in His sight.

When they had acted honorably The Lord would go to no end to manifest Himself as a husband, a shield, and a protector. He was willing to move heaven and earth on their behalf. All others He considered to be but gross heathen that Israel might be blest of the Lord  and that He might fulfill His perfect will in their lives. Isa. 43:4 

Israel had it made, and did not appreciate all the provisions of the Lord. The scriptures show us that, unfortunately, they turned from the true and living Lord, and sinned by worshiping strange gods and lost their status that they had with the Lord.  



                                      GOD IS.  77

HE IS A COVENANT MAKING LORD. 
In the making and preparation of a covenant, He intertwines Himself so generously, that He literally becomes the covenant. In making covenant with Abraham, because the Lord could swear by none greater, He made promises and sealed the covenant by Himself. 

He took full responsibility for the fulfilling of its promises. It was based solely on the goodness and strength of the Lord. Heb. 6:13 

The old covenant broken. Now the promise of a New Covenant. The Lord considered Himself to be a husband to Israel when He delivered them from Egypt. Jer. 31:32 

Disobedience in seeking out other lovers caused the Lord to withdraw Himself from them. He called unto them to repent, acknowledge their iniquities and turn from their sin. What mercy, what amazing grace He showed towards them, for He yet recognized their marriage relationship. Jer. 3:12-14


PROMISES DETERMINED BY THEIR REPENTANCE. 
Promises that are only applicable to a people who return and confess their wickedness and rebellion to the Lord. 

The key to obtaining all of the promises of the Lord are contingent upon a truly repentant heart. The very first promise the Lord made to a returning people was that He would give them pastors, shepherds, men of His own heart. 

How necessary it is that every pastor know the heart of the Lord; not displaying our learning and wisdom, but His knowledge. Heart knowledge, not head knowledge.  Jer. 3:15


A CHANGE IN THE MANNER OF WORSHIP. 
The ark of the covenant no longer to be the center of their worship. So much so, that the past is forgotten. Jer. 3:16 

The ark was but a type of the true Mercy Seat, the throne of the Lord, where the real Lamb is seen as the eternal sacrifice. The eternal evidence of the perfect, everlasting Atonement provided by God’s Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. Rev. 5:6 

There is only one door of salvation, and Jesus said that He was that door. Any and all men may enter there, providing they confess their sin to Him. John 10:9 

Jesus is the only sacrifice that can bring redemption. All sacrifices offered under the Law were but types of the true act of propitiation which was performed by the Lord Jesus. All, past [under the Law], current, and into the future, until He returns, must come by way of the blood of Christ. 

There is no other way, nor has there ever been nor shall there ever be. Rom. 3:25               




                                  GOD IS. 78

THE CREATOR OF A NEW CREATION. 
Since the birth, death and resurrection of Christ, the old has been laid aside. It was not practical nor did it function as the Lord desired. The fault was not with the Lord but with those who supposedly were practicing their religion. 

Therefore Paul was led to say to the Galatian church that neither circumcision or uncircumcision were of any meaning before the Lord. What counts with Him is a new creature in Christ. Gal. 6:15 

Likewise, to the Corinthian church he wrote the only spiritual experience of value was a new creature in Christ. "THE OLD HAS PASSED AWAY". 2 Cor. 5:17 

"ALL THINGS" are now new. Paul was very positive in placing a real emphasis on this particular point. To try and revive the old or even a portion of the former sacrifices is a travesty before the Lord.


THE LORD IS INSULTED. 
Who would knowingly dare commit such an act? Jesus has opened up the "new and living way", whereby we pass through the veil, that is His sacrificed body, into the holy of holies or the throne presence of the Lord. Heb. 10:20 

By His one offering He has wrought an eternal work of salvation by blood, His blood and His alone. There is no other way possible to gain entrance into His holy presence. Heb. 10:14 

To rebuild the temple and inaugurate animal sacrifices once again would be the ultimate affront. Please carefully consider the heart of the Lord in this matter. 

Here is His attitude toward animal sacrifices. The killing of an ox as a sacrifice is equal to the murder of another human being in His sight. To sacrifice a lamb is comparable to the slitting of a dog’s neck and offering it to the Lord. 

Those bringing an oblation, an offering of a sacrifice, commit an act that is equal to the offering of the blood of a swine before the Lord. Those who burn incense in a worship or a religious service are violating even the tenets of the law by an act that is paramount to blessing an idol. 

From the Law itself, we learn that to enact any of these forms of past worship, is a direct violation of the will of the Lord. Never, ever can the Lord in any way bless such actions or for that matter even tolerate them. Isa. 66:3 

This verse is a direct(ion), "thus saith the Lord". He has given us His Word - that we might know the truth - and not be misled in the end of the age. 

Great deceptions are being perpetrated on the people of the Lord. The big one is yet to come. It behooves us to know the Word and hide it in our hearts that we be not easily deceived.



 
                                GOD IS. 79
 
GOD WAS IN CHRIST. 
Ah, the mystery of the Godhead. Yet, so simple if we just follow the statements of the Word. Paul wrote that "God was in Christ". 2 Cor. 5:19 

As simple and as understandable a statement that could be made concerning the God, who is a Spirit. John 4:24 

Therefore we find that the Spirit nature of God dwelt, that is made residence within the Lord Jesus. Paul affirmed this by writing that "in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form".  Col. 2:9 NIV. 

The key is found in "bodily form". Jesus was the receptacle, His human body is the only human body of God. This is that which is physical, made in the likeness of man. He was conceived of His Father and is the God/man. He possesses all the attributes of His Father and yet was subject to the temptations of men. He is our link to all that is Godlike. Through Jesus we have access to the Father and to the throne of God. 

Isaiah, when prophesying concerning the birth of Christ declared that He would be called "Immanuel". Isa. 7:14 "which being interpreted, is God with us". Mt. 1:23


HOW CLOSE WAS THAT AFFINITY? 
It was closer than we can imagine or visualize. Here are the words of the Lord Jesus, " I am in the Father and the Father in me". John 14:10 

That is as close and as tight a relationship as there can be. Here is a beautiful statement, "It pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell". Col. 1:19 

The unity of the Godhead is so absolute. It is perfect in every aspect of its existence. The problem is, not that we cannot understand, but that we will not understand. How can we truly worship a God whom we do not comprehend, at least to the measure that He has chosen to reveal Himself in His word? The statement of the Lord Jesus Should be taken at face value when He said," I and my Father are one". John 10:30 

If any one should know, Jesus should. As the unity of the Godhead is seen in the scriptures, so the Triunity is also revealed. 

All that the Father possessed and represented belonged also to the Lord Jesus. Again, expressing that unity that exists in the Godhead. John 16:15 

The true "Lord’s prayer" expands this unity to include those who are His sheep. Jesus prayed that the same agreement that existed between Himself and His Father would also be among those who are His followers. He desired not only that they be in one accord among themselves but that they have the same unison with the Godhead. John 17:21
    

 
                                     GOD IS. 80
 
UNDERSTANDING WHO GOD IS. 
If we are to fully comprehend Him we must do so by the scriptures, and our very own relationship with the Lord. That is, we too have been born of the Spirit. Therefore we know that His Spirit can dwell within our spirit and produce tremendous changes in nature and attitude. John 3:16 

If an individual is truly "in Christ" then the  life of the Spirit will become the predominate character in them. For they walk after the leading of the Spirit and not after the works of the flesh. Rom. 8:1 

The life of the Spirit is not without order but is directed after a heavenly manner, after the life and works of the Lord Jesus. There is freedom in the Spirit life. We are not in bondage to the works of the law of sin and death. Rom. 8:2


A TYPE WITH WHICH WE LIVE EVERY DAY. 
The complete man is a triunity. Paul acknowledged man as being spirit, soul and body, three yet one man. 1 Thess. 5:23 

It is the Word of the Lord which divides and distinguishes the difference between spirit, soul and body. The body is that which is earthly, mortal and will under ordinary circumstances die. It is for this life only. It is but the seed of that which will be manifest at the time of the first resurrection. The resurrected body is of an eternal, heavenly order fashioned after the resurrected body of the Lord Jesus. It is a spiritual, Christ like body which will never again know sin, sickness nor death. 1 Cor. 15:44 

Amazingly, His desire toward us is that we might find the life of Christ to be made manifest while we are yet in our mortal bodies. 2 Cor. 4:10 

Now, this very moment of time, it is His will that our bodies become totally surrendered to His perfect will and we become the temple of the Holy Ghost. He wants to dwell in His church! 1 Cor. 6:19


GOD IN HUMAN FORM. 
A mystery which some of the wisest of men are still trying to unravel. In the simplicity of the gospel, He has revealed Himself, by being "manifest in the flesh". In Christ, who in the eternities past had been known as the Logos, He was revealed as God in the flesh. 1 Tim. 3:16 

He became a man, that as a man He might be tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. In this manner He set an example for us. He not only is able to deliver us from habitual sin but He has the capability to keep us from all sin. In His faithfulness to His very own, we have the promise that He is able to keep us from evil. Victory over sin is our goal. 2 Thess. 3:3       
   
 
 
    GOD IS.  81
 
THE LIFE OF THE FLESH. That which activates and motivates the body, is the blood. Our blood warms and cools the body. It feeds and carries oxygen to every cell of the body. On its return it carries off the waste and carbon dioxide. It fights disease and coagulates to prevent its own loss. It has been called a river of life to the bodies of all animals, including man. Lev. 17:11 Associated with it is the organ which pumps so faithfully this stream of blood through the body day and night. That is why a sound heart also gives life to the body. Prov. 14:30 Man can live without some organs of the body but not the heart and blood. They are vital to our well being. A heart of rejoicing, a merry heart does good like a medicine. Prov. 17:22
 
BLOOD IS AN ESSENTIAL TO NATURAL AND SPIRITUAL LIFE.
The very first blood that was shed was an act of atonement.
The Lord Himself, slew animals for their skins that He might cover the sin of Adam and Eve. Gen. 3: 21 We are not told which of the animals was slain would the conjecture of a lamb
Be to far off? They understood the principle of blood atonement for when their sons prepared altars to worship the Lord. Able offered of his flock and was accepted. Cain offered of the fruit of the ground, of his own labors. His offering was rejected. No doubt an act of pride on his behalf. Gen. 4:3-5 They were not in ignorance of that which was necessary for atonement. The only acceptable atonement is the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Without the shedding of blood there it no remission, no forgiveness, no atonement. Heb. 9:22
 
"HE POURED OUT HIS SOUL UNTO DEATH. Isa. 53:12 Most generally something that is "poured out" is in liquid form.
The fact that it was prophesied of Him that "He poured out His soul an OFFERING FOR SIN," verifies that His soul, His life’s blood is the only atonement possible. Isa. 53:10 All other sacrifices were but symbolic of that which was to come. The word of the Lord has the ability to differentiate between soul and spirit and so it does. Heb. 4:12 They are close, intertwined yet different entities. The soul life is for this world. The Spirit is for that which is to come. The word soul is used by the scriptures in a manner which can not only be defined as being resident in the blood, but is used to describe the whole nature of man. At times, in describing the nature of a person, we may refer to them as being "hot blooded," or "cold blooded," showing a relationship between the blood and the evidenced character of a person.     




                                  GOD IS.  81

THE LIFE OF THE FLESH. 
That which activates and motivates the body, is the blood. Our blood warms and cools the body. It feeds and carries oxygen to every cell of the body. On its return it carries off the waste and carbon dioxide. It fights disease and coagulates to prevent its own loss. It has been called a river of life to the bodies of all animals, including man. Lev. 17:11 

Associated with it is the organ which pumps so faithfully this stream of blood through the body day and night. That is why a sound heart also gives life to the body. Prov. 14:30 

Man can live without some organs of the body but not the heart and blood. They are vital to our well being. A heart of rejoicing, a merry heart does good like a medicine. Prov. 17:22


BLOOD IS AN ESSENTIAL TO NATURAL AND SPIRITUAL LIFE. 
The very first blood that was shed was an act of atonement. The Lord Himself, slew animals for their skins that He might cover the sin of Adam and Eve. Gen. 3: 21 

We are not told which of the animals was slain; would the conjecture of a lamb be too far off? They understood the principle of blood atonement, for when their sons prepared altars to worship the Lord, Abel offered of his flock and was accepted. 

Cain offered of the fruit of the ground, of his own labors. His offering was rejected. No doubt an act of pride on his behalf. Gen. 4:3-5 

They were not in ignorance of that which was necessary for atonement. The only acceptable atonement is the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Without the shedding of blood there it no remission, no forgiveness, no atonement". Heb. 9:22


"HE POURED OUT HIS SOUL UNTO DEATH. Isa. 53:12 
Most generally something that is "poured out" is in liquid form. The fact that it was prophesied of Him that "He poured out His soul an OFFERING FOR SIN," verifies that His soul, His life’s blood is the only atonement possible. Isa. 53:10 

All other sacrifices were but symbolic of that which was to come. The word of the Lord has the ability to differentiate between soul and spirit and so it does. Heb. 4:12 

They are close, intertwined yet different entities. The soul life is for this world. The Spirit is for that which is to come. 

The word soul is used by the scriptures in a manner which can not only be defined as being resident in the blood, but is used to describe the whole nature of man. At times, in describing the nature of a person, we may refer to them as being "hot blooded," or "cold blooded," showing a relationship between the blood and the evidenced character of a person.     



 
                                      GOD IS. 82
 
GOD IS A SPIRIT. 
He is not a man, He is that which is timeless, belonging to an entirely different manner of life. The Spirit life is life eternal. God, who is Spirit is substance. That which is Spirit is far more real than the worldly, for it is everlasting. 

The natural man was created to live in this world, having a body, soul and spirit. The Lord breathed into the nostrils of Adam, the "breath of life," and he became a living soul. The Lord had completed the man whom He had made. The body with its life sustaining blood lay before the Lord. Not until the "breath of life’ from the Lord was breathed into Adam did his heart begin to beat and his blood circulate throughout his body. Gen. 2:7 

His body and soul were activated by the breath of the Lord. Note, Adam is called "a living soul". In the order ordained of the Lord, the body lives by the blood, and the blood [soul] lives because of the very breath [Spirit] of the Lord. 

The first act at the birth of a child is to make certain that it is breathing. It must breathe life giving oxygen into its lungs that the oxygen might be circulated through the body, by the blood, in order to live. The breath we breathe is unseen, yet its existence cannot be denied. We cannot touch it, or grasp it but we are very aware of it as it fills our lungs. 

So with the Spirit of the Lord. We may not see Him. We may not lay hold of Him, but we are very much aware of His presence when we are filled with the baptism of the Spirit.


THE LORD IS THAT SPIRIT. 
Paul is not relating to just any spirit, and most certainly not to the spirit of man. He is emphasizing the fact that the Lord is THAT SPIRIT. The true Spirit, as well as the Spirit of truth. He is that Spirit which brings human kind into a real affiliation with the Lord. 

The presence of the Spirit of the Lord always brings freedom wherever He is manifest. He is the means whereby we are able to live in liberty from all that binds. 2 Cor. 3:17 

All natural life has its beginning in Adam, who was but a living soul like all of us, having life only for this world. So, now in Christ - and by the Spirit - He who is known as the 'last Adam' is a life giving spirit. Real life, eternal life, is found in Him - and only in Him. 1 Cor. 15:45 

Because the Word is Spirit and Life, it can only be made effective by the anointing of the Spirit. John 6:63 

The Word without the Spirit is unproductive. It must be motivated by the Spirit. 2 Cor. 3:6 

The Word and the Spirit work together in full harmony. The Word is the recorded knowledge of whom and what the Lord is. It is the Spirit who reveals the Christ of God, using the Word, and making known to us how very real and precious He can be to those who love Him.   



 
                                   God Is. 83
 
LET US. 
In every act of the Lord He reveals Himself in some way. In the creation of man, the Lord chose to make Himself known, first of all in the personal pronoun, us, in plural form. Indicating more than one was to be involved in the act. The plural is again used when He said, "in OUR image and after OUR likeness". Gen. 1:26 

Of identical interest and perhaps more dramatic is the word that is use in the Hebrew identifying the God of creation as Elohiym. Elohim, is in the plural and as one of the names of the God of creation, shows both the unity, the oneness of His person and the Triunity of His being. 

Mankind, the Lord made in His "own likeness". The Lord when seen, generally reveals Himself as a man. Actually the reverse is the true order, for man was created following the pattern of the Lord. Man was made with the likeness of Elohim stamped upon him. Man bears His resemblance in general appearance and shape. 

We have the same physical shape but there the similitude ends. The Lord is perfect in every aspect of His being and we are far from such perfection. As Elohim is a Triunity, so man is a triunity of body, soul and spirit. 

The Lord of creation, after having created all other things, determined to bring forth His highest creation, man. The unequaled intelligence of the Lord is made manifest in man, His supreme and final creation. No created creature has equal status with man. None have the love and care that the Lord bestows upon man. 

When His Son was sent to the earth He did not come as a lamb, but as a man, even though He was to be God’s Lamb. It was as if though a circuit had been made, Man created in the image of the Lord. Then the Son coming in the image of a man, in order to create a new man. 

The true man of the Lord is to be a new creature, especially created in Christ Jesus to manifest the life of the Lord by works of righteousness. Eph. 2:10 

By the same token, it is not by religious works that one may be saved, but the character and nature of a new creature who is in Christ Jesus. That is, he has undergone a second creation and is now growing spiritually, into the likeness and image of the God, whose name is Elohim. There is a process that is established. 

As we look into the mirror which reflects His glory, we too may be changed into the very image and likeness which is manifest therein. 

The mirror is the Word. 

The element which activates and accomplishes the process is the person of the Holy Spirit. If we are faithful to look often and consistently into the mirror, there will be a spiritual growth causing us to be changed into His image and likeness. 2 Cor. 3:18       



 
                                  GOD IS. 84
 
WHO IS ABLE TO BUILD A HOUSE FOR HIM? 
Inasmuch as the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him. Where is the place of His dwelling? 2 Chron. 2:6 

There is no man made structure able to accept Him as its tenant. He is extremely greater than the best and the greatest of all the efforts of men. However, in the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Godhead dwells in its absolute completeness. 

Note, Col. 2:9 "For in Christ all the fullness of Deity lives in bodily form". NIV. The only physical body that may be named as belonging to God, is the body of the Lord Jesus. The evidence of that which pleases the Father is the truth that, "In Him should all fullness dwell". Col. 1:19 

The Lord Jesus is the receptacle, the eternal dwelling place of all that is called Godhead.


THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD. 
Even in His declaration of His Oneness there is evidence that He is a Unit. The quote is from Deut. 6:4 The key word here is the word one, or in the Hebrew, "echad". 

Echad bears the connotation of one who is united with others, and are in perfect unity and harmony. That is precisely what we find evidenced in the Godhead. One God, who is in such absolute unity with others until it is difficult to determine the difference. 

Yet, each has their own place and work in the fulfilling purpose of the Lord. After having sinned it was necessary that the Lord reject Adam and Eve from the garden lest they become "as one of us". That is eternal like the Lord Himself, but eternal in a sinful state which would have been a catastrophe. Gen. 3:22        


AN EXAMPLE OF THE WORD ECHAD. 
At the tower of Babel, the people were so bound together in one heart and mind that the Lord said, "the people is ONE" [Echad], illustrating that one can mean more than the numerical number one, depending on their ability to unify for a cause. Gen. 11:6 

In the creation of the life of the flesh, our blood, He made all nations to be of one blood. Acts 17:26 

That certainly is a demonstration of many becoming one. All having the same thing in common. So, while there is diversity in the Godhead there is also this beautiful accord that makes the Lord to be exactly who He is. A Triunity, by nature and by His choice and His alone. Combined and unified in one, in every aspect of being. Perfectly One, an "Echad" combined, and blended together, in every fiber of the entity called God. 
 

 


 
                                   GOD IS. 85
 
MY FATHER AND I ARE ONE. 
The Lord Jesus was not about to usurp the authority and position of His Father. His statement is a fact evidenced by the scriptures. The Greek word is "heis," the first cardinal number. It also represents union and agreement. In the relationship between the Father and the Son there never [that never is eternal] existed the slightest division.  John 10:30 

Jesus prayed that His followers would be one, even as He and the Father were one. This illustrates that there can be several or a large number classified as one. John 17:11 

Furthermore Jesus prayed that they "ALL" may be one. Having the same alliance that is found between the Father and the Son. Namely, that the Father was in Christ, and Christ was in the Father. Now in His prayer, it is His desire that not only do His disciples have the same type of fellowship among themselves but that they be included in the Godlike unity and be one with the Father and the Son. 

He went even further and related to the Father, that the glory of the Father, which He had given Jesus, was now passed on to His followers. His anticipation was that they might come to possess the same unity that exists between the Father and Him. John 17:21-22 

Before the end will come, there will be in this world the explicit answer to the prayer of the Lord Jesus.  


THE KEY FOR THE CHURCH. 
Paul, writing to the Philippians, gives an excellent exhortation that is very needed today, and will result in a church of strength and power. First, he urged them to "stand fast in one spirit". That would result in a body of believers among whom the Spirit of the Lord was working mightily. 

Christians of such a nature would have the mind of Christ in every detail of their lives, both outside of the church and inside, in the conduct of church business. There would be perfect agreement in all spiritual affairs. Second, he insisted that they be of one mind. Phil. 1:27 

That would be an example of those who have the mind of Christ. They were to strive together for the faith of the gospel as their goal. The Word was their text book, the Holy Spirit their teacher. With such a combination they could not fail. Following Bible patterns can only result in success. Everyone wants to be successful in all of their undertakings. 

For those who believe the Word, the instructions are loud and clear. Be one with the Lord Jesus Christ. Be one with your family. Then, by all means be one with the body of believers. A unity for which Christ earnestly prayed. His prayer will not go unanswered.



 
                                 GOD IS. 86
 
ONE GOD. ONE MEDIATOR BETWEEN GOD AND MAN. 
The God of the Bible is most unique, for there can only be One God. He has revealed Himself as a Triunity. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 1 Tim. 2:5 

Each of whom may be identified separately, and shown to be diverse, yet, beautifully blended together and fully complementing each other; each being an entity and a part of the other. Blended together into a unity such as can be found no where else. Independent, but very much mutually dependent. Not the multiplicity of gods which are worshipped around the world. 

The Companion Bible states that Deut. 6:4 in the Hebrew should read, "Hear, O Israel, Jehovah (the self and ever existing one, Our Elohim is one Jehovah". D. L. Cooper calls, "Jehovah a unity". To understand the Lord, Jehovah, we must be able to see His oneness and His threeness. He is not who He is with just one of these aspects of His being, but with both. 

If we cannot see His unity and His diversity, our understanding of Him will be lopsided. He is precisely everything that the Word makes Him to be. One God, three persons coequal in eternal existence. Ideal harmony with there never existing any thought of disagreement. A blending together that is beyond the ability of man to conceive. We only begin to comprehend His full nature and being as the Holy Spirit illuminates our hearts and minds, and reveals Him to us.  


"COME AND SEE, the mystery of the word Elohim. There are three degrees, and each degree is by itself alone, and yet they are all one, and joined together in one. They are not divided from each other". Simon Ben Joachi. The LORD, Jehovah, "He is God, there is none else beside Him". Deut. 4:35 

The Lord is desirous of making Himself known in every aspect of His essence. A knowledge of Him brings an intimacy that is the result of having received a revelation of that eternal life that exists in Him. The true Christian will neither recognize nor worship Any other deity, for Jehovah is a jealous God. More than that, He is so concerned over a situation where He is provoked to jealousy, that He has declared one of His names to be Jealous. Ex. 34:14 

He is looking for a people who love Him and follow Him only; having eyes, hearts and a love singled on Him alone and none other. There is no other God. He is the LORD, Jehovah, and there is none else. Isa. 45:5-6 

Even He, as God, knows no other God in existence. Isa. 44:8 

Moreover, He asked the question, "Is there a God beside me? Jehovah alone is God.





                                 GOD IS . 87

EMPHATICALLY. 
The LORD, Jehovah, He is God and there can be none other god or deity. Deut. 4:35 

Paul gave witness to the same fact by saying, "there is none other God but one". 1 Cor. 8:4 

Thus, in the mouth of two witnesses, the Old and the New Testaments the truth is verified. The LORD proclaimed, rightfully, that He was the King of Israel. Furthermore that He was the Redeemer of Israel. Proclaiming Himself to be the first and the last. The only true God. Isa. 44:6 

To illustrate the unity of the Godhead, these words, the first and the last are used by the Lord Jesus in the book of Revelation in reference to Himself. We know it is Jesus who is speaking for only He can say, "the first and the last, which was dead and is alive". Rev. 2:8 

Not only is He alive, but He is alive forevermore. Rev. 1:18 

He is Alpha and Omega. That Word which was in eternity and is eternal. Whether it be the written Word or the spoken Word it is composed of the letters of the alphabet and represent Christ, who is all in all. The "beginning and the end" relate to this world and life on this world. Only earth and men have a beginning and a conclusion. Jesus became one with us that we might be delivered from the ultimate, i. e. death. He makes us to be eternal. The first, none precede Him. All others named to be gods, by men, will one day no longer exist. When the others have been exterminated, the Lord alone will remain. As He always has been, the one and only true God. Rev. 22:13


"BUT THE LORD".
In Him and only in the Lord is to be found the true God. That may seem biased or narrow to some but if we are to follow the Word then it is truth. He is the living and life giving God. The eternal King. None may be likened unto Him. Jer. 10:10 

He is the Rock, the stronghold, a fort in time of need. n the original creation and in that which pertains to things eternal, His work is in perfection. There are no flaws or errors in His works. He is justice personified. Coming to Him we may always anticipate a righteous response. Wrong doing is not in His nature or being. He is upright in all of His dealings with man kind. We can expect a proper and right response from Him. Deut. 32:4 

David knew Him as the God of truth. He is the very essence of truth. It is not only who He is but it is totally what He is. Ps. 31:6 

That is why, when the Word became flesh it was an evidence which was saturated with grace and truth. The glory of the Lord was seen in His Christ, in a spiritual sense and in the wondrous works that He wrought.  John 1:14




                               GOD IS.  88

HE IS THE LIVING GOD. 
Ever living, and the source of all life. Were it not for Him there could be no life on earth or in the universe. All life is completely dependent on Him, whether it be spiritual life or animal life. He is the only source. Jer. 10:10

The riches of this world are at their best uncertain riches. They can perish so quickly and will most certainly do so in the not too distant future. How often do we hear the statement from the gulf states, "we lost everything". Trust in the "living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy". 1 Tim. 6:17 

The spiritual is of far greater satisfaction and will result in the meeting of all our needs. The natural, the worldly riches only serve to create problems and worries, and never benefit the spiritual side of man. His promise is to meet the spiritual and natural daily need of our lives. Phil. 4:19 

Having a constant supply of food and raiment we should learn to be content. 1 Tim. 6:8


HE IS THE EVERLASTING KING. Ps. 10:16 

As the King, He establishes law and order. Designating a way of life for His adherents. A life that pleases Him and is pleasant to those who are members of His kingdom. As the lawgiver He is also the Judge. He will judge according to righteousness and justice. As a King He will save and preserve His very own. Isa. 33:22 

In speaking of the Law we are not referring to what was called the Law of Moses. He has taken that Law and given us the Spirit of the Law. No longer on tables of stone but by His Spirit they are written on our hearts. 2 Cor. 3:3 

Because we have His nature and His Spirit, by nature we do those things which please Him. Serving the Lord is not drudgery but a privilege and a pleasure. We now serve under the leadership of a King who has provided "the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus". Rom. 8:2 

When the Spirit is Lord in our lives we follow His leadings. Therefore the Christian life is not burdensome but joyous. Now, the righteousness of the Law and consequently His righteousness is being fulfilled in us. That we no longer would walk after the ways of this world but completely in the light and glory of His perfect will for us. Rom. 8:3 

It comes down to a conflict between the carnal mind and its works and the spiritual mind with its manifestation of purity and holiness. He has made every provision necessary that we might enjoy the Spiritual life that is found in the Lord Jesus. Rom. 8:4-6 

Those living in the flesh are displeasing to the Lord. Rom. 8:8 

When the Spirit is resident within, and welcomed as teacher and guide, there is victory. Rom. 8:9




                               GOD IS. 89

"THE LORD APPEARED". Gen. 18:1 
An interesting manner in which the LORD chose to show Himself to Abraham. He made Himself visible in human forms to Abraham. This personal visit is an indication of the high esteem that the LORD had for this man. The LORD came to Abraham after he and Ishmael had been circumcised. 

This is a spiritual sign of separation from the flesh and of covenant relationship with the LORD. Abraham was ninety and nine. Significant of the fruit and gifts of the Spirit. The manifestation and working of the gifts and fruit in our lives necessitates a separation from the world and the flesh for them to operate in their purity and strength. A circumcision that is accomplished by the "putting off of the flesh". It is called the circumcision of Christ. Col. 2:11 

It is that which He accomplishes in our lives as we yield to Him and are changed by the power of the Word and the workings of the Spirit. There is far too much manifestation of the flesh in the church world today. Before revival, the Lord will work mightily in loosing the church from the carnal exhibitions that are much too prevalent. According to Paul, a true Jew today is one who has been circumcised in his heart by the Spirit, who follows Christ, the true Messiah, in the Spirit and not after the flesh. Rom. 2:29

Incidentally, Ishmael was thirteen when he was circumcised. This is the number of rebellion. Gen. 17:24-25


AN INTERESTING ASIDE. 
The Lord does not do things without a purpose. He choose the time and the place of these encounters with a particular reason in mind. Mamre, the meeting place was a grove of oak trees in which Abraham was camped at the time. The name means "firmness" and is befitting for the oak, noted for its strength and size. It is here that Abraham built an altar in order to worship and make sacrifice unto the Lord. Gen. 13:18 

While here at Mamre Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah which was a bit to the east. This became a family tomb where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as well as some of their wives were buried. The meaning of the name Machpelah is "double cave". Gen. 23:8-19 

That which is double or the full measure speaks to us of the last day revival. A time when the Spirit of the Lord will be poured out without measure. A double portion is not simply twice as much but is a full measure. Revival is founded upon death, death to the world, the flesh, and our own ways. Death to self and alive in Christ. When we can say, "I am crucified with Christ". I live in Christ. Gal. 2:20





                                    GOD IS.  90

THE APPERANCE OF THE LORD. 
Abraham on lifting his eyes saw three men standing before him. Of this we may be certain. There were three and they were men. Jehovah, paid a visit to Abraham, not in His eternal form, not as an angel, but in the form of a man. The three were united by the fact that they were called LORD or Jehovah. They are identified by the name LORD or Jehovah in verse 1, 13, 14, 17, 20, 22, 26, 33. While the name LORD may be applied to all persons of the Godhead, initially it represented the Father. He said, "I am the LORD: that is my name".  Isa. 42:8 

The closeness, the intimacy of the Godhead is seen in the interchangeability of this name LORD. For, "God has made this same Jesus both Lord and Christ". Acts 2:36 

So, we see that the name LORD was not only the name whereby the Father was identified but the Father also very willingly shared it with His Son as a sign of His status. The name of Jesus was God breathed. He was not named by his parents but by the Lord Himself. His name, the Lord Jesus Christ is above and over, far greater than any other name in heaven and earth. Phil. 2:9 

The Spirit is also recognized as Lord For He is the Spirit of the Lord. It is He who reveals the glories of that marvelous name to us. 2 Cor. 3:17 

The name LORD is shared and shared equally by all members of the Godhead. All of its virtues and powers are likewise manifest equally in each of them.


THE APPROACH OF ABRAHAM TO THEM. 
Just His reactions speak volumes concerning his reconciliation of whom was standing before him. He hastily ran toward them. He was anxious to meet and to please them. Though not a word had been spoken Abraham acknowledged their importance. Furthermore, he bowed before them. This was more than an act of meeting with equals an welcoming them. This was an act of worship. In addressing them as Lord, Adoni, he was declaring them to be sovereign, Lord or master. In other words, greater  than himself. Abraham was a man of authority in his own rights. He was a man of wealth and was respected by hose of his day. He confessed that he was in the presence of a those of higher authority. Gen. 18:2
 
BY HIS WORDS HE KNEW THAT THEY HAD A BLESSING FOR HIM.

His actions were more than common courtesy and custom. He sought their favor. Do not pass me by. He approached them as a servant in all humility. Gen. 18:3



 
                               GOD IS.  91
ABRAHAM PROMISED THE IMPOSSIBLE. 
The promised son, Isaac was to be conceived and born to Abraham and Sarah. "The LORD said", NIV. I will return and Sarah shall have a son. Gen. 18:10  

The LORD, Jehovah, said, "Is anything too hard for the LORD?" At the appointed time, I will return and Sarah shall have a son. V.13 Though Abraham was visited by three men, they are so unified as to use the personal pronoun I. Thus we have a beautiful type of the Godhead. Three yet one. 


SODOM AND GOMORRAH. 
The LORD said, "Shall I hide From Abraham that which I am about to do?" The purposes of the LORD, the future made known to the man of God, Abraham. Gen. 18:15 

The LORD said, I will go, I will see, I will know. The men went down to the city. Abraham, unsuccessfully, interceded for the city before the LORD. There were not even ten righteous persons in the city. Gen. 8:22-32 

A pathetic prophetic picture of the last days. Two angels, a very ambiguous term. It can mean anything from a created heavenly being to a man commissioned by the LORD to fulfill an act of God, like preaching the gospel. In this case it is the two who have a personal ministry to the peoples of the earth. The Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Their experiences in Sodom were unsavory. It was revealed to Lot that they had come to destroy the cities of the plain, because of their great wickedness. The Son to be the final judge. John 5:22 

There is a day "appointed" For the world to be judged and compared to the righteous man, the Lord Jesus. Acts 17:31 

Sinning against the Spirit cannot be forgiven, here or in the world to come. He is kind, tender and loving. However, when blasphemed, will not extend pardon. Mt. 12:31-32 

They had come to Sodom not only to condemn the city, but to also deliver Lot and his family. We see here a principle by which the Lord works. That is, before judgment He will visit in mercy and deliverance. Prior to the last day judgments as recorded in the book of Revelation, the Lord will visit this earth with a mighty revival and a season of reaping. 

We are entering to harvest season, even now. The Lord will accomplish great things in these last days. We will see the power of the Lord manifest as no other generation of people have seen. His goal is to form a perfect Bride for His Son. A people who are identical to Himself in all aspects of their being. Spirit, soul and body. They will bear His likeness and holiness. We wait with great anticipation for that blessed day.  Eph. 5:26-27




                                 GOD IS. 92
SHARING TOGETHER. 
"I the LORD, the first and with the last, I am He". Isa. 41:4  

A very emphatic declaration of He who existed before any other thing or person. Thus expressing the eternity of His being. The first, the beginning, and the last, the conclusion. Everything between is of His making and is under His control. Beside Him there is no God. Isa. 44:6 

His own handiwork is that which brought forth the earth. His right hand spread the heavens out. By His command they follow the orbit that has been ordained for them. They are in definite order and arrangement according to His divine command. Isa. 48:13


THE STATUS OF THE SON. 
The possessing an eternal throne. Rightfully and justly called "God". Addressed as "God" yet seen as man for He also has one whom to Him is "God". Heb. 1:8-9

He is also acknowledged as having a part in the creation of all things, for they too are the works of His hands. Heb. 1:10 

His eternal being is magnified as the one who, ever, eternally will exist and be unchangeable, though all else shall change. Heb. 1:11-12 

The record of Genesis [Gen. 1:1-3] is that, in the beginning, God, the Father. The Spirit of the Lord moved. And God said, the Word. All things brought forth by the Word, the Son. God and His Word are wrought together in perfect harmony and function. The fullness of God was involved in creation as He is in all of His works. Jesus was fully involved in all of that which the Lord has done. John 1:3

 
DIRECTED TOWARD JACOB, BUT CONTAIN A MESSIANIC WORD. 
"I have called Him". Jesus was willing to do the Fathers will in all things. His obedience was perfect. "I have brought Him". Jesus came forth from the Father. Born of the Father through a virgin in Israel. "He shall make His way prosperous". He will be successful in all of His endeavors. Isa. 48:15 

The will and way of the Lord is not something that is secret. From the beginning His intentions He has made known. "Now, the Lord God, and His Spirit, have sent me". Isa. 48:16 

One of those instances where the Lord spoke to His people of that day but also caused the Word to be applicable to a future time and event. In many ways and with various illustrations the Lord foretold the coming of the Lord Jesus. Periodically in the scriptures such a situation is to be found. The principle is found in these words.   "The Lord sent a word unto Jacob, and it has lighted upon Israel. Isa. 9:8. 

The word that is sent will on occasion contain a second fulfillment.




                                   GOD IS.  93

DIETY AS REVEALED TO ISRAEL.  
The Lord placed trust and confidence in Israel, therefore He became their Savior. He thoroughly considered them to be His children, His people. Though He knew them exceedingly well, granted them an opportunity to walk in truth before Him. Isa. 63:8 

The heart, the emotions of the Lord are amply expressed in the words stating that, "In all their affliction He was afflicted". He experienced the full measure of a Father in His compassion and love for them. There was not a negative experience that came upon them, but what He felt it in the deepest sense. He is still that kind of a God. There is not a trial or a difficulty that we go through, but what His empathy comes into play and He feels with us. No doubt more deeply that we do for His emotions are perfect and befitting to the Lord for they spring from perfect love. His great love. The Lord was a Father to them.


NOTE. 
He was "grieved for the misery of Israel". Mightily moved by their afflictions, even as He is today. Judg. 10:15

In His love and pity "He redeemed them". Rescued them. Brought them out of bondage and slavery. "He bare them". Gave them a lift and a hand throughout their wilderness journey. They did not lack a thing in the desert. Having the nature of men, there were things which they greatly desired, such as the leeks and onions, but every necessity was met. They literally had the food of angels, and living waters of the freshest and the best quality. Truly, He lifted them up and carried them. Isa. 63:9 

They ate the manna representative of the Word, the flesh of the Lord Jesus. They drank of the waters of heaven, the Spirit of the Lord.


THE ANGEL OF HIS PRESENCE. 
Or better yet, the Messenger of His presence, one who stands with Him and before Him. This is more than a created angel. Isa. 63:9 

He is called the angel of the LORD, or Jehovah, when He called Abraham - Which is actually the presence of the LORD. Jacob, in blessing the sons of Joseph prayed that "The Angel who redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads". No created angel has the authority nor the power to redeem any one, let alone themselves. Not only can a created angel not redeem, they themselves are unredeemable. When they fell, they were bound eternally in their fallen state. Jude 6 

Only Deity can redeem, and then only by pure innocent blood. The blood of the Lamb. There is only one way, one path, one door, one Redeemer. His name is Jesus, Savior. Heb. 12:24





                                  GOD IS.  94

A VERY UNIQUE ANGEL. 
He is called "The Angel of the Lord". and was to lead and guide Israel into the promised land. He was a no-nonsense Angel. His responsibility was to care for them and see to it that they made their trip safely unto the place which the Lord had prepared for them. 

They received a special warning concerning Him. They were to walk circumspectly before Him and honor His commands. They were to be obedient to His voice, and faithful to His instructions. Such practical deeds are as important today as they were in their day. Care was to be taken so as not to grieve Him for forgiveness was not to be found in His dealings with them. 

Serious words. His authority and power was in the fact that the LORD had placed His name in Him. Bearing, that name elevates one to a position
of great power. Ex. 23:21 

That was to mean, that all that the LORD is, would be evidenced in this mighty being. The LORD gave His name to the Lord Jesus and has exalted Him above all others. The sum total of humanity will one day acknowledge that God has made Jesus Christ to be Lord. Phil. 2:9-11 

We find here the Father giving His name, and the Son, not only bearing that name, but exercising all the powers of that blessed name. The Name of our God is inseparable from His being and character.


DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE WORD, ANGEL. 
First, Strong’s Dictionary on this which is termed Angel. Heb. Malak, angel (created), or a prophet, priest or teacher. Ambassador, king or messenger. 

This makes us to be aware of the fact that in scripture not all who are referred to as angels are recruited from the created host of heavenly beings. It is not unusual for the Lord Himself to have appeared in a form that is stated to be an Angel, or Spirit in the form of a man. 

The LORD went before the people in the shape of a pillar of a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Ex. 13:21 

The Angel of God was in that ever present pillar. He moved from a position of leadership to one of protection when they camped by night. Ex. 14:19 

He would also become a deliverer and a conqueror when it came time to enter the promised land and He would drive out the enemy from before them. Ex. 33:2 

He would become an enemy to those who would be an enemy of His people. Ex. 23:22 

If the Lord be for us who can be against us. With Christ on our side, victory is assured. Moses came to a place where he insisted that the presence of the Lord go with them, or he would go no further. The Lord assured him of His presence. Ex. 33:14 




                                 GOD IS.  95
THE ANGEL OF THE LORD. 
Or the Angel of Jehovah, seeing as LORD [When capitalized in KJV is Jehovah.] The Angel in the presence of, and representing the face of the LORD. A Theophany, [a prebirth appearance of the Lord Jesus.] 

The vision of Zechariah illustrates the power and dignity of the Angel of the LORD. He saw Joshua, (Jehovah-saved, having the same meaning as Jesus,) standing before the angel of the LORD. The enemy, Satan stood at his right side to resist him. He is still the accuser of the brethren. Standing before the throne with accusations day and night, or 24/7. Rev. 12:10 

Let's not help him by unjustly accusing one another. One thing about this is that when he is before the Lord day and night he is not bugging us! His imps are the ones who plague us. Consider that in rebuking Satan, the LORD used His name LORD or Jehovah. Zech. 3:1-2 

This is a key to spiritual victories. Do all that is done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The LORD has authorized His people to use the power of His name.


THIS ANGEL CLEANSES FROM SIN. 
This is not a responsibility that is delegated to created angels. To have this ability one must belong to the Godhead, for only He can forgive or sins and iniquities. 

The clothing of Joshua was soiled, a condition that needed a change. The removal of the filthy garments was an outward sign of the spiritual work which had been accomplished within his spirit nature. In salvation, a change inside will be evident outside, as well as inside. The iniquity of Joshua was removed. He stood before the Angel of the LORD, sanctified. Zech. 3:3-4 

Now he is crowned, and clean garments given him to wear. Zech. 3:5 

Joshua was given the office of the high priest. That would make these new garments the robes of the high priest. Hag. 1:1 

He was called and designated by the Lord to be a spiritual leader among the people.  

THE COMMAND OF THE ANGEL TO JOSHUA . 
The Angel assumed the position of Deity. Consider the use of the personal pronoun "MY,"  Joshua was to walk after His ways, follow His paths. He was to keep the Word of the Lord. As with us, it was to be his guide in life. 

Having been obedient, he would judge, lead and direct the people. Obedience to the Word is a great key to the blessings of the Lord. Joshua would then be able to dwell in the presence of the Lord, in the house of the Lord. Joshua was to receive a position of honor by being obedient. Zech. 3:6 

How often have we heard it?  "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams". 1 Sam. 15:22




                                       GOD IS.  96

LUKE PRESENTS THE TRIUNITY. 
God, the Father, with whom there are no impossibilities. Luke 1:37 

In that day the prospect that Mary, a virgin, could bear a child was not possible. The Lord is God and with Him all things are possible. 

Today, artificial insemination is widely practiced. Mary is assured that He who would be born of her was to be the Son of the Highest. He was to be magnificent and came as the one who would occupy the throne of David, or the eternal throne of the living Lord. His kingdom is eternal. He shall rule over the spiritual house of Jacob, the redeemed, the blood washed. 

The kingdom (now) is spiritual, and is no longer a natural, earthly kingdom. There is no name more precious and wonderful than the name of Jesus. It is the only name of salvation. We owe so much to Jesus. Luke 1:31-34 

The Spirit is seen as the One through whom the seed, the Word of God, was implanted. For the Word, the Logos, was to become flesh. John 1:14 

Until this day, there never has been a more sanctified and holy moment than that when the Holy Spirit came upon Mary with His mighty power, and the Lord Jesus was conceived. Luke 1:35 

Thus we see that the Godhead was fully involved in the coming of the only Savior into this world.


THE WATER BAPTISM OF THE LORD JESUS. 
John the Baptist had come in the "spirit and power of Elijah", in this manner fulfilling the prophetic utterance that had proclaimed his appearing prior to (and as an introduction to) the ministry of the Lord Jesus. Luke 1:17 

John was not Elijah, but the same prophetic anointing was upon him. Elijah is yet to come, and shall precede the coming of Christ according to the prophecies such as Mt. 4:5-6 

John knew and understood the baptism of the Spirit; therefore he confessed that he needed to be baptized with the Spirit, by the Lord Jesus. It was not yet time for that precious anointing to be made available; not until the Son of God had been filled with the Spirit. 

Jesus verified the baptism of John by submitting to being baptized by him. It was not a form, but a deep spiritual experience. Jesus said it "was to fulfill all righteousness". The life and ministry of Jesus would have been inadequate without this blessed moment. 

The Spirit, completing the purpose of the Lord, came upon the Lord Jesus and anointing Him for His life of service. 

The Father spoke from heaven and proclaimed Him to be the Son of His love, "in whom He was well pleased". So, the completeness of the Lord was evident at this vital moment in the life of Christ. Mt. 3:13-17



 
                                      GOD IS.  97
 
THE TRIUNITY REVEALED IN THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT.
The baptism of the Spirit is an imperative for every believer today. We desperate need every ability, power and instruction available to us, through the mighty presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The virtues, the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit are given for the growth and benefit of His church. The Spirit is He who illuminates the WORD to us making Christ ever so real and personal. The filling of the Spirit is a fulfillment of the promise of the Lord Jesus that He would send another comforter to guide His people into all truth. The one making the promise is the Lord Jesus. These are His words, "I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter". John 14:16 The Comforter was to be commissioned by the Father and was to be sent in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. John 14:26 Immediately the Triunity of the living God is in evidence. It is the Father who has given the Spirit to the believer that they might be instructed in the ways of the Lord. The Spirit is the great teacher and revelator. He makes the Lord Jesus very real to us.
 
THE COMFORTER. From the very beginning, please note the words of Jesus concerning the visitation of the Spirit. He, the Spirit will "abide with you forever". John 14:16 It was not to be something that just the early church experienced but His presence was to abide forever. He was to remain and dwell in the church of all ages. Performing in each generation the wonderful and glorious anointing so vital to the well being and growth of the church of the Lord. The Spirit proceeds from the Father. Therefore, He would have the character of the Father and will make known that very being in the life of the person who receives the Spirit. Jesus said that the Spirit would be sent in His name, that is the Lord Jesus Christ. In requesting the presence of the Spirit our petition should be directed to Jesus, who said He would pray to the Father for us. A beautiful act of intercession by the Christ. Jesus referred to the Spirit, as another Comforter. Not the same as Himself, but one like Himself. In this case, not one who would die for the people but one who would make known the one who died for the people. The Holy Spirit will always exalt the Lord Jesus and take those things which pertain unto Him and reveal them to the church. John 16:14 We must also consider that in the references to Him, by the scriptures, the personal pronoun "He" is used. Verifying His being and personality, even His masculinity.


 
 
                              GOD IS. 98
 
THE NAME LORD, A SHARED NAME. We are assured that LORD is His name by His own declaration. Through the prophet Isaiah, He plainly stated the "LORD" was His name and that His glory He would not give to another. Isa. 42:8 Were there not the closest of affinity and unity between the persons of the Godhead such a statement could not be made. LORD is a name that relates to the Father, The Son as well as the Holy Spirit. In declaring the Lord Jesus to be His Son, He also decreed Himself to be a Father. Ps. 2:7 At the baptism of the Lord Jesus, the heavenly voice was heard whereby the Father said that  Jesus was His beloved Son. Mt. 3:17 That voice and its acknowledgement was heard again on the mount of transfiguration when the Father proclaimed Jesus to be "My Son in whom I am well pleased". Mt. 17:5 Jesus was the ultimate of Son ship by being totally committed to the will of His Father. He was a perfect Son. Jesus came into this world as a servant. Dedicated to performing the will of His Father. The extent of His works are to be found in Isa. 42:1-7
 
BECAUSE OF HIS OBEDIENCE. The perfect acquiescence of the Son produced the highest praise and award of  the Father. He was given a name that is above all names that will ever be named on earth or in heaven. At His birth He was Jesus. In exalting Him, the Father took of His own name and bestowed it upon His Son. Calling Him Lord, thus showing the Spiritual equality and uniqueness that is found in the Godhead.
Phil. 2:9-11 The Son of His joy and delight. He is therefore proclaimed to be both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:36 Jesus, the Lord exalted to the right hand of the Father or LORD. There He sits enthroned today and will  occupy that glorious position  throughout eternity. Ps. 110:1 The full rights and authority of His Fathers name were conferred upon the Son when He was filled with the Spirit. The eternity and equality with the Father is noted in Micah 5:2 He is "from old, from everlasting".
 
THE LORD IS THAT SPIRIT. Or as the Amplified Version states, "where the Spirit is Lord". Where the Spirit is given absolute liberty and freedom. Where He is appropriately recognized, His will followed and He is accepted for who He is, there is going to be freedom in the Spirit. It is the Spirit of the Lord who becomes the revelator of The Father and the Son to us. He is our contact with all that is heavenly and spiritual. 2 Cor. 3:17 It is He who makes Jesus real in the lives of His people.




 
                                    GOD IS . 99
 
GOD IS, FATHER. Very definitely, He is Triune in character. The scriptures show each personality is acknowledged to be God. Jesus quoted the people of His day and presented a truth. That is, His Father was the one whom they acknowledged as God. Jesus also honored Him as His Father. We have here a dual witness of God as the Father. John 8:54 The Father gave honor and recognition to His Son. How greatly Jesus is exalted is seen in the translation of the Amplified Bible of John 8:54 "My Father, extols me, magnifies and praises me". There can be no question of the tremendous respect and honor the Father bestows on His Son. He was the beloved of His Father and pleased Him in all things. Mt. 3:17
 
GOD IS, SON. Of the eternal being and character of the Son there is more than sufficient witness in prophetic utterance and the manifestation of His death, burial and resurrection, that He is God. As the Logos, the WORD, Jesus was before the beginning of all that is called time and creation. He is co-equal with His Father in all that is timeless and everlasting. His companionship, His most intimate fellowship was with the Father.  He is called "the man that is my fellow". Zech. 13:7 Not only was He with God but He is confessed, by the scriptures, as being God, for that "WORD was God". John 1:1 In creation, the WORD was actively and entirely involved. All things were created by Him, nothing was excluded from His craftsmanship. Only God can create, so we have another witness of His Divine Being. John 1:3
 
GOD IS, SPIRIT. How plainly the scriptures depict who and what our God is. He is SPIRIT. That involves the natural and spiritual life of man. All life is possible only because the Lord supplies natural life to all creatures through His Spirit. Paul said, "in Him we live and move and have out being".
Acts 17:28 Man became a living creature when the Lord breathed into him the "breath of life". Gen. 2:7 The Spirit was not only involved in causing man to live but we see His activity in the creation of the world. The Spirit of God moved. Gen. 1:2
In lying to the Apostles, Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit. Acts 5:3 However, in doing so, Peter said that he had lied to God. Acts 5:4 Therefore we know at the person of the Holy Spirit is also God. Spiritual things are the real part of life for they are  everlasting. What a great privilege we have of receiving of His Spirit which He so abundantly pours forth into our lives. 




 
                               GOD IS. 100
 
TRUE WORSHIP OF THE LORD WHO IS A SPIRIT. 
The Father is Spirit. 

A living entity. 

A person, possessing a personality which is revealed throughout the Word of the Lord. 

That which is of the Spirit is forever. It is far more real than the natural, created world in which we live and partake of all the time. That which is created is but for a brief moment of time between two eternities. Man dies, animal life dies, the earth waxes old and will soon no longer exist. 

The Lord will prepare a new heavens and a new earth for His people. A Spiritual heavens and earth occupied by spiritual people, the redeemed of all the ages of time. The Lord will no longer be an invisible Spiritual being but His own will see His face, and rejoice in His abundant presence. John 4:24 

The blood washed will worship Him in Spirit and in truth, forever and forever.


INVISIBLE. 
Unseen, yet He is the eternal King, and the King of eternity. It is vital that He hide Himself, for could mankind see Him in all of His glory and splendor, it would frighten them to death. Consider the reaction of men who saw His glory. Ezekiel on seeing the glory of the Lord fell on his face. Eze. 44:4 

John on Patmos, when seeing the glory and splendor of the Lord Jesus, fell before Him as dead. Rev. 1:13-17 

The natural man cannot stand in just the presence of the glory of the Lord, let alone seeing Him eye to eye. As invisible as He may be, the fact of His being is clearly seen all around us by the creation which He made. 

There is a real move to replace evolution with "intelligent design". How can anyone study the creation around us without coming to a knowledge that only a person of exceedingly great and perfect intelligence could design and produce a world and its contents such as we live in. Rom. 1:20 


HE HAS REVEALED HIMSELF. 
In the birth of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus, God was in Christ. The fullness of all that the LORD is was seen in Christ. Jesus is the image, the perfect, the exact likeness of His Father. So the invisible was revealed. Col. 1:15

So greatly and precise was the likeness that Jesus was able to say, "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father". John 14:9 

That did not make Him to be His own Father but emphasized the fact that the fullness of the Godhead was in Christ. So exact was the likeness (in Him) of His Father, that He was able to consider Himself equal with His Father. Phil. 2:6 

Jesus is called "the express image," an exact copy. Having the same Spirit, the same Divine nature, the same attitude and power. Heb. 1:3





                             GOD IS . 101

THE LORD SPOKE TO ISRAEL. 
His voice was heard booming from Mount Horeb, from the midst of the cloud and fire that shrouded the mountain. But He did not show Himself. They saw no form or likeness of any sort. The Lord purposely did so, knowing their hearts. If they had seen a form they would have made an image of that form and worshipped it. Deut. 4:15-18 

Obviously, the Lord had a definite reason for not revealing Himself to them in that day. Even today, we have pictures hanging in homes and churches, supposedly of Christ, which are but the imagination of some man as to His appearance.


WHAT DOES HE LOOK LIKE? 
To really see what Jesus looks like, consider, His face and body were bruised and beaten, more than any others. Isa. 52:14 

His back was excessively beaten until the flesh was exposed and torn. The beard of His face was plucked, no doubt tearing the skin. His face was covered with spittle. Isa. 50:6 

They Beat Him in the face, they challenged Him to exhibit pyschic powers by exposing who it was that struck Him. Mt. 26:67-68 

He was not a handsome man nor did He have a great physique. Isa. 53:2 

So, you feel rejected; how about Jesus? Rejected, ridiculed, mocked and scoffed at by the very people He came to help. Luke 22:63 

Two millenia later He is still being turned down by the unsaved of this world. No man has ever, nor ever, will feel the rejection that Jesus has felt. Isa. 53:4 

Physically, physiologically, mentally, He was hurt, harmed and injured beyond measure. Isa. 53:4-5 

Not only was He smitten of men but He was also smitten and forsaken by His own Father.


BY HIMSELF. 
On the cross, He was alone. The Father who cannot look upon sin, had to leave Him. The Holy Spirit, His eternal companion could not stand by Him. He cried out, "My God, (Father), My God (Holy Spirit), why has thou forsaken me? Mt. 27:46 

Neither the cross nor a replica of the cross is our salvation. The Christ, the Lamb of God, who was hung on that cross is our only salvation. After His resurrection He still bore the marks of crucifixion. To the doubter, Thomas, He said," Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side". John 20:27 NIV.  

The signs of His anguish and suffering are still visible and will be so eternally. The evidence of the slain Lamb is precisely in the midst of the eternal throne of the Lord as a witness and testimony of the mighty work of redemption. Rev. 5:6      




                                 GOD IS.  102

SEEING WITH THE EYE OF FAITH. 
Moses, the leader, used of the Lord to deliver Israel from Egypt, was a man of faith. By his faith he saw the living God. 

Though he did not physically see the Lord, face to face (only His back), yet he was convinced that the Lord lived. He was so involved in the glorious manifestations of the might and power of the Lord that he had complete faith in Him. Heb. 11:27 

The invisible is that which is real, for it is everlasting. The visible is but temporal, everything in this life has its beginning then its demise. 

"Spirit is the highest form of being and God is essentially and eternally ’Spirit’. This means that He is not confined to the limitations of matter, and does not possess a human body in any way visible to the physical eye". H. Lockyer


HE SHARES HIS LIFE WITH THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. 
Spiritual life, the life of very God, imparted by the Lord, assures one of everlasting life. Achieving the life of His Spirit has to be the highest goal set before mankind. 

So many assume that death is the portal to heaven and that after death all go there. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Except a man be born again, he cannot SEE the kingdom of God. John 3:3 

How could one possibly enter a place in which they have not believed and they cannot see? God, who "is a Spirit" must be worshiped by the living. John 4:24 

The believing see with the eye of faith; therefore are born of the Spirit, and are assured of living forever in His presence. 


THE LORD IS A PERSON, A SPIRITUAL ENTITY. 
He is known and  addressed as a person. Wonderfully and powerfully He has introduced Himself as "I AM". Ex. 3:14 

The always existing One - whether taking time or eternity into account - He is there. Ever living, the key to life. The essential being. The very essence of life. One who cannot die. He is eternal and eternity itself. 

Apart from Him there is no life. "I AM WHO I AM". This proclamation sets Him apart from all else who might be called god. He is above all others, real and personal. True God. He alone establishes the criteria required of the true God. He alone can satisfy that high and holy standard. 

None other can meet the vast dimensions of power, majesty and eternal glory. The LORD He is God and none other. He reigns supremely, on high. For all this, he loves mankind with a never ending love.



 
                           GOD IS. 103
 
THE TRUE SOURCE OF LIFE.
Life, involving every manner of life.  From vegetable life to spiritual life. From the lowest to the highest. There is but one supply of life and that is the Lord. That life which is found in the Father, He has shared with His Son, the Lord Jesus. Thus illustrating the equality that is to be found in the Godhead. John 5:26 

David portrayed it as a fountain of life which was the possession of the Lord. Ps. 36:9 

Zechariah called is a fountain of cleansing. A place where sinners could come and find cleansing. Zech. 13:1 

John saw it as a pure river of "water of life," crystal clear, no pollutants, nothing discoloring its pristine waters. Its fountain head is the throne of God and the Lamb. Here, once again we see the involvement of the Father and the Son. Rev. 22:1 

This river is a river of spiritual water. The I AM, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end has extended to ALL a most gracious invitation to come and drink of these waters, freely, without cost or restraint. Rev. 21:6 

Likewise, the Spirit and the Bride call for mankind to come; all those who thirst, let them come and drink deeply of the water of life. Rev. 22:17


THE SPIRIT IS HE WHO REVEALS THE LORD. 
The natural mind cannot comprehend the things that be of God. As unlikely as it may seem, human intelligence is not sufficient to understand the Lord and His eternal being. 1 Cor. 2:11b 

Remember, God is a Spirit and may only be known by virtue of the working of the Spirit in the life of an individual. All things Spiritual are made known through the moving and enlightenment of the Spirit upon the Word. 1 Cor. 2:14 

The Spirit is He who illuminates the Word to us. To reveal is simply to open the understanding and cause one to comprehend what the Lord is saying, through His Word, by the Spirit. It is His desire that His people know the most intimate thoughts and intents of His heart. He seeks a companionship with His people where there are no secrets, no hidden agendas. He will make known to His Bride the deepest thoughts and purposes of His character and being. 1 Cor. 2:10 

God, who is a Spirit will create a spiritual Zion and bring forth in them the very essence of Himself. A unity that is formed of the Lord and a revelation that binds the whole of the body of Christ in to a complete unit. They shall see eye to eye. Isa. 52:6 

By one Spirit blended, unified, becoming one body. A body which will function as one. Not spastic, not divided, but perfectly joined as a unit. Eph. 4:4-6




                              GOD IS. 104

ATTRUBUTES OF HIS PERSONALITY.
 
JEALOUSY. 
We see from the Word that He has given man some of the same characteristics which are to be found in God. They ascribe distinct and personal existence to the Lord. For instance, He is a jealous God; so much so that His very name is Jealous. Ex. 34:14 

He has every right to possess and feel this emotion, for it is the Lord who has created mankind. It is He who has loved us with an everlasting love. A Love which has gone to the extreme in His divine effort to redeem His fallen creation. Because of His nature, He requires that He be Lord of our lives and that there be none other who would be even considered. He is moved to jealousy when anything or anyone other that Himself is worshiped. Ex. 20:5 

Rightfully so, for He alone is worthy of worship and praise. We must be aware of the fact that there is a difference between the emotions of the Lord and ours. He is just and righteous. His emotions are sanctified and uncontaminated by the carnal mind.


GRIEVED. 
People outside of the garden of the Lord lived without restraints. Their lives were depraved and extremely wicked. It is sometimes amazing the propensity that people have to concoct and conjure evil and wicked devices. The scams that are perpetrated on people are astonishing. Nothing but a Godless and satanic mind could think of such schemes. It is no wonder for Jesus said that, "as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be". Mt 24:37 

In the days of Noe the Lord saw that the state of man was such that, "every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually". Gen. 6:5 

Therefore, "it repented the Lord that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart". Gen. 6:6 

The Lord knew deep sorrow because of the extreme wickedness of that generation. History repeats itself. He sent a flood and destroyed all but those who had taken refuge in the Ark. We are living in the last days and the condition of the hearts of men are quickly become like those before the flood.


DISPLEASED. 
Even to a degree where He became angry; in this instance it was Solomon who provoked the Lord. He turned Away from the very source of his wisdom and exaltation as a King. He allowed his many wives with their various religions to lead him astray. Therefore, the kingdom would be removed from his household and from his son. 1 Kings 11:9-12



 
                                  GOD IS. 105
 
ATTRIBUTES OF HIS PERSONALITY.
 
HE IS CAPABLE OF HATE. Prov. 6:17-19
HATING PRIDE. 
The scriptures list seven acts of mankind which are an offense to the Lord. So much so, that He hates them when they are manifest in human nature. The first certainly has its origin in heaven, but not from the Lord. The look of PRIDE and words of pride were spoken by the mouth of a created being whom we know as Lucifer, or the devil. In his conceit and pride he tried to usurp the authority of the Lord and to control heaven. Isa. 14:11-14 

No wonder the Lord hates the self-centered, self-exalting spirit that shows itself in people, both saved and unsaved. It must be most repulsive to Him when He sees it in those who call themselves Christians.


A LYING TONGUE. 
A person or persons who do not speak the truth but distort it by speaking half truths. Speaking by innuendo and intimation. There are also those who do not speak the truth, even when they know it. It is not difficult to understand His aversion to such deeds for this too is a satanic manifestation. Jesus identified the source of all lies. The devil, who from the beginning was a murder and a liar. John 8:44


MURDER. 
The murder of innocents. How often today do we hear of babies being shook until they die. Drive by shootings and murders are common place in this modern wicked world. This too is on the list of the actions of men which the Lord hates. The prophet Isaiah expressed the feelings of the Lord in these matters in a manner that is self explanatory. Isa. 59:4-5


A HEART CONNIVING MISCHIEF. 
Literally, wicked schemes. Thoughts and deliberations aimed at scamming some innocent unsuspecting person. Identity thefts, robberies, home invasions, car jacking and so on. Micah said that they lie awake nights plotting their wicked deeds and then when morning comes they fall on their prey. Note, he said woe to them for surely except they repent, there is coming a day of retribution. Micah 2:1 

There seems to be no end to the continuous flow of ideas, ways and means whereby they plot to steal from their fellow man. Surely we are living in the last days. How much louder must the Lord speak than what He has already spoken? These are perilous times. 2 Tim. 3:1-5



 
                                      GOD IS. 106
 
IN EVERY ASPECT OF HIS BEING, GOD IS LOVE. 
If a person's  idea of love is to be coddled, pampered and babied then they do not know the love of the Lord. True love is that which brings an improvement to the life of others. The love manifest by the Lord will rebuke. It will make evident the fault, the inconsistency of one’s life, while at the same time producing a change for the better. It will also chasten, bring correction that will result in the life of Christ being developed in His people. Rev. 1:19 

Correction is made by repentance. These are not always easy things to receive but they are extremely necessary if we are to be the bride of Christ.


THE MAGNITUDE OF HIS LOVE. 
Jesus expressed the greatest of love as being that where one would give their life for others. Jesus gave His life for His friends. Then He specified who His friends were. Those who do, "whatsoever I command". John15:13 

It is His love which brings us into a relationship whereby we may be called His friends. It is His love that causes us to understand His will. His love is not without its corrections. The correction performed in love is vital. Prov. 27:6  

It is the guidance of His love that leads us on the path of righteousness in obedience to the Word of the Lord. It is a most wonderful thought to meditate on the foresight of His love. Scores of generations before we were born into this world He had already died for us. He planned a salvation that would elevate those who would receive Him to the status of friends. He is that Friend who "sticketh closer than a brother".
Prov. 18:24 

He is the friend who loves under all circumstances and at all times. It is an unfailing love. Prov. 17:17a


THE EXTENT OF THE FATHERS LOVE. 
Of His love for His Son there can be no doubt, for He said, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased". Mt. 3:17 

The Father left no question as to the tremendous love He had for the Lord Jesus. The mutual bond between the Father and the Son is never more apparent than in the love that is found between them. Jesus abode in the love of His Father. John 15:9 

The very same love is made available to those who follow the Lord Jesus. The same requirements are applicable to our lives, as they were to His. He obeyed the Fathers commandments. So, as we continue following Him in obedience to His will, we are privileged to abide in that same Love. He said, "ye shall abide in my love". John 15:10 

His love is the secret place of the Most High.




                                      GOD IS.  107

ACCESS TO THE FATHER. 
An ability that is presented to all men whether Jew or Gentile. The immediate throne presence of the Lord made available to all who will call upon Him. Jesus the door. No other possible way of gaining entrance. John 10:9 

Jesus the only way, all other ways lead astray. All who would come to the Father have to come through Jesus and Jesus alone. John 14:6 

The Lord Jesus is the mediator. The scriptures plainly show that there is absolutely no other way. We approach God, the one true God, through the "one mediator," The man, Christ Jesus. 1 Tim. 2:5 

There may be many spokes in a wheel connected to a hub, but there is only one God. He has produced a New Covenant in His own blood. We may stand in the Holy, awesome presence of the Father only by the blood of the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. 12:24 

The one showing us the true way and the true God, is the Spirit of God. He convicts of sin. He directs us in the paths of righteousness while at the same time revealing the Father and the Son to us. He is the means whereby salvation becomes a part of our life. He is vital to our spiritual life and growth in the Lord. Eph.2:18 

We are able to view here the workings of the Triune God in imparting eternal life to us.


PAUL PRAYED TO THE FATHER. 
He bowed before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. An acknowledgement of the greatness of the Father and an act of submission to Him. It is impressive that Paul in speaking of "our" Lord Jesus Christ expressed possession. A declaration that Christ indeed dwelt within his heart and life. Eph. 3:14 

This was not an expression of familiarity but an assertion of fact. Having received the blessings of the Lord in great abundance he was able to witness unequivocally that he had received great spiritual blessings, from the Father, through Christ. Eph. 1:3


THE FAMILY NAME. 
The whole of the earthly family of the Lord has the right and privilege of bearing that name. We are named after Him, not Father, nor Son, nor yet Spirit, but the name which the Father gave His Son. The Lord Jesus Christ. That name supercedes every name ever given to a man. Eph. 3:15 

His name is that to which every man will bow and give obeisance to Him, confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord. Which when we honor the Son and His name we also ascribe glory to the Father. He gave Jesus that name and all the power and glory that accompanies that name. Phil. 2:9-11




 
                                      GOD IS. 108
 
A HEAVENLY, SPIRITUAL GRANT THAT IS INEXHAUSTABLE. 
It is the work of the Spirit to illuminate the human heart. Making known to them the manifold blessings that are available to those who belong to the family of the Lord. It is He who conveys to the people of the Lord "the riches of His glory". Eph. 3:16 

These are the riches of which Jesus spoke, riches that are beyond the corruption of rust and moth. Far beyond the ability of thieves or con-artists to lay their sticky fingers on and steal. Our hearts follow that upon which we place value. The treasure and the heart are one. Mt. 6:19-21 

Would you believe that the gathering of riches is a last day sign. James said that gold and silver would be cankered, corroded and rust, or become poisonous. Also, that it would "eat your flesh as by fire". That most definitely speaks of a consuming lust for the riches of this world. James 5:3 

Be careful not to trust in the "uncertain riches" of this world. Trust in the Lord "who giveth us richly all things to enjoy". 1 Tim. 6:17        


CHRIST IN YOU. 
Amazing, unbelievable, yet so wondrously true. Christ dwells, by faith, within the hearts and spirit nature of those who know the Lord. Eph. 3:17 

This completes the cycle. Paul spoke of the Father, then the Spirit and now the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the Spirit of Christ, and the Words of Christ which reveal to us that glorious and most precious anointing of the Holy Spirit. Christ in us is the hope of the glory of the Lord. Jesus promised that those who loved and obeyed His Word would receive a very special visitation. He promised that the Father would love them and that "WE’ will come and "make our abode with him". John 14:23 

Moreover, Paul said that He, that is the fullness of the Lord, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit would  "walk in them". 2 Cor. 6:16 

When such a beautiful harmony prevails in us it is not difficult to walk in the ways of the Lord, and to do His perfect will. The ultimate purpose of the Lord for these last days is to find for Himself a people who are sold out completely to him. These He will blend together into one body. Building them into the Temple of the Lord. A Temple exemplifying the Holiness of the Lord. A vessel dedicated solely to the Masters use. His permanent habitation through the Spirit of the living God. Eph. 2:22 

Thus we see the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit in an eternal and everlasting house of the Triune God. The riches of His grace is seen in the redemption He has purchased for us by His own blood. Eph. 1:7 

What blessedness. 




                               GOD IS. 109

UNTOLD NUMBERS, YET ONE. 
The body of Christ, the Church - that which is to become His bride - is viewed as a unit. As the physical body consists of many members, that is from head to toe, so the mystical body of Christ with its many components is one body. 1 Cor. 12:12 

A unit, solidly knit together, but still manifesting differences. Rom. 12:4-6 

Jesus prayed for His disciples that they might be "one". Even to the measure that is to be found in the Godhead, "as we are one". John 17:12 

The "we" representing more than one, but Jesus said, "we are one". Indicating both the plurality and the unity or oneness of God as seen in the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. The body likewise is made up of a great number of people, still it is one body. Eph. 4:4 

To such a grand degree is the body one with Christ that she is called, " members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones". Eph. 5:30 

There is no closer affiliation than that. She is one with Him. Paul uses this as a great mystery but stated that he was speaking of Christ and the church. Eph. 5:31


ONE SPIRIT. 
In the world there are many spirits. In the Lord there is but one Spirit. Eph. 4:4 

That is the Spirit of truth which is sent forth of the Father. John 14:16 

The Spirit was to come as "another comforter" one who was like the one that went away. John 14:16 

Then Jesus said, "I will come to you".  John 14:18 

Was He playing tricks on them, no of course not. God is a Spirit and must be worshipped in Spirit and truth. John 4:24 

Also the scriptures mention the "Spirit of Christ". Rom. 8:9 

Does each member of the Godhead have a different Spirit? The Spirit is one, the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit is in the Father and in the Son in that grand and glorious union that is found in its perfection in our God. That same Spirit is He who fills the members of the body of Christ. Always leading and guiding them in the ways everlasting.


ONE FAITH. 
One belief, one doctrine. Most assuredly there is no schism in the Godhead, no division of teaching. The Father was in Christ and Christ was in the Father. John 14:10-11 

Jesus came forth from the Father, which would mean that He had left the immediate throne presence of His Father. John 16:28 

Nevertheless, Jesus lived by the Father. The life of the Father, who is life itself, was in the Lord Jesus. Those who partake of the bread of heaven live by that bread which is the Lord Jesus Christ. That bread is not only the bread of communion, it is also that living bread which came down from the Father. John 6:57





                                       GOD IS. 110

ONE GOD. 
There can be but one. In revealing Himself to Israel The Lord through His Word said, "Hear O Israel: the Lord our God is one LORD". Deut. 6:4 

The key to understanding the Godhead is in the word "one". In Hebrew it is 'echad', meaning united, alike, together. Accepting the connotation of the word at face value we come to the conclusion that while there is but "One God", there is a blending together which provides that unity whereby God is plainly seen in the scriptures as Father, Son and Spirit. In that unity, there is He who is known as the Father. Both Paul and Peter used the term, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph. 1:3, Col. 1:3, 1 Peter 1:3 

Then Paul gave Him the status as being Father of all. In other words, the source of all that lives. The creator, the one who brought all things into existence. His rank is evidenced in the statement that, "He is over all". Having a rapport with mankind whereby He has taken up residence within them, for He is through (action) all and in (abiding) all. As He was in Christ, so He desires to be in an obedient church. Eph. 4:4


GOD WAS IN CHRIST. 
In a blessed work of reconciliation human beings are brought into precious fellowship with the Lord. Their sins are washed away, they are fully pardoned. 2 Cor. 5:19 

How complete was that affinity? In announcing to Joseph the coming of the savior into the world it was stated that His name was to be Jesus. Furthermore, this Jesus was to be Emmanuel which being interpreted is "God with us". Mt. 1:23 

To verify this Paul wrote to Timothy concerning the Lord Jesus that God was manifest in flesh. That ties the Father the Son in perfect unity. 1 Tim. 3:16 

The people who opposed Him in that day recognized the fact that when Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the Son of God, He was making Himself equal to God. John 5:18 

Jesus came in the form of God. Being in the explicit likeness and nature of His Father, "He thought it not robbery to be equal with God who was His Father. In physical form. In Spiritual prowess. In everything that is eternal and Godlike, He is equal to His Father". Phil. 2:6 

Christ is the image of the invisible God. The Father is perceived in His Son who is acknowledged as being the "express image of His person". That makes Him to be exactly all that is seen in the Father. Heb. 1:3 

As the Son He was in complete submission to the Father and perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father.




                                    GOD IS. 111

0NE SPIRIT. Eph. 4:4 
Variously identified, as the Holy Spirit. A gift most graciously given to the believer by the heavenly Father, when requested. Luke 11:13 

He is likewise called the "spirit of holiness" in keeping with his character. His welcomed presence in the life of the Christian will produce holiness, when His instructions are followed. Rom. 1:4 

He is also acknowledged as the "Spirit of Christ". 1 Pet. 1:11 

He is that charisma, the anointing that was in Christ Jesus. That Spirit dwelling in Christ which enabled Him to preach the gospel, heal broken hearts, bring deliverance to those in captivity, to open blind eyes and proclaim liberty to those who are oppressed. Luke. 4:18 

He is also known as the Spirit of God. The same Spirit which came upon the Lord Jesus when He was baptized of John the Baptist. His presence is repeatedly acknowledged throughout the scriptures in a great variety of ways. From creation even until today He is involved in all the activities of the Lord.  


THE UNITY OF THE LORD. 
When we become aware of the unconditional, the perfect unity which exemplifies the Godhead, it is absolutely astonishing. While easily distinguished one from the other, there are times when they are indistinguishable. Their labors together involve the completeness of all that the Lord portrays Himself to be. For instance, in the beginning, "God created the Heaven and the earth. Gen. 1:1 

"And the Spirit of God moved". Gen. 1:2 

"In the beginning was the Word". John 1:1, John 1:3 

"Without Him was not anything made that was made". The fullness of God was involved in creation. In perfect harmony the Lord brought forth all that we see around us, on earth and in the heavens.


HIS GIFT WILL PROMOTE UNITY. 
Through the person of the Holy Spirit, the Lord has established in the body of believers that which is known as the five-fold ministry. Eph. 4:11 

Their gift is given to minister to the body of Christ. They are the gift of the Lord to the body. The body is not a gift to them. They are to minister to the body. Their work is to develop God-like perfection, maturity and full spiritual growth in the church. They are to edify, build up the body of believers. Their accountability before the Lord is great. Eph. 4:12 

Their responsibility is to move according to the Spirit of the Lord and not after their own spirit. The Lord will use individuals called to fulfill His appointed ministries, to perfect His church.




                                         GOD IS.  112

THE PRESENCE OF THE SPIRIT IN WORSHIP. 
The exhortation of Paul is for us today - as much as any generation of Christians - "Be filled with the Spirit".  Eph. 5:18 

He is not suggesting a one time experience, but something that is on-going and consistent. A status where there is a continual flow of the Spirit in the life of the believer. The word "filled" in the Greek is "pleroo". 

Strong's Word Dictionary gives a very beautiful and complete meaning which covers what we should expect from the Spirit. "to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram, to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, finish" that well relates the work and influence of the Spirit that may be evidenced in us. 

How desperately the body of Christ needs just such a mighty power and guidance in our day. Rest assured that the true last day church will be a super church, not in numbers but in the mighty anointing of the Spirit.


GIVING THANKS TO THE FATHER. 
He is ever worthy of all the adoration and thanks that we may bestow upon Him. Using the suggestion of maintaining a "merry heart of song" will most definitely focus our attention on Him and cause our minds to be stayed on Him. Eph. 5:19-20 

Jesus thanked the Father for the willingness of His disciples to receive the revealed Word. Luke 10:21 

When we have Christ in our hearts, it is not difficult to express our gratitude to the Father for so great a salvation.


ALL THAT WE RECEIVE OF THE LORD IS THROUGH CHRIST.
We express our appreciation through the name that the Father bestowed upon the Lord Jesus. Our giving of thanks, our praise, our worship to the Father must all be based on that name that is above every name. 

The instructions of Paul were that all, whatsoever word was spoke or deed wrought, was to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. For in doing so, we express our appreciation to the Father through the person of the Lord Jesus and by use of His name, honor Him. Col. 3:17 

Thus, we have seen in this portion of the writings of Paul his expression and appreciation of the Triune God. It is the Spirit who helps us  worship and praise the Lord. 

The Father, who in every manner becomes a Father to the whosoever will and is most worthy of our adoration. 

The Lord Jesus, the Savior, the only Redeemer. The one who is the very expression of the love of the Lord. Salvation is in His name and only in His name. Acts 4:12 

His mercies are extended to all. Come to Him and live.



                                     GOD IS. 113

A GREAT SALVATION PROVIDED BY A TRIUNE GOD. 
If God be God - and He is - then what escape is there from a lost life, filled with turmoil? 

There is none, but one. Today is the day of salvation. There is no promise for tomorrow. Remember the rich man who was to build bigger and better, tomorrow. That night death required his presence. He was properly labeled a "fool". Luke 12:20 

And so is every person who will disregard or neglect the salvation so freely proffered by the Lord Jesus. He is the only door to heaven and life eternal. John 10:7 

Those attempting to "climb up some other way," are thieves and robbers. They not only hinder themselves from participating in eternal life but they also persuade others to follow their pernicious ways. John 10:1 

Not only was the gospel confirmed to Paul by those who heard the Lord Jesus but it was also most powerfully verified to him. His personal experience in salvation left no doubt in his heart and mind that Christ was real. Acts 26:13


THE WITNESS OF GOD, THE FATHER. 
The evidence of the Father being in the Son was seen in the life and miracles of the Lord Jesus, which He attributed to His Father. His works were delegated to Him from the Father. "the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me". John 5:36 

He likewise bore testimony that the Father, dwelling within Him, was the source of the works which He wrought. John 14:10 

There is most definitely a key to be found here. Jesus promised His disciples that they would do greater works, for He was to be in the presence of His Father. John 14:12 

The works of Christ are duplicated in a people who are blessed with all the fullness of the Father. Jesus commissioned those whom He sent them out to go and "heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils, freely ye have received, freely give". Mt. 10:8 

We can only distribute that which we have received.


THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE GREAT GIFT OF THE LORD. 
There is no record of the Father ever retracting His precious gift of the Spirit to the church. If it were necessary for the Spirit to come upon and abide on the Lord Jesus, how much greater is the need in our lives today. Baptism in water is vital to His ministry for He said, "it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness". Mt. 3:15-16 

Having completed this act of obedience, He was filled with the Spirit, in a mighty manner. Please note, it was not a dove which descended upon Him, but the Spirit descending swiftly and filling His whole being.       




                                GOD IS. 114

THE GODHEAD UNIFIED IN THE SALVATION OF MAN. 
A work accomplished in the elect of the Lord. 1 Peter 1:2 

The Father in His mercy and grace is "not willing that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance" 2 Peter 3:9b 

Paul said that the Lord would "have ALL men to be saved". The extent of the offer of salvation may be understood by the words of the Lord Jesus". That WHOSOEVER believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life". John 3:15 

Also, according to His word, "many are called, but few are chosen". Mt. 22:14 

Now, who are the elect? They are those whom the Father, in His foreknowledge, would call His elect, because He was aware of their response to the gospel. They are the persons who are chosen in Christ. We were chosen "in Him". Eph. 1:4 

Being "in Christ" enables one to be among the elect. Election is not a situation where the Lord in eternity scanned the history of man on earth and chose one person above another. In His foreknowledge He saw the whole life span of mankind on the earth and named those who would believe, His elect.


THE MOST GRACIOUS WORK OF THE SON IN REDEMPTION. 
He gave His life’s blood for the salvation of mankind. 1 Pet. 1:2 

Life to Him was as precious as it is to us. His whole being was repulsed by the death that He was to die. The guilt of sin that He was to bear was most nauseating and totally revolting to His righteous being. He prayed, "if it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless not as I will, but as THOU wilt". Mt. 26:39 

Perfect submission, total surrender, to the purpose for which He had come into this world. The only ransom price that has ever been paid or can be paid is the blood of Christ. None can gain eternal life but by His blood. 1 Peter 1:18-19


THE SPIRIT OF SANCTIFICATION. 
Because the Spirit is Holy, He will lead all who associate with Him into the Holiness of the Lord. He will sanctify or purify the hearts and lives of all who will submit to His leading. Without His work of separation from the sinful elements of this world there can be no revelation of the Word from Him. Sanctification leads to an exposure to the truth of the Lord. 2 Thess. 2:13b 

He is the communication of the Holiness of the Lord to His people. He is responsible for the New Birth, the baptism of the Spirit, and for the revelation of the Word. He makes known the things of Christ. John. 14:26




                                  GOD IS.  115

THE SPIRIT AT WORK IN OUR LIVES. 
The Spirit - as He works in our lives - is always very practical. He has been sent to the church to lead and guide her into all truth. He is the Spirit of truth. As the beloved of the Lord, we are the recipients of His might and power in our lives. He illuminates the Word to us that we might be built up, a spiritual house, the household of faith. He is also our teacher who directs our prayer life. Prayer is so vital for spiritual growth. Jude 20 

When He prays through the church it is praying in the will and purpose of the Lord. The words are not superfluous but filled with divine care and love for the church. The depths of this kind of prayer at times is misunderstood, even by leaders who are spiritual, yet have never seen or experienced that prayer of travail. Paul explained it as being "with groanings which cannot be uttered". Rom. 8:26-27 

Paul travailed in the Spirit for the Galatians, that they might know what it is to have Christ formed in them. His prayer had to have been very intense and with deep heart-felt utterances. It was not a common prayer. Gal. 4:19


THE LOVE OF A TRUE HEAVENLY FATHER. 
Of His love, there is no question. His very nature is love. He is the essence of all that love can be. It is not like natural love, but embraces the whole of His character. 

In the statement of Jude, "keep yourself in the love of God," there is a challenge. Jude 21 

Maintaining a healthy spiritual life depends on us, individually. Every possible preparation has been made whereby our spiritual life is maintained at its highest point possible. It is accomplished by keeping the commandments of the Lord Jesus, which is considered by Jesus as a sign of love for Him. 

This is the key to the love of the Father being directed toward those keeping His Word and His will. John 14:21 


MERCY WHICH EXTENDS TO ETERNAL LIFE. 
The Lord Jesus is the expression of the mercy of our God to all. It is divine mercy and is as much greater than human nature as the sunshine is brighter than the darkness. Jude 21  

Through the "tender mercies" the moving of great compassion within the innermost being of man, His tender mercies exceed the combined mercies of all men. 

It was made known by the visitation of the "dayspring," the breaking forth of a new day, the dawning of a new life, eternal life made available to all. Purchased and delivered by the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus. Luke 1:78 

There is no other source of such abundant mercy. 




                                     GOD IS. 116

SALUTATIONS FROM THE GODHEAD. 
A message expressed by the Holy Spirit, who is called here, the seven Spirits or for better understanding, the seven-fold Spirit. One Spirit, showing forth the seven characteristics of the Spirit. Rev. 1:4 

The seven-fold Spirit is found in Isa. 11:2. 

This message is to show the full witness and testimony of the Godhead. The Spirit is proclaimed by the prophet Zechariah to be the eyes of the Lord. By, and through the Spirit, the Lord knows all things pertaining to life here on earth. There is not an event of which He does not have full knowledge. Zech. 4:10 

The book of Revelation likewise makes mention of the seven-fold Spirit. Seen there as burning lamps before the throne of the Lord. The Spirit is both a source of light and cleansing fire. Rev. 4:5 

It is fitting that the Lamb of God be in possession of the seven horns or fullness of power and the seven Spirits the completeness of the Spirit. Rev. 5:6


FROM JESUS CHRIST. 
There is a list of six things pertaining to His life registered here. "The faithful witness." Rev. 1:5 

He was commissioned of God to become a witness, a leader and a commander. Isa. 55:5 

We may rest assured that all which proceeds from Him is true and holy. His Words are for our benefit and edification. He is the "first born from the dead." An evidence of the eternal life that awaits each and everyone who follows Him. Not only is He the first, but He is the resurrection and the life. That blessed force and power creating new life. "He is the prince of kings of the earth." All who are in authority owe their position to Him. The leaders may not recognize this fact, but they are in subjection to His will and purpose. "The powers that be are ordained of God." Rom. 13:1 

He is the one "who loved" when no one else loves. There is no greater love to be found anywhere and at anytime. He is so willing to manifest His great love to all who will seek Him. We've been "washed from our sins in His own blood." Precious, precious price paid for our redemption. His people bear the nature and status of a nation of "kings and priests." A ministry which is eternal.


GOD, THE FATHER. 
The Father, the authority figure. Rev. 1:6 

While Jesus thought it not robbery to be equal with Him and the evidence of the scripture prove that to be true, Jesus was at the same time in submission to Him, and followed His Father's leadings in all that He did. Jesus fully honored and revered His Father. Their unity is one of absolute harmony. 



 
 
                                 GOD IS. 117

POSITIONED IN CHRIST, BY THE FATHER. 
Once again we find the work of the Godhead in the Lord gathering unto Himself a people, chosen of the Father to obtain salvation and sanctification. Neither nationality, race, color, nor riches are to be used to identify the called out ones. 

From the beginning, through His foreknowledge, the Lord, by means of salvation, the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth called His own to repentance. Salvation is not by works but by grace and grace alone. 2 Thess. 2:13 

The Father, having the nature and character of a Father, will through Christ, gather a family unto Himself who cry Abba, Father. Rom. 8:15


CALLED BY THE GOSPEL. 
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of the Lord. Called to fulfill His very own objective. Called to be conformed to the image and behavior of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Called to justification by the Spirit and the Word. Then exalted to a high and holy standard of being able to be filled with the same glory that is resident within the Lord Himself. Rom. 8:28-30 

The ultimate is to be a church possessing the fullness of the glory of the Lord. Created in His likeness, reflecting His glory, as pure and holy as the Lord. We have a ways to go. The project of the Lord will be finished in the end of the age. Eph. 5:27


THE SPIRIT WORKING IN THE CHURCH. 
The church of today is more prone to emphasize the spectacular working and manifestation of the Spirit. The Lord, through the Spirit, is more interested in the preparation of the Bride of Christ. Therefore, He brings a Spirit of conviction to His association with the called out ones. His office requires that He convict the world of sin. 

Likewise, He will reveal the righteousness of the Lord and where He is welcomed, will demonstrate that righteousness in the heart and life, in every believer. He is the great teacher, revealing to the church the Word of the Lord. He also directs the life of the believer into the paths of the Lord. He will warn of the impending conditions that will prevail in the earth and the mighty judgments of the Lord that are to be poured out in the end of time. John 16:8 

The Spirit brings wisdom, comprehension and discernment to the body of Christ. Manifestations that are of great necessity as we face the attacks of imitators, false prophets and the likes. We are in a time of the testing of our ability to hold fast to the truth. These are indeed perilous times. 2 Tim. 3:1-7



                           GOD IS.  118

THE BENEDICTION OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS.
THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS. 2 Cor. 13:14a 

Grace has at times been mislabeled as being permissiveness. 

Grace is His favor bestowed on beneficiaries who are most unworthy and undeserving. It is not given because of good works. 

However it does produce good works, or works of righteousness in those who are blessed by His grace. Grace is the gift of God know as salvation. A work of faith in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:8 

To participate of His grace it is necessary that we be cleansed, forgiven of our sin. A purification that can only be achieved by the precious blood of redemption, the blood of the Lord Jesus. Such an experience opens the door for the abundance of the riches of His grace to be manifest. There is no limit to His grace. It covers the very worst of sinners and makes them pure in His sight. Eph. 1:7     


THE LOVE OF THE FATHER. 2 Cor. 13:14b 
Love beyond expression. Love which forgives and covers a multitude of sin. We often commiserate with Abraham offering Isaac and speak of the intensity of the emotions that stirred in his breast. How can we comprehend the intensity of the heart of the Father when He sent His Son to the tree? The cries of Christ on the cross when His humanity questioned the forsaking of His Father. Mat. 27:46 


How greatly the loving heart of the Father must have hurt in that horrific moment of time when Jesus became sin, for every man. The love of the Father is aptly displayed by the sending of His Son into the world to become the Lamb of God. The only true and effectual sacrifice. His whole nature and being is love. To have Him in our life is to love, love the Lord and our fellow man. Love is the assurance of His eternal presence in our life. 1 John 4:16


FELLOWSHIPING THE HOLY SPIRT. 
It is the Holy Spirit who was sent into the world to reveal the Christ of God to us. Jesus called Him the Spirit of truth. Therefore His words are true words. He has come to exalt and reveal the Lord Jesus. He will not speak of Himself. He will not seek to be worshiped. Should we then pray to Him? John 16:13-15 

Jesus said, "Whatsoever ye ask in my name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son". John 14:13 

The Holy Spirit is He who creates communion or partnership between the Lord and those who follow Him. He unites us with Christ, making us one.




                                 GOD IS. 119

THAT WHICH IS ETERNAL. THE GODHEAD. ROM. 1:20
The fact that the Godhead is eternal is found in each its members. That which is not seen or is invisible, is clearly seen by that which is made visible. Paul went so far as to say, they are clearly seen. Then again they are understood by the things which were created.

SEEING THE UNSEEN. 
The Father is the unseen one, the invisible. Hidden from the eyes of all men except the Lord Jesus who came forth from His Father. His purpose was to make the Father known to the whosoever, by declaring the mighty works of the Father. John 1:18 

Jesus indicated to Philip that having been with Him for such a long time, he should have seen the Father in the Son. John 14:9 

The Lord Jesus said that He was in the Father and the Father was in Him. The omnipresent Father dwelt within the spirit nature of His Son, and Jesus attributed the works that He did to the Father. Jesus, in His prayer, prayed that once again He might be covered, fully inundated with the eternal and great glory of His Father, which had been His before His birth into this world. It was a glory that was greatly to be desired. As the Word, the Logos Jesus had been enveloped and filled with the eternal glory of His Father. John 17:5 

We are assured of the existence of the Father through the words of the Lord Jesus. Who said that the only one who had seen the Father was He who was of God. In other words Jesus had not only seen the Father but had fellowship with Him and verified His existence. John 6:46 

Jesus is the perfect likeness and image of the Father. He is everything that the Father is, revealed in human form. He reveals the invisible Father and makes Him known. Col. 1:15


THROUGH THE ETERNAL SPIRIT. 
The Holy Spirit possesses the same aptitude and character as the Father and the Son. He too, is invisible and was evident in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus. It was the Holy Spirit who motivated and led Jesus to the offering of Himself as the only sacrifice for the souls of men. He also is as eternal as the Father and the Son and has been eternally a part of the whole plan of salvation. Beginning with the creation of the earth to the creation of the new man in us. His work is vital. He it is who will lead the church to perfection even as He led Christ to the cross. Heb. 9:14




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