C J McKnight - Planting



        A VERY SPECIAL NEW YEARS GREETINGS TO YOU.

    GOD BE MERCIFUL UNTO US, AND BLESS US; AND CAUSE HIS FACE TO SHINE ON US.
    SELAH. PS. 67:1

    Two-thousand-two. A year of destiny. The Lord will continue to breathe His Spirit on His church, preparing her for their wedding. The intensity of the working of the Holy Spirit can only increase in power and majesty. He always visits in mercy before wrath. Since we know that we are in the last days, we can only expect an increase of the last day signs for this year. This will continue until the final phase of His work is accomplished. 

    Personally, I do not make New Years resolutions. My resolve must be to daily follow Him to the best of my ability and knowledge of His will. The cogitations of my heart upon my bed this morning were on the prayer which Jesus taught us to pray. 

It is not His prayer. It is the prayer that we are to pray. His prayer is in John 17. 

In the prayer that we are to pray there is portion that is upon my heart, for all of us, and in particular for the closing of this year and the beginning of the New Year.

    THAT IS; Forgive us, as we have forgiven. The measurement of forgiveness that we receive from Him is equal to the forgiveness that we have given to others. To those who have offended us, perhaps even betrayed us. To all who in any way may have caused us consternation, stress, heartache and sorrow in the past, forgive them and be forgiven.

When we forgive mankind, the LORD forgives us. In my book, that is a marvelous exchange.

    JESUS DID NOT CEASE SPEAKING AFTER HE HAD DELIVERED THE PRAYER TO THEM.
He emphasized the words of forgiveness and made it very plain that the ONLY way to receive forgiveness from the Lord is to forgive those who have offended us. Matt. 6:14-15.

I urge you, if there are any against whom you have a grudge, forgive,  forgive, forgive, if not for their sake for our own sake. In this fashion we are assured that our heavenly Father has forgiven us, and that is indispensable.   

    The vision of my heart and the message of my ministry has always been the conclusion of the age. I have lived to see the conclusion and hopefully to be a part of the mighty revelations of the Lord that are reserved for this time. At my age I would most gladly welcome His return and the conclusion of His work. 

This may shock some but wait until the end of the New Year and then draw your conclusions. The Second Coming will not be this year and those who preach the immanent return of Christ know so. Else why would they make long range plans for the future? While many signs are evident, they have not yet reached their zenith, there is yet much more to come.

    May the rich blessings of the Lord Jesus rest and abide upon you and yours, is our prayer.
                    In His love, mcknights             
    

            
Dear Berean:

Greetings in the lovely name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am about to embark on a series of studies in which I hope to use “ plain language.” It is not an easy task but one that I feel is necessary for the body of Christ. These are the last days and the full revelation of the plan of the Lord for His church must be made known. 

Teaching in a class is one thing. What is taught, usually is retained in the class or at least in a close circle of friends. The Internet is something else. It is like shooting in the dark. Where will it land? Where will it go? At my age, I have no reputation to protect, I have nothing to lose. No one will turn me down for a meeting as I will not be pounding on their door. Even if what is presented is rejected and ridiculed, it does not matter. I am impressed that it is time to look at and embrace, openly the plan of the Lord.

I do request your prayers and consideration as these studies are presented. To some it may be shockingly new, to others it may be old hat. I covet your prayers. Incidentally the Internet is a great joy to me. I love preparing these studies. I spend about four hours every morning preparing them. They are fresh.

    I love you in Christ, prayerfully yours,  C. Joe McKnight 




            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                          2

    THE SONG CONTINUED. Song 5:16 
The one who is ALTOGETHER LOVELY. The sum and substance of all that is desirable. There is a majesty in the Lord Jesus and about Him that far supersedes all that mankind has proclaimed to be appealing. However great the feeling of deep affection and love for another person in our lives has been, our love for Him can be and must be far greater. The most lovable cannot stir the deep emotion of love that He does in our hearts. As we express our love for Him, He reciprocates and suddenly our hearts feel the strength of the one who is love personified. Love is not love outside of Christ. May we indeed make Him to be our lover. When His love abides in us we walk in that love and manifest it to others.   


    THIS IS MY BELOVED. Song 5:16 
Possessing but not possessive. Assurance that He is mine. The evidence of an undivided commitment on the part of both parties. Confidence, assuring that each is aware of the emotions and love of the other. Just to whisper His name, in love, will excite the very depths of love within our spirit man. No more precious words can be uttered, other that to say, He is mine and I am His. 


    HE IS MY FRIEND. Song 5:16 
A friend is one who loves at all times. Prov. 17:17 
We may strain our friendship with the Lord but his love is still extended to us. It is said that a friend is really a friend when we can be with them and do not need to entertain or carry on a conversation with them.

Jesus is that kind of a friend, whether we are praying or praising Him, or just silent before Him, He is there. We could never find a friend with a higher position. He is The Lord of all. 


    THERE HAS BEEN MORE THAN ONE VINE. 
The vine of the Lord was Israel of old. The Lord brought a vine out of Egypt. Ps. 80:8-19 

The heathen were removed and that vine prospered and grew, filling the land. The Lord removed His hand of protection from them for they deserted Him. They were planted as a choice vine. One of excellent seed. But they turned into a degenerate vine. A vine that was wayward, corrupt and wild. Jer. 2:21 

This vineyard is identified as being Israel. Isa. 5:7 

This fifth chapter of Isaiah is showing the punishment of the Lord against Israel and Judah. It is a
devastating judgment upon the two nations because of their turning from the Lord. 


    A NEW VINE ESTABLISHED. 
I AM, the TRUE VINE. {To the exclusion of all others} John 15:1 

The vine of the Lord. The true, the real vine. The only vine that the Lord will recognize as being His. It is the vine of truth. All true doctrine and teaching is established by relationship to this vine of eternal life. It is a vine to whom all must be joined in order to possess life eternal. All that Christ is, flows through this vine to the branches.  

    

            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                           3

    THE PROCESS TO MATURITY. 
The management of the branches that are IN CHRIST. If they are not productive, they are cut off and that involves all of the unproductive branches. Sounds very severe and it is. Note please, that these are branches that are IN HIM but are absolutely barren. 

To have been a fruitful branch is not sufficient. The current status is what counts. Even the fruit bearing branches are pruned that they might become more fruitful. The trimming back of the vine appears to the untrained eye to be extreme but to the horticulturist it is necessary. John 15:2 


    THE SECRET OF FRUIT BEARING. 
The key word is ABIDE. To remain or to stay joined to the main trunk. Let it become the dwelling place, the manner of life. Only if we are connected to the trunk can we receive the sustenance necessary for life and growth. It is impossible for there to be fruit unless the branch is constantly one with the roots and stem of the vine. John 15:4-5 

The consequences of failing to abide are disastrous. Consider them carefully. Jesus emphasized the individual or the person more than the branch. The literal, physical branch at this particular moment of time is not of importance. The spiritual life of the individual who is not abiding is that which is of mega importance. As the branch, so now the person is the one castaway and begins to wither, to dry up, to shrivel. 

One need not reject the Lord nor abruptly turn from Him for this to happen. Many are sitting in the pews of churches today who are void of the moving of the Spirit in their lives. They may be very active and helpful in the ministration of the body but the fruit of the Spirit is no longer evident. This is an extremely dangerous position for one to find themselves in. 

It is possible to become a professional Christian. One who knows the manner in which they must conduct themselves. Knowing the talk and the language, yet to be separated from the vine. Which is the kiss of eternal death. 


    A FRIGHTENING SITUATION. 
To have been, but currently not to be joined to the vine and continuing in that flow of life is the very epitome of danger. It is unthinkable that anyone would want to knowingly place themselves in such a precarious position. These dried up branches await the time when they shall be gathered with others of like condition and be cast into the fire where they are consumed. John 15:6 

It is perhaps important that it is emphasized here that the ugly, withered branches were at one time a part of the vine and were a part of the beauty and life of the vine. Israel is not the vine, they were branches that were broken off. CHRIST is the vine. All who repent are graffed into the LIVING VINE. Be they Jew or Gentile. There is only one true vine. All lose their identity as to race when they become one with Christ Jesus. The only man that counts with the Lord is the NEW MAN. The man born of and filled with the Spirit of the Almighty.



            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                      4

    GOD'S HUSBANDRY. 
A message to the New Testament church. A declaration of the workmanship of the Lord. The church working by the Spirit fulfilling the perfect will of the Lord. This is the result of the growth of the True vine, with the culmination being the bride. 1 Cor. 3:9 

The Lord has planted the true vine, it will grow and continue to prosper. It is an eternal vine. Having its beginnings on earth and continuing in The New heavens and the New Earth. 


    IN THAT DAY. 
The day of the destruction of every thing that is vile and wicked. Isa. 27:1 

In that day, a second statement, but what a contrast. The climax of unrighteousness and righteousness. v.2 During the coming great tribulation the Lord will keep His vine. He will protect it and nurture it in a place called the wilderness. Rev. 12:6 

While it is termed a wilderness the presence of the Lord and His Bride will cause a great transformation and the desert will blossom as a rose. Isa. 35:1-2 

The manifestation of the glory of the Lord will create great changes in the area that He will choose. 
It will not be bleak and barren. The rose of Sharon will be there. Song 2:1

Where ever He is, there is life and beauty. He will demonstrate His ability as a husbandman. His promise is that the wilderness will be like the garden of Eden. Isa. 51:3 

A true shelter in the time of the greatest demonstration against God or anything that is called God.


    A VINEYARD OF RED WINE. Isa.  27:2b 
Red is the color of blood. The blood of the vine or the juice of the grapes portrays the blood of the atonement. Eternal life was purchase for us by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:28 

The grand and glorious purchase is the church that has become the branches on His vine. We live by and through Him. His life flows through us. Unless we eat His flesh and drink His blood we do not possess His life. John 6:53 

This is an absolute. It is a strong statement of fact. This is the way it is, there is no other way. 

Transubstantiation does not work, the blood and the bread are not miraculously changed. 

Symbolism, does not work, for the bread and the juice are not mere symbols. 

The alternative is to partake by faith, of the body and the blood of the Lord Jesus. Paul, likewise, spoke very plainly that partaking of the cup and the bread is COMMUNION. 1 Cor. 10:16 

Literally, a partnership with or a participation of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus. All the wonders, the virtues, the powers of His life are communicated to His church through her recognition of His eternal body and blood. 

We are not foolish, we know that in the bread and wine of which we are partaking is natural. But, through faith we look beyond the natural and realize that we are becoming one with Him. We are in unity with that glorious body and royal blood of the Lord Jesus. What a privilege is ours.    



            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                    5

    I THE LORD DO KEEP IT. Isa. 27:3 
How true and fitting for the relationship between the husbandman and his garden. Could there possibly be any other that would have the concern and interest that He would have? The Lord is the keeper of His vineyard. He will not only maintain it but He will protect it as well. His love, His concern, His whole life is involved with His vineyard. He will shelter His own in the wilderness and preserve them in that time of trouble. Ps. 32:7 

The promises of His ability to watch over and protect are recorded throughout the Word. The desert place could be anywhere on earth but most likely it will be the same wilderness through which Israel wandered on their way to the promised land. 

It makes no difference. Anywhere that He would choose His presence would have the same effect. Absolute security. No worries, complete confidence as His Bride and He rest in His love. With God in her midst, watching over and protecting her, there will be no concern. Ps.46:5 

The Lord will constantly watch over and keep His people in His everlasting arms.   


    I WILL WATER IT. Isa. 27:3 
Water in this instance has a twofold meaning. The Spirit and the Word, which of course agree. One of the promises pertaining to the wilderness is the abundance of waters. It is repeated several times. Always the great need of vegetation is that of rain or water. The irrigation system of the Lord will be perfect in the wilderness. Waters will gush forth from the ground and there will be streams in the desert as well as springs bubbling forth, all to such a degree that in place of the mirage there will be pools of water. Isa. 35:6-7


    PLANTED IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD. PS. 92:13 
Not only are they planted in the house of the Lord but they are also the sanctuary or the temple of the Lord. As with any plant there will be growth, budding, flowering and fruit bearing. Anything that the Lord involved Himself in will achieve its purpose. This vine will flourish in the House of the Lord. It will spread out and break forth in fruit. 


    A PEOPLE ALL RIGHTEOUS. Isa. 60:21 
Not only will all who are a part of the planting of the Lord be pure and holy, but one hundred percent of that group will be righteous. The land will be their inheritance eternally, for they are a people for time and eternity. The uncircumcised of heart and that which is unclean will not be found there. Isa. 52:1 

This people will reign on the earth, both old and new. Rev. 5:10 

The Lord has a definite purpose in growing His vine. Every plant that He has not planted will be rooted up. There will be no false plants, no weeds nor tares mingled with these who are the handy work of our Lord. Mt. 15:13 

The plant flourishes now, it will succeed as long as the earth will last, and it will really increase in the New Heavens and the New Earth.   

 


            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                        6

    ALL THINGS NEW. 
The prophet Isaiah pronounced the coming of that which is new. The old has been, and will be even more polluted in every way, Spiritually and environmentally. The old is to be utterly demolished. The heavens to vanish like smoke. The inhabitants of the earth to die like flies. Not a pretty picture but it depicts the destiny of this present world. Isa. 51:6 

This is not a situation that will happen today or tomorrow. There are yet events recorded in the Revelation that must come to pass. The end of the world is at the conclusion of the thousand year millennium. 


    THE NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH. 
This is a creative act of the Most High. The new creation cannot be contaminated in any fashion. Sin will never mar it. It will be a universe completely dedicated to the worship and praise of the Lord God. His righteousness will prevail. 

This that is NEW is the reason for the old. The old was used to produce an eternal salvation and to cleanse the universe from all unrighteousness. The Lord has placed His WORD in the mouth of His people. It is a powerful WORD, a WORD of deliverance from the enemy. Likewise He will cover His Bride, in the wilderness, under the shadow of His mighty hand. Isa. 51:16 

He WILL, future tense, plant the heavens and the foundation of the earth. Saying to Zion, you are my people. For the last and final time the vine of the Lord will be planted. This time in its eternal abode. Never again will it be uprooted or moved. 


    NO CREATION OF THE LORD IS WITHOUT A PLAN. 
In the old His purpose was that the world was to be inhabited. For the NEW He will create it, that it too might be occupied. Isa. 45:18 

This time by a people of His own creation. A new race. A sinless race. Those who have been born of His Spirit and have become New Creatures in Christ. There is also a further addition to these who are of the race of grace. This is the land of timelessness and righteousness. 2Pet. 3:13 

Our vision is the fulfillment of His promise. The Lord leaves no question of what will be excluded from that which is new. NOTHING, absolutely nothing that is impure will ever be able to find its way into that heavenly atmosphere. There will be nothing that is an abomination or a lie ever found there. All the occupants will have had their names recorded in the Lambs book of life eternal. Rev. 21:27 

This is the branch that the great husbandman will plant. This work has been accomplished by His own hands. The intent is that the Lord might be glorified. Isa. 60:21 

They are a people that He formed for Himself. A people who think as He thinks, who want to live as He lives. A people who will proclaim the eternal praises of the Most High, and that unceasingly. There is a relationship found here that goes beyond any bound that has ever been know to man. This is sealed by everlasting trust and the love of the Lord shed abroad in their hearts. 




            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                        7

    WHAT THE LORD PROMISED. The Lord made a threefold promise to Abraham concerning the number of his progeny.


     FIRSTLY, dust was used as a measurement. Gen. 13:16 
If the dust of the earth could be numbered, then the number of the descendants of Abraham could be calculated. 

Dust, man formed by God out of the dust of the earth. Man, who came from the dust will return to the dust. These are the natural descendants of Abraham who fail to accept the promise of eternal life. They pass through this earthly life without ever embracing the promises of the Lord concerning salvation. They are of the earth, earthy. 

They may be able to claim Abraham as their father but one must embrace the faith of Abraham in order to have eternal life. The Lord alone knows their number for He can measure the dust of the earth. Isa. 40:12


    SECONDLY, the sand of the seas. Gen. 22:17 
These are the offspring of Abraham who come from the lineage of Isaac and Jacob. The promise of a coming Messiah was to them, but they dismissed HIM. The sand and the seas (the masses of humanity) are always in contact but do not destroy them. 

The tribes of Judah and Benjamin, plus Levi (Jewry) maintain their identity. These too are natural descendants as are the Ten Lost Tribes, known as Israel or Samaria or the northern tribes. Who can number the grains of sand on the seashore?


    THIRDLY, the stars of the heavens. Gen. 22:17 
Here the first two categories may combine with the third into making the most important group. This is that which is Spiritual. As difficult as it would be to measure the dust or the sand, the stars are even more difficult. We live in a universe that is composed of billions of galaxies each containing billions of stars.

Just our galaxy has billions of stars in it. The farther man is able to see out into space, the more he discovers that there is still something beyond what he had previously discovered, which is new to him. The Lord knows their number and has even named them. Ps. 147:4 

Jeremiah stated that the hosts of heaven cannot be numbered, as well the sand of the sea. David, who is a type of the Lord Jesus, is also given this promise. Jer. 33:22 

Jesus identified Himself as the root and off spring of David. Likewise, the bright and morning star. So, the promise of an offspring that is eternal is given to the Lord Jesus. He is also the most important star, the brightest of all, the most out standing. Rev. 22:16 

His seed is an enduring, everlasting, eternal seed. His throne will be in existence as long as there is a heaven. Ps. 89:29

In order for a lineage to continue there must be a Father as well as a Mother. Jesus is called the Everlasting (Perpetuity, everlasting,perpetually, or world without end) Father. Isa. 9:6 

The New Jerusalem, the everlasting City is called the Mother of us all. Gal.4:26 

The woman of Rev.12:2 is about to give birth. The child born of this marriage is the beginning of a race that is born into eternity and will occupy the New Heavens and the New Earth with the redeemed of all ages.   




            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                  8

    THE LORD PLANTED A GARDEN. 
The fact that it was called a garden (enclosure) would indicate that it was a walled area and not a wide open space. Gen. 2:8 

This is important to us for the New Jerusalem is also to be walled. Rev. 21:17 

The wall is to be measured. This to is of significance We will deal with the meaning of the wall in a study to come. The thought of it being a walled and therefore a separated place, is further strengthened when the Lord placed the Cherubim and the flaming sword at the gate that faced the East. Gen. 3:24 

In the Cherubim and the sword we find a type of the Triunity. Man can only enter into the blessing and the garden of the Lord through the flaming sword. The word of God. 

It must be noted also that the gate was toward the East. The Tabernacle and Temple faced the East. The Lord Jesus will return from the East or the sunrising. Mt. 24:27

Throughout the Word of the Lord we find that He has a pattern that He constantly follows. We can only see it as we are permitted to view the larger or the over all picture.


    HE NAMED THAT GARDEN, EDEN. 
The meaning of the name is, Pleasure. The rich blessing of the Lord was in that garden. It was developed and planted for Adam and Eve whom the Lord had created. Gen. 2:8 

They literally lived in an atmosphere of the happiness and joy of the Lord. They had the path of life, living in the fullness of joy and enjoyed the great pleasures of the Lord. Ps. 16:11 

The river of the Lord flowed in Eden to water the garden. Then it flowed out to form four rivers. Gen. 2:10

In the garden were the two trees of utmost importance. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which was forbidden. For if and when man partook of it he would lose his innocence, his place in the garden and the daily sweet presence of the Lord. In the MIDST was the most outstanding of all trees, the tree of life. Gen. 2:9


    THE TREE OF LIFE is the vital tree. 
Wisdom and understanding are portrayed as a tree of life, to all who find and hold to that tree. The 
feminine gender is given to the tree. Prov. 3:13-18 

The person of wisdom and understanding is blessed of the Lord. Her worth exceeds silver, gold and rubies. NOTHING that the heart of man can desire will in anyway compare to her. At her right hand is found eternal life. At her left riches and honor. Her pathways are pleasant and filled with peace. 

She is a tree of life to those embracing her. She is the source of true happiness to all who will lay hold of her. It will take the Bride and the Bridegroom to complete the tree of life. Jesus is life. John 1:4 

He has given to His church ALL THINGS that relate to life and godliness, through the KNOWLEDGE of HIM.  2 Pet. 1:3 

When we are in Christ and He abides within us the completeness of what He is can and will be manifest in us. He has called us to bear His image and likeness. 




            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                   9

    THE FRUIT OF THE TREE. 
Fruit is a required product from the tree. The harvest of the fruit of the righteous, the just person, becomes a tree dispensing life to all who participate of that bountiful yield. Prov. 11:30  

Jesus referred often to trees. He likened them to the religious who bore no fruit and were fit only to be destroyed by fire. Mt. 7:19 

He also used the fruitfulness of a tree as being the identifying component of a good and worthwhile tree. Mt. 7:20 

He cursed the fig tree when He found no fruit growing on it and it dried up and died. This was prophecy of the judgment of the Lord on a nation that was rejecting Him. Mt 21:19


     EVERY VINE OR TREE must be pruned in order to bear fruit. Unpruned the growth is in its branches and foliage to the detriment of the fruit. EVERY branch is trimmed. None are excluded. The explicit purpose is the addition of more fruit to the tree. John 15:2 

Please take note that the ability to receive whatsoever we ask for, from the Father is linked into being fruitful. It pays dividends in every way. By the way, who chose whom? John 15:16 

Correction is not excluded from the Christian life. It is the yield of the tree that is sought for and of value. Righteousness, is the proof of having been corrected. Heb. 12:11 

The woodshed experience is a thing of the past. Perhaps some reading this will not understand. Pieces of wood were easily found in the shed where wood was stored. It was there one was hauled for the application of learning and correction. To be without correction is a sign of illegitimacy. Every son is corrected, no one is left out. This is a source and means of creating fruit. Heb. 12:8 

The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of all the pruning and correction that has been applied to the tree. Gal. 5:22 

The tree of life will reach an apex in its growth and fruitfulness. At such a time it will reach all the perfection that the Lord has prepared for it. The fruit of the Spirit will be fully manifest in the Bride in the end of the age.


    LOVE IS A ONE WAY STREET WHERE TWO WILL WALK TOGETHER AS ONE.  
Deep within the heart and spirit of every true believer, there is strong longing and sometimes a feeling of loneliness awaiting the final intent of the Lord. When that desire is consummated we will fully understand the true meaning of the tree of life. When the desired one, the Lord Jesus, will reveal Himself to the Bride her desires will be achieved. Prov. 13:12 

What is our worship for, what is our praise for, other than to endeavor to express to the Lord the love that we have for Him? This love is not one sided. Both love equally, for His love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. 

The workings of the Spirit in our spirit will bring the level of our love for Him, to the equal measure of His love for us. How else could mere human beings love and respond to Him, and be on a par with Him.

The tree of life is important in the divine design of the Lord. The Bride and the Bridegroom are the tree of life. One is not complete without the other.




            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                    10

    A MESSAGE TO THE LISTENING EAR. 
The ability to combine and use the spoken message, directed to the ear and the written message sent to the eye, is fundamental to a proper understanding of the scriptures. The rich blessing of the Lord is found in the book of Revelation. Rev. 1:3 

It is founded on their ability to read the Word, to hear the Word and to KEEP the truths that are presented. If in that day the time was near, how very much more is that time in our time? So important is the message of the Revelation that we find eight times the exhortation is given to "hear with the ear". The Lord grant that not only will our ears be open to the voice of the Spirit but our hearts also.


    THE CALL TO EAT. 
Who amongst us, have not immediately responded to the invitation to eat because we were greatly involved in what we were doing? Is the CHURCH in this position today? The Spirit has opened the door to the privilege of eating from THE TREE OF LIFE. 

The expectation would be, that there would be a vast multitude, crowding and pushing their way to that tree of life. Unfortunately, the milk, the bread, the meat of the Word of God is sadly neglected in some Christian circles today.


    MILK. 
The food of the New Born. Those born of the Spirit crave and need the unadulterated milk of the Word. It provides the element of growth. 1 Pet. 2:2  

Milk is not intended to continue to be the main meal of the person born of the spirit. To remain and be satisfied with a diet of milk indicates that the person is carnal and not spiritual, for they are unable to receive the meat of the Word. 1 Cor. 3:1-2 

A constant feeding on milk indicates a lack of a knowledge of even the basics of the Word. Those who have been, in Christ, for a period time should be teachers, but have need of being taught the very elements of the Word. Still desiring and needing milk. 

Those living on milk alone are still babes and are unskillful in the Word of righteousness. The number of years that one has been saved does not indicate their spiritual standing. Their appetite does. 

Anything other than milk gags them. They cannot assimilate it. They have no understanding of anything that is bread or meat. Heb. 5:12-13. 

To whom will the Lord reveal His Word? Who will be able to comprehend doctrine? The prophet responded and answered his own question by stating that is those that have been weaned from milk. In other words they are past the baby stage and have come to a time where they can only be satisfied by more solid food. Isa. 28:9 

Jerusalem, the mother of us all, the New Jerusalem to nurse her children and comfort them with the consolations of the Lord. Those still lactating are fully and completely satisfied with her milk. They find their food to be in great abundance. Isa.66:10-11 

The Bride of Christ is a source of the life giving WORD. Nothing promotes growth like the Living Word. Those who live by milk alone are to be likened to the thirty-fold. Saved but lacking in a comprehension of the Word. Mat. 13:23      




            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                     11

    THE CALL TO EAT. Continued.

    BREAD. Jesus is that bread of life. Jn. 6:48 

There are two segments to His statement. First, He is the I AM of the scriptures. The ever, all existent one. The one who not only inhabits eternity but is eternity itself. Were it not for His everlasting nature there would be no eternity. Second, He is the bread of life. Again, He is very life itself. Without Him there would be no life, anywhere in the universe. All life emanates from Him. Natural life and spiritual life are dependent on His being. Jesus is the synonym for life.


    HE IS THE TRUE BREAD. 
Jesus made a distinct difference between Himself and the manna of which Israel ate in the wilderness. Manna was but a type, in Jesus is found the true, the real bread from heaven. Jn. 6:32

Jesus is the bread of life. Not only did He bring the source of life to the earth but He revealed that life unto all. Life, true life is found in Jesus alone. Outside of Him there is no life. The bread His flesh? Was Jesus a radical? Did He really mean what HE said? He plainly stated that the living bread of which He was speaking was His flesh. Jn. 6:51 

The Jews who were present and heard His words understood them very well, for they asked among themselves if this man could give them his flesh to eat. v. 52 

His response is also very understandable. EXCEPT, you eat the flesh of the son of man and drink His blood, you have NO LIFE in you. v.53 

This act of faith, for there is no possibility that we who live today could accomplish this requirement, except by faith and the communion table. The communion of the body and blood of our Lord is an assurance of salvation and resurrection from the dead. v. 54 

Participation guarantees the indwelling and abiding presence of the Lord. v. 56 

How necessary it is that we approach the table of the Lord with a proper attitude. The Apostle Paul was not present when Jesus made these statements but he well understood the importance of the communion table. He spoke of the communion of the blood and body, the cup and the bread. Communion is partnership, communication, fellowship or distribution. We become one with Christ through the cup and the bread. 1 Cor. 10:16 

This is still only sixty fold Christianity. Mt. 13:23


    MEAT IN DUE SEASON. 
The purposes of the Lord seem to be hidden, when actually they are open and made manifest. There are secrets of the Lord that are not understood but He reveals them through His Word. Too often we spend our energy seeking after the things that perish. While the Lord would have us seek after that ENDURING MEAT. That which produces eternal life for those who partake of that meat. The meat is that which the Lord Jesus gave to them and has left to us. John 6:27 

It behooves us to eat the meat that is supplied us by the Lord. It is LIFE. 




            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                 12

    MEAT, THE DEPTHS OF THE WORD OF GOD. 
The Lord is desirous of making Himself fully known to man whom He has created. The Lord has not gone into hiding but has manifest the invisible attributes of His nature throughout His creation. He has involved Himself in all of His creation. 

Therefore is highly visible as we look at the things He has made. There must be a higher intellect that has brought forth all that we behold. To say that all this just happened, is to say that airplanes and cars just happened or evolved. Rom. 1:20 

Truly, man in his all his wisdom does not know God.


    MYSTERY? The Bible is a closed book? 
Jesus addressed His disciples and made known to them that the kingdom of God was not to be a secret or hidden from them. They were to possess knowledge or understanding of the kingdom. To the outsider, it was to be but a parable and hidden from them. Mark 4:11 

A mystery is no longer a mystery when it becomes a REVELATION. It is moved from being a secret to a status of being openly proclaimed. So, the salvation which comes by faith and by faith alone is spread abroad, is manifest throughout the whole world, to all nations. Rom. 16:25-26. 

Please take time to study the word MYSTERY in the New Testament and see how that what was a mystery is now an opened book. There is nothing in the WORD that the Lord will keep hidden from those who love Him and seek Him. 


    THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH. 
It is inconceivable that the bridegroom would hide His wedding plans from His bride. The WORD is filled with His feelings toward her. He has written of His love for her and is desirous of His bride to be, to come to an understanding of the magnitude of His love for her. Using good instructions for the married who are in Christ, He steps into the realm of the mystery by saying that He is speaking of Christ and the Church. Eph. 5:32 

Are our minds sufficiently sanctified for us to accept the fact that marriage is consummated when two become one? Eph. 5:31 

The result of union in marriage is generally a child. The Spirit of the Lord overshadowed the virgin Mary. The seed of God was planted resulting in the birth of the Lord Jesus. Is it impossible for the same event to be repeated? With God, nothing is impossible. The woman of Revelation twelve is married. The marriage had been consummated. She is about to give birth. Her son is the manchild. A product of MARRIAGE. Once again, Jesus is called the EVERLASTING FATHER. Isa. 9:6 

All acknowledge the that responsibilities given in this verse relate to Jesus. In what other manner will He become a Father? The whole of the plan of the Lord is completed in this marriage and the birth of the manchild. Incidentally, The last book of the Bible is the book of REVELATION, not the book of concealment. It is an opened book to be understood and fully comprehended, not a mystery or hidden. This is the one hundred percent Christian life. Mt. 13:23   




            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD.                  13

    THE TREE SWEETENS THE BITTER. 
There is an experience that the children of Israel had in their wilderness journey that is worth our consideration. Three days into the wilderness and without water. Certainly there was a great thirst among them at this time. The Lord satisfies those who are spiritually thirsty. 

Eureka, waters were discovered. They had come to the oasis Marah. It was named Marah because its waters were bitter. This is inescapable to the Christian. In our journey there may be many visits to the well of Marah. 

Like Israel of old, there is much complaining, groaning, and murmuring heard as we visit this unhappy place. The sooner we learn its lessons the less we will have to visit the well of bitterness. The cure of the Lord was found in a tree, which, when cast into the waters completely changed them and made them palatable to Israel. Ex. 15:23-25 

The tree of life, the cross was tossed into the bitter waters of this life, completely altering bitter waters into sweet. Any journey without Jesus is a desert.


    THE PLANTED TREE. 
The man of righteousness. His walk before the Lord is fitting and proper. His instructions do not come from the godless man. His life style is not patterned after that of the sinner. His conversation is not that of mockery or derision. His joy and pleasure are found in the living Word of the Lord. His thoughts are centered on the Word both day and night. He is the planted tree. A tree growing by the waters of life. His thirst is quenched by that stream which flows from the throne of God. He is fruitful and prosperous. This is a Godly standard that has been established for those who participate in the TREE OF LIFE.  Ps. 1:1-3 

This man places complete trust and confidence in the Lord. Drought has no effect on him. He is stable and consistent before the Lord. Always bearing fruit. Never failing to be fruitful. Jer. 17:7-8 


    TREES GROWING BY THE STREAM OF THE LORD. 
The vision of Ezekiel related more to the river than to the trees. His revelation covers the span of the ages presenting the advancement of the kingdom of God. 

He stood at the door of the house. Jesus is the door. The flow of the water and the situation of the house is toward the East or the sunrising. Jesus will come from the East. This great river flowed from the right side of the temple which would be the South side. Eze. 47:1 

Jesus has been elevated to the right hand of His Father. Jesus stood on the last day of the feast of Tabernacles and issued an invitation for the whosoever will to come to Him and drink. That privilege has never been withdrawn, it is still in effect today. John 7:37-39 

The Living Waters of the Spirit of God would then flow from within that person who drank from that Spiritual Rock, which is Christ. Wherever and whenever that water of the river of heaven is available. It quenches the thirst, filling and satisfying the longing of that one who has been born of the Spirit. 1 Cor. 10:4            
     



            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                      14

    EZEKIEL EXITED BY THE NORTH GATE. 
He was then taken around to view the East gate once again, where he saw the waters flooding out from within.  Eze.47:2 

God is meticulous, all things are measured according to His measurement. Four (the number of the earth) measurements were made. With each measurement the volume and the height of the waters increased. Prophetically these waters would stretch roughly from Abraham to the end of the age. Abraham the Father of ALL who believe to the climax of the ages. A man is used as the measurement, ankles, knees, loins and then waters of swimming. Eze. 47:3-5   


     WE ARE LIVING in the days of the waters of swimming, that broad river that cannot be passed over. It cannot be stopped. The power of the flow of these waters will prevail in the end of the age. This is revival, the greatest ever which will climax in the marriage of the Lamb. 

The other day a preacher was waxing eloquently and with great zeal concerning a last day revival that is about to take place. It was exciting. Suddenly, he paused and said Jesus could come at any minute. 

What did he mean? Will there be a revival? Or will Jesus come first? Such confusion. 

Most certainly there will be an outpouring of the Spirit that is comparable to the vast waters of swimming. The Lord always visits in mercy before wrath. The Lord has promised a great visitation of His Spirit for this final generation of Christians. Literally He owes those who have not experienced the depths of His love and the mighty moving of His Spirit a time of deep involvement in the Spirit. HALLELUJAH! It will happen.              


    THE RIVER IS TO BE MEASURED by the man by whom all measuring is made, and to whom all measuring has been assigned. The rod, the line, find their place in the Man Christ Jesus. The waters of swimming will culminate when the bride of Christ has attained to the complete measure of the fullness of Christ. 

This is the place of the unity of the body of Christ, where there is one faith (doctrine) and an absolute comprehension and understanding of the Son, her husband. This is the time of maturity for the church. Eph. 4:13 

The Temple of the Lord, His church, will be measured. Every portion of it. All its furniture must be according to the standard that He has applied to it. Those who worship in that Temple will also under go great scrutiny. It belongs to Him and it must be perfect, precisely according to the measurement used. Rev. 11:1 

The New Jerusalem will be a City of precise measurements. There never has been a City where the builders so completely and absolutely followed the plan of the Architect. This is the dwelling place of the Lord. The fact that it was measured by a reed of gold would indicate the value that is placed on the perfection that will be built into the City. There will be nothing incorporated into this New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, that is faulty. It is absolute perfection. Rev. 21:15

THE HOLY CITY.



            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                  15

    HAVE YOU SEEN THIS? 
Trees springing up all along the banks of the river. Waters of life produce trees of life. This represents the phenomenal growth of the church in the past century. We have lived to see the waters of swimming come to pass. Growing into a broad, impassable river of the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus. 

We have progressed from a time when about the only way for one to hear about Christ was by a personal representative of the Lord, a preacher or a missionary. Now, to a time when even closed borders are being penetrated by radio, Internet and television. 

This river is flooding across the length and breadth of the earth. Man builds flood controls of every kind but still there are devastating floods, so the Spiritual, there is no power that can contain this river. This gospel shall be preached. 

TREES, trees of every size, kind and color growing and becoming fruitful. Eze. 47:7 

The waters touch the desert and it blossoms like a rose. The river flows into the sea (a type of the masses of humanity) and it brings an amazing change, the salt waters are healed or made fresh. v.8


    AN  EXCITING CHANGE AND GROWTH. 
Over seventy years ago, my Pastor, the late W.H. Offiler taught that this river was a prophecy of REVIVAL in the last days. That was at a time when the popular teaching was that only a few would be saved in the end of the age. Like in the days of Noah, only eight were saved. 

Thank God, he was right and they were wrong. Sorry, but it had to be said. 

Waters of life produce great change and growth that exceeds the imagination. Multitudes of all kinds of water creatures and especially fish come to life in these waters. Eze. 47:9


    ENGEDI TO ENEGLAIM. 
Engedi was located on the west side of the dead sea. Engedi (The fountain of a kid). A kid of the goats was offered as a sin offering. Num. 7:16. 

This takes us to Calvary where our sin offering, Jesus was sacrificed for the sins of the world. The head of the stream is found here. The rivers, plural, flowing from those who drink of the life giving waters. John 7:38 

The city of Engedi was in the wilderness along with a city named Salt. What a coincidence. Josh. 15:62 

When Saul persued David, David found refuge in the city of Engedi. It was termed, strongholds, a place of safety and rest. 1 Sam. 23:29 

When Saul heard that David was in Engedi he set out to seek him amongst the rocks of the wild goats. It is here that David cut off a portion of the garment of Saul instead of taking his life. 1 Sam. 24.  

It was obviously a place of vineyards. Song 1:14 

The bride is expressing her feelings toward the bridegroom. Cluster, of grapes or other fruit. He is fruitful. Camphire, a cover, a redemptive price. We are purchased. The price of our redemption paid for by His blood. The Lord Jesus is the vine. John 15:1 

Because of the offering of Christ, at the end of the age, the harvest of those redeemed will be tremendous. This is harvest time. Even in difficult times the harvest will be gathered into His garner. 
        



            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                          16

    THE FOUNTAIN OF TWO CALVES, OR ENEGLAIM. 
This city was located on the east side of the Dead Sea. Our attention is first drawn to the En, or the first portion of its name, which means fountain. A fountain with its waters would again suggest revival to us. We are promised that we shall be more than satisfied with the bounty of His house. And also drink of the river of His pleasures. Ps. 36:8 

The only source of the waters of life is the fountain of the Lord. We are granted the right to drinking of those waters abundantly. Ps. 35:9 

The second part of its name means, two male calves. Christ and His church. The bride touching the death burial and resurrection of Christ in its completeness.  The church at the end of the age reaching her full growth and being made like unto Christ. The rising of the sun of righteousness upon the church of the Lord Jesus. The complete glory of the Lord revealed in His church. Will result in a time of joy, rejoicing and release such has never been. Mal. 4:2    


    THESE ARE LIFE GIVING WATERS. 
They bring salvation wherever they flow. This water becomes an artesian well of water gushing up unto eternal life. John 4:14 

The divine requirement for entrance into the kingdom of God is birth by water and by Spirit. Otherwise one is barred from that eternal home. John 3:5 

Water baptism is an essential to salvation. The simple statement of the scripture is witness to this. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Mark 16:16 

The message of the day of Pentecost by Peter was repentance and water baptism for the remission of sins. Very plain language is used to make this statement. Sins are remitted, the old carnal flesh is cleansed. Acts 2:38 

Perhaps more relevant than the water is the name into which they were baptized, that is, the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. A sincere study of water baptism in the Acts will reveal this truth to every honest heart. Ananias exhorted Paul to be baptized, to wash away his sins. Acts 22:16 

Water baptism will not save, but it is extremely necessary for true spiritual growth. It is an act of obedience to the will of the Lord. That there is an act of cleansing involved is also very apparent. The true church experience the washing of the water of the Word. This is a sanctifying work accomplished by hearing or reading the Word. Eph. 5:26 

As water is necessary for natural birth, so it is necessary for spiritual birth. The swamps and marshes found around and near to this river of life are not altered. Eze. 47:11 

They remain wet lands. Their waters will become more alkaline. Not all will respond to the message of Living Waters regardless of how wonderfully and graciously the Lord will deal with them. It is a great tragedy that so great a salvation can and will be refused by some. The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all would come to a knowledge of sins forgiven. A mighty move of the Spirit will bring the final work of the Lord to its completion. We are fortunate to be living in that day and privileged to be able to participate in what He is doing.




            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                  17

    AN ABUNDANCE OF TREES. 
A great multitude of trees growing on the West side of the river and on the East side. These are fruit trees of various kinds. All drawing their strength and growth from the waters of the river. A great number and variety of trees, all from the same source but different. Eze. 47:12 

When we come to the New Jerusalem, there will only be one tree. To understand why, look at the church. Trees every where, all trees but different one from the other in doctrine, in manner of worship, in many ways. This is destined to change. There will be but one true church, not yours, not mine but HIS. His Bride, the Church of perfection and the Bridegroom will be that one tree in the midst of the paradise of God. Impossible? The Lord loves doing the impossible.


    THE RIGHTEOUS, THE PLANTING OF THE LORD. 
The Zion of the Lord, the Bride, to be blest of the Most High. She will be made to be beautiful, anointed with the oil of the joy of the Lord. Her garment is the garment of praise. She is called the tree of righteousness, planted by the Lord. All to the praise and glory of the Lord. Isa. 61:3 

All who are a part of the Bride are righteous. The New Heavens and the New Earth are to be their eternal possession. This is the work of the husbandman which He has planted with His own hands. Here will be seen the eternal display of His splendor and glory. Isa. 60:21 

The church will be on exhibition as the crowning work of the Lord, throughout the ages to come. Eph. 2:7


    THE AMAZING ABILITY OF THESE TREES. 
They are for meat, or sustenance. They are a source of life giving fruit. Their crops are unfailing, consistently and constantly producing. Their leaves do not wilt nor fall. They are green all year long. 

They do not follow the course of other fruit trees, they are ever green and filled with life. Every month they will bear fruit. Surely they are supernatural trees. Trees that live by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit. Their fruit will be for food. This prophetic vision given to Ezekiel is comparable to John fifteen. 

As the trees must drink from the river, so the branches must abide in the Lord Jesus Christ. When his will is accomplished there is an abundance of life-giving, spiritual food, dispensed to the lost of this world. The leaves are for medicine. 

As in the natural, there is a healing element in some leaves, so there is a double healing wrought by the leaves of these trees. There is physical healing for the body found in these leaves. Many are saved because of a divine healing of one who was sick. Then, of most importance, is the Spiritual healing of the spirit and the soul that is to be derived from these leaves. They bear the message of the vine and the tree wherever they go. 

The Word will bring about a change in life style in every one who will respond to it. We have been made a part of that tree so that we might become a blessing to a sick and dying world. We are for the healing of the nations. That is our call. That is our responsibility. 
 
 


            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                        18

    THE LOCATION OF THE TREE OF LIFE. 
This also draws our attention to the importance of the Tree of life. Those who are victorious have access to the tree. They may eat freely of its fruit.  It is found in the center of the paradise {A park, an Eden} of God. Rev. 2:7 

The very heart of every thing that is spiritual and heavenly, is the Lord Jesus. Jesus promised the repentant thief with whom He was crucified, that; today you will be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43 

Paradise is the garden of the Lord, that is, His presence. Paul was caught up to that paradise where he heard inexpressible words and statements that he was not permitted to reveal. Paradise always has been, and always will be the glorious living presence of the LORD. It has never been moved.


    THE LIVING REALITY OF THE VISION OF EZEKIEL. 
The river is there dispensing life. Note Acts 17:28 All exists and is sustained by its waters. It
is the purest of the pure. There is no other river like this one. It is eternal, everlasting and will never cease to flow. It is THE RIVER OF LIFE. This river is Spiritual. It is the flow and power of the Holy Spirit. 

The meaning of the word, clear as given in Strongs Dictionary is tremendously illuminating. It is translated as being, radiant; by analogy, limpid (translucent, transparent.(My addition). Figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance). KJV-- Bright, clear, goodly, gorgeous, white. The beauty and majesty of the river is astonishing. It will never flow muddied. It Is CLEAR AS CRYSTAL. It must flow into and form the sea of glass that is before the throne. Rev. 4:6 

The river and the sea have relationship to the throne of God. Both have the same semblance, clear as crystal. Both have the same Characteristics, scintillating, glistening, reflecting the light that is the nature of the occupant of throne of God. The greatness of the river is only exceeded by its source. 

Not only is it from the throne, but it is from the Father and the Lamb. Jesus said; He would ask the Father, and the Father would send another, one like the one who went away, but not the same person. 

A Comforter, an intercessor a counselor. One who would maintain a living, vibrant fellowship with the Father and the Son. John 14:16 

This river, like all rivers, will emit a loud sound. The voice of the Son of God has the sound and volume of many waters. Rev. 1:15 

The voice and singing of the one-hundred-forty-four thousand is likened unto the sound of great waters. Fitting that they would have the same likeness and sound as the Son. Their song will be magnificent, exceeding all choirs, in perfect time and harmony. Rev. 14:2 

The roar of that great assemble of the redeemed from all ages will also have the same sound. Heaven is a place of tremendous vibrating sound. It is not noise for it is worship unto the great and living God. Eternity will never cease vibrating with the anthems of song and praise unto Him who has redeemed us from our sin. Rev. 19:6
 
   


            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                     19

    THE TREE. 
The Greek word used here is xulon, KJV. staff, stock, tree or wood. 

Following line of our subject is the translation the word tree. The word is first used in reference to the crucifixion of Christ by Peter. They tried to destroy the way, the truth and the life by nailing that life to a dead tree.  Acts 5:30 

Religiously blind they did not know nor realize that they were living under the curse of the law, for they did not live according to its teachings. When Christ was nailed to the tree He removed the curse from all who believe in Him. For cursed is the man who is hanged on a tree. We need no longer live under the condemnation of one who is disobedient. Gal.3:13 

Our sins are forgiven, they are removed and forgotten by God. He took our place, bore our sins and judgment, that through Him we might die to sins. Coming to life, His life, that we should live in His righteousness. 1 Pet. 2:24 

We are to have absolute identification with the tree by being crucified with Him. In this manner we become one with His death. We too die to sin. That we might live His life in this world. Rom. 6:6

Life is found at His tree of death, resurrection and eternal life.


          A SYMBOL.  
The cross is important - but only as a means toward an end. The physical cross is not what is important. The person who hung there, and the work accomplished, is the whole heart of the matter. The Greek word, stauros, translated cross can mean a stake or a post. 

This word comes from a root word meaning, to covenant, among others. The importance of the cross is in the COVENANT that was accomplished. The Covenant of salvation, yours and mine. An example, a fore shadowing of the crucifixion is seen in an experience of the children of Israel in the wilderness. 

Jesus tied one to the other by declaring that as Moses raised up a serpent in the wilderness so the Son of Man must be lifted up. Jn.3:14 

When Israel sinned and were plagued by fiery serpents, Moses, following the direction of the Lord placed a replica of the serpent, made of brass (judgment) on a pole. Any one bitten could find healing by fleeing to the pole and gazing upon it. Num. 21:7-9 

That was a good thing. It was a source of deliverance for them at that specific time and only there, for that occasion. 

We hear nothing more concerning the serpent until the reign of Hezekiah, {strengthened of Jehovah}, a man yet in his youth who became king in Judah. He was determined to cleanse the land of its idols.
Among them was Nechushtan, {brass, copper or even a fetter}. What had been a great blessing to them was now sin to them. The serpent was not to be kept as an idol. 2 Kings 18:4 

The wood of the cross is ineffective. The Christ of the cross is to be exalted and worshipped. Our source of eternal life is first in His crucifixion and then in ours. He died to sin, ours. We must
die with him to the lust of the eye, the lust of flesh and the pride of life. 

Paul said; I am crucified with Christ, Yet I live, now by the LIFE of the Son of God. His life is real life and His life is ours. May we live according to our privileges.     




            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                      20

    THE EXACT LOCATION OF THE TREE. 
In the MIDST, the middle or the precise center. Jesus stood in the midst of His disciples after His death, burial and resurrection and they did not recognize Him. When He identified Himself they were filled with fear. Are we like that today?  Lk. 24:35-37 

At Calvary he was in the midst of two thieves. One who became a believer, one who went into eternity mocking. John 19:18 He is always in the midst of His church, the candlestick of the Lord. Rev. 1:13, 2:1 

He is the heart and center of all that is authority in the heavenly. Rev. 5:6 

He is the voice of the throne of God, for He is the Word. Rev. 6:6 

He is the gentle, loving sacrifice of God, the slain Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne. Rev. 7:17


The STREET, a wide plat or place. 
In other words an open square at the core of the City of God. A square of this nature is not uncommon, even of the cities of this world. Considering the vast size of the New Jerusalem this would be one hugh square. This immense plaza is paved with pure gold, the gold of heaven. This is unusual gold for it is as transparent as glass. Nothing hidden in heaven, no ulterior motives, no insurrections. everything is open and apparent. Rev. 21:21 

Note, it is called a STREET (singular), not streets. This is the place of the throne of God.


    THE TREE OF LIFE IS PLANTED HERE. 
It will be a huge tree for its size will be comparable to the heavenly plaza in which it is planted. It will spread out to both sides of the river of life. Both Christ and His Bride are the tree of life. That life is the very life of the Lord. The one who is life itself. 

This tree is different. It is a spiritual tree, very real but a tree after the will and purpose of the Lord. It will bear twelve fruits, twelve times a year or twelve times twelve, one hundred forty-four. This certainly relates to the one hundred forty-four thousand. We would expect to find them as an integral part of this tree. 

The natural often portrays the spiritual. As in the consummation of marriage two become one, the result being an offspring. That union is the beginning of a new life. It is the tree of natural human life. 

All the components are there, the roots, the trunk, the overspreading tree. Twelve times a year the seed is produced waiting to be inseminated that life might begin. The TREE OF LIFE has the same possibilities. This we will consider in the succeeding lessons. 


    THE LEAVES OF THE TREE. 
With few dissenting, these are recognized as the saints of the Most High. Jesus likened the leaves of the fig tree to the people in Israel. Because it had only leaves and no fruit it was cursed and dried up and was never to bear fruit again. Mt. 21:19 

The fig tree was used as a determination of the coming of summer. Mt. 24:32 

The natural is not spiritual. The natural must be in Christ to be accepted into the kingdom of God. The fruit of the old tree is long gone. In order to be fruitful it must be joined to the tree, Christ Jesus. The leaves bring healing to the nations. The message of salvation which every tongue and language will hear before the return of Christ. Have all heard? Could He come today? He cannot come - nor will He come - until His WORD has been accomplished.




            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                   21

    ALL THINGS NEW. 
This is a promise direct from the throne of the Lord. From the one who has the capability and the power to bring forth new things. He has and will continue to produce New Things, most of which involve His relationship with man. It is obvious that the Lord likes New Things. We can be well assured that the Lord will accomplish His plan of a New Creation and having all Things New. For He said; THESE WORDS ARE TRUE AND FAITHFUL. Rev. 21:5 


    THE OPERATION OF THE NEW CREATION IS NOW IN PROGRESS.
All who are in Christ Jesus do not rely on, religious, repetitious ritualistic performances. Too often because a certain method produced results we are prone to continue that practice until it becomes a sacramental act, promoted by the flesh. If we are truly IN CHRIST, we are a NEW CREATION
and look forward to ALL THINGS becoming NEW. 2 Cor. 5:17 

Our Lord never creates anything that is imperfect. We are called His WORKMANSHIP. Oh, the perfection created by those loving all powerful hands. He is constantly molding us into His image and likeness. The NEW CREATURE has been created to occupy and fulfill His plans for that NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH.  Eph. 2:10


    THE NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH. 
Christians are not earth bound. Our hope is not in the powers that be nor the things which we possess in this world. Our vision, our goal is in that which is to come, the NEW JERUSALEM, the City of the eternal. Heb. 13:14 

Following His promise our hearts are filled with anticipation of that City where righteousness will prevail. A righteous God, a people of righteousness worshipping Him. A city without sin. 2 Pet. 3:13 

The roots, the foundation, the beginnings of that which is NEW are here in this life and this world. The church is the Sion of God. The heavenly Jerusalem is called the City of the Living God. It is no longer the earthly but the heavenly that we look for with great desire to become a part of that which is eternal. Heb. 12:22 

Being earthlings we are prone to over emphasize the earthly, while the Lord would direct our attention to that which is heavenly and eternal. The chief corner stone of that NEW JERUSALEM is none other than the Lord Jesus. All that is eternal is to be is founded on the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Everything, but everything in this world, be it man or institution will utterly fail. Christ Jesus is the only foundation. He is the chosen stone. He is that stone of great price. Those who put their trust in Him and His WORD will never be led astray nor lose their way. 1 Pet. 2:6 

The Lord is a wise master builder. From the beginning He laid out His plans for this earth and heavens and for the New Earth and the New Heavens that he will create. That which is NEW will be inhabited by a race of people brought forth by the handiwork of the Lord himself. He will complete that which He has started. 

    
        

            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                      22

    FORGETTING THOSE THINGS THAT ARE BEHIND. 
The past is irreparable; why should we dwell on that over which we have no power to alter? The present is with us and the future is before us. Paul exhorted us to leave the past and reach out unto that which is profitable. His goal was the high calling found in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:13 

He knew that the things of this life are quickly forgotten when we are in the presence of the Lord. One of the great blessings of the New Heavens and the New Earth is that the memories of this present life are no longer remembered, they will not come to our minds. Isa. 65:17


    THE NEW IS ETERNAL. 
The work of salvation and redemption will be finalized in the New Heaven and New Earth. Nothing will ever spoil the beauty of His new creation. Everything in them will be eternal. Their name will never cease. For it is HIS name that is written upon them. HIS name will be in their foreheads. His name is the greatest, the most wonderful, the most powerful name that has ever or ever will be named. It is the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rev.22:4 

That name will be upon every one who has become a conqueror in this life. They are steadfast in the house of the Lord. They are people who have been established in the temple of the Lord. They are unwavering, abiding, covenant keeping saints. The name of God is to be written upon them, showing that they are His possession. The name of the City is upon them. The New Jerusalem. The City and the name cannot be separated. His name, the new name that He received when He came to earth will be written upon them, the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. They are His and He is theirs. They will not be ashamed of His name. Rev.3:12  


    A SEED THAT IS ETERNAL. 
As everlasting as the new heavens will be the seed of Christ and the church. Isa. 66:22 

The heavens and the earth that are now are the work of His hands. But they shall perish, they shall become old, they will pass away. They Lord is everlasting, He will continue to be God. The children of His servants shall continue to live in His presence. Their seed shall be established forever before the Lord. Ps. 102:25-28 


    A LITTLE ONE TO BECOME A THOUSAND. 
That which is born of the will and the purpose of the Lord. Born, that the word of the Lord might be consummated. Isa. 60:22  

Thousand, {Strong, to bring forth thousands, from a root word, meaning family} We find here the possibility of a continuation of a race that is comparable to the manchild of Revelation twelve. A small one to become a mighty nation, or a multiplicity of people. A people of power and majesty. The LORD will hasten {Strong, haste or make ready, figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment}. The finished product is exciting and certainly a thing of joy and happiness.     
   



            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                23

    TWO COVENANTS. 
Both created and sealed by the Lord. 
The OLD and the NEW. The first covenant is the Old covenant and it has become obsolete and is decayed. Being in such a dreary condition it can only vanish and pass away. Heb. 8:13 

The first covenant was faulty because of the people to whom it was given. Therefore in mercy and grace a NEW COVENANT was established. Heb. 8:8 

Remember the Lord said He would make ALL THINGS NEW. Our interest is and should be in that which is NEW. The NEW is that which is everlasting.


    IT IS WRITTEN. 
Abraham had two sons. One born of a slave woman. Her child was born of the flesh. The other born of a free woman. Her child was born after the PROMISE of the Almighty. Gal. 4:22-23 

This story is to be understood as a metaphor. v.24 

Agar now is to be reasoned out as Mt Sinai, the mountain of the Law. She and the mountain are a type of Jerusalem as it now exists. It is considered by the Lord to be in bondage. v.25 

The NEW Jerusalem, the heavenly, the spiritual is the city of freedom and liberty. She is considered to be the MOTHER of us all, that is, those who have been born into the family of God. This does not exclude any nation or race from the kingdom of God. All must come one way and that is through the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. 


    THE SONG OF THE VINEYARD PLANTED IN A FRUITFUL HILL. 
A fenced vineyard, separated as a nation. Dug up, cleared of rocks and planted with the choicest vine. A watchtower and a winepress built. The husbandman expecting good fruit found only wild and bad fruit. The people of the vineyard, Jerusalem and Judah, questioned as to what was lacking or what more could have been done? Isa. 5:1-4 

The decision of the husbandman was drastic. Total carnage and destruction on the house of Israel and
Judah. Isa. 5:5-7. 

This message is repeated several times by the prophets. Jesus used the same message and parable in addressing Israel. Mt. 21:33-41 

Jesus, the man of compassion, greatly longed to gather Jerusalem unto himself, but was refused. Therefore the strong statement of desolation is pronounced upon the city. Mt. 23:37-38 

All this and more to cause our attention to be drawn to that which is not desolate and deserted. THE NEW JERUSALEM. The first covenant, the Law, would not have been replaced had it been faultless. Heb. 8:7 

Now in the NEW there is a more EXCELLENT covenant that is founded on better promises. The NEW is offered to Israel and Judah if they will receive it. Heb. 8:8 

Under the impact of the NEW covenant the WORD is planted within the hearts and minds of the people which the Lord is preparing for Himself. Heb. 8:10 

There is only one way that the old can in any way be fruitful and that is to embrace the NEW. The old cannot bear fruit. Growth and fruitfulness are only found in the vine, Christ Jesus.   




            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                     24

    THE NEW JERUSALEM, THE DWELLING PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH.
The abode of the Lord must be as pure and as holy as He is. When an earthly potentate visits the city there is a clean up in preparation for his coming. How much more will there be great changes amongst those who constitute the New Jerusalem. 

The Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah SAYING; that He would do a twofold work. All dross, all that is superfluous, would be refined and removed. The process is smelting by fire. The fire of the Holy Spirit. Likewise that all tin, all that is impure would be done away with. There is a mighty work of sanctification coming to the church in these last days. Isa. 1:25 

This will result in anointed leadership acting as judges, judgment begins in the house of the Lord, and counselors or directors. The divine result will be a City that is named the CITY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, THE FAITHFUL CITY.   


    THE CITY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 
The inhabitants of this city are altogether righteous. They are the branch of His planting, His workmanship. They inherit the eternal land. The New heavens and earth. The Lord is glorified by and in this beautiful city. Isa. 60:21 

The king dwelling in that city shall be called THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, OR THE RIGHTEOUS LORD. He is indeed completely RIGHTEOUS and is the very meaning of RIGHTEOUSNESS. He is the righteous branch. He is the descendent of David who is to rule in this beautiful city forever. His rule will be just and right, a rule of peace and serenity. Jer. 23:5-6 

There is a companion scripture that will wonderfully illustrate the relationship between the Lord and His church. It will elevate His bride to the status where she will bear His Name and most assuredly His nature, character and being. Jer. 33:16 

In sharing His name. He will share all that He is. She is made to be like HIM.    


    FOUND, DAVID THE SERVANT, THE RIGHTEOUS KING. 
A Messianic prophecy found in Psalm eighty-nine. That one which He found He has anointed with the holy anointing oil, the Holy Spirit. v. 20. 

His seed to be eternal, enduring forever. His throne will be in existence as long as the heavens last. With a New heavens that will make His throne to be eternal and everlasting. v. 29 

The New COVENANT that the Lord has made will not be violated nor changed in any way. God has made an oath by His holiness and therefore will not lie. A restatement of the promise of the Lord concerning the eternity of the seed of David, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a promise that remains secure and firm. Like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky. v. 35-37. 

The moon is a type of Christ, reflecting the light of the sun {Father} in the darkness of the night of sin. Waxing and waning every month as a witness to the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness.




            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                        25

    A FAMOUS PLANT PROVIDED BY THE LORD. 
As we consider the context found here in Ezekiel (34:29), we must come to the conclusion that this is THAT VINE. Jn. 15:1 

Any time that the Lord would use as a person or a nation He will purify them from all that pollutes. There is no question but what man has polluted the earth. Unfortunately we have gone far beyond that by contaminating our body, soul and spirit. Therefore the Lord will prepare a people, cleansed and sanctified in order for the Lord to be their God. Eze. 37:23


    WHO IS DAVID? 
Are these prophecies found in the Old Testament referring to King David who ruled in Israel? Obviously not for David passed off the scene and is asleep with the Fathers. The message of the angel of the Lord to Mary is the key to a proper understanding of these Old Testament prophecies. Lk. 1:32 

In the accounting of the genealogy of Jesus, He is called the son of David. Mt.1:1 

In His life, many referred to Him as the Son of David. Mt. 9:27 

It is on this foundation, then, that we may come to a full comprehension of whom the scripture is referring to in the prophecy of Ezekiel.  


    WHAT MAY WE ANTICIPATE FROM THIS SON OF DAVID? 
First of all He will reveal Himself to Israel. The kingdom was divided at this period of time. A prophecy addressed to Israel was to the ten northern tribes or Samaria. They are depicted as completely void of those things that constituted their religion. Hos. 3:4 

In the latter days they will recognize and acknowledge the great emptiness that is upon them. In returning, it is not to a land, but to THE LORD. Also to DAVID, their KING. They will honor the LORD and DAVID their king. They will seek after Him and obtain His blessings. Hos. 3:5  


    THE COMMONWEALTH. 
Which means, full citizenship in a country or community? It is needful that we identify this COMMONWEALTH. It is called the commonwealth of Israel. We are about to discover those whom Paul considered as possessing rights in this Israel. His words are addressed to those who were WITHOUT CHRIST. Therefore all who are WITHOUT CHRIST are called aliens and strangers from the COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL. The thing that keeps them from enjoying being a part of that City that Abraham sought, is to be WITHOUT CHRIST. They have no hope for they are godless. The Covenants of Promise are there, prepared for the whosoever will but until they are accepted as a way of life they are ineffectual. Eph.2:12 

Those who are in Christ Jesus are brought in to full relationship, by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus. Eph. 2:13 

God does not have two or a divided family. There is only one family of God and that is those who have been born by the Spirit into that COMMONWEALTH of ISRAEL.      





            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                  26

    ABRAHAM SOUGHT A CITY. 
The faith of Abraham brought him into the promised land. Even though they were able to enter into and possess it. It was not what his faith had led him to expect. He dwelt in tents, showing a lack of permanency. He lived in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. Heb. 11:9 

It was not the earthly, the natural fulfillment of a promised land that caused him to leave his own land and proceed to another. Abraham was a man of vision. A vision that reached far beyond the mundane things of this and its possessions. Being a man of faith he looked forward to that which was spiritual. He knew the ultimate reward of the call and promise of the Lord. 

Already, in his day, there is evidence of the Lord sharing His secrets with those who obeyed Him. The revelation of the plan of the Lord was given to Abraham. He looked for a city with foundations. A city that was well established and of true and perfect strength. The architect and the builder being God Himself. No faults, no building errors will ever be found in that city. It is absolute perfection. Heb. 11:10 

Today, we are looking too much toward the material and the natural. We need the revelation that Abraham had of a city that is eternal and not of this world. Men fight and kill each other, attempting to posses that which is of this earth, while they ignore the vision of Abraham.  That which would bring both sides together in one accord in Christ, as true sons of Abraham.  


    THE TRUE FOUNDATION. 
The foundation of God has been inspected, tested and tried without one weakness being exposed, for there are none. This strong foundation is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. All things eternal are founded upon the true foundation, the eternal Son of God, there is none other. 1 Cor. 3:11 

The wise man, the man of true spiritual understanding and comprehension is the man who will expend time and energy digging deep into the Word and the Spirit until he finds the rock. That will become his foundation. His house will with stand the storms and floods. His house will stand. Lk. 6:48 

We are assured that all things which are founded on the Word of Truth will triumph. The Lord knows those who are founded on the Rock, Christ Jesus. They have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. The Lord knows the sheep of His pasture. 2 Tim.2:19

The city of the Most High is built as well on the prophets and the apostles. Both classes are founded upon the Chief corner stone, the Lord Jesus. These are they, through whom the spirit spoke the WORD. They were instrumental in bringing to us the scriptures, which is the foundation. 

When we see the city in all of its glory our hearts will be made exceedingly glad and we will rejoice greatly. The city has twelve foundations to its wall, all established on Jesus Christ. The names of the twelve Apostles are recorded on these foundations as living memorials to their work for the kingdom of Christ. This is the city that Abraham sought. May we ever seek the same. Rev. 21:14
 

    

            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD            27

    MY FAITHFUL LOVE PROMISE TO DAVID. Eze.37:24 NIV. 

The Lord had a unique association with David. The one whom He chose to be a type of His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. David was a man after the heart of the Lord. 1 Sam. 13:14 

David was the one chosen of the Lord. The Shepherd who became a King.


    THE LORD SPOKE IN A VISION. Ps. 78.70 
A prophetic utterance given to David but containing a prophecy concerning the one of whom David was a type. Ps. 89: 

The hand of the Lord exalting one whom He has chosen from among the people. The young man who is destined to become a mighty warrior. v.19 

I have found the man, David {Jesus} who will be my servant. I have anointed Him with the Holy Anointing Oil. My hand will uphold and sustain Him. My arm will be His strength. v.20-21 

He will be victorious over all His enemies. v.22-23 

Note in these verses how strongly and emphatically the promise of the Father is upon Him. The Father is constantly saying, MY, what is Mine, what I possess, I will give to Him. My faithfulness, my truth, my steadfastness. My kindness, my love will be upon him. The NAME of the LORD is to be the source of His power. These are the sure mercies that pertain to David and Christ. v.24  

He will make positive confession that God is His Father and the Rock, His Savior. v. 26 

In response to that Father will acknowledge Him as the firstborn whose Kingship and Kingdom will be exalted above all other kingdoms. v.27 

The eternal love and covenant of the Father will remain with Him and will never fail. v.28 

His lineage, His progeny is established as the eternal family. His throne will never cease. v.29 

My love will not dwindle nor be removed from him. v.33 My covenant is firm with him.  I will never revoke nor change what I have spoken. v:34 

His lineage to be eternal. His throne is as the sun. v.35

It is the source of all the light in the universe. God is light. 1 Jn.1:5 

Without Him there would be total darkness. 


    ONE SHEPHERD. Eze.37:24 
All of one flock, is it possible? We can be fully assured that the Bride of Christ will be in perfect and unequivocal harmony. It is absolutely inconceivable that the prayer of the Lord Jesus will not be answered. He prayed that His flock would be ONE, in full union. 

The same unity that exists in the Godhead. That is the very epitome of togetherness. No higher example could be used. No greater goal could be established. John 17:11 

The Spirit of the Lord will work in the Body of Christ until the goals established in the WORD are reached. We have waited long in hope of seeing this established in the Church. The Lord will bring
His people to the UNITY OF THE FAITH, {faith, one persuasion or doctrine}. Eph. 4:13 

Oh, what heresy. What a seemingly impossible task. With the Lord there are no impossibilities. Just consider this years buzz word, REVIVAL. That was a no, no when I was first saved. (As it was as in the days of Noah. Few only eight were saved. So it will be in the end of the age). My Pastor preached REVIVAL in the face of great opposition. What sweet vindication.
   
    
    

   

            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                  28

    THE SHEPHERD OF LOVE AND COMPASSION. Isa. 40:11 
The care of His flock is perfect. Nothing lacking. They are fed and find rest in green pastures. Luxuriant and satisfying. He exhibits great care for those who are His sheep Ps. 23:2 

As the GOOD SHEPHERD, His protection is complete and absolute. The shepherd is willing to sacrifice his life for those who are His. He is known, there is a relationship that is strong and very real. He
knows and acknowledges the sheep that are truly His. John 10:11,14  

The hireling is made manifest when problems arise and is soon gone, exposing the sheep to danger and harm. John 10:12-13 

Other sheep, those not of that immediate fold. They will hear His voice and respond. These are they who are to be found in the last days and amalgamated into His bride. There is only one fold and one SHEPHERD. John 10:16     


    HIS APPEARING IS SOON. 
But not yet, there are still sheep that must be brought into the fold. This Gospel shall be preached in all the world, then the end shall come. How close we are, but not yet. The chief shepherd, the head shepherd will soon manifest Himself to those who are His. 1 Pet. 5:4  

He must first reveal Himself to His Bride as the Bridegroom. He is the head over the church.  Eph. 1:22 

The invitation is going forth in every conceivable manner today. The Gospel is being preached. We may not always agree with programs that are presented by radio and TV, but the gospel is being declared. It is all part of the last day order, even the mulligan that is some times dispensed. All kinds are being gathered. Mt. 22:10 

The king will evaluate those gathered. Those not having a WEDDING GARMENT will be excluded. My understanding is that the king furnished the wedding garment. This man must have refused to use it, perhaps feeling that he was garbed in a proper fashion. v.12 

Because of his action he was to be thrown out into outer darkness, or the tribulation period and will suffer the agony of that season. v.13 

As the Gospel is being preached around the world it becomes more important to see to it that we are clothed with the WEDDING GARMENT. There will be no marriage for those who have not prepared themselves.  


    THERE IS ONLY ONE COVENANT AND ONE SHEPHERD. 
The covenant is based on the sacrifice of the Shepherd. It is a covenant of blood, the blood of the Shepherd/Lamb. HE is the GREAT SHEPHERD.

Great in every way. Great in sacrifice, great in His being, great in His outreach and acceptance of sinners. Great in His works of mercy among those who believe on Him. He is acknowledged as the great God and our great savior. He is our great high priest. 

He is the very personification of greatness. He is above all and beyond all. There is none as GREAT as HE. Heb. 13:20 

He is our Shepherd, our sacrificed Lamb, our Savior and greatest of all He is our BRIDEGROOM. Lord haste the day.   




            THE PLANTING OF THE LORD                   29


IN SUMMARY.

    THE FATHER IS THE HUSBANDMAN.  JOHN 15:1
    HE HAS PLANTED A TRUE VINE, THE LORD JESUS. JOHN 15:1
    THE BRANCHES ARE HIS PEOPLE, THE FRUITFUL VINE. JOHN 1:2-6
    A VINEYARD OF RED WINE, THE COMMUNION TABLE. ISA.27:2b
    THE LORD IS THE KEEPER OF THE VINEYARD. ISA. 27:3
    I WILL PLANT THE HEAVENS. ISA. 51:16
    THE ETERNAL POPULATION NUMBERED. GEN. 13:16, 22:17
    THE LORD PLANTED A GARDEN, EDEN {PLEASURE} GEN. 2:8
    THE TREE OF LIFE, CHRIST JESUS, IN THE MIDST. GEN. 2:9
    ALL TREES AND VINES MUST BE PRUNED. JOHN 15:2
    A CALL TO EAT AND DRINK. 1 PET. 2:2, 1 COR. 3:1-2, JOHN 6:48
    THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH. EPH. 5:32
    TREES GROWING BY THE RIVER. EZE. 47:7
    TODAY, WATERS OF SWIMMING. EZE. 47:5
    ENGEDI TO ENEGLAIM. EZE.47:10
    LIFE GIVING WATERS. EZE. 47:9
    THE RIGHTEOUS, THE PLANTING OF THE LORD. ISA.61:3 
    THE LOCATION OF THE TREE OF LIFE. REV. 2:7
    SYMBOLISM OF THE TREE. 1 PET. 2:24, 2 KINGS 1:4
    THE FRUIT BORN BY THE TREE OF LIFE. REV. 22:2
    NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH. ISA. 65:17
    AN ETERNAL SEED OR PROGENY. ISA. 66:22
    A LITTLE ONE TO BECOME A THOUSAND. ISA. 60:22
    TWO COVENANTS AND THEIR MEANING. HEB. 8:13
    THE SONG OF A VINEYARD PLANTED IN A FRUITFUL HILL. ISA.5:1
    THE DWELLING PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH. ISA. 60:21
    THE CITY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. JER. 23:5-6 
    DAVID, THE RIGHTEOUS KING. PS. 89:20
    A FAMOUS PLANT PROVIDED BY THE LORD. EZE. 34:29
    WHO IS KING DAVID. LUKE. 1:32
    THE COMMONWEALTH. EPH. 2:12
    ABRAHAM SOUGHT A CITY. HEB.11:8
    THE TRUE FOUNDATION. 1 COR. 3:11
    THE LORD SPOKE IN A VISION. PS.78:70
    ONE SHEPHERD. EZE. 37:24
    ONE COVENANT, ONE SHEPHERD. HEB. 13:20

CONCLUSION
    THERE WILL A NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH, INHABITED BY A SPIRITUAL RACE, SINLESS AND ETERNAL. BORN OF CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH. THIS IS THE PLANTING AND ULTIMATE PURPOSE OF THE LORD.  
    


Complete.

08:58 10/11/2004 formatting edited 
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