High Country Ministry: Recent Episodes
B. Keith Chadwell
I plan on adding a new episode to the Podcast each week and they should show up here on my Blog each Monday/ or periodically.
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https://openrange.podbean.com/
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I will continue to post written teachings to this blog periodically.
Thanks for visiting the blog and my "Open Range" Podcast.
The Ten Horned Beast
B. Keith Chadwell, 7.2018 update
If an area is dark and we need to see into that area, it makes sense that we would not spend time arguing about the darkness, just flood the area with light. So… lets shine some light on Daniel, chapter 7:
Daniel 7:
v23: "Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
Enters: Alexander the great
24a: "And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise:…"
Enters: The Diadochi (Alexanders’ ten immediate successors)
24b: "…and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings;"
Enters: Rome
25: "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Enters: Roman occupation of Israel (the Saints of the Most High)
Enters: Jesus the Christ; time is divided; BC/AD
see blog teaching: The dividing of time
26: "But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end."
27: "And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him."
Enters: The promise of the Father and the new creation (Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Matthew 5:3 Blessed arethe poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.)
28: "Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart."
Exit: The old creation (Eph_3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; )
Now just a bit of factual historical background:
1st Kingdom…………………Babylonian
followed by………………… Mede’s
followed by.................…Persian’s
followed by………………… Alexander the Great
followed by................... The Diadochi; who were
10 generals who became kings and were from Alexander’s Kingdom; eventually all to be taken over & becoming a part of the Roman Empire. This is the set up right after Alexander dies;
1. Ptolemy …………….......in Egypt
2. Lysimachos ………... in Thrace
3. Leonnatus ………....in Hellespontine & Phrygia
4. Eumenes………….…......in Cappadocia
5. Peithon…………............in South half of Media
6. Astropates………….....in North half of Media
7. Antigonus…………....in Lycia, Pomphylia & Pisidia
8. Menander…………....in Lydia
9. Asandrus………… ....in Caria
10. Laomedon …………. in Syria
“Lysimachos was just as successful as his rivals in playing in the role of a new style king” (pg 51) The Greek World After Alexander 323-30 BC
The History of these Kings & these Kingdoms and those formed at their expense extends over the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. It is this that constitutes the Hellenistic period proper……
"Hellenistic Period : Following the death of Alexander, the Macedonian generals began to partition his vast empire among themselves. The disagreements arising from this division resulted in a series of wars from 322 to 275 BC, many of which took place in Greece. Thus, one of the characteristics of the Hellenistic period, which lasted from the death of Alexander until the acquisition of Greece as a Roman province in 146 BC, was the deterioration of the Greek city-states as political entities and the gradual decline of Greek political independence as a whole. Nevertheless, the Hellenistic period was marked by the triumph of Greece as the fountainhead of culture, and its way of life was adopted, as a result of Alexander’s conquests, throughout most of the ancient world."
Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Hebrews 9:26* For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world* hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
“ The capital of Ptolemaic Egypt, Alexandria, which had been founded by Alexander in 332 BC, developed into a center of Greek learning rivaling and occasionally surpassing Athens. Every part of the Hellenistic world devoted itself to the cultivation of art and intellect. Such men as the mathematicians Euclid and Archimedes, the philosophers Epicurus and Zeno of Citium, and the poets Apollonius of Rhodes and Theocritus were characteristic of the age.
So strongly was Hellenistic culture implanted that it became one of the most important elements in early Christianity."
"Ancient Greek ideas about art, architecture, drama, philosophy, and mathematics greatly influenced Western civilization. Among the most influential of Greek cultural achievements is the Parthenon in Athens, an outstanding example of classical architecture. The Greek teacher and philosopher Socrates affected Western speculative thought and philosophy with his emphasis on dialogue and rational argument. Greek scientists developed methods of reasoning to demonstrate mathematic principles. Greek dramas set structural and thematic styles emulated by great Western playwrights such as William Shakespeare. "
"In Alexandria the Jews came into contact with Greek learning, which profoundly influenced the later religious thought of the world; here the Greek translation of the Old Testament, called the Septuagint, was made before AD 100".
Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
"…….As the Hellenistic monarchies declined in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, the Romans gradually extended their control over Greece and the Middle East. The Roman civilization that subsequently became dominant was in many ways a continuation of Hellenistic culture.”
Rome:
“Another King will arise & will subdue 3 Kings” (Daniel 7:24b)
” Alexanders’ chief officers, all Macedonians, included Antigonus, Ptolemy, and Seleucus.
During the winter of 280-281 BC Seleucus, the last of the “Diadochi” (Alexanders companions to have participated in Alexanders conquest & subsequently shared the inheritance.) The empire of Alexander was by now finally divided into 3 Kingdoms.”
1. Egypt:The Ptolemies reign would last until the death of Cleopatra in 30 BC and then would be taken over by Rome (ROMAN CONQUEST)
2. Syria Asia minor & upper Satraps: The Seleucidreign would last until after the long conflict with Rome and finally disappear in 64 BC when Pompey & Syria were made into a province. (ROMAN CONQUEST)
3. Macedon:The Antigonids lost their Kingdom at the battle of Pydna before the (Rome) legions of Aemilius Paullus in 168 BC (ROMAN CONQUEST).
"Hellenistic Age (4th-1st century BC), period between the conquest of the Persian Empire by Alexander the Great and the establishment of Roman supremacy, in which Greek culture and learning were preeminent in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.”
It is called Hellenistic (Greek Hellas, "Greece") to distinguish it from the Hellenic culture of classical Greece. The Hellenistic world was dominated by three great monarchies founded by the successors of Alexander: Egypt,under the Ptolemies; Syria, ruled by the Seleucids; and Macedonia,under the Antigonids.”
As the Hellenistic monarchies declined in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, the Romans gradually extended their control over Greece and the Middle East. The Roman civilization that subsequently became dominant was in many ways a continuation of Hellenistic culture.
“Greek rule (which itself meant a variety of things) came to an end, generally in favor of Roman rule, at different dates, in different places between 168 B.C. and AD 72; even then the distinctive city-based culture of the Greeks, modified by centuries of interaction with non-Greek cultures, continued to evolve in new ways for many more centuries.” (pg.2)
The above is a quote from the book; “THE GREEK WORLD AFTER ALEXANDER 323-30 BC”, by Graham Shipley, published by Routledge an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, London and New York, copy write by Graham Shipley 2000. (Keith’s library)
Other direct quoted excerpts used in this article, unless otherwise noted, are taken from; Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 99. © 1993-1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
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“The Early Rain and the Late Rain…” B. Keith Chadwell“Eyes to see”, for Christians, means that we are born again of God’s incorruptible spirit and become new creations in Christ, enabled to be partakers of His Holy Spirit. Enabled, then, to have the ability to see and understand things of the Spirit. However, just having spiritual eyes to see does not mean that we can’t look at something spiritual and choose to see it or interpret it through our physical eyes and natural understanding and thereby miss the Spiritual import.The Old Prophet Jeremiah gives us prophetic perspective in Jeremiah chapter 5; as he chides God’s people who have eyes to see and choosenot to see; He tells us that these have a revolting and rebellious heart. Jeremiah goes on to tell us that those with eyes to see who choose not to see give no place, in their hearts, for a moral reverence and fear for their God who gives “rain” to them; both the ”Early Rain” as well as the “Late Rain”. Note, here, that in Biblical days the former or early rain; was understood to be; a lesser amount or a“Sprinkling” and the later rain or late rain was understood as; “shower violently”. Even people with eyes to see, may not see that this “rain” that is referenced by God’s prophets is, in fact, a metaphor or a symbol pointing to; God’s word.Read these words of the prophets Hosea and then; Isaiah;Hosea 6:3 then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
Isaiah 55:10-11 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth
not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
How will the Lord come to us? ”AS THE RAIN”!! And…AS THE RAIN effects a natural growth and harvest, so shall God’s word be with spiritual things.www.highcountryministry.com ~~~
Committing our ways to Him
B. Keith Chadwell 3.18 Psalms 37:5-6 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
We are instructed to commit our way or choose God's rule, within us, then have faith (trust) He will bring it to pass. If we are serious with God about walking in the Spirit, this is the way..."walk ye in it".
He, then, cleanses and changes our hearts… our thought processes, which begin to arise, “as the light” coming forth from a changed heart that He is changing. Then, progressively, will come forth the manifestations of ”His righteousness” from our innermost being, which will be manifest, morning by morning. Kind of like the daylight gradually rises each morning and progressively pushes out the darkness.
This process (yes, I said “process”) is not "instant potatoes". However, He is able to keep that which we COMMIT TO HIM against "that day". The day; in which His full righteousness will be manifest through us, who commit ourselves to Him and His work in us. So… by faith, we are the righteousness of God, until.... “His righteousness” is manifest through us, in fact, and those around us will see it and glorify our Father which is in heaven.
Whatever light we are blessed to have been given during that process; let it shine. Let it shine until "that day" that "Christ in us" is fully manifest and we are "like Him".
Matt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
We choose & commit....Heaven rushes to our aid. It is, then, God's work. Like planting seeds, it is a process. It takes time from planting to harvest. In the meanwhile “FAITH” will be the substance of the harvest hoped for.....but not, yet, fully manifest.
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Liturgy, BC and AD
Jeremiah 8:7Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.
The Essenes were apparently an ancient Jewish sect of Dead Sea covenant community dwellers from about 200 BC to AD 68. According to historical evidence they moved out of their Dead Sea community, perhaps coinciding with an earth quake about 31 BC and did not return until somewhere around the time of the birth of Christ, about 30 years later. Archaeologists have found that they identified themselves, as “the Congregation of the Poor” and with the "meek who shall inherit the earth”**.
This Dead Sea scroll community called themselves "the people of the New Covenant or New Testament". Although some of them may have become Christians after the Romans finally scattered them prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, scholars believe that they were, generally, in no sense Christian.
Historical evidence indicates that twice a day they celebrated a solemn communion meal, with the blessing of bread and wine. This, say Scholars; was "a liturgical anticipation of the Messianic banquet in the coming kingdom". This apparently was a concept that was a common theme in the Judaism of the time.
Another regular practice of the Essenes was baptism. On entering the community, individuals received a baptism upon their repentance of sins. However, unlike the later Christian practice, the Essenes baptism was renewed each year and supplemented by other continued daily rituals, all purposed to make them spiritually pure by means of these liturgies.
Liturgy (plural liturgies): A predetermined or prescribed set of rituals that are performed, usually by a religion.
The Essenes were zealous for the law and arguably, to a fault. However, they were a dedicated people, a religious people, who no doubt played some part in God's overall plan. Perhaps, among other things, they were a part of helping to preserve and or validate some parts of the ancient texts of the Bible and perhaps other information. Never the less; they were a people who came to a time of change and failed, without notable exceptions, to make the transition.
"Liturgies" or literal religious ritual adherence to established religious practices, whether passed on in writing or by oral tradition, were central to the Jewish religion before Christ. Examples include; animal sacrifices, circumcision, observance of certain daysand feasts, such as the Passover feast, ritual cleansings of clothing, the body, and the list goes on.
These "old testament" literal practices are known by most Christians and well documented in the pages of the books of the law and referenced in other parts of the of the bible. The genuine liturgies or practices of the Jewish law were ordained of God, with purpose. The purposes can be summed up simply but not completely as; "types and shadows" described and practiced in natural terms. These were liturgies which flesh and blood could relate to during the times before Christ (BC), yet which pointed, mysteriously, to things to come in the Spirit (AD.)
No wonder, the Pharisees and Sadducees were at odds with Jesus, His message and His works. Everything Jesus said and did was contrary to the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. They knew it all. Who was this vagabond, this carpenter's son from Nazareth? He had no seminary credentials, no formal instruction or degree and the way He talked was even more maddening to them. Nothing He said made any sense from their legalistic, liturgical or natural mind paradigms. And yet… he confounded them with His wisdom at every turn.
John 7:46…, Never man spake like this man.**
Let's look at a few examples of Jesus' use of their, then common, literal liturgical language with which He confounded and incensed them:
John 6:32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
Mark 4:11And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all thesethings are done in parables:
John 2:19Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
John 2:20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
John 2:21 But he spake of the temple of his body.
John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
John 7:38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
John 7:39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Mark 4:33And with many such parablesspake he the word unto them, (his followers) as they were able to hear it.
Psalms 78:2I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Proverbs 1:5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
Proverbs 1:6To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
Proverbs 1:7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
What then had a liturgical washing of the outer flesh (baptism) to do with the new covenant except to point to things to come?
What then had a liturgical cutting away of the flesh (circumcision) to do with the new covenant except to point to things to come?
What then had a liturgical observation of a day of the week (the Sabbath) to do with the new covenant except to point to things to come?
What then had the liturgical eating and drinking of a communion meal of bread and wine to do with the new covenant except to point to things to come?
Hebrews 9:9-10 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which
were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal
ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.*
Colossians 2:16-17* Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
With the coming of Jesus, the Christ, came a new creation, all things are become new. In Christ we are a new creation, old things have passed. A new covenant arrived over two thousand years ago. Why then, do we still continue to cling to the old? We came to a time of change over two thousand years ago. Will we ever let go of the old religious traditions and finally, fully and completely, embrace the new?
Jeremiah 8:19-22Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: Is not the LORD in Zion? is not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with strange vanities? The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.
Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
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B. Keith Chadwell
Highcountryministry.com
“The mystery of anti-Christ”2nd Thessalonians 2: V7 (Peshitta text): For the mystery of iniquity is already at work: until he who now is the obstacle is taken out of the way.“The mystery of iniquity” in 2ndThessalonians 2:7, above, could be compared and considered in the same light as the “The mystery of godliness” in 1stTimothy 3:16 or the mystery of Christ in Ephesians 3:4and is further amplified by Col 1: 27; “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into gloryEphesians 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.Col 1:27 to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:In considering the meaning of “the mystery” either of Godliness, of Christ or of Iniquity, we should see mysteries, by definition as; something hidden which may not readily be revealed; “a secret or mystery”. For example, Jesus spoke of “the mystery of the Kingdom” and always spoke in parables and metaphor’s to keep the mystery hidden (a secret), except for those “with eyes to see and ears to hear”. Mar 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: So let us see these mysteries in the same way and ask the Lord to reveal them to us and not just rely on the traditional teachings of men:The mystery of Godliness and of Christ deals with the manifestation of God in the flesh, the work of Jesus the Christ and the gift to His believers of the Holy Spirit, in order that we might become partakers of His divine nature. Anti-freeze, by definition, could be anything that would prevent freezing. By definition, then; “Anti-Christ” could be anything that prevents the perfection and manifestation of Christ in His Church.Perfection and the manifestation of Christ in the Body of Christ is the goal that God has purposed for us and defined by Paul as; “Christ in us, the hope of glory”.Eph 4:12 for the perfectingof the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: Oh…there is one more comparison we should consider, closer, as we inquire into “the mystery of iniquity”; “The mystery of the Kingdom”. Jesus warned His disciples that they were not to look for it, “here” or “there” because it was located WITHIN them.So, again, the leavened doctrines of men have externalized, down through the centuries, the mystery of iniquity. Anti-Christ ? Rev_13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.Incidentally and I think, not coincidentally, the medical community tells us that our flesh contains exactly six hundred and sixty six (666) skeletal muscles. Scripture tells us that “Flesh and bloodcannot inherit the Kingdom of God”, because it (the flesh) is by scriptural definition; Anti or; at war with the Spirit. The flesh is contrary to the Sprit and unwilling to submit to Gods government, Kingdom (Kings-dominion) or rule of God. (also; see Romans 7: and 8)1Co 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. “That wicked” (2nd Thessalonians 2:8)Wicked: G3551; lawless, that is, (negatively) not subject to (the Jewish) law; (by implication a Gentile), or (positively) wicked: - without law, lawless, transgressor, unlawful, wicked.Our wicked flesh,surely, needs to be submitted to be crucified with Christ and our faith, our trust is in Christ, is that He will do that very work. His Dominion within us will, then, be manifest outwardly; A daily, progressive,resurrection unto His new life in us, until He is fully apparent in us.“Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: If we, our fleshly desires and motivations, are crucified (not literally of course) with Him, we are also to be resurrectedwith Him. His coming or appearing in us, His light, our new resurrection life, will destroy the dark motivations to sin or… “that wicked” in us. And then His light or his life will fill us and from the cleaned heart will come forth the manifestations of His righteousnessin us.Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Joh 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the lightof men.Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of hisgood pleasure. Luk 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Psa 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and heshall bring it to pass. v6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Verses 9a & 10 of 2nd Thessalonians 2: describes “the working of Satan" in this manner; “…the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”*This is “ANTI-“ or In direct contrast to certain promises and expectations that true Christians have, which are: “…the workings of Christ”, with all righteousness in us that live, is because we do receive the love of the truth, that we might be saved!*Yet it does not appear what we shall be. But, when He comesor appears or is manifest in us, we shall be like Him and see Him as He is.1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appearwhat we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, (be fully manifest) we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1Jn 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, (be fully manifest) we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. The real target that the church should be zeroing in on to destroy the works of the devil is Ant-Christ for sure and certain. That would be the desires and motivations of…OUR FLESH And then for us to fully understand that it is not by our works that this destruction will be done, but rather by His work in us. It is only “the brightness of His coming” that will bring us to the final victory.This whole passage in 2 Thessalonians 2: leaves no wiggle room for anything ANTI-Christ after the Lord shows up (2Th 2:8). This is a total victory picture of; "the day of the Lord" (whatever and whenever that may be).Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. Let Him who hath an ear, hear~ ~ ~B. Keith Chadwellwww.highcountryministry.com
Do not be deceived…
Mat 3:1-2 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mar 1:14-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Luk 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold the kingdom of God is within you.
So, "the time is fulfilled", the Kingdom of Heaven/God is; "at hand" and has been for over 2,000 years. However, the complete manifestation, in the earth, has not yet been apparent in Gods people as He has purposed it to be, to date. Continue reading
First Things First
B. Keith Chadwell; 2017
Luke 17:5-10 (NIV) “The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith! He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, Be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it will obey you.
As you read on, Jesus appears to ramble off the subject and one might even think that he had decided to ignore their request. However, on closer examination of the text we see He did answer them. The answer was not what they were expecting and probably not what they wanted to hear.
Jesus taught them here; that a true servant does not serve himself FIRST. A true servant lays aside his own desires and needs and makes his FIRST priority, the desires and needs of his master. Jesus wanted them FIRST to understand this critical lesson, so essential to being a faithful servant.
As Christians, we have been given “themeasure of faith”Rom 12:3. So, since we already have been given a measure of faith, we too, should be able to command even nature to obey us. However, FIRST, we need to have our priorities in order also. This FIRSTrequires that we insure that ANY requests we make are in accordance with Gods’ will. FIRST, being led by the Spirit and having “the mind of Christ”. Then, “if our hearts do not condemn us”, we will be making a request, as a servant given the authority to ask on behalf of, or… “in Jesus’ name”.
1John 3:21-22 “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”**
1 John 5:14-2(NIV)“This is the confidence (say faith) we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything to according his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask―we know that we have what we asked of him.”
”In Jesus’name, we pray”should not be a casual tag line at the end of a prayer; it should be an affirmation of our conviction that we have Jesus’ authorization and approval.
If we are not confident that we have the authorization to pray in a specific manner on a specific issue… shift gears!!
We need not struggle, worry or be frustrated at our temporal inadequacies (infirmities). At this point we can shift gears and pray in the Spirit, which will assure that our inadequate understanding of the will of God will be bridged by the Holy Spirit praying through us.
Isaiah 28:11-12 “…This is the REST wherewith ye may cause the weary to REST…”
Rom 8:26-27 “ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.**
The question that begs for an answer at this point is; “Can Jesus trust us with His authority yet?” Or, are we still making requests that seem good to us, but for which we are not fully convinced are the will of the Master?
James 4: 3. “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”
The pattern Son is our example. Following His pattern, exactly, is the only way we can build the old waste places, come to spiritual maturity, allow God to bring forth His Kingdom in the earth as it is in heaven, through us by His Spirit and glorify Father God, in the Earth, as Jesus did, once again.
John 5:30 “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me”.
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Highcountryministry.com
Behemoth and Leviathan B. Keith Chadwell
Job, Chapter 40& 41Biblical, mythical or legendary animals have often been associated with human behavior or other metaphorical applications, as opposed to the association with their actual existence.
“Often legendary creatures came to symbolize vices or virtues, or the power of good or evil. In many cases, their actual existence was secondary to the moral of the tale in which they featured” (New Word Encyclopedia; “mythical creatures”.)
“Behemoth” is said to be an Oriental type of
“Self Will”
Self-will definition: “persistent carrying out of one's own will or wishes, esp. when in conflict with others; stubbornness; obstinacy”
According to Wikipedia: The word “Behemoth” “is most likely a plural form of בהמה (bəhēmāh), meaning beast or large animal. It may be an example of pluralis excellentiae, a Hebrew method of expressing greatness by pluralizing a noun; it thus implies that Behemoth is the largest and most powerful animal ever to exist. *Metaphorically, the name has come to be used for any extremely large or powerful entity.”*
“According to (the Hebrew) “midrash” recording traditions, it is impossible for anyone to kill a behemoth except for the person who created it, in this case the God of the Hebrews. (End quote)
Job 40:19 (Judaica Press Bible) V19 His is the first of God's ways; [only] his Maker can draw His sword [against him]. (“Behemoth”)
“Leviathan” is said to be an Oriental type of
“Self-Love”
Job 41:34 ... (Leviathan)”... a king over all the children of pride”.
Job 41:1 …..” Who can draw out Leviathan......?”
Have we now further identified some of the principalities and powers,that we war against in the Spirit, when we pray in the Spirit?
How can we pray only with our understanding and “draw out Leviathan..” ?
How can we pray only with the understanding of men and “draw His sword” and kill Behemoth?
Do we understand, yet, it is the enemy of our souls that fights to remain seated on the throne of our own desperately wicked hearts?
How helpless we are to even understand where our enemies are or who they are, let alone fight and defeat our spiritual enemies without the Holy Spirit working in us.
Heb 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Do we, yet, understand what it means “to enter into that rest”?
Do we, yet, understand the relationship to “the sword of the Spirit” and “the word of God”?
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.**?
Eph 6:17-18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Much more could be said here by association. However, in the coming times, I believe it will be imperative for those who are focused on knowing and doing the will of God to listen to what the Spirit is saying, and to earnestly seek His understanding. Seek, knock and ask.
2Peter 1:19 (CEV) All of this makes us even more certain that what the prophets said is true. So you should pay close attention to their message, as you would to a lamp shining in some dark place. You must keep on paying attention until daylight comes and the morning star rises in your hearts.
Even for well-meaning Christians, the traditional, natural understandings which we may have embraced, in whole or in part, will not allow us to “see” more of this mystery. Unless we can “SEE”, more and more with the eyes of the spirit how can we grow further to be trusted participants in the culmination of God's plan in these times unless we can SEE and HEAR and be LED by the Spirit?
This teaching is a glimpse, perhaps, into the hidden mystery of the Kingdom, deliberately hidden by God in the Holy Scriptures in parables, metaphors, similes, and dark sayings.
Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.**
A rough lesson; Behemoth and Leviathan apparently can't be killed by me......well, well I was pretty sure I knew how to deal with them. Come to find out, not so..... ....now what?
A friend of mine wrote the following some time ago;
“We have done the very same thing with the Grace of the New Covenant that the Jews of Old did with the Law through Moses. We have externalized Christ's commandments to us, according to our 'own understanding…”
The above quote is So true and not surprisingly, in that there is “nothing new under the sun”. Unless we are changed by the divine influence on our hearts (true Grace), our efforts to reach the full righteousness of “perfection” set before us in Christ (our promised land), must, also, fail, just as the Jews failed to fully possess theirs.
Christian experience, as far as I can tell, pretty much tracks the natural history of the Jews who came out of Egypt with a promise, also. The promise set before them; was a promise that was, also, “at hand” but also, was conditional and involved choices to be obedient and to be led, not by man, but by God.
Like the Jews, the promise was “at hand” for Christians. However, not heedingJesus warning of leavened doctrine, the “Church”, by and large, quickly lost
the true vision. Then, not unlike the Jews quest for their promised land, “the
Church” has, for 2,000 plus years, reaped the fruit of what Paul indicated would
happen; “ that God will send strong delusions to those that should believe a lie and not receive the love of the truth.”
Thus; with no true vision set before us, now, with over two thousand years of this type of Christian experience we typically concluded that it is not possible, this side of heaven, to attain to the “Perfection” or the righteousness of Christ, except by faith (someday in heaven). We have believed this leavened doctrine and since truth is non-discriminatory, the tares and the wheat have had to grow together.
So, here we are, by in large, in the same place the Jews found themselves in at the Revelation of Jesus, by John in 30+/- AD. And….I believe, we Christians are,
NOW, just as Matthew 9:36 described: “…. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”
I don’t think any of us have a clue how pitifully far we have missed “the mark” that Paul spoke of. That is; “The mark of the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus”.
There is no hope for us to ever see “The Day of Christ” except that the light of Christ floods us, by His Spirit and reveals “that man of sin” that sits in the throne rooms of our desperately wicked hearts. Only, by His coming… only by His flooding of our hearts with His light can lasting, permanent, righteousness… His righteousness, ever be manifest outwardly, in its fullness from
our hearts (Manifest Sons of God).
However, as pitiful as I am… we all are… there is the promise that He would leavein the midst of us a poor and afflicted people…. So, somehow we must see that
the thorns in our flesh are, in fact, necessary for our chastening and correction.
Even Paul was given thorns in the flesh;……”lest I become exalted thru the abundance of revelation given me.”
There are many influencing factors that filter our viewpoints. I have come to think of these as our “paradigms” and those influencing factors, must, of necessity, include the ongoing pruning and chastening process. Because, it is written; we enter the Kingdom (Kings-dominion within our hearts) through much tribulation.
I had no idea what that meant in the beginning, just as I had no clue of all that came with being, both, baptized with the Holy Ghost AND with FIRE.
Continue Lord to do whatever is necessary, do what only you can do, don’t let me (us) miss….”The Mark”.
Mic 4:6-7 In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted;
And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.
(download as a .pdf document)~ ~ ~B. Keith Chadwell
Labor to Rest? B. Keith Chadwell; updated 2017 For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, (His rest) lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (from; Hebrews, chapter four)
I have long been convinced that entering into “that rest”, “in one accord”, is imperative to the “perfection of the Saints”.
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
That is; “Perfection” being the fullest manifestation of “Christ in us”. Or, said another way; “Perfection” … the full manifestation or appearing of Christ in us that is set before us in so many ways in scripture. The “Perfection” that is the fullness of what Paul spoke of in 1 Corinthians 13 as he set before us the goal or point aimed at which we Christians have seen and do see but, generally, not very clearly:
(Continue reading)
THE JOURNEY TO PERFECTIONB. Keith Chadwell, 2017/7We, like Jesus, must learn obedience through the things we suffer. This is the suffering which results from the death of self will. Paul said, “I die daily…” Hebrews 5:8-9 Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; And being made perfect He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him;I can only think of Jesus as He suffered in prayer in the garden, pleading with God the Father to take away the cup that was before Him. The cup He spoke of was the agonizing death on the cross to come the following day, which was the will of God for Him. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His onlybegotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.Luke 22:44 And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and Hissweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.His agony in the garden was His mental and emotional suffering which was so intense; He “sweat as it were” great drops of blood.” As agonizing as His death on the cross must have been, I believe there was as much suffering for Jesus in the garden as on the cross, as He brought His flesh and His mind into subjection to his Spirit and to the will of God the Father. In any event, He surely suffered much in the garden. He laid down his desires, His will, His intellect and emotions, to the will of God. So shall we suffer likewise as we seek to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and give our old lives up in submission to the will of God. This is necessary in order to have Him effect the mortification of our flesh through the power of the Spirit and then to resurrect in us the life and nature of Christ. 2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through theknowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,According as His divine power hath given unto us allthings that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge ofHim that hath called us to glory and virtue:Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature2 Corinthians 10:5 -6 Casting down imaginations, and every high thingthat exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing intocaptivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Romans 8:17 -19 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, andjoint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him that wemay be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.I, like D.L. Moody, also think it is nearly impossible for us to comprehend the impact that one man or woman would have on mankind who would fully seek and allow Christ in them to mature them and then manifest Himself completely through them. Manifesting to their families, their communities, their nation and finally to the world a fully mature, “Christ in them”.You can, as a Christian, choose to humble your old mind, will and intellect to God’s Spirit and journey on towards perfection, to a transformed mind, will and intellect. The Journey is from righteousness by faith, to righteousness in fact, or in deed, from immaturity, to perfection. (Continue reading)
No more delay…B. Keith Chadwell, 2017
Luk 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Eph 1:17-19 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power...
It is God's goal that we go on, beyond the elementary doctrines of Christ, to perfection in Christ, it is our individual and corporate destiny in this earth. It is the “end” goal that God has purposed for His people in the earth. Then, Him showing forth His righteousness from within our hearts to a dark and dying world and thereby allowing Christ in us to, in fact, be the manifestation of God's wisdom, power and love to the world, through us.
The truth is the truth, no matter what we believe. However, as the Spirit of God opens the eyes of our understanding in these days, we may discover we have been stumbling over obstacles to the truth in the scriptures which have been placed there, by God. The “strong delusion” described in 2nd Thessalonians 2:11, is clearly such a mysterious obstacle. Continue reading
“Beyond the Blessing of Abraham” (Part 1 of 2 parts)
B. Keith Chadwell
Gen 28:4 (Old Isaac speaking); “And give thee (Jacob) the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seedwith thee; that thou mayest inherit the land.
The blessing was passed down the righteous line to the one seedto receive the fullness of “the blessing of Abraham”; whichwas; Jesus.
Therefore as we transition “the blessing of Abraham” we find it’s revelation by the Holy Spirit. We find Paul, tells us in Galatians 3:14, clearly, why the blessing of Abraham was given:
· Gal 3:14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.**
The “blessing of Abraham” was given, as Paul states in Galatian’s 3:13-14, “that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith”. “The “promise of the Spirit” was given because God knew mankind would not and could not do a work in their own hearts to perfect themselves or make themselves righteous by nature. Therefore, since Adam’s fall, mankind’s bondage to their Adamic sin nature would continue into perpetuity unless God could save them from this fate
So, through FAITH in Christ mankind would be able to receive the incorruptible Royal Seed of His Holy Spirit to be planted within their hearts (the land). However, the incorruptible Royal SEED would only be the “earnest” of the full promis
Only after the Royal SEED would be planted could the process of Spiritual growth, unto full maturity in the Spirit begin, even unto the stature and measure of Christ.
God’s ultimate goal was; to FULLY manifest His righteousness and His divine nature from within the hearts of His people to family, neighbors and nations. In this way all the nations of the earth are to be blessed.The growth of the Royal Seed and the full manifestation of “His divine nature” in
those who would accept His offer of the promise of the Spirit, would not be an event but rather; a process. So, the Royal SEED had to be received by FAITH in Jesus and what He had done. Then, since the Holy Spirit was the only one who could make this happen, the Holy Spirit would, subsequently need to be allowed to, progressively work in believers to change their hearts until the full promise would be manifest. That would be Christ, fully formed in us. Or…“Christ in us; the hope of glory”.
FAITH is the substance of “the full promise” that ishoped for. The hope being that; the Royal SEED when planted in the land (heart) was to grow to “the fullnessof the promise of the Spirit”.
So, because we have this hope of the promise and FAITH that God will make this happen, in His time, God counts this FAITH as righteousness in the meanwhile. This is the ONLY hope for the descendants of Adam to ever fully manifest God’s divine nature, from their hearts. For we are; “the righteousness of God”…but only by FAITH in what CHRIST is doing in us, until the full promise is, FULLY manifest, in fact.
What can we expect?
· Short of joining “that great cloud of witnesses” and waiting for another generation of Christians to catch the “vision” of the fullness of “the Promise, what are we to do now?
One of the analogy’s that holds the answer in the Old Testament, is the story of Abraham and Sarah and God’s promise of a child, which is well known. However, this natural analogy’s application to the Spiritual may reveal more to Christians than we might have thought.
Abraham and Sarah struggled with their promiseof the child: Isaac (the child of the Spirit). In the natural it seemed impossible that Sarah could even conceive in her “old age” let alone give birth to this child, promised by God. So, they relied on works of their own flesh which produced; “Ishmael” (the child of the flesh).
We, like Abraham and Sarah, have come to rely on "Flesh" to manifest what we could believe for of “the promise, in lieu of “Faith”. Therefore, for the most part, in one way or another; we Christians have produced an “Ishmael” (the child of the flesh).
This “Ishmael” is the religious product of the seed we have planted. It looks like the real deal, at first, but like “the tares” planted in the parable, it will not produce the harvest of “the Royal SEED”. We can’t circumvent the law of the harvest; “you reap what you sow”.
Look at our Pattern Son, for He was the firstborn of many brethren who were to follow Him and have the Spirit fully formed in them, also.
Jesus was born of the Spirit and of the flesh. Likewise, we who are born of flesh and blood and follow after Him must be “Born again”. Not of the corruptible seed of Adam, the seed of the flesh, (been there, done that) but rather of incorruptible SEED. That is; of the Royal Seed of the Spirit of promise. Born again, of “incorruptible SEED; then to grow and develop “until Christ is formed in us”.
· Mar 4:26-27 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he knoweth not how.
· John 12:24-25Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
· Hebrews 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Like a farmer planting SEED in “the land”; first the Royal Incorruptible SEED is planted, then begins a progressive work by the Holy Spirit working in us. The fullness of our promise is NOT accomplished by any works of our doing right things or trying to think right thoughts through our own efforts. It is His Royal Seed, we are His land, and It is His work in us. His “Beulah land”, as it were,
It is His “grace” or “divine influence on our hearts” (the land within us). We are instructed to just “REST” and have faith in HIM to do this work in us, UNTILit is completed. Until Christ is formed in us and His divine nature is always manifest, from our hearts. Then…”when He shall appear, we SHALL be like Him”.
It is the law of the harvest, “you reap what you sow”.
Works of the flesh to help God to manifest the fullness of His “promise” …won’t. The promise of the fullness of the Spirit was and is “yea and amen” but as with the promise to Abraham and Sahah, only through the work of the Spirit.
As then, so it is now; it requires FAITH and obedience. Then, in God’s time, by His work, NOT OURS, the full promisewill be manifest.
“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. For which cause I also suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, for I know
whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to guard my deposit
until that Day. Hold fast a pattern of sound words which you heard from me, in
faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good Deposit given through the Holy
Spirit indwelling in us.”
This concludes part 1 of a 2 part series titled; “Beyond the Blessing of Abraham”.
Both parts are posted, in full, on the Books/teachings page of the High Country Ministry website;
Link to: “Beyond the Blessing of Abraham, part 2”
www.highcountryministry.com
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Moving BEYOND the elementaryB.Keith Chadwell
Heb 6:1-3 (Peshitta text)
Therefore, let us leave the elementary word of Christ, and let us go on to perfection.
Years ago, an old Pentecostal preacher, who I had grown to highly respect, taught us that "whenever we find a; "therefore"in the Bible, we should always search for the reason it was “there for”.**In all the years of my Bible studies, I have found that to be wise council.
"Therefore", once again, wisdom dictates that; to fully understand the often controversial writings contained within Hebrews chapter 6: we should, first, pursue the reason that Hebrews 6:1 starts out with a "Therefore". (continue reading)
A Great People and a Strong B. Keith Chadwell, 2017
To the people of Israel who came out of Egyptian bondage, through the sea and into the wilderness, was God’s promise of a land flowing with milk and honey, a "promised land". It was a promise which could not be appropriated without trusting in God's word and following God's directions.
By the Holy Spirit, we may have been given to see the “parallels” of the Bible time Jews and Christians and something of the mysteries of the Kingdom that are hidden in the "Old Testament" in parables, types, metaphors, similitudes and dark sayings.
Look diligently for further revelation in these types and shadows in the Bible and especially in "the Prophets". Look for further revelation of what God has purposed to conceal from all but those with "eyes to see and ears to hear". We should also keep in mind what Peter has written for us:
"...not every prophetic writing is made clear in its own book". (2Peter 1:19-20)
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:… For "we know in part" and like an incomplete jig saw puzzle, we therefore cannot, yet, see the totality of the completed picture. Beware, because our eschatology has been leavened. Force fit nothing. Traditions and leavened doctrines have bound us, in many ways, for a long time.
Learn from the mistakes the Bible time Jewish religious leadership made. With all of their amassed knowledge of scripture, they still missed...."the day of their visitation". (Continue reading)
“Tongues”…?
B. Keith Chadwell
Why tongues? God ordained this gift, in part, as a bridge to facilitate the Kingdom of Heaven coming in earth and the earth being filled with the knowledge of the glory of God. This gift, to be used in faith by believers, was the way God chose to bridge a progressive transition from the Kingdoms of this world to the Kingdom of God being fully manifest in the earth, in spite of the interim inadequacies of flesh and blood.
This is a cooperative project which God has established.
God will not do it without us and we cannot do it ourselves. As we willingly give to Him our unclean lips, He will sanctify them with a coal off of the alter.
7 Salient points From 1st Corinthians 14:
- To speak in an unknown tongue is to speak not unto men.
- To speak in an unknown tongue is to speak unto God.
- Praying in an unknown language is your spirit praying.
- To speak in an unknown language is to speak in the spirit.
- No man understands this unknown language.
- Men, speaking in the spirit, speak mysteries.
- To speak in an unknown tongue edifies the one speaking
Plus, Paul said that he thanked God that he spoke in tongues more than all of his contemporaries.
Obviously, he didn't pray in tongues “more than ye all” in a public meeting or a public place....1 Corinthians 14: in total context is clear enough about that. NO! In his private prayer life!
So...“WHY, Paul, would you speak with tongues more than any of your contemporaries?”
Why? Just to hear his head rattle with words he couldn’t understand? Or, was there some extremely important spiritual basis for him to pray in tongues "more than you all"?
It is obvious from his writings that he knew it was because God was praying through him, bypassing the weaknesses of his carnal mind and flesh. Paul had received the Spirit of God who would at anytime, anyplace, as Paul would humble himself and permit, pray through him. Paul knew such prayer in tongues would be in the Spirit and always would be in accordance with the will of God.
The question is not why he did it...but rather why he or any other Christian would not humble themselves under the mighty hand of God and defer their lips to their maker as was God's intention?
The Psalmist wrote, that the rebellious against God have and would say; Psa 12:4. "With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who islord over us?"
Yes… we should, progressively, come to the maturity level Paul spoke of where the need for tongues will pass away; “When that which is perfect is at hand”.
However, until we all come to that perfection; that is....to the stature and measure of Christ, even unto manifest mature Sons of God. Until then, we must not yet be so presumptuous as to set aside the bridge God has provided to circumvent our fleshly infirmities or inadequacies to fully know and pray His perfect will........every time....all of the time.
Christ in us the hope of glory....it is our calling to become sons of God without need of further rebuke in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation, ready then to revenge all other disobedience, but only as the Father may direct. Refined in the fire and then, like Jesus, ready to speak and do only those things we see the Father do.
However, if we are honest we know we do not walk in the Spirit to the degree that we now, always, pray in accordance with the will of God in the languages known to us. Not always.....
The only way we can, now, be assured by the scripture and by the Spirit of God that we can delight ourselves (our spirits) in the Lord and always be certain that we are speaking Gods words and not our own words, is to pray or sing in the Spirit.
That is; "biblical tongues". This is the rest wherewith we can cease from our own works and can cease speaking our own carnal words with total assurance and just REST. In this way we trust the Holy Spirit to, always, pray through us and accomplish His will in us and through us.
Look around.... The world has little or no fear of the Lord, little acknowledgement and almost no respect for Christians and the Christ in us. As a whole, even the church knows little of the true hope of their calling which is; "Christ in us, the hope of Glory”.
Creation is in travail, waiting for the manifestation of the Sons of God.
We have drunk from the cup of trembling for our iniquities. Too long we have had famine in the land for the hearing of the true word of God.
Awake Church….”And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Eph 6:17-18
Psa 12:1-8 (ISV) “Help, LORD, for godly people no longer exist; trustworthy people have disappeared from humanity. Everyone speaks lies to his neighbor; they speak with flattering lips and hidden motives.The LORD will cut off all slippery lips, and the tongue that boasts great things, those who say, "By our tongues we will prevail; our lips belong to us. Who is master over us?" "Because the poor are being oppressed, because the needy are sighing, I will now arise," says the LORD, "I will establish in safety those who yearn for it."The words of the LORD are pure, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times over.You, LORD, will keep them safe, you will guard them from this generation forever.The wicked, however, keep walking around, exalting the vileness of human beings.”
What are we waiting for…The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
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B. Keith Chadwell, 2017
High Country Ministry
The Power to “become” sons of God B. Keith Chadwell
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to becomethe sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
The power, in the sense of ability, “to become”; that is;…"to cause to be ... to become ...
…come into being" and be manifest to the world as Sons of God is available to every believer. It is; the promise of “the Spirit”, “the promise of the Father”, “the promise of His Holy Spirit”. This is; "Christ in us…the hope of glory".
This “power to” become” has been available to every generation of believers sincePentecost, even unto the uttermost parts of the earth. Until the earth would be;
…”filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.”
This is the only way God’s rule, or God’s dominion or God’s government or His Kingdom can come in Earth. It is the only way God’s dominion, in earth, will ever be fully manifest in earth, as it is in heaven.
As believers choose to allow the Spirit of God to work in them, to influence their hearts, we “become” more like Him. Until, we no longer are righteous by faith, but have “become”righteous “in deed” and the manifestation of “Christ in us” moves outwardly from overflowing hearts to neighborhoods, then to nations and finally is FULLY manifest in the earth, as it is in heaven.
Not a...."someday"....demonstration or manifestation of the divine nature of God through believers. No,..."The Kingdom or Kings-Dominion which is "within you" is AT HAND.
For God, through Jesus Christ, has purposed that a people will manifest His divine nature in the earth, through "Christ" and the work of the Holy Spirit in them. A people, who will choose to hear and obey His words and will fully manifest His divine nature to a wicked and perverse generation. These will be Sons of God without need of further correction or rebuke. This company of His servants and handmaids, through the work of; "Christ in them" will judge and convict the nations and will judge principalities and powers. His conviction and judgments through this company will shake both the heavens and the earth, for these are "a great people and a strong".
Once, there were a small number of such a people who were in "one accord", clothedwith the Spirit and the power of God. They lived in the first century. Those like
Stephen, Peter, John, Paul and others. Perhaps they were the "first fruits" of a
"former rain "; forerunners of a company that was to come. God knows.
There have been others like those in the first century on down through the centuries,since. However, there has not been the likes of those in notable numbers "in one
accord."... "even to the years of many generations".
Awake...church, awake:
" Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling,
and wrung them out. “....Isa 51:17
... "Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God thatpleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again: But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over."… Isa 51:21-23**
"Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall bejudged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 1Co 6:2-3
This power or ability “to become”; not just children of God but mature, in Christ'slikeness, manifest Sons, is and has been available to EVERY believer. Yet, to reach
the goal or mark or complete the race set before us at Pentecost, we must "see" that we are empowered to, all, come to perfection, even unto the stature and measure of ou
pattern Son. We must see it is God's purpose for us “to become” , fully mature, Sons of God, builded together into a holy habitation or dwelling place of God. Where Christ is in the Father and He dwells in us, and we in Him,fully .
John 14:20 At that day ye shall knowthat I amin my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to themgave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood,
nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
To be led by the Spirit of God will result in manifesting the fruits of Sonship or in other words;“the manifestation of this perfection as the Sons of God". NOT just in some sweet by and by or some future manifestation, but it is available for us, now, also.It is still "AT HAND".
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
We say, "how can this be?" .......again.........."as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God".
You and I can do nothing without Him. Our fleshly and soulish natures must not take the lead anymore. He must lead.
Again we say, “yes but how can this be?” It can only bewith the synergy of "one accord" in co-operation with the Spirit of God and we must start with the small things. Those who exalt themselves to higher things are setting themselves up to be brought low. However, IF we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. In due time, He will exalt us. There is NO OTHER WAY to become, fully mature, Sons of God !!!
There is a principle in God: Be faithful with the little things God gives us, He
then will give us more.
James tells us that our tongue is a "little member" which NO Man can tame. Yet,
we have been given the choice to surrender our "LITTLE" tongues to God, through
and by the Holy Spirit. We have been given the power ....”to become” vessels of honor when we allow the Spirit of God to pray through us, a perfect prayer, always, in
accordance with the will of God. (Romans 8:) We can not do this on our own,
and God has purposed that He will not do it without us, at this time.
Christians, by and large, have not understood the dynamics of what the Lord is requiring of His sons as they work together with Him, synergistically, to bring forth the Kingdom, first within themselves and then within all of creation.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Let’s start by ...yielding our tongues to the Holy Spirit to pray and praise in accordance with the perfect will of God. ..."not weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Now don't be surprised, as we are faithful with our tiny tongue, He will be able to work in us, more and more of His rule and we will be, more and more; “led by the Spirit” and thereby we will “become” more and more like Him, even unto the full manifestation of the "Christ inus".
"…open thy mouth wide", and I will fill it..." Ps 81:10
If one can rout a thousand, then see the exponential effect of "unity of purpose" being demonstrated as David's, rag tag, wilderness army comes together,
progressively, in "one accord". This is for us to see, now and learn by the Holy
Spirit what God has purposed, even for a pile of dry bones in the wilderness, like us, as it were.
Ezekiel 37:7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was anoise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
This is that… and has been since Pentecost......The Kingdom or Kings-dominion or Ruleof God or... choosing to be Led by the Spirit. This is that.....and it is still...."AT Hand".
There is much to do, most of it... in the Spirit. So,let us press ontoward themark…the goal, the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The time is at hand.
Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Psa 81:10 I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt**: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
Zep 3:9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.
Eze 37:10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.
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Obstacles to perfection in my heart B. KeithChadwell
Mar 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of
the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done
in parables:
The mysteries of God are targeted for those “who are without ”and the truth is hidden in parables but to be revealed by the Spirit to believers. However, Christian believers, by not heeding the warnings of Jesus and other New Testament and Old Testament lessons, which can only be revealed by the Holy Spirit, have stumbled over some of these mysteries.
Even from the beginning, some folks back in church history, obviously, stumbled over many hidden mysteries which has resulted in the truth being “leavened“. Thus, so has our, subsequent, mis-understanding of the Kingdom of God been passed down for generations and we have all been reaping the consequences, to one degree or another, to this day.
By now, this “leavened” truth has permeated much of our traditional church doctrines, especially church “ eschatology“ and has become a part of a large, complex, multi headed, doctrinal beast. We should be well aware by now; Anyone, who tries to understand the great mysteries of God with the carnal mind and natural reasoning of the flesh, rather than by the revelation of the Spirit, will fail in their quest to know the truth, which makes us free.
The light of Christ in these days is arising on his people like;
“the morning sun that spreads upon the mountains”.The morning light of the day of Christ is breaking on us, revealing that it is “Christ in us” that was purposed by God to be “the hope of glory” or the method God has chosen to glorify the Father, again, in the earth as Jesus did.
While this light is arising on us, at the same time the world is still
covered with gross darkness and much of the mystery of iniquity still remains in the dark recesses of men’s hearts, unrevealed.
1Corrinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness,and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
However, just as the morning sun rises and spreads on the tops of the mountains, so is the Son of rightesousness, now, arising or appearing (coming). Now, is the hidden iniquity being revealed by the brightness of His light that is rising in our hearts.
As the light of Christ arises, in our hearts and as we humble ourselves before Him, there will be, no more, a place for unholy spirits of iniquity to hide. This "anti-Christ" spirit will be revealed, by the light and from this position from which it has been hiding within our hearts, the Spirit of Christ will reveal and destoroy it with the brightness of His coming.
Then, when He appears or is fully manifest in His temple, we shall be like him, and from His throne, within our hearts, we will manifest the very attributes of Christ and our Heavenly Father to the world. Now, from one heart, to hearts together in the unity of the Spirit, under Christ, will flow ; living waters to swim in, which will fill the earth with His glory.
Joh 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from
heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again .
2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit,
nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come,
except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed,
the son of perdition;
Isa 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is
risen upon thee.
Isa 60:2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness
the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen
upon thee.
Isa 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness
of thy rising.
Joe 2:1-2 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy
mountain : let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the
LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; A day of darkness and of gloominess,
a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the
mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like,
neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.
Hab 1:5 Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously:
for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be
told you.
Joe 1:13-15 Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the
altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the meat
offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your God.
Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the
inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto
the LORD, Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand , and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.
As for me; I do not forget what I have asked my Lord for and given Him full permission to continue His strange work within me .....I affirm this prayer, once again, today;
...Lord, create in me a clean heart, for I can not, by the efforts of my own flesh and from an evil heart, obey your laws. I commit this to you and trust, by
faith that you will, in fact, bring to pass the full manifestation of your
righteousness through me in your good time and for your glory.
Lord, reveal all of the mysterious obstacles and self centered darkness which
prevents or hinders your work in me. And, which I (my flesh) through the
deceitfulness and stubborn self rule of my desperately wicked heart, have
not acknowledged and have not submitted to be crucified with you.
Lord, reveal and consume with the spirit of your mouth, those things of dark
motivations which sit in the place where you should sit and rule within me.
Lord, destroy, with the brightness of your coming, the darkness in my heart
and then may your light arise to full noonday within me, with no shadow of
turning.
I ask this, Father, in Jesus name, in order then; that my new light and life
may shine before men, that they will see my good works and then glorify
you, even as Jesus did. For it is your Kingdom and your power, and
therefore your glory, forever and ever.
Oh Lord, amen and amen and amen.
Psa 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall
bring it to pass.
Psa 37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light , and thy
judgment as the noonday.
Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to
continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter
into the kingdom of God. (which is within you)
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy
to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Habakkuk 3:3-4 God came from the South, and the Holy One from mount
Paran. The heavens were covered with the brightness of His glory; and the
earth was full of His praise. And His brightness was as the light in the
city which His hands had established shall He store His power. (Peshitta
text)
Heb 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder
and maker is God.
Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be
hid.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Joh 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be
made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Joh 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the
world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the
light of life.
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 17:17sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
~ ~ ~ Let Him who hath an ear hear ~ ~ ~
A Gospel Nugget
“Kingdom”; a contraction of; “King’s Dominion”... or...where the King rules or has dominion
Luke 17:20-21 (ASV) And being asked by the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God cometh, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:neither shall they say, Lo, here! or, There! for lo, the kingdom of God is within you.
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GRACE B. Keith ChadwellGRACE: The Greek word used in the New testament is defined by Strong’s exhaustive concordance;“Graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act……especiallyTHE DIVINE INFLUENCE UPON THE HEART AND ITS REFLECTIONS IN THE LIFE;”….Our ability to do what is good, to obey God, to come under His government (The Kings-dominion), as Christians, is no more possible without the grace of God working in us than it is for the unregenerate. For unless we die daily to our fleshly lusts, abilities and strength we leave no room for God to work in us …”to will and to do of his good pleasure”. (Phil 2:13) In a very practical way many Christians still struggle to “do, do, do” taking upon themselves the responsibility to, from the heart, love and forgive, to give, to not be proud or vain. To, from the heart, curb our appetites for the lusts of the flesh, etc. Therefore, if we insist on trying to obey God by changing our own hearts by the works of our flesh, if we try, try, try, in our own strength, in our own soul power, then… when the real hard temptations come and they will, we should not be surprised if we fail.Jesus said “blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God”.“Lord I am destitute, unable to rule my flesh and soul, only you are able to rule my flesh and soul from the inside, out. Lord change my want to !”Psalms 51: 9-11 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thyholy spirit from me. Unless we see ourselves as destitute in spirit, without strength or ability to keep even the very basic commandments of God, without His “Grace” (..”divine influence on the heart..”) we will fail, and frustrate ourselves and others, again and again, all the while being “born again” (John 3:3) of his Spirit. As a Christian, only now we are able to see and hear by the spirit, for the first time capable of discerning the things that we should do. However, not necessarily, always, entering in or coming under the rule of God because; we frustrate the “Grace” of God by trying to change our hearts through the works of the flesh…our own efforts. As a Christian, we can now “See the Kingdom“ (John 3:3) but not necessarily, always, will enter in….”enter”the Kingdom“ (John 3:5) Remembering that the “kingdom or king-dom or Kings-dominion is within us. Paul struggled with this, also….2 Cor 12:7-107 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted (conceited) above measure.8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory (on account of)… *in my infirmities, (in order that)..the power of Christ may rest upon me.10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.How many times have we struggled with conceit, pride, lust for things, un-forgiveness and other lusts of the flesh, perhaps as Paul did with his soulish conceit or pride because of abundant revelation? Like Paul, perhaps we have struggled to bring any variety of things under subjection to Christs’ law of love by trying to change our hearts with our own strength, and have failed. Only His “Grace is sufficient”! Only in our weakness, in our final humility, in repentance for working on His “Sabbath” will entry be permitted into that place within or hearts where He and He alone has total dominion (His Kingdom). Only His grace is sufficient! (“Sabbath”: entry into His rest and allowing Him to do the work)Let us labor therefore to enter into “His rest” (we rest, He does the work). Let us die daily to self-strength, self-will, and any residue of reliance on our ability to keep the laws of God. Only Christ in me can do the work necessary in my heart that I might be able to keep the law and glorify the Father AGAIN, in the earth, as Christ did. “Christ in me, the hope of Glory”. (Col 3:).Phil 2:12For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasureRom 5:20 Sin increased, Grace increased all the more…Is 28: (NIV) v12-13 ….to whom he (God) said,… ”this is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and, “this is the place of repose”- but they would not listen.So then, the word of the Lord to them will become: do and do, do and do, Rule on rule, rule on rule;A little here, a little there- so that they will go and fall backward, be injured and snared and captured.
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What are we looking for...? B. Keith ChadwellWhat are we looking for, "Natural" things or "Spiritual" things??If Christians continue to let their natural minds rule, instead of minding the things of the Spirit, we will continue to remain infants and not come to the maturity, in Christ Jesus, that God has purposed for His church.Come up higher, Church. We are NEW creations in Christ, old things have passed away and all things have become new.2nd Corinthians 5:16-17 (New Int. K.J.V.); "So, from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION; THE OLD HAS GONE (†) THE NEW HAS COME!"“Kingdom” or….”where the King has dominion”, which we are not to look for, here and there. The Kings dominion is within us and it is “at hand”. Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.Act_14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulationenter into the kingdom of God. (coming under the dominion of the King)To enter into that place where The King has total and complete dominion is what we are talking about when "the Kingdom of God" is referenced. That is; God’s dominion...within us, ...within our hearts, in this lifetime.Does the King (God) have complete dominion in our hearts when we first become "born again" Christians? If we are honest, we know He does not. It is a process, just as being born in the flesh and then growing from infancy to adulthood is a process. Just as maturity in "the natural” is progressive and requires mentoring and supervision and discipline for success, so it is with our New Creation, our new life in the Spirit.I don't know about you, but I had my time in the wood shed of discipline and bumped my nose and suffered the consequences of many a wrong decision, in order to grow up from infancy to a mature adult. I would even go so far as to say that; "I went through much tribulation before I actually grew into a reasonably responsible adult". So why, do we still insist on looking for a literal Kingdom that is, yet, someday to come?Jesus told us, already, long ago..."My Kingdom is not of this world"... So, right away, our natural mind wants to make something out of this that we can see, smell, feel, taste or hear with our natural bodily senses.He also told us, not to look for it, here or there, because "it is within us". He told us, then, over 2,000 years ago, also, it is..."at hand". So, God’s rule in our hearts has been available to believers for a long, long time. Man's natural mind has made some strange leavened doctrine out of this.2nd Corinthians 5:16-17 (New Int. K.J.V.); "So, from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION; THE OLD HAS GONE (†) THE NEW HAS COME!"Come up, higher, Church. Jesus lives, in our hearts, today, if we believe on Him and are truly born of His Spirit. Do not think you must wait for Him to come, or go up to heaven to live and reign with Him in life.His dominion is available, today, through the submission of our fleshly desires for the Spirit to change. Only He can change our hearts to conform to His divine nature. We fall short, because we think we must do the work required to obey His laws with our natural ability or grit our teeth resolve, in the strength and resolve of our natural flesh. That is the shortfall of Christian teaching, today and one of the major reasons the Church is still drinking milk and unable to eat strong meat. We cannot, in the strength of our natural flesh, produce, from our hearts, His manifest righteousness. It is His work and His, strange work, alone.True, this will be hard on our fleshly desires and our stubborn fleshly will and our pride. It will require "tribulation" and thrashings of various kinds in order to for Him to produce and then, consistently, manifest His divine nature in us. It will require the "fire" of the Holy Spirit in order to burn up the hay wood and stubble in our lives. However, it is His work, not ours. We can only choose to submit ourselves to His work, whatever and whenever.But… we are talking New Creation talk...not of natural things. So, don't be looking for a big green John Deer thrashing machine to run you down or a flame thrower to whoosh in on you to burn up the chaff in your life.Maturity in the Spirit will require the fire and the threshing in your life, for sure, in order for the Lord to burn up those things up that won't be eternal. It is through this fire and threshing that will come forth, from our hearts, His manifest righteousness, His light to the world. It is the only way to participate with Father God in doing His will and glorifying Him, again, in the earth, as Jesus did.This will be God working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure. This will be the process of developing His divine nature and maturing you, in the Spirit, unto the stature and measure of Christ. Even, unto manifest Sons of God.Creation is groaning and is in travail....waiting for us to be manifest to the world.What are we waiting for; "The Kingdom of Heaven's at Hand".(ISV) Isa 32:17 The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. (KJV) Isa_32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Mic_4:6 In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; Zep_3:12 I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD. Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Psa_119:67 Before I was afflictedI went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Psa_119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. Psa_119:75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments areright, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
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Our Destiny B. Keith ChadwellEph 1:17-19 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power...It is God's goal that we go on, beyond the elementary doctrines of Christ, to perfection in Christ, it is our individual and corporate destiny in this earth. It is the “end” goal or purpose that God has purposed for His people in the earth. Then, Him showing forth His righteousness from within our hearts to a dark and dying world and thereby allowing Christ in us to, in fact, be the manifestation of God's wisdom, power and love to the world, through us. Creation is waiting for this, full, manifestation of the Sons of God. It is the hope of our calling in Christ, OUR DESTINY…the hope of glorifying the Father again, in the earth, even as Christ did.Phillipians 3:12-16 (Phillips) Yet, my brothers, I do not consider myself to have "arrived", spiritually, nor do I consider myself already perfect. But I keep going on, grasping ever more firmly that purpose for which Christ grasped me. My brothers, I do not consider myself to have fully grasped it even now. But I do concentrate on this: I leave the past behind and with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead I go straight for the goal - my reward the honour of being called by God in Christ. All of us who are spiritually adult should set ourselves this sort of ambition, and if at present you cannot see this, yet you will find that this is the attitude which God is leading you to adopt. It is important that we go forward in the light of such truth as we have ourselves attained to. B. Keith Chadwell, www.highcountryministry.com
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© B. K. Chadwell"At Hand" is the second and final teaching of a two part teaching;1. "The disciples were astonished"
2. "At Hand"
"Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass. And He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John, Rev 1:2 who bore record of the Word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
John who?
Simply put, I believe "John" may have been mistaken for "John", which is not hard to do when "John" is only identified as; "John" and there is more than one "John" to be considered.
Was Revelation 1: verse 2 written by "John (the Apostle)" OF John (the Baptist) and not of himself? If that were true, then it follows that the activity described only in verses; 1 & 2, would all have been historical and; "AT HAND' (not future) at the time "John (the Apostle)" wrote the book of Revelation. If true, there would be much for many Christian scholars and theologians to reconsider and in the opinion of this writer would far better fit with the words which Jesus spoke to His disciples.."The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand".
Let's see if there is any scripture to support or even suggest such a thesis could be true:" ...
Keith
The term "at hand" is not a particularly common term today. However, whatever the origins, the term's use and history are obviously, at least, as old as the King James English. Today, we can see the first use of the term "at hand" in the King James Bible, in Genesis 27:41. (CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO CONTINUE READING):http://www.highcountryministry.com/downloads/19.%20%20At%20hand.pdf
“Ye are gods”B, Keith Chadwell December 2014 blogJoh 10:31-36 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.Jesus answered them; Many good works have I shewed you from my Father;for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them; Is it not written in your law: “I said, Ye are gods” ? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, “Thou blasphemest”; because I said, I am the Son of God?The issue with the Jews was certainly their disbelief and perhaps shock and dismay that any flesh and blood “man” would call himself a “Son of God”. Today we, who call ourselves Christians, see this as not only very scriptural but it is our testimony. We generally understand that by faith we are born of the Spirit and also are born of a woman (flesh and blood). Albeit, we readily admit our Spiritual birth is only the down payment on the full manifestation which, somehow, is yet to come.Still,....this is where we run into the same problem the Jews did in John chapter ten;We have never, yet, fully experienced the reality of a company of fully manifest “Christ in us, the hope of glory” Christians. Neither had the Jews of John chapter ten ever seen, even one, such until Jesus. Then Jesus, who had been living among them for years, was manifest to them and they couldn't or wouldn't accept Him as “Son of God”. History and tradition can be wonderful, but it can also be the choke chain around the neck of God's people when it comes to anything new that God initiates.It has been said that; “familiarity breeds contempt”. I am thinking that the Jews had a case of contempt for the lowly Jesus who had grown up among them. How sad it is that even today “the Christ in us” has become a derision to the world and, sadly, even to some in the body of Christ, who have elevated themselves over the lowly in status, according to man's reckoning. Only to those who will humble themselves under the mighty hand of God will He exalt, in His time.1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:God has provided us with scripture that indicates this “manifestation of the Sons of God” will happen. There are various views of this; the when, where, how, etc.. At best, we still only know in part. When it actually happens, it probably will be different than most Christians expect.When this does happen, how will we receive the truth?As the 5 foolish virgins? As the Jews in John chapter ten?However and whenever this happens, there will be those who will be eagerly praying for and awaiting this glorious liberation of creation and the manifestation of “The Sons of God”?I have quoted “the law”, below; from Jesus' reference in John 10:34. Jesus was simply quoting from Psalms 82:6 when he addressed those Jews who were about to stone Him for saying that He was “the Son of God” :Johnn 10:34 “ Is it not written in your law: (Psalms 82:6) “I said, Ye are gods ” ? It is important to note here, that the quote from the law; “I said, ye are gods” was not addressed to the Jews. According to the scripture text (Psalms 82); “God standeth in the congregation of the mighty, and He judgeth among the gods.” thus indicating God was talking (Psalms 82:) to a congregation of Angels/gods. (Peshita text/King James Version)(Job 1:6 and 2:1 will confirm this concept, also)I have taken the liberty to make some comments for clarification within the text (Psalms 82;). I have changed the font and font size and clearly indicated the difference between my comments and the text. Bold, red emphasis and underlines and are mine as well.Psa 82:1 A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. ( Peshita text: v1 “God stands in the congregation of angels; He judges among the angels”.)Psa 82:2 (God speaking:) How long will ye (angels/gods or..principalities and powers in the heavenlies) judge unjustly, and accept the persons (H6440 Plural (but always used as a singular) of the wicked ?(H7561; morally wrong; concretely an (actively) bad person: - + condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong.)Selah.Psa 82:3 (God continues speaking to these angels or gods) Defend the poor andfatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.Psa 82:4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid themout of the hand of thewicked. (H7561; morally wrong; concretely an (actively) badperson: - + condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong.)Psa 82:5 They (the poor, fatherless, afflicted and needy) know not, neitherwill they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of theearth are out of course.Psa 82:6 (God continues speaking:) I have said, ye are gods; and all of youare children of the most High.Psa 82:7 But (because of your wrong judgments) ye shall die like men, andfall like one of the princes. (see Isaiah 14: )Psa 82:8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.And thus it was written in the law ...and thus is the fulfillment in JesusChrist !!Judgment (all power in heaven and earth) was then given to Jesus. Jesus,born of flesh and born of the Spirit. The Son of God and the Son of man. The first of God's new creation. Jesus, the first fruit of many brethren to come. Jesus the pattern Son of God, who would willingly choose to die to the will of the flesh, even to an agonizing, but atoning for us, death on a cross. Jesus, the Son of God, having the Spirit withoutmeasure, only saying and doing those things that were in accordance withthe will of the Father. Jesus was the beginning of a totally new heaven and a new earth, anew culture, a new government, as it were. Jesus who came to earth from heaven to provide God's mankind a way to become partakers of God's divine nature and to be participants with Him in a new and living way that had been in the Fathers mind before the foundations of the world. Offered to Adam, rejected, now offered again in Christ Jesus. 1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.The beginning of a new creation. Old things had passed away, all things had become new. A new heaven.....that is; new rule. Judgment would be taken from His angel Lucifer and the angels/gods that followed him. Judgment would be given to the Saints.... Daniel prophesied that this would come to pass. (see Daniel 7: )Jesus, after the cross, resurrection and ascension, was given all power andauthority both in heaven and in earth. Then He in turn gives this judgmentto the saints who will hear and obey as he did. To those men and womenwho by faith would believe and receive and by the blood of the Lamb andthe word of their testimony, overcome the flesh through the workof the Holy Spirit in them. Then, in the fullness of time, God knows, thesewere to become manifest “Sons of God”, after the Fathers own heart.Heb 2:1 (ASV) Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them.Heb 2:2 For if the word spoken through angels proved stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;Heb 2:3 how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard;Heb 2:4 God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will.Heb 2:5 For not unto angels did he subject the world to come, whereof we speak.Heb 2:6 But one hath somewhere testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him?Heb 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honor, And didst set him over the works of thy hands:Heb 2:8 Thou didst put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he subjected all things unto him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we see not yet all things subjected to him.Heb 2:9 But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the angels, even Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every man.Heb 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings.Heb 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,For these believers, these new creations in Christ; these were to becomejoint-heirs with Jesus the Christ both in heaven and in earth. This new rule of God, or government of God, or dominion of the King (Kings-dominion or Kingdom), was to begin first within their own wicked hearts. A process, not an event.Thereby, God's mankind begins this process by believing in faith and thenwillingly choosing to walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh. Thesewho would believe, then hear, and then obey, were to become partakers ofthe Fathers divine nature and in Gods time, grow in the Spirit to becomefully mature and perfected, even unto the stature and measure of Christ. How and when, God knows, but then ready, fully equipped and authorized to rule and reign wherever and whenever God might place them, joint heirswith Jesus.These “Sons of God”. Destined to fulfill the longing of theFather's heart to have Sons (of God) who would love him and manifest Hisdivine nature, even as He loves them. These new “Sons ofGod”, would displace and replace the old angels/gods or principalities andpowers in high places who have been rulers of the darkness of this world. Truly, a new heaven and a new earth. It all started with Jesus for He is the beginning and the end of God's plan.Joh 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince ofthis world be cast out.D**an 7:26-27But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away hisdominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the kingdomand dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the wholeheaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High,whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serveand obey him.Joh 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and myjudgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of theFather which hath sent me.Joh 20:21-22 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my*Father hath sent me, even so send I you*. And when he had said this, hebreathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:1Co 6:2-9 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and ifthe world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallestmatters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more thingsthat pertain to this life? Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,Php 2:5 -11 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of aservant, and was made in the likeness of men:And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and becameobedient unto death, even the death of the cross.Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which isabove every name:That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, andthings in earth, and things under the earth;And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to theglory of God the Father.~ ~ ~Recommended readings:
"The Dominion" is not to angelsPsalms 82:& 83 & 149: etc,Isaiah 14: & 41: & 10: etc.Hebrews 1: & 2: & etc.1 Cor 6:2 Cor. 10:Romans 8: etc.Ephesians 1: & 6: etc.Phil. 2: & etc.
The Goal: (the vision)B. Keith Chadwell
Christ in you, the hope of Glory”; perfection in Christ or Christ perfectedand manifest in us. Sons of God, perfected, ready to glorify God inthe midst of a crooked and perverse generation. These, having theirobedience fulfilled, ready to serve His Majesty, the King and revenge all(heaven and earth will be shaken) disobedience at His direction only, evenas it is written.These will be; A “remnant” of the church, “Sons of God” without need offurther rebuke or correction. Romans; chapter eight, Jude, Joel, Habakkuk,Zephaniah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and many others gives us a glimpseof these “Sons of God” that are to be manifest…or rather have Christ appearor manifest Himself in them and glorify God, once again, in the earth as Jesus did before.However, mature Sons of God are made, they are not born, and the “making” isONLY the work of God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit… “His strange work ”.Isa 28:21 For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act .1Pe 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?Heb 12:5-8 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth hechasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.These Sons of God will have followed the pattern Son, Jesus and they, likeHim, will have learned obedience through the things they have suffered.The suffering that comes from submitting to the cross the things which areof the flesh and only through this suffering, as they willingly submit to thework of the Holy Spirit in them, can they receive the rewards of entering intothe service and complete dominion of His Majesty, the King, as “Manifest Sons of God”.Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Paul understood and taught that righteousness was first by faith but was to be followed, in time, if pursued correctly, to manifest perfection and maturity in Christ. Pro 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. God’s plan is that this perfection would be manifest to the world from servants with totally cleansed hearts. Yet, even Paul did not claim to have attained to that goal but he knew, by faith, this goal for believers was possible through Christ working in him and he pressed toward that goal.Phillipians 3:12-16 (Phillips)Yet, my brothers, I do not consider myself to have "arrived", spiritually, nor do I consider myself already perfect. But I keep going on, grasping ever more firmly that purpose for which Christ grasped me. My brothers, I do not consider myself to have fully grasped it even now.But I do concentrate on this: I leave the past behind and with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead I go straight for the goal - my rewardthe honour of being called by God in Christ.All of us who are spiritually adult should set ourselves this sort of ambition, and if at present you cannot see this, yet you will find that this is the attitude which God is leading you to adopt. It is importantthat we go forward in the light of such truth as we have ourselves attained to.It is God's goal that we go on, beyond the elementary doctrines of Christ, toperfection in Christ, in this earth. Then, Him showing forth His righteousness from within our hearts to a dark and dying world and thereby allowing Christ in us to, in fact, be the manifestation of God's wisdom, power and love to the world, through us. Creation is waiting for this, full, manifestation of the Sons of God. It is the hope of our calling in Christ, the hope of glorifying the Father again, in the earth, even as Christ did.Eph 1:17-19 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, maygive unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance inthe saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward whobelieve, according to the working of his mighty power...~ ~ ~