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| God's Truth Shall Set All Free |
| Church of God Ministry - In Christ |
| God's Law is a Light and a Guide For Righteous Living |
| A Non-Profit Educational Service |
| Insights |
Specific Purpose
These writings are intended for people who are seeking knowledge and understanding to help them firmly establish the truth concerning God, Christ, the holy
scriptures and their overall plan for mankind. The focus of this material is end-time prophecy and Christian maturity and responsibility.
As much as possible, these writings stand separate from any human church organization or man’s opinion. On the other hand, this was written by a man who
has done his best to base every reference and explanation upon Scripture. Except for Christ, no one individual has a perfect or complete understanding of the
Word. All things have not been given to men at this time, but still much has been given.
These writings and presentations are extensive and much of this information will be new. New, in the sense, that the explanation and development of
scriptures goes beyond the traditional thinking most have been exposed to. However, everything the reader will consider has a Biblical foundation. The reader
will have to decide for himself or herself what place and meaning these things may have in their lives.
A Comprehensive Study
Many prophecies of Scripture are, in some way, connected to dates and specific time periods. Prophecies concerning Israel, Judah, and Ephraim are time
sensitive. The times of Jacob’s Troubles, the Times of the Gentiles, and other related issues need close examination.
Prophecy is interesting and vitally important for our end time. We need to understand, our focus should be to know where we are in time, and what the time
line sequence is for the promised events in the years directly ahead of us.
God has developed and implemented some basic methods of time measurement controls that keeps His overall plan precisely on track. We will become
familiar with these time management tools.
Individual end time events will be clearly identified and their proper place in the flow of prophecy will be established. An important and interesting benefit of this
study is that one will begin to see more clearly how God thinks, plans, and executes His plans. His nature and character will become more apparent.
What will be developed is a detailed outline of Biblical end-time events that will be quite accurate and specific. This study will also contain information which
will support certain related matters, though not discussed or only briefly visited in scriptures, are nevertheless directly connected to the primary issues.
In other words, God gives us enough information to come to certain strong and logical conclusions. With this foundation, we can develop those parts which
are not so clearly brought forth.
God does not intend for the Old and New Testament prophetic scriptures to be covered in a dark veil. On the other hand, no matter how clear and exact these
prophecies are made, very few will believe.
For those men and women who strive to understand, believe, and obey, there is a great benefit. They will be able to live and plan the future with calm
assurance, knowing their exact standing and relationship to it.
Christian Requirements
The general understanding and feeling among Christian people is: “Yes, this is the end time, but no, it is not possible to put some kind of understanding to
the order or timing of future events that will find their completion in the return of Jesus Christ.” Or words to that effect.
Among believers, there are several prevailing ideas or opinions as to how one is to live life and how it will come about that one will receive God’s protection
from the tribulation that is soon to try all mankind.
The true Church of God, of which Jesus Christ is the head under God, does not have its foundation or roots in any corporation, splinter group, or small home
group meeting. Some people mistakenly believe this, but in reality, it consists of men and women who have a direct relationship with Jesus Christ and God
the Father, through the active engagement of God’s Holy Spirit.
They have true knowledge and understanding. They believe the words of Jesus, the prophets, and the apostles, and they obey. These active members of
God's church are working and cooperating with Jesus, God, and each other in preparing themselves to be the Bride of Christ.
Knowledge and understanding of prophecies are important for two reasons. One is that if we do not recognize the activities and events taking place in our
world now and in the coming months and years, the likelihood of our being deceived and duped runs very high. Jesus said it is possible for even the very elect
to be deceived. The second reason is that many people look to organizations for leadership and guidance. The feeling among members and leadership is
that God will in some way make His will known to them. Many people in the smaller groups, and individuals, “hope” that they are on the right track and that God
will watch over them.
The problem is that their trust and hope is in men. The scriptures have already laid out what is required, how things will develop and how deliverance will be
obtained.
It all boils down to this one simple fact: We must each individually either give ourselves totally and completely to Jesus Christ as our Savior and Deliverer, or
we will give ourselves over to men and organizations, which, as well-meaning as they may appear to be, is not a wise thing to do.
Each of us must understand, believe, and obey the Messiah above all, then the apostles and prophets as they support Christ, for they have been directly
commissioned by God.
The true Church of God, headed only by Jesus Christ, consists of those who have come to see clearly, without any doubt or reservation, this fundamental but
all encompassing truth.
God Is Dependable
Nothing God does is out of step, all His dealings with mankind are reasonable and have a logical pattern of progression. His plan and how it is accomplished
has continuity and uniformity. It is not a patch work program, allowed to fall into place by itself, or if it strays and slips away, then God does damage control to
bring it back on track.
It can clearly be understood that there are wide boundaries and great flexibility in order to make the playing field vast and inviting. “By chance” is not how God
thinks and plans. If this were the case, as many seem to believe, then God cannot be trusted or depended upon. It means He allows chance and
circumstances to affect His plans and determine outcome. Some may reason, “The result was as He intended.”
The bottom line is this: God is absolutely in charge and in control of everything at all times, or he is not. The purpose for His plan is for every single person
who has been given the spirit of life, to be as a son to Him, even as Jesus, His begotten and firstborn. The opportunity that is offered to each of us is not left to
chance, regardless of the complete foolishness and rebellion He has allowed man for a determined period of time.
A Personal Matter
God is orderly, predictable, and understandable in this matter of end-time prophecy and the connected sequence of events. He intends that all those who are
truly His (those He desires to claim as the Bride of Christ) to receive the full measure of knowledge and truth that leads to understanding, trust and obedience.
Contrary to what some claim, understanding prophecy is vital and necessary. Some say, “The future will take care of itself. Who can know for sure? For now
and later there are more important Christian responsibilities and works to be done!” Both are correct, and each has its place of importance. We need to
understand and we need to be busy.
Godly righteousness does not come from men or their organizations; though church assembly is important. Righteousness comes to those who have built an
independent and direct relationship with God through Jesus Christ. These are men and women who believe the words of Jesus, the prophets, and the
apostles.
The personal burden is to determine what is the truth, and not to be overly concerned about the man giving the information. He is in the exact same state as
you, an individual whose future is to be determined by his relationship with the Father and the Son.
This relationship must be built not only upon logical knowledge and understanding of the truth, but upon a heart to heart relationship with God that will give
one the ability to obey and submit to Him willingly.
Prophetic Time Periods and Dates
Perhaps one of the great struggles for God’s people for the past 50 or so years, has been this matter concerning when will the end time prophecies begin
fulfillment and at what point will Jesus Christ return. Many say we cannot know, we will have to wait and see how things develop and be prepared; beyond this,
it is as God wills. Others reason that living a Christian life day by day, is the more important and necessary requirement. The timing details of prophecy are not
understandable, or of necessity. God will work through the church leadership.
Matt. 24:36 and Mark 13:32 are the scriptures most often used to support the idea that it is not possible to know for any certainty the prophetic time periods and
dates climaxing with the return of Jesus, the Messiah. In the time line prophetic studies, the working premise for everything put forth is that it is necessary to
be able to establish and attach times and dates to the prophecies given by Jesus as found in the gospels. This premise is also detailed in the books of
Revelation and Daniel, with support from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah and the other prophetic books, including the writings of the apostles. These
comments were made before His death and resurrection.
Matt. 28:18 – “Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This statement Jesus makes is made after
His resurrection. He did all as required perfectly. Jesus boldly and without any qualifications, pronounces that he now has all authority in heaven and on
earth. Only God the Father is supreme to Christ. Additional verses that tie in are John 3:35-36 and Heb. 2:8-10.
Jesus, God’s anointed one, came in the flesh so that man could have an opportunity for salvation. This matter of what Jesus did as a man stands separate
from everything else. It is an individual matter that stands on the fact that He flawlessly performed everything given to Him by God. Christ could have sinned,
He could have slipped, but He determined to succeed for our sakes. By the strength of God’s Spirit, along with His own strength of character rooted in love for
God and His righteous law, Christ is now qualified king and high priest for all mankind for all time.
I believe it is fair to say, that Jesus knows exactly the prophetic time periods and dates leading to His second coming. Beyond this, He intends for His church
to know what He knows, that is, all pertinent information and details. In this way, the church will be able to prepare herself for the historic events and
responsibilities in the years directly ahead of her leading to His return.
It is imperative that Christians not only be informed, but they must believe. Complete faith and trust in Jesus Christ, is the only ticket available for this journey.
"Perfect". . .Sinless Perfection or Maturity?
As we read and study the Bible, occasionally we run into a word, that although it appears to make sense, it just doesn’t quite satisfy. We think there must be
more to it. What we usually do is hope that in time, something or someone will come along and explain the true intent of the word.
The word “perfect” as it is found in the KJV has caused some to draw the conclusion that it is possible for Christian believers to live above sin. A teaching
sometimes referred to as “sinless perfection.” It teaches that believers are able to reach a point in their lives where they no longer commit sin. They talk of the
“old nature” as being “eradicated.”
The word translated “perfect” in Greek is “taleios,” it’s verb is “teleioo.” As we look closely we see the shades of meaning reveal something very different from
sinless perfection. In particular, these words emphasize that which is full-grown or mature. It is dealing with maturity in a person or the finishing of a work.
The apostle Paul often used this word. Paul says in I Cor. 14:20 – “Brethren be you yet not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be you children, but in
understanding be men.” The word “men” here is the Greek noun “teleios” which means – be matured men. (The NKJV has mature.) Paul was drawing a
contrast between children and adults. He was not talking about sinless perfection, but Paul wanted their lives to show evidence of behavior expected of
mature Christians. Heb. 5:14 – “But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern
both good and evil.” The same Greek word is here translated “of full age,” again emplasizing maturity. This verse tells us that in order for us to become
spiritually mature we must exercise our senses in discerning both good and evil. We become mature as we practice applying the word of God to situations
that arise in our daily lives. James says this to his readers in I James 1:2-4: Verse 2 – “My brethern, count it all joy when you fall into different temptations.
Verse 3 – Knowing this, that the trying of our faith works patience. Verse 4 – But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting
nothing.” Here both words translated perfect are forms of the Greek word teleios. James was emplasizing the end product of patience.
The testing of our faith works patience, which results in a mature and well-rounded Christian. Because we are in this process it will be the most important
thing in ones life. We are in the midst of accomplishing the most important purpose of life—becoming more like Jesus Christ.
There will be a day when we as true Christians will be sinlessly perfect. But concerning this life, the apostle John wrote in I John 1:8-10: Verse 8 – “If we say
we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. Verse 9 – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse
us from all unrighteousness. Verse 10 – If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”
The true Christian today is to be “perfect” in the sense that he is to be a mature individual who honors God the Father and Jesus Christ in His daily living. We
follow Christ in all things. He was perfect. He lived His life as an example so that we could better understand how to live our lives.
These writings are intended for people who are seeking knowledge and understanding to help them firmly establish the truth concerning God, Christ, the holy
scriptures and their overall plan for mankind. The focus of this material is end-time prophecy and Christian maturity and responsibility.
As much as possible, these writings stand separate from any human church organization or man’s opinion. On the other hand, this was written by a man who
has done his best to base every reference and explanation upon Scripture. Except for Christ, no one individual has a perfect or complete understanding of the
Word. All things have not been given to men at this time, but still much has been given.
These writings and presentations are extensive and much of this information will be new. New, in the sense, that the explanation and development of
scriptures goes beyond the traditional thinking most have been exposed to. However, everything the reader will consider has a Biblical foundation. The reader
will have to decide for himself or herself what place and meaning these things may have in their lives.
A Comprehensive Study
Many prophecies of Scripture are, in some way, connected to dates and specific time periods. Prophecies concerning Israel, Judah, and Ephraim are time
sensitive. The times of Jacob’s Troubles, the Times of the Gentiles, and other related issues need close examination.
Prophecy is interesting and vitally important for our end time. We need to understand, our focus should be to know where we are in time, and what the time
line sequence is for the promised events in the years directly ahead of us.
God has developed and implemented some basic methods of time measurement controls that keeps His overall plan precisely on track. We will become
familiar with these time management tools.
Individual end time events will be clearly identified and their proper place in the flow of prophecy will be established. An important and interesting benefit of this
study is that one will begin to see more clearly how God thinks, plans, and executes His plans. His nature and character will become more apparent.
What will be developed is a detailed outline of Biblical end-time events that will be quite accurate and specific. This study will also contain information which
will support certain related matters, though not discussed or only briefly visited in scriptures, are nevertheless directly connected to the primary issues.
In other words, God gives us enough information to come to certain strong and logical conclusions. With this foundation, we can develop those parts which
are not so clearly brought forth.
God does not intend for the Old and New Testament prophetic scriptures to be covered in a dark veil. On the other hand, no matter how clear and exact these
prophecies are made, very few will believe.
For those men and women who strive to understand, believe, and obey, there is a great benefit. They will be able to live and plan the future with calm
assurance, knowing their exact standing and relationship to it.
Christian Requirements
The general understanding and feeling among Christian people is: “Yes, this is the end time, but no, it is not possible to put some kind of understanding to
the order or timing of future events that will find their completion in the return of Jesus Christ.” Or words to that effect.
Among believers, there are several prevailing ideas or opinions as to how one is to live life and how it will come about that one will receive God’s protection
from the tribulation that is soon to try all mankind.
The true Church of God, of which Jesus Christ is the head under God, does not have its foundation or roots in any corporation, splinter group, or small home
group meeting. Some people mistakenly believe this, but in reality, it consists of men and women who have a direct relationship with Jesus Christ and God
the Father, through the active engagement of God’s Holy Spirit.
They have true knowledge and understanding. They believe the words of Jesus, the prophets, and the apostles, and they obey. These active members of
God's church are working and cooperating with Jesus, God, and each other in preparing themselves to be the Bride of Christ.
Knowledge and understanding of prophecies are important for two reasons. One is that if we do not recognize the activities and events taking place in our
world now and in the coming months and years, the likelihood of our being deceived and duped runs very high. Jesus said it is possible for even the very elect
to be deceived. The second reason is that many people look to organizations for leadership and guidance. The feeling among members and leadership is
that God will in some way make His will known to them. Many people in the smaller groups, and individuals, “hope” that they are on the right track and that God
will watch over them.
The problem is that their trust and hope is in men. The scriptures have already laid out what is required, how things will develop and how deliverance will be
obtained.
It all boils down to this one simple fact: We must each individually either give ourselves totally and completely to Jesus Christ as our Savior and Deliverer, or
we will give ourselves over to men and organizations, which, as well-meaning as they may appear to be, is not a wise thing to do.
Each of us must understand, believe, and obey the Messiah above all, then the apostles and prophets as they support Christ, for they have been directly
commissioned by God.
The true Church of God, headed only by Jesus Christ, consists of those who have come to see clearly, without any doubt or reservation, this fundamental but
all encompassing truth.
God Is Dependable
Nothing God does is out of step, all His dealings with mankind are reasonable and have a logical pattern of progression. His plan and how it is accomplished
has continuity and uniformity. It is not a patch work program, allowed to fall into place by itself, or if it strays and slips away, then God does damage control to
bring it back on track.
It can clearly be understood that there are wide boundaries and great flexibility in order to make the playing field vast and inviting. “By chance” is not how God
thinks and plans. If this were the case, as many seem to believe, then God cannot be trusted or depended upon. It means He allows chance and
circumstances to affect His plans and determine outcome. Some may reason, “The result was as He intended.”
The bottom line is this: God is absolutely in charge and in control of everything at all times, or he is not. The purpose for His plan is for every single person
who has been given the spirit of life, to be as a son to Him, even as Jesus, His begotten and firstborn. The opportunity that is offered to each of us is not left to
chance, regardless of the complete foolishness and rebellion He has allowed man for a determined period of time.
A Personal Matter
God is orderly, predictable, and understandable in this matter of end-time prophecy and the connected sequence of events. He intends that all those who are
truly His (those He desires to claim as the Bride of Christ) to receive the full measure of knowledge and truth that leads to understanding, trust and obedience.
Contrary to what some claim, understanding prophecy is vital and necessary. Some say, “The future will take care of itself. Who can know for sure? For now
and later there are more important Christian responsibilities and works to be done!” Both are correct, and each has its place of importance. We need to
understand and we need to be busy.
Godly righteousness does not come from men or their organizations; though church assembly is important. Righteousness comes to those who have built an
independent and direct relationship with God through Jesus Christ. These are men and women who believe the words of Jesus, the prophets, and the
apostles.
The personal burden is to determine what is the truth, and not to be overly concerned about the man giving the information. He is in the exact same state as
you, an individual whose future is to be determined by his relationship with the Father and the Son.
This relationship must be built not only upon logical knowledge and understanding of the truth, but upon a heart to heart relationship with God that will give
one the ability to obey and submit to Him willingly.
Prophetic Time Periods and Dates
Perhaps one of the great struggles for God’s people for the past 50 or so years, has been this matter concerning when will the end time prophecies begin
fulfillment and at what point will Jesus Christ return. Many say we cannot know, we will have to wait and see how things develop and be prepared; beyond this,
it is as God wills. Others reason that living a Christian life day by day, is the more important and necessary requirement. The timing details of prophecy are not
understandable, or of necessity. God will work through the church leadership.
Matt. 24:36 and Mark 13:32 are the scriptures most often used to support the idea that it is not possible to know for any certainty the prophetic time periods and
dates climaxing with the return of Jesus, the Messiah. In the time line prophetic studies, the working premise for everything put forth is that it is necessary to
be able to establish and attach times and dates to the prophecies given by Jesus as found in the gospels. This premise is also detailed in the books of
Revelation and Daniel, with support from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah and the other prophetic books, including the writings of the apostles. These
comments were made before His death and resurrection.
Matt. 28:18 – “Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This statement Jesus makes is made after
His resurrection. He did all as required perfectly. Jesus boldly and without any qualifications, pronounces that he now has all authority in heaven and on
earth. Only God the Father is supreme to Christ. Additional verses that tie in are John 3:35-36 and Heb. 2:8-10.
Jesus, God’s anointed one, came in the flesh so that man could have an opportunity for salvation. This matter of what Jesus did as a man stands separate
from everything else. It is an individual matter that stands on the fact that He flawlessly performed everything given to Him by God. Christ could have sinned,
He could have slipped, but He determined to succeed for our sakes. By the strength of God’s Spirit, along with His own strength of character rooted in love for
God and His righteous law, Christ is now qualified king and high priest for all mankind for all time.
I believe it is fair to say, that Jesus knows exactly the prophetic time periods and dates leading to His second coming. Beyond this, He intends for His church
to know what He knows, that is, all pertinent information and details. In this way, the church will be able to prepare herself for the historic events and
responsibilities in the years directly ahead of her leading to His return.
It is imperative that Christians not only be informed, but they must believe. Complete faith and trust in Jesus Christ, is the only ticket available for this journey.
"Perfect". . .Sinless Perfection or Maturity?
As we read and study the Bible, occasionally we run into a word, that although it appears to make sense, it just doesn’t quite satisfy. We think there must be
more to it. What we usually do is hope that in time, something or someone will come along and explain the true intent of the word.
The word “perfect” as it is found in the KJV has caused some to draw the conclusion that it is possible for Christian believers to live above sin. A teaching
sometimes referred to as “sinless perfection.” It teaches that believers are able to reach a point in their lives where they no longer commit sin. They talk of the
“old nature” as being “eradicated.”
The word translated “perfect” in Greek is “taleios,” it’s verb is “teleioo.” As we look closely we see the shades of meaning reveal something very different from
sinless perfection. In particular, these words emphasize that which is full-grown or mature. It is dealing with maturity in a person or the finishing of a work.
The apostle Paul often used this word. Paul says in I Cor. 14:20 – “Brethren be you yet not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be you children, but in
understanding be men.” The word “men” here is the Greek noun “teleios” which means – be matured men. (The NKJV has mature.) Paul was drawing a
contrast between children and adults. He was not talking about sinless perfection, but Paul wanted their lives to show evidence of behavior expected of
mature Christians. Heb. 5:14 – “But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern
both good and evil.” The same Greek word is here translated “of full age,” again emplasizing maturity. This verse tells us that in order for us to become
spiritually mature we must exercise our senses in discerning both good and evil. We become mature as we practice applying the word of God to situations
that arise in our daily lives. James says this to his readers in I James 1:2-4: Verse 2 – “My brethern, count it all joy when you fall into different temptations.
Verse 3 – Knowing this, that the trying of our faith works patience. Verse 4 – But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting
nothing.” Here both words translated perfect are forms of the Greek word teleios. James was emplasizing the end product of patience.
The testing of our faith works patience, which results in a mature and well-rounded Christian. Because we are in this process it will be the most important
thing in ones life. We are in the midst of accomplishing the most important purpose of life—becoming more like Jesus Christ.
There will be a day when we as true Christians will be sinlessly perfect. But concerning this life, the apostle John wrote in I John 1:8-10: Verse 8 – “If we say
we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. Verse 9 – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse
us from all unrighteousness. Verse 10 – If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”
The true Christian today is to be “perfect” in the sense that he is to be a mature individual who honors God the Father and Jesus Christ in His daily living. We
follow Christ in all things. He was perfect. He lived His life as an example so that we could better understand how to live our lives.
| Insights |