Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
While I am a Historicist 9 do believe that the 7 trumpet judgments are future.
Revelation 8:1 "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour." With the last seal God's judgment has come and all is in silence, a prophetic symbol of awe before Jehovah's majesty (Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 23:2; Hab 2:20; Zeph 1:7; Zech. 2:13). Revelation 8:2-3 2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar with was before the throne. 4And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.5And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake The seven trumpets for a new cycle in Revelation's visions, like the seven churches (chs.1-3) and the seven seals (4:1-8:1). The seven trumpets answer the prayers of all saints for salvation and justice (5:8; 6:9-11). The prayers of the saints come to God through Christ's priestly work of blood atonement (temple symbolism of the altar; Exodus 30:10).and intercession (burning incense in the censer; Leviticus 16:12; Num 16:47-48). Jehovah God hears the prayers of the saints and sends His holy wrath (fire of the altar; Leviticus 9;24-10:3) upon the wicked, judging them according to His law (thundering's, and lightnings as on Mount Sinai; Ex. 19 16; 20:1-18). Revelation 8:6-7 6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. The images described in the trumpet judgments should be understood according to old testament events and symbolic language. The judgments allude to the plagues on Egypt. Exodus 9:23-26 23 And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and Jehovah sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down unto the earth; and Jehovah rained hail upon the land of Egypt. 24 So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as had not been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. 25 And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field. 26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail. The first trumpet is a judgment that mirrors the plague sent upon Egypt by Jehovah God. One thing to note was that those who feared God were spared from the plague of hail, both those of Pharaoh's house and of course the Israelites. How should we understand this first trumpet judgment? Is it historical and thereby symbolic of a military-political event in history or is it a future judgment and a literal plague of hail? Many historicists say that this trumpet judgment is related to a military-political event in history such as what befell Jerusalem in A.D. 70, however ascribing this to a specific event in history is arbitrary. If the plague of hail that befell Egypt was literal then we should also understand this first trumpet judgment as literal and something that will take place in the future. This first trumpet judgment affects the earth's vegetation. Remember, by this time God has sealed His servants so that they would be protected. Revelation 8:8-9 8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; 9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. Another proof that these trumpet judgments are future is that the above plague brings imagery of the destruction of Babylon. This indicates that this plague is part of the destruction of modern Babylon. Jeremiah 51:24-25 24 And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith Jehovah.25 Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith Jehovah, which destroyest all the earth; and I will stretch out my hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain. Volcanic imagery is used to denote the destruction of old Babylon (Jeremiah 51) and also new Babylon (Revelation 8). The imagery from Jeremiah and Revelation 8 can indeed be taken symbolically of the fall of a mighty Kingdom (great mountain). Again, there is no reason for this not to be future as the second trumpet judgment is part of the destruction of end time Babylon. Many historicists posit this to be the destruction of the Roman empire but again that is arbitrary as we have to remember that these trumpet judgments are part of the seventh seal which come after the first six in sequence. From the language of this second trumpet we see that the destruction is only partial not complete so the volcanic imagery is likely not symbolic of the Kingdom (mountain) of Babylon being thrown down but rather a plague is sent on Babylon that affects sea life. Their are also allusions to the plague that Jehovah struck Egypt with in Exodus 7:17-21. There actually have already been massive reports of sea life dying in the ocean is huge numbers and parts of oceans, rivers and lakes turning blood red due to the death of sea life and other environmental issues. I believe that the second trumpet judgment is literal and future. Revelation 8:10-11 10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; 11And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. Again, there is no reason not to take this trumpet judgment as anything but literal. In fact, there is already many countries and cities that have crises having do to with healthy and clean water. The word "wormwood" is also used in Deuteronomy 29:17-18 having to do with idolatry. It is because of the idolatry of Babylon that Jehovah sends this third trumpet judgment as the springs of waters will become wormwood i.e. bitter. While some historicists posit this as representing the apostasy of the dark ages this again would be arbitrary. It definitely applies to the idolatry of modern Babylon and there is no reason not to believe that this is anything but a literal plague. Revelation 8:12-13 12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound! This trumpet judgment affects the sun, moon and stars contained in the firmament which is the second heaven. Some historicists posit this plague as having to do with the apostasy of the middle ages or the enlightenment of the Renaissance. Again, there is no reason to not take this trumpet as anything but literal. There have been signs in the sky before such as the famous dark day in New England back in 1780. Also, the day where there were falling stars throughout the U.S. back in 1833. So again, there is no reason not to take this judgement as anything but literal. Egypt also had a plague of darkness: Exodus 10:21 "And Jehovah said unto Moses, Stretch out thy hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt." This plague was literal to Egypt and thereby will also be literal re the fourth trumpet. The next 3 trumpets will even be worse than these four!
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My study on Revelation 10
Revelation Chapter 10:1-3 1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, 3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. This angel symbolically represents Christ. The Son of God is not an angelic Spirit as the word "angel" means "messenger" and refers to messengers of God whether angelic or human. Clothed with a cloud as Christ is the Son of man that was brought before the Ancient of days Jehovah upon a cloud at His ascension (Dan 7:13-14). Jesus will also make His return upon a cloud (Mark 13:26). His setting his feet on the sea and earth denotes His inheritance as He is the eternal Davidic King whose reign will never end. He roars as a Lion as He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The Son of God will judge in anger (Proverbs 19:12; 20:2; Isaiah 31:4; Amos 3:4-8). The King declares God's wrath "seven thunders" (Rev 8:5; 11:19; 16:18; Psalm.29:3-7). Jesus feet are as pillars of fire and His face is as the sun shining in its strength (Rev 1:15-16). "a rainbow was upon his head", the King Jesus Christ possesses Jehovah's covenantal glory (Rev 4:3; Genesis 9:12-17). The angel has a little book in his hand which is already open when the vision begins. Is this the same book that contained the seven seals from Revelation 5? It could be as remember the book is already opened by the time the vision begins and by this point in time we are in the seventh seal with one more trumpet to go. Revelation 10:4 "And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not." As mentioned above the seven thunders likely symbolize the wrath of Jehovah God. The seven thunders could allude to the seven bowl judgments which are the seven last plagues. Revelation 10:5-6 5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: 7But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. Here the angel swears by Jehovah the living God. Also, note the reference to the Sabbath commandment by acknowledging Jehovah as being creator as the heaven, earth and sea and all that in them is. We later see the Sabbath's importance as the book of Revelation progresses. There should be time no longer refers to the fact that the seventh trumpet is about to blow which will finish the mystery of God, which is the gospel going out to the nations in order to bring them to the commonwealth of Israel. The Kingdom of Christ will come down to the earth without further delay. Revelation 10:8 "And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth." Here the angel gives John the opened book or scroll revealing God's purposes of redemption and destruction for all the world: Verses 9 and 10 of Revelation 10 10 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. The word of God is delightful to believers (Ps. 1:2), as sweet as honey (Ps.19:10). Yet the word is also bitter for it speaks against sin, bringing isolation and persecution to believers in this world (Jer. 15:15-21). My study on Romans 10
Romans 10 1 Brethren, my heart`s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. Paul had a desire to see his countrymen of the flesh saved. They had a zeal for Jehovah God but not according to the accurate knowledge of the new covenant. They were still stuck in the old covenant as well as non biblical Pharisaic traditions.' 3 For being ignorant of God`s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.4For Messiah is the end of the law unto righteousness to every one that believeth. God's righteousness was fully brought in by the revelation of the Son of God who came to explain the Father to us (John 1:18) and give us a understanding of Him (1 John 5:20). John the apostle says that the law came by Moses but grace and truth by Jehoshua Messiah. During Jehoshua's ministry the Jewish religious leaders refused to see the righteousness that He was bringing in and still firmly held on to their man made traditions. They also were more concerned with the outward aspects of the law rather than the spirit of it. In Jeremiah 23:6 it says that the future Branch of David would be called "Jehovah our righteousness". Verse 4 of the above verse says that the Messiah is the end of the law to those who believe. This verse has been the subject of discussion between the faith alone crowd and the Hebrew roots movement. The faith alone crowd says that this verse shows that the law is over. They use this to support their anti-nomian lawless gospel. The Hebrew roots folks say that the word "end" also means "goal" and that the Messiah is the goal of the law meaning how Messiah kept Torah is how we should keep it. Who is right regarding verse 4? I would lean more towards the Hebrew roots understanding however they still get it wrong badly. First we have to understand the context that Paul is addressing which is the Jews refusal to embrace the Messiah and the new covenant. By him saying that Messiah is the end/goal of the law is not mean as abolishing Jehovah's law in the old testament as that would contradict too many passages in the new testament that hearken to commandments and laws given in the old testament. I agree with the Hebrew roots movement that Messiah is the goal of the law for everyone who believes. How Messiah kept the law is how we should keep it as we are exhorted to follow His example and pattern as even Paul says this. Where the Hebrew roots people go wrong as taking this statement to embrace the Mosaic law. Of course, they acknowledge the animal sacrifices are not for us but they do say they will come back in some earthly millennium. Some even do go so far as to sacrifice a lamb on passover. This statement by Paul that Messiah is the end (goal) of the law should not cause us to go back to the law of Moses as we need to match up this statement with the book of Hebrews lest we go back to faded glory. 2 Corinthians chapter 3 also is a good chapter to align with Paul's statement in Romans 10:4. Bible prophecy says that the Davidic Messiah would bring in everlasting righteousness: Daniel 9:24 "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy." Jehoshua was the holy of holies when He walked this earth as Jehovah God tabernacled in Him. As stated above, Jehoshua is Jehovah our righteousness. He lived out the commandments of the Father in spirit and in truth. He showed how they were to be kept. When Jehoshua preached He overwhelmingly focused on the internal heart rather than external rituals. Jehoshua even kept the Sabbath differently than the Jewish religious establishment. The Hebrew roots crowd focuses so much on Moses and the letter of the law that they almost completely ignore the sermon on the mount which sums up the law of Messiah. Isaiah 42:4 says the islands (Gentiles) would wait for the law of the future Messiah: "He will not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set justice in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law" Jehoshua is superior to Moses and a Son over His own house (the Church) and has the authority to Institute law as He is the King of the Kingdom of God. Romans 10:5-7 5 For Moses writeth that the man that doeth the righteousness which is of the law shall live thereby.6 But the righteousness which is of faith saith thus, Say not in thy heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down:)7 or, Who shall descend into the abyss? (That is, to bring Christ up from the dead.) Verse 5 is key here as Paul quotes Leviticus 18:5 which speaks well of the law and that the person who keeps the law will live in them. In the next verses Paul quotes Deuteronomy 30:12-14. If you read that passage it actually talks about the commandments of God being near to us and not far. Here in Romans 10 Paul says that the gospel of the death and resurrection of the Messiah is not far from us and that it is near to us because Jehoshua already did the work of the cross leading to His resurrection and ascension. Whereas the Deuteronomy passage was referring to the commandments which we call the law of Moses, Paul applies that principle to the gospel of the Kingdom which is centered upon the death and resurrection of Jehoshua Messiah. Just as the old testament Israelites would live by the commands of the law of Moses if they performed them, the new covenant Israel of God would live by the faith of the gospel of the Kingdom if they lived by the commandments of the gospel. We are not to try and bring Messiah down from heaven and or bring Him again up from the dead as He already did that thereby the gospel is already set for us. All that we need is in the gospel that has been revealed to us and we need not try and do the work of Messiah that He has already accomplished. The new covenant gospel is firmly established by what the Son of God has done for us. Romans 10:8-9 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach:9 because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jehoshua as King, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: Paul is letting the Romans know that the word of the gospel of the Kingdom is near to them and in their mouth and heart as they are living epistles written on the heart. This is why they are not to try and unto the work of Messiah by going back to the old covenant as they should be clear on what the new covenant gospel is being that they were preached it and themselves preached it. The righteousness by faith of the new covenant is to confess that Jehoshua is King referring to His Davidic Kingship. It is also to have faith that Jehovah God raised Jehoshua from the dead. The Davidic Kingship of Jehoshua and His resurrection are intertwined as it was His resurrection that led to His enthronement as King of Israel (Acts 2:29-36; Acts 13:32-35; Hebrews 1). It is believing in these truths, the Kingship and resurrection of Jehoshua that saves us not the works of the Mosaic law. Romans 10:10-11 10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be put to shame. The gospel of the Kingdom is written on our hearts when we believe in it's message. Out our mouth proceed what is in our hearts. To believe on Jehoshua is more than an acknowledgement of a set of facts about Him but rather to believe what He taught and to obey His teachings (doctrine). If we stay firmly rooted in Messiah then we will not be put to shame. To believe on Jehoshua is to believe everything about Him and everything He commanded and believing in His teachings means to observe and keep them. The core of the gospel is the Kingship of Jehoshua and His death and resurrection. This is what is required to be saved and enter into the Kingdom. When we get baptized it is a seal of our faith in these truths. Our baptism actually identifies with the death, burial and resurrection of Jehoshua. Romans 10:12-13 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: 13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of Jehovah shall be saved. There is only one entrance way into the Kingdom of God and that is through the gospel of Jehoshua's Kingship and resurrection. Both Jews and Greeks must enter the Kingdom through Jehovah's only begotten Son. The Jews cannot get there through keeping the ceremonies of the old covenant as they have to get there the same way as the Gentiles and that is through the narrow gate that is Jehoshua and all He stands for. The same Lord that is God of the Jews is God of the Gentiles so both have equal access to salvation with the same requirement and that is to call upon the name of Jehovah God. This is taken from Joel chapter 2 which obviously refers to calling on Jehovah God. In the context of Paul's message here, to call on the name of Jehovah God is to have faith in His Son's Kingship and resurrection. None of the ceremonies of the law of Moses will get one into the Kingdom as the Jews must believe in the new covenant gospel centered upon the resurrection of the Son of God. Romans 10:14 "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" The Gentiles generally did not believe in Jehovah God in the old testament times. Now that Jehoshua has been manifested to the nation of Israel and brought in the new covenant, it is up to preachers to sound the trumpet of the gospel. Without the preaching of the gospel no one would call on the name of Jehovah God. This is especially true in the times of the apostolic church since the Gentile nations weren't too familiar with the God of Israel. This is still true today as many areas of the world have either never heard the gospel preached or have real limited exposure. Even in places like America many may have never heard a solid gospel message due to watered down American Christian gospel. Romans 10:15 "and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!" Here Paul quotes Isaiah 52:7 and he is exhorting the brethren to preach the gospel as he says "how shall they preach except they be sent?" He says that those who preach the good news of the Kingdom appear as beautiful to those who are being given that good news. This is an exhortation to all of us to go and preach the gospel of the Kingdom. We need not wait for anyone to send us as our King Jehoshua Messiah has already done that (Matthew 28:19). Looking at the quotation in Isaiah we see that gospel message is at it's core that salvation has come and to tell Zion (the church) that God reigns. The evidence of God's salvation in the context of Paul's message to the Romans is that Jehoshua is King and that He has been raised from the dead. Romans 10:16 "But they did not all hearken to the glad tidings. For Isaiah saith, Jehovah, who hath believed our report?" This is another quotation from Isaiah (Isaiah 53:1) and he is lamenting that many are not believing the report of the future Messianic servant of Jehovah God. Paul is applying this prophecy to the Israelites who rejected the sure foundation stone of Zion, Jehoshua Messiah. Romans 10:17 " So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Messiah." Belief in the gospel of the Kingdom comes from hearing the very words of Messiah. Everything taught by Jehoshua is for the new covenant believer, whether they be Jew or Greek as Paul said there is no distinction (verse 12). This refutes the dispensationalist doctrine that teaches that the words of Jehoshua are for the Jews only. In fact, it is the words of Messiah that wash someone clean and save them and give eternal life. It is the Messiah's commandments that the apostles were charged with taking to the Gentiles to command them to observe. Romans 10:18-19 18 But I say, Did they not hear? Yea, verily, Their sound went out into all the earth, And their words unto the ends of the world.19 But I say, Did Israel not know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, With a nation void of understanding will I anger you. Verse 18 is a quotation of Psalm 19:4, general revelation in creation and providence is universal. Verse 19 is a quotation of Deuteronomy 32:21, Israel had been told that, as they had worshipped non-gods, so Jehovah would gather a non-people to be his own in order to provoke them to jealousy. Romans 10:20-21 20And Isaiah is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I became manifest unto them that asked not of me.21But as to Israel he saith, All the day long did I spread out my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. Isaiah 65:1-2 is applied to the present unbelief of the bulk of the Jews and the ingathering of the Gentiles. In light of the events concerning the protests, rioting and looting it's important to see what the word of God says about these things not what so called justice warrior Christians say about them.
Matthew 24:12 "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Iniquity is lawlessness which results in the love of many waxing cold. Certainly that describes the riots and looting we just witnessed throughout America's cities. There are actually so called religious leaders excusing the madness that just took place, what does Jehoshua say about them in relation to iniquity? Matthew 24:11 "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." We know that the discarding of Jehovah's law leads to iniquity and because of that the love of many grows cold. These so called Pastor's by excusing the rioting have shown that the law of Jehovah is not their standard. When the law is not your standard then you could justify a lot of things. The Pastor's of America have constantly pounded it in the heads of their congregants that the commandments are done away with and that no matter what you do you cannot lose your salvation. Matthew 7:17-19 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. While the celebrities, athletes and corrupt politicians of this world endorse the riots and even hold the rioters up as some kind of freedom fighters, the word of God Jehoshua Messiah shows us why these lawless men and women did these things. What you saw from those that looted stores, destroyed property, attacked innocent civilians even police officers is a natural result of them being bad corrupt trees. It is only natural that a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. While Barack Obama and CNN glorify these thugs Jehoshua says as the evil trees that they are they will be cast into the lake of fire. A bad tree cannot bring forth good fruit thereby we need not expect these evil children of Satan to produce the righteousness of God. We know that George Floyd was murdered in cold blood but what does scripture say about repaying evil for evil? 1 Peter 3:9 "not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing." What's awful is that these rioters were not repaying evil for evil to those that did the evil but they were bringing evil upon innocent people that had nothing to do with the murder of George Floyd. Just to backup what Jehoshua says about the bad trees being cast into the fire let's go to the apostle Paul: 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 9 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,10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. The rioters stole and looted stores (thieves, covetous). They were reviling authority. They were participating in extortion which means "rapacious, ravening". Rapacious means to take by force. The looters descended upon the cities like ravenous wolves destroying and stealing property not because of justice but because they are covetous. What does Jehoshua say about material possessions? Matthew 6:19-20 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: Many false pastor's have tried to justify or excuse the looting, some even saying that Jehoshua Messiah Himself was a rebel and revolutionary yet we see plainly here that the Son of God is absolutely against what these rioters did. To the contrary, Jehoshua says not to lay up for ourselves treasures here on earth. Instead, we are to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. The madness and lawlessness we saw in the streets of America has nothing to do with justice but rather an evil heart: Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" The heart of man is so deceitful that he will justify the wickedness that took place in our country. Never trust anyone who just excused or justified the covetous thievery and ravenous violence that just took place in America. The wicked heart of man allows him to: Isaiah 5:20 "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" This is the point we are at in society friends. The athletes, celebrities and corrupt politicians are calling what just happened in our cities good yet Jehovah God calls it evil. Who do you believe? In fact, Isaiah says WOE unto them that put darkness (lawless rioting) for light. These celebrity devils put light (God's commandments and bible believing Christianity) for darkness saying it is repressive and backwards. Romans 1 describes perfectly what we are seeing today in society and why many are championing the lawlessness we are seeing: Romans 1:28-32 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. The root of the iniquities we have seen during these riots is not social injustice but rather a rejection of God. Because they rejected the living God He has in turn given them over to a reprobate (rejected) mind. They are filled with all unrighteousness committing acts of hate and violence and stealing due to a covetous heart that is greedy for gain. They have a heart that is perfected in wickedness and their doings reveal what's inside it. They are full of envy, falsely accusing others of having privilege and they justify looting and destroying businesses which are the result of the hard work of others. They are full of murder as they actually murder people in their rioting, they have blood lust. They are malicious as they filled with spite and hatred. Malignity i.e. deep seated hatred and great malice. This has been displayed repeatedly by protesters against those who they perceive as having some type of privilege. Many of these protesters, rioters and looters are backbiters meaning they slander others by falsely accusing them of racism just because they don't buy into the narrative of the mainstream media or hold traditional values. These rioters and looters are haters of God as they without shame violate His law by committing thievery, covetousness and murder. In fact, the two organizations that have a big part in organizing these protests, BLM and ANTIFA, promote a God hating agenda. They promote anti family, anti-man rhetoric. They promote wicked lifestyles such as transgenderism and the Sodomite/Lesbian movement. These rioters are despiteful meaning contemptuous as they hold others in contempt as they themselves blame others for their own shortcomings in life. They are inventors of evil things as they find creative ways to pour their violence out. Antifa is known for all kinds of creative acts of violence. Disobedient to parents, many of these protesters and rioters grew up learning biblical values and have discarded them and bought into the lies of the God hating education system. Without understanding, these protesters and rioters easily buy into every lie the media feeds them. They have been given over to a reprobate mind. They buy into the propaganda of Satan's mouthpiece which is the State government, the media, Hollywood and the educational system. They are covenant breakers, they despise and willfully break Jehovah's commandments. They support wicked atrocities such as abortion and Homosexuality. They are without natural affection as they are not pure in heart and think evil of people when there is no cause to do so. They hate the God given and approved love of heterosexual relationships which is natural and promote the unnatural perverted sexual lifestyles of Sodomites and Lesbians. They are automatons who make technology their god thereby the lack the natural ability to love others and have meaningful relationships. There version of love is rooted in a victim mentality and left wing ideology. They falsely accuse godly people of being hateful because of their stand for righteousness and the unborn. They call good evil and evil good. They are implacable, you cannot please them and if you give them an inch they will take a mile. You cannot satisfy them even by giving into their demands. We should never to try to placate reprobates such as those who just burned down our cities and assaulted innocent people. Unmerciful, they don't have mercy on their targets of assault. They are brazen and bold in their evil deeds. Deep down they know the judgment of God and that they who commit such things are worthy of death, not only those who practice lawlessness but those who agree with and have pleasure in those who do those lawlessness deeds. 2nd Timothy 3:1-5 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. We certainly are in perilous times as we see that men have become lovers of themselves and exalt themselves due to the color of their skin promoting racial superiority agendas and saying that certain races are devils. They are selfish and unholy. They are covetous, looting and pillaging businesses claiming to be righteous while doing so. They are lovers of material gain and they covet other people's goods who have worked hard for them. They are proud, exalting themselves for the color of their skin and putting others down. They are blasphemers hating godly values and promoting wickedness such as thievery and violence. They blaspheme by speaking evil and railing against others. We saw this during the protests as people got in the faces of police offices screaming at them. They are unthankful and unholy, they do not appreciate anything and think people owe them. They are demanding and want things given to them instead of working hard. No matter how much you give them they are still unthankful. They are not set apart by God but revel in wickedness. They cannot rest their heads until they have done evil. Again, they are without natural affection, they are inhuman and unloving. They are trucebreakers, truceless, implacable (cannot be satisfied or appeased). They are false accusers, if you don't agree with their agenda then they label you all kinds of wicked things and name call. If you stand for biblical values they call you a bigot and hate monger. If you don't subscribe to their liberal social justice agenda then they label you a racist etc. They are incontinent as they are without self control and powerless to control their wicked deeds as we saw during the riots as people stole, beat and robbed and burned. The mob mentality! They are fierce, they commit savagery against property and people. They cannot be reasoned with as they are given over to a vile mind. They are despisers of those that are good. They hate godly people and those who love peace and care for the unborn. They hate the idea of the God ordained family and the stay at home mom. They are traitors, they have no loyalty. They are heady meaning rash. They are high-minded as they are self conceited in their racism and hatred towards others of another skin color. They are proud and lifted up with pride. They have brazenly defaced property and defamed the character of others by labeling them bigots just because they don't agree with their agenda and they hold to biblical values. They are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. They are wanton in breaking God's commandments in order to commit lawless deeds in the name of justice. They have pleasure in doing their wicked deeds. They will claim they believe in God and even have an outward appearance of godliness such as going to Church etc. Does Paul tell us to be friends with these rioters and looters and glorify them? No! He says to turn away from such people. We are not to be friends with those spreading racial propaganda and hate mongering against any race including against white people. We are not to associate with those that riot and loot and even those that approve of such wickedness. 2nd Peter 3:6-9 6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8 For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: Oftentimes we associate Sodom and Gomorra with the sin of homosexuality but in reality that was just an outgrowth of their overall wickedness. Their major sin was a lack of love for their neighbor which is always at the root of sin. Jehovah God delivered Lot due to his righteousness in that he was vexed in his soul daily with their filthy behavior. Yes that includes Sodomy but it was an overall lack of love. The love of many in Sodom and Gomorra had grown cold. We are to follow Lot's example and be vexed by seeing the wickedness in our land namely the recent riots and looting and murder in our streets. While the world is uplifting these protesters as freedom fighters the word of God says different and we are to follow the example of righteous Lot not the reprobate actors of Hollywood and the sports stars who are glorifying these wicked men and women. The deeds of Sodom and Gomorra were unlawful as they were against Jehovah's eternal law with all the vile things they were doing. Even those we see the wickedness around us rest assured that Jehovah delivers the godly in the times of trial. Jehovah God reserves the wicked unto the day of judgment to be punished. These rioters may be celebrated by the world but they will not get away with it on judgement day when Jehovah will pronounce them guilty and then cast them into the lake of fire. 2nd Peter 2:10 "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities" These looters are slaves to the flesh doing whatever their wicked hearts tell them to do. They walk in uncleanness which means moral contamination as they lack basic decent human morals. Their moral compass is skewed. They despise government as they reject the rule of God and His Messiah in their hearts. They hate the law of God and they despise those who are good. They are presumptuous meaning daring and audacious with extreme conduct. They are self-willed meaning they are arrogant and self-pleasing. They don't care that their actions hurt others as long as what they do pleases them then they will do it. They are arrogant and lack any humility. They think they are better than others due to the color of their skin and their culture. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. They blaspheme the name of Jehovah and His Son Jehoshua Messiah and their commandments. 2nd Peter 2:12-14 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceiving's while they feast with you;14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Those who have hearts set on wickedness are as natural brute beasts without reason, they are only fit to be taken and destroyed. They are without understanding. They are slaves to their natural desires doing whatever feels pleasurable to them at the moment. They rail in matters that they don't understand as they are ignorant and have the understanding of a brute beast. They will perish in their own corruption with their violence and love of money. Their own violence will come upon their head and they are given over to evil with their love of material possessions. They will receive the reward of unrighteousness when they are cast into the lake of fire to be destroyed for the deeds done in the body. They count it pleasure to riot in the day time. They are brazen and openly perform their lawless deeds in the day time. They have eyes full of adultery and cannot cease performing wicked deeds. Having eyes full of adultery is a reference to wanting things that don't belong to them and doing all kinds of evil to get them. They have unbridled wantonness always wanting but never satisfied. They beguile unstable souls, those who follow the mob mentality are people that have no root in themselves as they are quick to run to mischief and commit evil deeds. They allow themselves to get brainwashed by their peers, the media and the politicians. Their hearts are wicked beyond all understanding and their hearts are exercised in covetous practices. These rioters and looters were already covetous people before this protest happened. They are actually perfected in the sin of covetousness as they live lives that show their love for material possessions. The expensive clothes, shoes, jewelry that they obtain often through wicked means such as stealing, drug dealing, scamming and cheating people. The lying dog preachers and politicians make excuses for these looters and even call them children of God yet Peter the apostle calls them cursed children meaning they are destined for the darkness of blackness in the lake of fire. Ephesians 2 calls them children of wrath: 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. The spirit of Satan works in the children of disobedience. These children of disobedience who loot, rob and assault are not children of God but rather children of their father the devil. Now we see that we also were once children of wrath so there is hope for these children of disobedience to repent. Isaiah 5:20-21 20Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!21Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! The athletes, celebrities, politicians and even many so called Christians are calling good evil and evil good. They can justify these violent riots all they want and they use worldly human reasoning to do so but as the text above says they are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight. Jehovah God sure doesn't see them as wise but rather He sees them as such: Isaiah 8:20 20To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Genesis 1:1-3 1 And the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it; because that in it he rested from all his work which God had created and made. The Sabbath is one of the most controversial subjects in Christianity, which is centered on whether or not new covenant believers need to observe it? Many complicated arguments are made against keeping the Sabbath day and sometimes even pro Sabbath keepers complicate the matter. Above in Genesis chapter 2 we see that Jehovah God sanctified the Sabbath at the seventh day of the creation week. This was long before there ever was a Jew or a nation of Israel. This is key because the argument is often used that the Sabbath was for the Jews or Theocratic nation of Israel. The teaching follows that no one before Jehovah made known the Sabbath to Israel is recorded as keeping it. This is a argument from silence and we do have a hint from scripture that indeed Abraham kept it: Genesis 26:5 "Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." While it doesn't state that the Sabbath was part of the commandments that Abraham kept it makes sense that it was being that Jehovah had already sanctified it by this time. Also, we have the words of the Son of God that show us that the Sabbath was not just made for old testament Israel but in fact the Sabbath was made for man: Mark 2:27-28 27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: 28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. Jesus says that the Sabbath was made for man. Notice that He didn't say it was made for the Jews or Israel. The word "man" comes from the Greek word "anthropos" (Strongs 444) and means "man faced, human being, man". Jesus clearly states that the Sabbath was made for all mankind. This is strong support that Adam the first human being kept the Sabbath day. The word/name "Adam" from the old testament comes from the Hebrew word "adam" (Strongs 120) and means "ruddy, human being (an individual or the species, mankind)." So by Jesus saying the Sabbath was made for man He is basically saying it was made for Adam as both words "Adam" and "man" mean the same thing i.e. the human kind or the human species. This then supports that the Sabbath was part of the commandments Abraham kept as it was made for man. The second part of verse 27 of Mark chapter 2 is also important to highlight as many modern Christians label the Sabbath as bondage and that Jesus gave us freedom from it. Here in verse 27, Christ says that man was not made for the Sabbath, meaning that man is not a slave to the Sabbath but rather it is a gift and benefit for man. This refutes the evangelical idea that the Sabbath commandment was bondage that Jesus came to free us from. Verse 28 of Mark 2 Jesus stated that He was Lord of the Sabbath. This means that Jesus decides what is proper Sabbath keeping. Rather than trying to complicate how you keep the Sabbath listen to what Jesus says: Matthew 12:12 "How much then is a man of more value than a sheep! Wherefore it is lawful to do good on the sabbath day." Jesus said it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day. Our Sabbath keeping shouldn't be about what we can't do but rather about doing good which in Jesus case was to heal a man. When we look at the Sabbath as a day to do good rather than a list of do's and don't's then we are keeping it in a Christ like manner. If we get obsessed about the legalism of the Sabbath then we are no better than the Pharisees Jesus rebuked. Revelation 12:17 "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." The remnant church keeps God's commandments and it is this church only that Satan is angry with. We must the testimony and faith of Jesus and keep the commandments of God (Revelation 14:12). Many Christians today have the faith of Jesus and His testimony but they don't keep God's commandments either due to ignorance or outright disobedience. God winks at ignorance (Acts 17:30) but outright disobedience can lead to one forfeiting access within the gates of the city of New Jerusalem: Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." It is those who do the commandments of God that will have the right to the tree of life and gain entrance into the paradise of God. In Revelation 12:17 and 14:12, somewhat of a distinction is made between the faith-testimony of Jesus and the commandments of God, who is obviously the Father. This shows that it is not only important to have the faith of the Son of God and His prophetic testimony but one must also keep God's commandments which are summed up in the royal decalogue. In reality, to have the faith of Jesus would include keeping the Father's commandments as that's exactly what Jesus did. These are clear texts showing us that keeping the commandments of God, who scripture over and over again says is the Father, is part of the faith of the true church. Again, a distinction is made between the faith-testimony of Jesus who is the Son of God and the commandments of God who is the Father. This is an important distinction because it was God the Father who gave the 10 commandments. We see from Revelation 22:14 that to keep the commandments of God gives one eternal life in New Jerusalem. This is verified by Jesus in Matthew chapter 19: 16And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. When the young rich ruler asked Jesus how he could attain eternal life, Jesus answered him by saying to keep the commandments. Jesus then goes on to list 5 of the 10 commandments. It would be ludicrous to suggest that Jesus is excluding the Sabbath here as part of keeping the commandments as the 10 commandments are a unit. Whenever Jesus makes an eternal life statement it is best to take it seriously. If Jesus says keeping the commandments are part of getting eternal life then we need to take him at His word and not let theologians, Pastors and scholars cheat us with their vain evangelical philosophy. Did you know that Paul the apostle kept the Sabbath day? Acts 16:13 "And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither." Paul engaged in corporate and/or public prayer on the Sabbath. Remember, that Paul said to follow him as he followed Christ. Christ kept the Sabbath as did Paul. Acts 17:2 "and Paul, as his custom was, went in unto them, and for three sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures" Many anti-sabbatarians say that Paul was just using the Sabbath to preach to his countrymen but the scriptures say no such thing. The text simply says that Sabbath keeping was a custom that Paul kept without any type of loophole. Here Paul reasoned for three consecutive Sabbath's out of the scriptures. The word "reasoned" comes from the Greek word "dialegomai" (strongs 1256) and means "to say thoroughly, to discuss (in argument or exhortation), to reason, to speak, to preach" The reasoned can also be rendered as "preached". Paul repeatedly use the Sabbath day as an opportunity to preach the gospel. While many will say he did this because he was being a Jew to the Jew the passages mentioned here say no such thing. It is evident that Sabbath keeping was something Paul did and he used that day to preach and pray. Guess what? Paul was following Jesus in doing this. Luke 4:16 "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read." In the context of this passage, Jesus was officially beginning His Kingdom ministry as He quoted Isaiah 61. It is noteworthy that the official beginning of the Son of God's ministry began on the Sabbath day. The idea that the Sabbath is done away is hard to understand especially in light of the fact that we will be keeping it in the new heavens and new earth: Isaiah 66:22-23 22For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith Jehovah, so shall your seed and your name remain.23And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith Jehovah. This is another passage anti-sabbatarians will either ignore or go out of their way to explain it away. However, we cannot disregard or spiritualize this prophecy of Isaiah for then that would jeopardize other Isaiah prophecies concerning Jesus Christ. If the prophecies concerning Jesus Christ are to be taken literally then why not this very straightforward prophecy from Isaiah? We know that the new heavens and new earth arrive after the second advent of Jesus Christ, so this prophecy from Isaiah shows that after the second advent we will still be keeping the Sabbath day as well as the new moon. The whole earth made new will be populated with the saints and we will also build houses and plant vineyards. All flesh will come to worship Jehovah God on the Sabbath day. Remember, our resurrected bodies will still be made of flesh. We will also come to New Jerusalem to worship Jehovah God on the new moons. We actually see this in the book of Revelation 22:2 "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations" The mention of every month is likely referring to the new moon as the new moon begins the month in the Hebrew calendar. We will also have the feast of tabernacles (Zechariah 14:16). My brothers and sisters, there will be no sacred Sunday, Christmas or Easter in the new heavens and new earth, however there will be worship on the Sabbath day, new moon's and the feast of Tabernacles. If we are going to be keeping the Sabbath day in the new heavens and new earth then why shouldn't we keep it now? Unlike the feasts, the Sabbath day is not dependent upon a temple, Levitical priesthood or going to earthly Jerusalem. The Sabbath was given to mankind at the Seventh day of the creation week. It was given for our benefit, don't follow the example of the pharisees and how they kept it but learn from Christ who said it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath day. Today America is burning and many have indeed encouraged this. Behind the looting of our cities is an ideology that is Satanic at it's roots. This ideology is communism and liberalism. How are we as believers in Christ supposed to view what's taking place right now? How are we to respond?
The answers are not found in politics or adhering to rival worldly ideologies such as Neo-Conservatism or nationalism. The answers are found in God's word. While many Christian's-so called are actually supporting these riots in some way and the Pastor's of Christendom remain silent due to being afraid of being hated by the world. True soldiers of Christ are willing to be hated by the world and speak out and go to war against the vain philosophies of men which include the Satanic doctrines of communism and liberalism. 2nd Timothy 2:3-4 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. True soldiers of Christ do not entangle themselves with the affairs of this life as they are warriors for the Kingdom of God. They do not involve themselves in secular social justice causes. They causes may seem good on the surface but beneath they promote a bevy of ungodly morals such as abortion and Homosexuality. Colossians 2:7-8 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. The majority of U.S. Christians have been cheated by the vain philosophies of the world such as liberalism, communism, socialism etc. It is amazing how many Christian's support abortion or even the Homosexual movement. What does Paul say? He says that we are to be established in the doctrine of Christ which are the commandments He gave when He walked this earth. We are to be rooted in the character of the Son of God not those highly esteemed in the world. While men of the world are praised and loved by those in the world we as believers follow the only shepherd Jesus Christ the King. This means we don't look to Malcom X, Mao Se Tung, Cesar Chavez, Donald Trump, Barack Obama etc. The doctrine of Christ completely contradicts the principles of the world especially that of the Satanic communist movement. Are principles are strictly to come from the faith we have been taught. That is the faith of the Son of God and His gospel. The sermon on the mount is our constitution not "rules for radicals" or the "communist manifesto". The law of Jehovah is what we obey and go by not the laws of man. Just as in Paul's day there are those who are trying to spoil Christian's with the vain philosophies of this world, the ideologies of godless men such as Karl Marx, Saul Alinsky and Barack Obama. 2nd Corinthians 10:4-6 4For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;6And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. As soldiers of Christ we go to war violently with spiritual weapons to bring down the strongholds of Satan's devices which are the vain philosophies of men which contradict the doctrine of the Son of God. As Christian's we pray and preach the word of God with no compromise with the power of the Holy Spirit. By doing this we expose the works of darkness such as communism, liberalism, feminism and every ideology that is rooted in Satan's kingdom. We cast down with violence, imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Jehovah God and His perfect commandments. We go on a full frontal assault on Darwinism, secular socialism and the so called LGBT (Sodomite) movement. We are to war against every strategy of Satan and everything that would look to set up to reign in God's place. We are to war against the Satanic doctrine of communism that seeks to replace God with the State. We are to war against the agenda's such as population control and global warming that contradict God's command to ve fruitful and multiply. The earth is not our mother as we worship God the Father alone through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. We are to war against the man hating and God hating feminist movement with every inch of our being in the power of the Spirit of Jehovah God. As Paul says in verse 6 we are to avenge all disobedience. We are to enact judgement against the strongholds of men and their Satanic man made worldly philosophies. Jehovah God expects the church to display obedience by not siding with the false teachers of this world who promote the communist, feminist, atheist and Sodomite agendas. Romans 10
1 Brethren, my heart`s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved.2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. Paul had a desire to see his countrymen of the flesh saved. They had a zeal for Jehovah God but not according to the accurate knowledge of the new covenant. They were still stuck in the old covenant as well as non biblical Pharsaic traditions. 3For being ignorant of God`s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.4For Messiah is the end of the law unto righteousness to every one that believeth. God's righteousness was fully brought in by the revelation of the Son of God who came to explain the Father to us (John 1:18) and give us a understanding of Him (1 John 5:20). John the apostle says that the law came by Moses but grace and truth by Jehoshua Messiah. During Jehoshua's ministry the Jewish religious leaders refused to see the righteousness that He was bringing in and still firmly held on to their man made traditions. They also were more concerned with the outward aspects of the law rather than the spirit of it. In Jeremiah 23:6 it says that the future Branch of David would be called "Jehovah our righteousness". Verse 4 of the above verse says that the Messiah is the end of the law to those who believe. This verse has been the subject of discussion between the faith alone crowd and the Hebrew roots movement. The faith alone crowd says that this verse shows that the law is over. They use this to support their anti-nomian lawless gospel. The Hebrew roots folks say that the word "end" also means "goal" and that the Messiah is the goal of the law meaning how Messiah kept Torah is how we should keep it. Who is right regarding verse 4? I would lean more towards the Hebrew roots understanding however they still get it wrong badly. First we have to understand the context that Paul is adressesing which is the Jews refusal to embrace the Messiah and the new covenant. By him saying that Messiahis the end/goal of the law is not mean as abolishing Jehovah's law in the old testament as that would contradict too many passages in the new testament that hearken to commandments and laws given in the old testament. I agree with the Hebrew roots movement that Messiah is the goal of the law for everyone who believes. How Messiah kept the law is how we should keep it as we are exhorted to follow His example and pattern as even Paul says this. Where the Hebrew roots people go wrong as taking this statement to embrace the Mosaic law. Of course, they acknowledge the animal sacrifices are not for us but they do say they will come back in some earthly millennium. Some even do go so far as to sacrifice a lamb on passover. This statement by Paul that Messiah is the end (goal) of the law should not cause us to go back to the law of Moses as we need to match up this statement with the book of Hebrews lest we go back to faded glory. 2 Corinthians chapter 3 also is a good chapter to align with Paul's statement in Romans 10:4. Bible prophecy says that the Davidic Messiah would bring in everlasting righteousness: Daniel 9:24 "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy." Jehoshua was the holy of holies when He walked this earth as Jehovah God tabernacled in Him. As stated above, Jehoshua is Jehovah our righteousness. He lived out the commandments of the Father in spirit and in truth. He showed how they were to be kept. When Jehoshua preached He overwhemlingly focused on the internal heart rather than external rituals. Jehoshua even kept the Sabbath differently than the Jewish religious establishment. The Hebrew roots crowd focuses so much on Moses and the letter of the law that they almost completely ignore the sermon on the mount which sums up the law of Messiah. Isaiah 42:4 says the islands (Gentiles) would wait for the law of the future Messiah: "He will not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set justice in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law" Jehoshua is superior to Moses and a Son over His own house (the Church) and has the authority to Institute law as He is the King of the Kingdom of God. Romans 10:5-7 5 For Moses writeth that the man that doeth the righteousness which is of the law shall live thereby.6 But the righteousness which is of faith saith thus, Say not in thy heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down:)7 or, Who shall descend into the abyss? (That is, to bring Christ up from the dead.) Verse 5 is key here as Paul quotes Leviticus 18:5 which speaks well of the law and that the person who keeps the law will live in them. In the next verses Paul quotes Deuteronomy 30:12-14. If you read that passage it actually talks about the commandments of God being near to us and not far. Here in Romans 10 Paul says that the gospel of the death and resurrection of the Messiah is not far from us and that it is near to us because Jehoshua already did the work of the cross leading to His resurrection and ascension. Whereas the Deuteronomy passage was referring to the commandments which we call the law of Moses, Paul applies that principle to the gospel of the Kingdom which is centered upon the death and resurrection of Jehoshua Messiah. Just as the old testament Israelites would live by the commands of the law of Moses if they performed them, the new covenant Israel of God would live by the faith of the gospel of the Kingdom if they lived by the commandments of the gospel. We are not to try and bring Messiah down from heaven and or bring Him again up from the dead as He already did that thereby the gospel is already set for us. All that we need is in the gospel that has been revealed to us and we need not try and do the work of Messiah that He has already accomplished. The new covenant gospel is firmly established by what the Son of God has done for us. Romans 10:8-9 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach:9 because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jehoshua as King, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: Paul is letting the Romans know that the word of the gospel of the Kingdom is near to them and in their mouth and heart as they are living epistles written on the heart. This is why they are not to try and unto the work of Messiah by going back to the old covenant as they should be clear on what the new covenant gospel is being that they were preached it and themselves preached it. The righteousness by faith of the new covenant is to confess that Jehoshua is King referring to His Davidic Kingship. It is also to have faith that Jehovah God raised Jehoshua from the dead. The Davidic Kingship of Jehoshua and His resurrection are intertwined as it was His resurrection that led to His enthronement as King of Israel (Acts 2:29-36; Acts 13:32-35; Hebrews 1). It is believing in these truths, the Kingship and resurrection of Jehoshua that saves us not the works of the Mosaic law. Romans 10:10-11 10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be put to shame. The gospel of the Kingdom is written on our hearts when we believe in it's message. Out our mouth proceed what is in our hearts. To believe on Jehoshua is more than an acknowledgement of a set of facts about Him but rather to believe what He taught and to obey His teachings (doctrine). If we stay firmly rooted in Messiah then we will not be put to shame. To believe on Jehoshua is to believe everything about Him and everything He commanded and believing in His teachings means to observe and keep them. The core of the gospel is the Kingship of Jehoshua and His death and resurrection. This is what is required to be saved and enter into the Kingdom. When we get baptized it is a seal of our faith in these truths. Our baptism actually identifies with the death, burial and resurrection of Jehoshua. Romans 10:12-13 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: 13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of Jehovah shall be saved. There is only one entrance way into the Kingdom of God and that is through the gospel of Jehoshua's Kingship and resurrection. Both Jews and Greeks must enter the Kingdom through Jehovah's only begotten Son. The Jews cannot get there through keeping the ceremonies of the old covenant as they have to get there the same way as the Gentiles and that is through the narrow gate that is Jehoshua and all He stands for. The same Lord that is God of the Jews is God of the Gentiles so both have eqaul access to salvation with the same requirement and that is to call upon the name of Jehovah God. This is taken from Joel chapter 2 which obviously refers to calling on Jehovah God. In the context of Paul's message here, to call on the name of Jehovah God is to have faith in His Son's Kingship and resurrection. None of the ceremonies of the law of Moses will get one into the Kingdom as the Jews must believe in the new covenant gospel centered upon the resurrection of the Son of God. Romans 10:14 "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" The Gentiles generally did not believe in Jehovah God in the old testament times. Now that Jehoshua has been manifested to the nation of Israel and brought in the new covenant, it is up to preachers to sound the trumpet of the gospel. Without the preaching of the gospel no one would call on the name of Jehovah God. This is especially true in the times of the apostolic church since the Gentile nations weren't too familiar with the God of Israel. This is still true today as many areas of the world have either never heard the gospel preached or have real limited exposure. Even in places like America many may have never heard a solid gospel message due to watered down American Christian gospel. Romans 10:15 "and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!" Here Paul quotes Isaiah 52:7 and he is exhorting the brethren to preach the gospel as he says "how shall they preach except they be sent?" He says that those who preach the good news of the Kingdom appear as beautiful to those who are being given that good news. This is an exhortation to all of us to go and preach the gospel of the Kingdom. We need not wait for anyone to send us as our King Jehoshua Messiah has already done that (Matthew 28:19). Looking at the quotation in Isaiah we see that gospel message is at it's core that salvation has come and to tell Zion (the church) that God reigns. The evidence of God's salvation in the context of Paul's message to the Romans is that Jehoshua is King and that He has been raised from the dead. Romans 10:16 "But they did not all hearken to the glad tidings. For Isaiah saith, Jehovah, who hath believed our report?" This is another qoutation from Isaiah (Isaiah 53:1) and he is lamenting that many are not believing the report of the future Messianic servant of Jehovah God. Paul is applying this prophecy to the Israelites who rejected the sure foundation stone of Zion, Jehoshua Messiah. Romans 10:17 " So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Messiah." Belief in the gospel of the Kingdom comes from hearing the very words of Messiah. Everything taught by Jehoshua is for the new covenant believer, whether they be Jew or Greek as Paul said there is no distinction (verse 12). This refutes the dispensaltionalist doctrine that teaches that the words of Jehoshua are for the Jews only. In fact, it is the words of Messiah that wash someone clean and save them and give eternal life. It is the Messiah's commandments that the apostles were charged with taking to the Gentiles to command them to observe. Romans 10:18-19 18 But I say, Did they not hear? Yea, verily, Their sound went out into all the earth, And their words unto the ends of the world.19 But I say, Did Israel not know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, With a nation void of understanding will I anger you. Verse 18 is a quotation of Psalm 19:4, general revelation in creation and providence is universal. Verse 19 is a quotation of Deuteronomy 32:21, Israel had been told that, as they had worshipped non-gods, so Jehovah would gather a non-people to be his own in order to provoke them to jealousy. Romans 10:20-21 20And Isaiah is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I became manifest unto them that asked not of me.21But as to Israel he saith, All the day long did I spread out my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. Isaiah 65:1-2 is applied to the present unbelief of the bulk of the Jews and the ingathering of the Gentiles. 2 John 2:9-11 9 Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Messiah, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.10If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting:11for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works. Often in Christianity it is discouraged to seperate from others who confess the name of Jehoshua. Love is often the word used to guilt believers into not separating from those who they discern are not teaching and abiding in the doctrine (teaching) of the Son of God. Contrary to this false sentimental version of love the beloved apostle John tells the brethren not only to not allow these false teachers or brethren into their homes but also not to bless them or give them a greeting. By doing so, you partake in their evil deeds. This is a far cry from what mainstream Churchianity teaches which is that it is unloving to point out and name false teachers. Often times the mainstream church system applies these verses to the Jehovah Witnesses or Mormons that come to your door, however this is just running interference so that you don't identify them as the very ones these verses are talking about. Notice that the standard for someone who is bringing the truth is the teaching of Messiah. This means whoever claims the name OF Jehoshua must bring His teachings as the doctrine they teach and believe. Amazingly, most churches and Christians in America don't believe that you have to actually follow the teachings of the Son of God. This is a result of the easy believist once saved always saved teaching that plagues evangelical-protestant Churchianity. The root of this is the Martin Luther faith alone doctrine. While those who go to these churches will find comfort from their Pastor's that they dont have to literally follow the teachings of Messiah, the apostle John says the exact opposite in verse 9 where he says that they who do not bring or abide in the teachings do not have God. The teaching of Messiah are the commandments He gave during His earthly ministry: John 14:15 "If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments." Jehoshua bases the evidence of us loving Him if we keep His commandments. John 15:14 "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." Jehoshua bases our friendship with Him based on keeping His commandments. The teaching (doctrine) of Messiah that John mentions in verse 9 is not what the "Orthodoxy" have made it to be such as the trinity, hypostatic union and things like that. The teaching (doctrine) John is referring to is the actual teachings that Jehoshua gave namely those on the sermon on the mount. How do we know this? Matthew 7:28-29 28And it came to pass, when Jehoshua had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching:29for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. These verses concluded the sermon on the mount commandments Jehoshua just gave. The overall theme of this sermon is self denial and picking up one's cross and loving both our brethren and enemies in a real tangible sacrificial way. Notice that in verse 28 it identifies the commandments Jehoshua just gave as "his teaching" or "his doctrine". His teachings were so counter cultural that people were astonished upon hearing them. Jehoshua taught with authority as opposed to the scribes for whom religion was just following the traditions of the fathers and often teaching the commandments of men. They did not speak with authority as they were possibly not themselves convinced of what they taught. They had an outward dead external religion that as long as you looked pious on the outside everything then we were a true follower of God. The same applies today as the Pastor's of American churches refuse to command their congregations to follow Jehoshua's commandments. Just like the lukewarm scribes they are more concerned with parroting people like Martin Luther or John Calvin or modern well known celebrity Pastor's such as John McArthur. Those who teach and abide in the teachings of the Son of God are in covenant fellowship with the Father and Son. Those who do otherwise are not in covenant with them. If we invite these false teachers into our home either physically or through media then we are partakers of their evil deeds. Their evil deeds are that they don't teach the doctrine (teachings) of the Messiah. To support these false teachers in any way or to greet them is to be partakers of their evil deeds. This describes so many modern Christian's and their Pastor's, theologians etc. Romans 16:17-18 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent. Those who teach anything that contradicts the teachings of the Son of God or that we don't have to keep His teachings are to be marked and avoided at all costs. We are to turn away from them as they do not serve the Davidic King Jehoshua Messiah but rather their own belly (pleasure). They teach that believers do not have to keep the commandments of of Jehoshua and they twist plain scriptures using smooth and fair speech beguiling the hearts of the innocent. The motivation is often rooted in covetousness because they want to build their Kingdom here on earth and in order to do so they cannot teach the deny self, pick up your cross narrow road doctrine of Messiah but rather an easy believist once saved always teaching. In doing this they tickle the ears of false converts but also beguile the hearts of the innocent. The innocent ones are those who have a sincere heart for the Lord Jehoshua and would gladly follow His teachings if only these false teachers, whom they trust, would tell them so. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 3If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;4he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,5wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain. Paul is clear that if anyone does not consent the sound (wholesome) words of Jehoshua Messiah and teaches a different doctrine than the doctrine of Messiah then they are puffed up knowing nothing. He said that they are corrupted and they are bereft (void) of the truth. And just as 1 Corinthians 16:17-18 indicates they suppose that godliness is a means of gain hence they serve pleasure rather than God. Why would any professing Christian still listen to men that teach that Christian's do not need to keep the actual teachings of the Son of God? Paul makes it clear that we are to mark and avoid them. He says that they are proud and are void of the truth. Do you really think we are called to go to churches and sit under Pastor's who are void of the truth? Absolutely not! Do not let anyone tell you otherwise & guilt you into attending churches where the Pastor teaches a lawless gospel as both Paul and John say the exact opposite in that not only are we to mark and avoid them but we are not even to greet them as to do so makes one a partaker of their evil deeds. Both in 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy Paul says the motivation of these false teachers is the desire for material gain. These men devoid of truth do not want to teach the narrow road doctrine of Messiah so that they can have a bigger audience as most do not want to travel the narrow road due to it's self denial. These false teachers appeal to those who want to take an easier self indulgent road, which Jehoshua says is the wide road that leads to destruction. Matthew 7:13 "Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby." Filthy lucre is in these teachers hearts |
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