Bible study of the Sanctuary -- Part 3

Bible study of the Sanctuary -- Part 3

Significance of the articles of the Sanctuary, and the Ceremonies.

The apparel of the priests.

“In accordance with their office, a special dress was appointed for the priests. “Thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, for glory and for beauty,” was the divine direction to Moses. The robe of the common priest was of white linen, and woven in one piece. It extended nearly to the feet and was confined about the waist by a white linen girdle embroidered in blue, purple, and red. A linen turban, or miter, completed his outer costume. Moses at the burning bush was directed to put off his sandals, for the ground whereon he stood was holy. So the priests were not to enter the sanctuary with shoes upon their feet. Particles of dust cleaving to them would desecrate the holy place. They were to leave their shoes in the court before entering the sanctuary, and also to wash both their hands and their feet before ministering in the tabernacle or at the altar of burnt offering. Thus was constantly taught the lesson that all defilement must be put away from those who would approach into the presence of God. {PP 350.2}

The garments of the high priest were of costly material and beautiful workmanship, befitting his exalted station. In addition to the linen dress of the common priest, he wore a robe of blue, also woven in one piece. Around the skirt it was ornamented with golden bells, and pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet. Outside of this was the ephod, a shorter garment of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and white. It was confined by a girdle of the same colors, beautifully wrought. The ephod was sleeveless, and on its gold-embroidered shoulder pieces were set two onyx stones, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. {PP 350.3}”

The breastplate:

“Over the ephod was the breastplate, the most sacred of the priestly vestments. This was of the same material as the ephod. It was in the form of a square, measuring a span, and was suspended from the shoulders by a cord of blue from golden rings. The border was formed of a variety of precious stones, the same that form the twelve foundations of the City of God. Within the border were twelve stones set in gold, arranged in rows of four, and, like those in the shoulder pieces, engraved with the names of the tribes. The Lord’s direction was, “Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.” Exodus 28:29. So Christ, the great High Priest, pleading His blood before the Father in the sinner’s behalf, bears upon His heart the name of every repentant, believing soul. Says the psalmist, “I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me.” Psalm 40:17. {PP 351.1}”

“At the right and left of the breastplate were two large stones of great brilliancy. These were known as the Urim and Thummim. By them the will of God was made known through the high priest. When questions were brought for decision before the Lord, a halo of light encircling the precious stone at the right was a token of the divine consent or approval, while a cloud shadowing the stone at the left was an evidence of denial or disapprobation. {PP 351.2}”

The Miter upon the Priest’s head:

The miter of the high priest consisted of the white linen turban, having attached to it by a lace of blue, a gold plate bearing the inscription, “Holiness to Jehovah.” Everything connected with the apparel and deportment of the priests was to be such as to impress the beholder with a sense of the holiness of God, the sacredness of His worship, and the purity required of those who came into His presence. {PP 351.3}

The purpose for the all the apparel of the priest’s and of the Sanctuary were all purposed to point the beholder to Humbleness and reverence to God.

What was the ministration of the priests to serve unto the example and pattern of?

Hebrews 8:5
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

“Not only the sanctuary itself, but the ministration of the priests, was to “serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things.” Hebrews 8:5. Thus it was of great importance; and the Lord, through Moses, gave the most definite and explicit instruction concerning every point of this typical service. The ministration of the sanctuary consisted of two divisions, a daily and a yearly service. The daily service was performed at the altar of burnt offering in the court of the tabernacle and in the holy place; while the yearly service was in the most holy. {PP 351.4}”

What do the articles of the Sanctuary represent?

The first thing we notice as we approach the sanctuary is that there is only one door. Not even a fire exit! Remember Jesus' words: "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" (John 10:9).
All that are saved are redeemed by Jesus alone. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). The only way to God is through Christ, the only door.

               The wood wrapped in gold represents the human nature covered by the pure nature of Christ.

The walls of the Tabernacle were decorated with palm branches and open flowers (palm branches were used for Jesus returning to Jerusalem) (The palm branch is a symbol of victory, triumph, peace and eternal life).

Altar of burnt offerings

Immediately upon entering the door of the courtyard sat the brazen altar of burnt offerings. The altar was actually made of acacia wood and overlaid with brass. Some have likened the wood portion to human works and the brass to Christ's work. Without the brass, the wooden frame would have been consumed by the fire during the burning of the offerings, just as we will be consumed by the lake of fire if we do not believe that Jesus' grace must eclipse our good works.

The Laver

Between the altar of burnt offerings and the tabernacle itself stood the laver. It was also made of brass and was filled with water for the cleansing of the priests.
The picture of sinners' justification became clear in the courtyard. Before God gave the Israelites His Law on tables of stone, He saved them from slavery in Egypt by virtue of their faith in the Passover Lamb (symbolized by the altar) and baptized them in the sea (represented by the laver). God takes us just as we are and forgives our sins. When we accept Christ, confess our sins, and ask for forgiveness, our heavenly record of sin is covered by Jesus' blood.

Candle sticks

Just inside the holy place on the left (south) side, stood the golden menorah that had seven candlestick branches (see Exodus 25:31-40). They were not wax candles as we know them, but lamps fueled by pure olive oil. The priests trimmed the wicks daily, and refilled the bowls with oil so that the menorah would constantly be a source of light for the holy place. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).
He also said, "Ye are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). The olive oil in the lamps symbolized the Holy Spirit that illuminates the church. The lamp is a symbol of the Word, as well (Psalm 119:105).
The oil in the Candle sticks represent the holy Spirt (Like with the ten virgins)

Shewbread
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

The shewbread, being stacked in 2 sets of 6, (66) can represent the books of the bible, the Spiritual food.

“The showbread was kept ever before the Lord as a perpetual offering. Thus it was a part of the daily sacrifice. It was called showbread, or “bread of the presence,” because it was ever before the face of the Lord. It was an acknowledgment of man’s dependence upon God for both temporal and spiritual food, and that it is received only through the mediation of Christ. God had fed Israel in the wilderness with bread from heaven, and they were still dependent upon His bounty, both for temporal food and spiritual blessings. Both the manna and the showbread pointed to Christ, the living Bread, who is ever in the presence of God for us. He Himself said, “I am the living Bread which came down from heaven.” John 6:48-51. Frankincense was placed upon the loaves. When the bread was removed every Sabbath, to be replaced by fresh loaves, the frankincense was burned upon the altar as a memorial before God. {PP 354.1}”

Altar of Incense
Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The altar of incense was located directly across from the door standing against the ornate veil that separated the holy place from the most holy place. Like several other items in the sanctuary, it was also made of acacia wood and covered with gold (Exodus 30:1-3). It was much smaller than the altar in the courtyard and contained a brass pot that held hot coals from the brazen altar of burnt offerings. It was here that the priest burned a very special blend of incense which filled the sanctuary with a sweet-smelling cloud, representing the prayers of intercession and confession of the believers sweetened by the Holy Spirit (Exodus 30:8).

Note: the fire on the Altar of Incense was lit by holy fire from God. It was kept burning by Him. The Altar was located directly before the Curtain, and, as it represents prayer, signifies the approach to the Mercy seat and throne of God. When we pray, we are approaching the Throne of God, and thus we must do so with a humble heart in sincerity and utter respect unto God.

Sanctification is the process in the Christian's life of learning to obey. It is made up of a series of justifications. Each time we sin we ask for forgiveness, and we are justified again. However, God offers more than forgiveness when we confess. In 1 John 1:9, He promises us that, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
It is that "cleansing from unrighteousness" that constitutes sanctification. The key ingredients in our sanctification are a devotional life in the Word, prayer, and witnessing. The sanctuary's bread, incense, and lamp represent these elements.

 The veil

This veil, or curtain, separating the holy and the most holy places of the sanctuary has great significance, because it was this veil that tore at the very moment Jesus died on the cross (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45). His death symbolized the end of the need for the exclusive Levitical priesthood to mediate between man and God.
The veil represents the body of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19, 20). It was only by passing through this veil that access was possible to the most holy place (Hebrews 4:16). The tearing of the veil symbolized the death of the Lamb of God, which now permits the believer in His atonement immediate access to the most holy place through the new High Priest-Jesus Christ-the one and only Mediator between man and God.

Ark of the Covenant, Mercy seat

Inside the most holy place, or "holy of holies," was one piece of furniture-the ark of the covenant. This sacred box, also constructed of acacia wood and covered with gold, contained the tables of stone upon which God had written the Ten Commandments. Later it also contained Aaron's rod that had budded and a small pot of manna.
The lid of the ark was called the "mercy seat" (Exodus 25:17), and above it was the shining glory of the Lord, or Shekinah (which literally means "the dwelling"), radiating between two covering cherubs, or angels, on either end of the ark. This was a symbol of the throne of God and the presence of the Almighty in heaven. The walls of the most holy place were engraved with many angels, representing the clouds of living angels that surround the person of God in heaven (1 Kings 6:29).

Conclusion

The Tabernacle, as we have seen, was built to signify many things. The wood covered in Gold representing the nature of man being covered by the Nature of Christ; the Altar of Burnt offering signifying repentance and confession of sin, and forgiveness of sin; the Laver representing Baptism and Purification; the candlesticks representing the holy Spirit and the light of truth; the table of shew bread representing the word of God as spiritual food and the Holy Spirit; the altar of incense represents prayer (located just before the veil before the Mercy seat); then in the Most Holy place is the Ark of the covenant which enclosed the Two stones where the Law of God was written upon with His finger, representing the throne of God being the place of unchanging Judgement and mercy; the mercy seat as the throne where God abode among His people. All of these things, Patterned after the design of the Heavenly Sanctuary, all pointed forward to when Jesus Christ would shed His blood to wash the sins of the sinners away. What an Amazing God who would give so much to us who are so unworthy. 

Bible study of the Sanctuary -- Part 2

Bible study of the Sanctuary -- Part 2

Tabernacle of Israel

Purpose of the Tabernacle

Did God dwell in the Camp of Israel before the Sanctuary was built?

               You might recall that when the Israelites had finally been released from the bondage of Egypt by the Might of God, God accompanied Israel in their journeys. He was described as a cloud in the day and as a Pillar of fire at night (Ex 13:21). When Israel was about to cross the red sea, and the Egyptian army pursued after them, the Pillar came between Israel and the Egyptian army. From the beginning of the trek from Egypt, God was continually with His people, guiding and protecting them. When Israel was brought to Sinai, the people had to prepare themselves for seven days before they could receive the Instructions from the Lord. Even at this, only certain of the Elders, Moses and Aaron were allowed to go near the mountain, then Moses alone was allowed to go into the Cloud with the Lord. This was due to the sins of the people, and the Consuming fire of the Lord. Sin cannot exist in the Presence of God, for His glory would consume and destroy the sin and anyone who was part with it.

               God was not able to abide in the Midst of the people because of their sins, they would have been consumed. Therefore the Sanctuary was built so that God could abide in the midst of His people, like the government of them. That there would be a veil to separate the Holy one from man, a veil of mercy so man would not be consumed.

Where did the Sacrificial Ceremonies start?

Genesis 3:21
21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

The First sacrifice was made right after the first Covenant was made. (Read verse 15 also). So, here we see that God established His covenant with Adam and Eve, then put forth the Conditions to Meet (Obedience) and gave the means to meet those conditions (The Plan of Salvation through the system of Sacrifices ordained by God.) The Sacrificial system was started in Eden when Adam and Eve sinned. That ceremony of shedding innocent blood to wash away sin was a representation of the innocent blood of the Lamb of God which was to be slain for the redemption of man.

What purpose did the Tabernacle serve?

               The purpose of the Tabernacle was to establish unto the children of Israel, in an orderly manner, the plan of salvation to sinful man. The Tabernacle was built for the practice of the sacrificial offerings, and for the sins of the repentant to be carried into the sanctuary, to be forgiven. Proper and reasonable order is part of the Will of God. The ceremonies and sacrifices as practiced by Adam, Cain, Abraham, Isaac and down until they were lost in Egypt, were part of the set order that God has made for the Salvation of man. The Sanctuary given to the Israelites to build is a clear foreshadowing of the cross on Calvary. Each article, detail, sacrifice, and ceremony of the tabernacle directly pointed forward to the work that Christ was going to accomplish as the ultimate sacrifice to save erring man.

The Tabernacle, directly designed after the Sanctuary in heaven, was also the dwelling place of God. It is the sanctuary, a sacred place. The mercy seat (Ark of the Covenant) was located in the second room of the tabernacle, the seat of God where He sat among Israel. We will go in more detail later in the studies.

So, therefore, the purpose of the Tabernacle in Israel was to be the House of God, so He could be among His chosen people, and that it gave to Israel the access to the plan of Salvation.

(Note) Notice that the Sacrificial system that was instructed to Adam and his descendants, was carried down from generation to generation and preserved all the way to, and even through, the time that God’s people became lost in Egypt, and down unto the time of Christ. Multiple times Lucifer tried to make God’s people lose sight of the Plan of Salvation to be left in darkness, but God set up faithful men to carry it through – Adam to his sons, Seth, after Able had been slain, Noah, through the flood, Joseph, into Egypt, and then reminded unto Moses in the Wilderness, which in turn was instructed also unto Israel in Egypt. The truth of God’s salvation has been continually guided and protected throughout world’s history. From days of old, through the days of the reformation and the Waldensians, and carried through from 1844, to Now – The truth has been and will be preserved unto the end of this world and beyond. The Lord is continually merciful.

Construction of the Sanctuary

(This section is based on Exodus 36-39).

“For the building of the sanctuary great and expensive preparations were necessary; a large amount of the most precious and costly material was required; yet the Lord accepted only freewill offerings. “Of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take My offering” was the divine command repeated by Moses to the congregation. Devotion to God and a spirit of sacrifice were the first requisites in preparing a dwelling place for the Most High. {PP 343.3}”

This same Spirit of Giving is looked for among God's people today. God wishes to see the desire of man to prepare a way to commune with Him.

He desires to see us engage in the work to prepare ourselves and others to spend eternity with Him in the new earth.

“The tabernacle was so constructed that it could be taken apart and borne with the Israelites in all their journeying’s. It was therefore small, being not more than fifty-five feet in length, and eighteen in breadth and height. Yet it was a magnificent structure. The wood employed for the building and its furniture was that of the acacia tree, which was less subject to decay than any other to be obtained at Sinai. The walls consisted of upright boards, set in silver sockets, and held firm by pillars and connecting bars; and all were overlaid with gold, giving to the building the appearance of solid gold. The roof was formed of four sets of curtains, the innermost of “fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubim of cunning work;” the other three respectively were of goats’ hair, rams’ skins dyed red, and sealskins, so arranged as to afford complete protection. {PP 347.1}”

The building was not huge, and not made to be a bragging token of Israel, but it was made to be neat, orderly, and magnificent as it was the house of God.
Likewise our churches of modern day do not need to be of show and popularity, many times the people of God waste great sums of money in creating a showing church, when those funds could have been put into the better work for God. Our Churches need to be appropriate, humble, neat and orderly, as they are also consecrated to be the House of God.


What are the furnishings of the Tabernacle?

               (Outer court)

·        The Altar of Burnt Offering (Ex 38:1-7)

·        The Laver (Ex 38:8)

(Holy Place)

·        The table of shewbread (Ex 37:10-16)

·        The candle stick, which has seven upon it (Ex 37:17-24)

·        Alter of Incense (Ex 37:25-28)

Then the Veil which separates the Holy Place from the (Holy of Holies).

·        The Ark of the Covenant (Ex 37:1-9)

·        And the mercy seat upon the ark.

“The building was divided into two apartments by a rich and beautiful curtain, or veil, suspended from gold-plated pillars; and a similar veil closed the entrance of the first apartment. These, like the inner covering, which formed the ceiling, were of the most gorgeous colors, blue, purple, and scarlet, beautifully arranged, while inwrought with threads of gold and silver were cherubim to represent the angelic host who are connected with the work of the heavenly sanctuary and who are ministering spirits to the people of God on earth. {PP 347.2}
The sacred tent was enclosed in an open space called the court, which was surrounded by hangings, or screens, of fine linen, suspended from pillars of brass. The entrance to this enclosure was at the eastern end. It was closed by curtains of costly material and beautiful workmanship, though inferior to those of the sanctuary. The hangings of the court being only about half as high as the walls of the tabernacle, the building could be plainly seen by the people without. In the court, and nearest the entrance, stood the brazen altar of burnt offering. Upon this altar were consumed all the sacrifices made by fire unto the Lord, and its horns were sprinkled with the atoning blood. Between the altar and the door of the tabernacle was the laver, which was also of brass, made from the mirrors that had been the freewill offering of the women of Israel. At the laver the priests were to wash their hands and their feet whenever they went into the sacred apartments, or approached the altar to offer a burnt offering unto the Lord. {PP 347.3}
In the first apartment, or holy place, were the table of showbread, the candlestick, or lampstand, and the altar of incense. The table of showbread stood on the north. With its ornamental crown, it was overlaid with pure gold. On this table the priests were each Sabbath to place twelve cakes, arranged in two piles, and sprinkled with frankincense. The loaves that were removed, being accounted holy, were to be eaten by the priests. On the south was the seven-branched candlestick, with its seven lamps. Its branches were ornamented with exquisitely wrought flowers, resembling lilies, and the whole was made from one solid piece of gold. There being no windows in the tabernacle, the lamps were never all extinguished at one time, but shed their light by day and by night. Just before the veil separating the holy place from the most holy and the immediate presence of God, stood the golden altar of incense. Upon this altar the priest was to burn incense every morning and evening; its horns were touched with the blood of the sin offering, and it was sprinkled with blood upon the great Day of Atonement. The fire upon this altar was kindled by God Himself and was sacredly cherished. Day and night the holy incense diffused its fragrance throughout the sacred apartments, and without, far around the tabernacle. {PP 348.1}
Beyond the inner veil was the holy of holies, where centered the symbolic service of atonement and intercession, and which formed the connecting link between heaven and earth. In this apartment was the ark, a chest of acacia wood, overlaid within and without with gold, and having a crown of gold about the top. It was made as a depository for the tables of stone, upon which God Himself had inscribed the Ten Commandments. Hence it was called the ark of God’s testament, or the Ark of the Covenant, since the Ten Commandments were the basis of the covenant made between God and Israel. {PP 348.2}

(note) Remember, folks, in previous studies how we have seen the importance of the Ten Commandments in Salvation? Mercy and Justice are the Throne of God. And in the Holy of Holies, within the Mercy seat of God, was where the Ten Commandments were kept. By the Ten Commandments is holy Judgement made by God.

The cover of the sacred chest was called the mercy seat. This was wrought of one solid piece of gold, and was surmounted by golden cherubim, one standing on each end. One wing of each angel was stretched forth on high, while the other was folded over the body (see Ezekiel 1:11) in token of reverence and humility. The position of the cherubim, with their faces turned toward each other, and looking reverently downward toward the ark, represented the reverence with which the heavenly host regard the law of God and their interest in the plan of redemption. {PP 348.3}
Above the mercy seat was the Shekinah, the manifestation of the divine Presence; and from between the cherubim, God made known His will. Divine messages were sometimes communicated to the high priest by a voice from the cloud. Sometimes a light fell upon the angel at the right, to signify approval or acceptance, or a shadow or cloud rested upon the one at the left to reveal disapproval or rejection. {PP 349.1}
The law of God, enshrined within the ark, was the great rule of righteousness and judgment. That law pronounced death upon the transgressor; but above the law was the mercy seat, upon which the presence of God was revealed, and from which, by virtue of the atonement, pardon was granted to the repentant sinner. Thus in the work of Christ for our redemption, symbolized by the sanctuary service, “mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Psalm 85:10. {PP 349.2} “

“No language can describe the glory of the scene presented within the sanctuary—the gold-plated walls reflecting the light from the golden candlestick, the brilliant hues of the richly embroidered curtains with their shining angels, the table, and the altar of incense, glittering with gold; beyond the second veil the sacred ark, with its mystic cherubim, and above it the holy Shekinah, the visible manifestation of Jehovah’s presence; all but a dim reflection of the glories of the temple of God in heaven, the great center of the work for man’s redemption. {PP 349.3}

A period of about half a year was occupied in the building of the tabernacle. When it was completed, Moses examined all the work of the builders, comparing it with the pattern shown him in the mount and the directions he had received from God. “As the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.” With eager interest the multitudes of Israel crowded around to look upon the sacred structure. While they were contemplating the scene with reverent satisfaction, the pillar of cloud floated over the sanctuary and, descending, enveloped it. “And the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” There was a revealing of the divine majesty, and for a time even Moses could not enter. With deep emotion the people beheld the token that the work of their hands was accepted. There were no loud demonstrations of rejoicing. A solemn awe rested upon all. But the gladness of their hearts welled up in tears of joy, and they murmured low, earnest words of gratitude that God had condescended to abide with them. {PP 349.4}”

Conclusions

The Sanctuary was built by God's commandment so that God could abide in the Midst of His people. He wanted to be among His chosen people to be near them and to give them the way to Salvation. All through the specific constructions and instructions given concerning the Sanctuary serve for a specific purpose. By studying the Sanctuary we can see that it Foreshadows the cross and the sacrifice that Christ gave for the Salvation of Man. All through the progression of the sanctuary can be found the Steps to Christ.
 The Sanctuary was patterned after the design of the Heavenly Sanctuary. The ceremonies can be found With Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob and Esau and all through the history down into Israel. The Sanctuary was built to make a way of escape from the captivity of Sin.
 The sanctuary holds importance to us as it sets a foundation that pointed to the Cavalry, foundation to the Judgement, and a foundation to the atonement for our sins. Not many are aware of the Actual importance of the Sanctuary to current day Christians. May we study and learn to know the Will of God.

Bible study of the Sanctuary -- Part 1

Bible study of the Sanctuary -- Part 1

The beginning of the Sanctuary

What is the Sanctuary?

A Sanctuary is a sacred place, or a place of refuge.

Exodus 25:8
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

The Most common meaning of the word Sanctuary is as a sacred place, a place where God’s presence is.
The purpose of the Sanctuary in Israel was known as the House of God. Not a place to disrespect or profane. Likewise today, in Church we refer to the place where we worship God as the Sanctuary. It is a place where His presence is, and it should be treated with distinction and humble reverence.
 The House of God is also referred to as a temple.

In Scripture, how many Sanctuaries or temples of importance are there? (Excluding all pagan and false ones)

The heavenly Sanctuary

Hebrews 8:1-5
1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:

5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

The earthly Tabernacle (Designed after the heavenly)

Exodus 25:8, 9.
8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

Patriarchs and Prophets 356, 357:
“As has been stated, the earthly sanctuary was built by Moses according to the pattern shown him in the mount. It was “a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices;” its two holy places were “patterns of things in the heavens;” Christ, our great High Priest, is “a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” Hebrews 9:9, 23; 8:2. As in vision the apostle John was granted a view of the temple of God in heaven, he beheld there “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne.” He saw an angel “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 which was before the throne.” Revelation 4:5; 8:3. Here the prophet was permitted to behold the first apartment of the sanctuary in heaven; and he saw there the “seven lamps of fire” and the “golden altar” represented by the golden candlestick and the altar of incense in the sanctuary on earth. Again, “the temple of God was opened” (Revelation 11:19), and he looked within the inner veil, upon the holy of holies. Here he beheld “the ark of His testament” (Revelation 11:19), represented by the sacred chest constructed by Moses to contain the law of God. {PP 356.1}

Moses made the earthly sanctuary, “according to the fashion that he had seen.” Paul declares that “the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry,” when completed, were “the patterns of things in the heavens.” Acts 7:44; Hebrews 9:21, 23. And John says that he saw the sanctuary in heaven. That sanctuary, in which Jesus ministers in our behalf, is the great original, of which the sanctuary built by Moses was a copy. {PP 357.1}”

The temple of the body
1 Corinthians 3:16, 17
16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

1 cor. 6:19-20

19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

               The Body is the one temple that is most desecrated and unsanctified. As we look around us in this world, we see the foul characters of men and women and even children all around. Sin and disease has corrupted and destroyed the Image of God of whom we were created in. The body which, was created for to do good and the perfect will of God, to be the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, has been brought down to the level of beasts by the indulgences of selfishness and sin, and by the indwelling of satanic influences. The minds of men are becoming only continually evil; the fruits of their labors are of destruction and wickedness. The greatest troubles of this world are caused by the wickedness of mankind. This course of destructive behavior could change, but only by the influence of the Holy Spirit dwelling within.
               The actions of the hands and feet are the products of our hearts and minds; what we expose our hearts and minds to is what the fruits of our labors, and the words of our mouth are patterned after. If we allow for the sinful and worldly influences to enter into the ports of our minds (ears, eyes, mouth), our fruits will become patterned and follow after those influences. Do we allow that which is only pure, and holy, and acceptable enter into us, or that of sin and wickedness? Are our bodies the temple of God, or are they the dwelling place of worldliness and sin? Let us remember what our bodies were designed after, and what our bodies truly are. May we only let that which is acceptable unto the Lord dwell within.

Conclusion

So far we have distinguished the three temples that are the Lords, we have seen that the Tabernacle sanctuary of Israel, and all its ordinances and ceremonies, were patterned and designed after the one in heaven, not built by the hands of men, and that the third Temple, which is our bodies, is made to be the dwelling place of the holy Spirit. Each article of the Tabernacle of Israel and all of its ceremonies are a foreshadowing of things that were to come and be fulfilled. In further studies that we will be doing of the Sanctuary, we will address in detail the Tabernacle Sanctuary, and all of its ordinances and what they represent, and what they point to, and how they pertain to us in this current day. 

The Privilege of Prayer (Based off Chap. 11 of STC)

The Privilege of Prayer (Based off Chap. 11 of STC)

God speaks to us through His Spirit, His word, Revelation and Spirit of prophecy, but God wanted to give us a way that we could also speak to Him. So he gave us the privilege of prayer; Prayer is a gift, a privilege that is so special.
We need to be able to pour our hearts out to Him, We need to be able to communicate with Him-This is a necessity for us to have a real relationship with Christ.

So, what is Prayer?
The world has many different types and meanings of what prayer is considered. Everyone prays at some point-Protestants, Catholics, Buddhist, Hindus, Muslims, even atheists sometimes-But everyone prays.
The question is, what is real prayer?

This is prayer
Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him. {SC 93.2}

Prayer is the doorway of communication between Man and God.

Christ prayed
"Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among men, was often in prayer. Our Savior identified Himself with our needs and weakness, in that He became a suppliant, a petitioner, seeking from His Father fresh supplies of strength, that He might come forth braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all things. He is a brother in our infirmities, “in all points tempted like as we are;” but as the sinless one His nature recoiled from evil; He endured struggles and torture of soul in a world of sin. His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Savior of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer. {SC 93.4}

Christ set an example for us, He taught the disciples to pray because He knew that we need that special communion with God.

Christ yearns to hear our prayers
"Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the companionship of His presence. {SC 94.1}

God watches us so much, He sees our every need and wishes to lead us every step of the way, but He only wishes to intercede at our wish. If only we would take use of this privilege of prayer and ask for the strength to carry on, to pour our hearts out to Christ so that he could come in and fill the void within us. Christ yearns so much for that.

Without prayer we put ourselves in danger
"The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation. {SC 94.2}

Prayer is a necessity for faith and godliness, it is our ability to call for help when we are losing to the powers of evil. By the lack of prayer and worship of God we set ourselves at a great danger, we no longer would commune with Christ and would thus lose sight of the light of truth where all strength and faith comes from. Prayer is a mighty tool against satan, don't forget to use it.

There are conditions of the heart in order for our prayers to be heard
A person who is living a life of sin knowingly, without purpose to change, cannot expect to have their prayer heard by God. When we pray, we are going before the King of Kings, The Lord of Lords. We are by far completely unworthy. With sin thriving in our hearts, we cannot pray with humbleness and true Respect unto God. By going through the motions without faith, the works are of no good. We must be willing to have that full faith and believing in God, and be willing to give up our whole selves to him, to repent and confess of our sins and turn from them. Once we have resolved to give our sins to Christ, He is faithful and Just to forgive us and redeem us from them. We should seek Him Humbly in prayer and pray from our hearts with utmost respect. We have to let Christ change us from within. If we are not willing to abide by God's laws, then why would we feel entitled to His help and care? That is what presumption is.

We must be faithful to Him no matter the outcome of What we ask for
"But to claim that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire, is presumption. God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Then do not fear to trust Him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers. Rely upon His sure promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you.” {SC 96.2}
Faith and Presumtion are to easily confused in Christianity. Faith is a Full trust and Believing in God to let Him do what is best according to his will regardless of what we ask of Him in prayer. Presumption is a self based action action that leads away from prayer. A man with presumption does not follow the works of obedience and faith, but rather believes that God will give them what they want and need. God Does not work in this way, He says to ask and it shall be given unto us; we cannot expect to receive something without first asking for it. Faith in prayer is asking and trusting that God's will, not our own, would be done.
The Lord always Answers our diligent faithful prayers, sometimes He says yes, sometimes no, and sometimes He says wait.

Perseverance in prayer
Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be “instant in prayer,” to “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2. Peter exhorts believers to be “sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7. Paul directs, “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6. “But ye, beloved,” says Jude, “praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God.” Jude 20, 21.Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God. {SC 97.2}

We should pray in the family circle
the privilege of prayer is an important element in the family circle. By teaching the young how to pray from the heart and with faithfulness, to teach them that God is eager for and listening to our prayers, and that through prayer we can receive the needed strength and direction from on high.
A family that prays together, stays together. For Christianity to flourish in the family, there needs to be solid communication with God as a family. The Children will follow after the patterns of the parents, so let the examples of the Parents be Honest and Christlike.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)"

Never neglect secret prayer
We should pray in the family circle, and above all we must not neglect secret prayer, for this is the life of the soul. It is impossible for the soul to flourish while prayer is neglected. Family or public prayer alone is not sufficient. In solitude let the soul be laid open to the inspecting eye of God. Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God. No curious ear is to receive the burden of such petitions. In secret prayer the soul is free from surrounding influences, free from excitement. Calmly, yet fervently, will it reach out after God. Sweet and abiding will be the influence emanating from Him who seeth in secret, whose ear is open to hear the prayer arising from the heart. By calm, simple faith the soul holds communion with God and gathers to itself rays of divine light to strengthen and sustain it in the conflict with Satan. God is our tower of strength. {SC 98.2}
Pray in your closet, and as you go about your daily labor let your heart be often uplifted to God.It was thus that Enoch walked with God. These silent prayers rise like precious incense before the throne of grace. Satan cannot overcome him whose heart is thus stayed upon God. {SC 98.3}
There are somethings that should only be between Us and God. We don't need to pour our hearts out to God before others, we can have that special communion with Christ, just He and Us. Never neglect this privilege, it is important to the growth of Christianity.

We should Pray Often
Let the soul be drawn out and upward, that God may grant us a breath of the heavenly atmosphere. We may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns to the sun. {SC 99.4}

When we pray, we are not to have a mere mention of His name before and ending of each prayer, but we should pray in the Mind and spirit of Jesus always.

He who does nothing but pray will soon cease to pray, or his prayers will become a formal routine.{SC 101.1}

Pray together
If Christians would associate together, speaking to each other of the love of God and of the precious truths of redemption, their own hearts would be refreshed and they would refresh one another. We may be daily learning more of our heavenly Father, gaining a fresh experience of His grace; then we shall desire to speak of His love; and as we do this, our own hearts will be warmed and encouraged. If we thought and talked more of Jesus, and less of self, we should have far more of His presence. {SC 101.3}

Praise and Thanksgiving in prayer
We need to praise God more “for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.” Psalm 107:8. Our devotional exercises should notconsist wholly in asking and receiving. Let us not be always thinking of our wants and never of the benefits we receive. We do not pray any too much, but we are too sparing of giving thanks. We are the constant recipients of God’s mercies, and yet how little gratitude we express, how little we praise Him for what He has done for us. {SC 102.2}
There is a time and a need for us to ask for Guidance and strength From God, but there is always a greater necessity of praise to God. We, after our own abominations against the Lord and our wickedness, we are unworthy of His blessings, Yet Christ continues to Bless us more than we even realize. What an Awesome God, Praise Him in all things, even that which is trials and troubles.

Therefore, Brothers and Sisters, let us not abuse this privilege of prayer, let us make use of this wonderful gift God has given us to Praise Him, to worship Him, to seek Him continually and in all things. Let us pray without ceasing, with one another and in personal worship with God, Let us daily pour our hearts our to Christ and let Him enter into our lives each day. In the Morning, seek first the Kingdom of God to be prepared for the tasks of the day, and in the evening, seek the Name of the Lord for Forgiveness from the mistakes of the day, let not the sun go down upon our own mistakes.

The Issue of Women's Ordination

The issue of Women's ordination (As apposed to Mr. Ty Gibson's Article)

    After coming across this post late last week, I decided to study out the topic of ordination for myself. With a KJV study bible and a 1599 Geneva bible with Protestant reformers' genuine foot notes I set out to find what the bible and Ellen White says about this topic. After I had diligently studied from scripture about this and spoken to multiple persons on the subject and with Much prayer, I come to find my understanding of this topic cemented. I thoroughly read and studied the reasoning for and material in the article of Ordination by Ty Gibson. I do strongly disagree with Mr. Ty Gibson on multiple points that he made in the article because, although some of what he wrote is truth, a large portion of the material is based off bible verses and quotes that he has taken out of context and misinterpreted. I believe that the issue of women's ordination is not whether a woman can engage in the gospel work or not, but that the issue is in the place of authority that women wish to be placed in. Women's ordination has been widely misinterpreted even unto the definition of Ordination. The under lying issue is that this movement is politically driven and therefore is leading up to political and moral corruption of the church. In the following material I hope to point out some of the understood errors of Mr. Gibson's article.

   First off, I want to start out in saying, though some may disagree with this reasoning, that Mr. Gibson's uses a varying difference in modern Bible translations. The only thing this mix of modern translations can accomplish is confusion. The Modern translations change the meanings and wordings of so many verses that they actually conflict between the modern and the old translations. This difference in bible translation is greatly responsible for the misinterpretation of verses and out-of-context definitions. The best way to have a complete understanding of this subject is to hold fast to the study of fundamental scripture texts of the un-altered versions. An example of this confusion is showed in the following text taken from Mr. Gibson's Article:

"But there is a second reason we cannot use 1 Timothy 3 as evidence for male-only ordination. Even if we were to concede that Paul’s point is that all pastors and deacons must be males, Paul also says in the same letter that men are to lift up their hands when they pray (2:8), that women are to “learn in silence” and not “teach” (2:11-12), that elders who lead well, especially in word and doctrine, are to be paid double wages (5:17), and that slaves who are under the yoke of bondage are to submit to their masters (6:1). (Ty Gibson)."

If you look up each of these verses mentioned in the above quote in the King James Bible, you will find that half of those verses have different wording. Notice how these mis-quotes could initiate confusion as to what the real meaning of the verses are. This is  a major reason for sticking to the original bible translations so that everyone can be on the same page with the Apostles, Prophets and authors of Scripture.

    Mr. Gibson starts out his article by giving a history of the issue at hand. He uses multiple quotes that would indicate that Ellen White Supported Women's Ordination into Pastoral Positions in the church. However, the details that Ellen white was stressing upon is the need for having gospel workers, both men and women, to labor in bringing the light of truth to those ignorant of it. Now, if a person believes that a person MUST be ordained by the "Structure" church in order to carry out this work, then they are terribly mistaken. God calls all, men and women alike, to His work in the field. All who are faithful unto Him in obedience and Faith and who have wholly consecrated themselves to Christ are qualified for this work; they are, by definition, ordained by God. None should be held back solely because of their lack of membership, certification or gender (as in Men and Women Gender). The Holy Spirit will speak through any who is willing to further the work of Christ. The issue arises when people apply this qualification to positions of authority in the church leadership. The bible does give specific instructions to what the position of being Bishop, Minister and deacon are required of those who are willing to be in such services. Those Requirements are misinterpreted greatly in Mr. Gibson's Article.

   Gibson's says that the argument that all the priests and Church leaders of the old testament were men does not apply to the new testament church. The fact that the Old testament church leaders were all men and how that distinction applies to today's church I am unsure of, but the Quote that Mr. Gibson was using to prove that all faithful men and women will be counted as :"Priests" and "Ministers" in the New testament church was taken out of context. When looking up the quote in Review and Herald, October 15, 190, One can see that she went on to explain the reward of those who engage in the gospel ministry, not the titles of what they will be called. Again, Mrs. White stresses upon the importance and reward of the Heavenly work and not upon the entitlements of those involved. This Example for disproving the leadership roles of only being men in today's church is lacking and does not disprove the detail in any way. One thing to be aware of, though, is that there was women in the roles of Ministerial work and Leadership in the Old testament such as Deborah, Miriam, Esther and many others.

   More disagreeableness is created when Mr. Gibson claims that Paul was Not being Gender specific in the whole chapter of 1 Timothy 3. I do not see how this is true because the roles of the Bishop and Deacons are described after the manner of the leadership of the family is described, further more, the family is described in detail after the manner of how the church is to be patterned. In Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul gives detailed instruction of how the family should be patterned. He says, "(22) Wives, Submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church: and He is the savior of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything." Then Paul Proceeds to tell what the Position of the Husband is: "(25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; (26) That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (28) So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself." These specifications of the Husband and wife, as explained by Paul, are definitely Gender Specific. How are these verse related to 1 Timothy 3? Simple, read 1Timothy 3:2, 4 and 5.

(2) A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good  behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
(4) One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (5) (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

The position of a bishop is described by and illustrated with the husband's position in the family. husband's are, as Paul said, The head of the household and head of the wife. These are the requirements for the Bishop of the church, he is to be able to lead the flock in the same manner as how he is supposed to lead his family. If the bishop cannot lead his family, how can he lead the flock of Christ? He would not be able to do so. Also, if Paul was not being gender specific when he wrote these requirements of the Bishop, why would he need to then give a requirement of what the position of the wives are needed in the Church? (See verse 11).

(11) Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

So, Paul has given specifications again for the bishop, that being after his position as head of the family; and the position of the wife, that is to be faithful and obedient unto her husband.
Now that we are sure of the requirements of the position of a Bishop, allow me to point out a difference with the deacons. (See verses 8-12).

(8) Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not  greedy of filthy lucre;
(9) Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
(10) And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
(11) Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
(12) Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Notice that the deacons are not considered Leaders of the Flock. We can know that the position of a Bishop is an elder, leader and servant; the position of a deacon is that of a servant. What Mr. Gibson fails to point out is that the position of a Bishop and that of a Deacon are different. This we can understand more fully by looking at the word root origins.

   Mr. Gibson Used the word episkope as the greek word for Bishop in Verse 2 of 1Tim 3. The word ranges in spelling from episkope, to episkopoj and episkoph. In either event that I found, the words meanings are as follows:

Episkoph: 1) investigation, inspection, visitation
1a) that act by which God looks into and searches out the ways, deeds character, of men, in order to adjudge them their lot accordingly, whether joyous or sad
1b) oversight
1b1) overseership, office, charge, the office of an elder
1b2) the overseer or presiding officers of a Christian church

Episkopoj: 1) an overseer
1a) a man charged with the duty of seeing that things to be done by others are done rightly, any curator, guardian or superintendent
1b) the superintendent, elder, or overseer of a Christian church

Anyhow, you get the idea. The root meaning of Bishop from the verse 1Tim 3:2 is that which describes the office of a Leader of God's Church; one who is in a position of authority. Now this is where Mr. Gibson neglected a key definition of the root word definition of "Deacon." The Greek word for Deacon is Diakonoj as Mr. Gibson mentioned. However, the meaning of diakonoj is very different to that of the meaning of Episkope. The definition of Diakonoj is as follows:

1) one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master, a servant, attendant,   minister
1a) the servant of a king
1b) a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned to him by the church, cares for the poor and has charge of and distributes the money collected for their use

Obviously, there is a big difference in definition of the place of a deacon and that of a bishop. By not revealing this MAJOR detail, Mr. Gibson went about trying to prove the "good report" of women's ordination in all positions.
You might wonder, "why is this so important?" Let's let the word of God show it's importance.
Let's turn to 1Timothy 2:12:

(12)But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

This is the key verse that shows the reason why women are not to be ordained as a Bishop. They are not to usurp authority over the man. With the earlier definitions of the Bishop, we can see why they are not supposed to be put in such positions, because, in so doing, they would be usurping authority over man. However, the definition of a Deacon does not say that they are in authority, but are in service. This, as the service of the wives are to their families, so is the Deacons to the Church. I believe a woman can very rightly, according to scripture, engage in the work of a deacon. Here are a few examples of women occupying the role of a deacon:

"(Rom. 16:1, 3, 12; Phil. 4:2, 3; 1 Tim. 3:11; 5:9, 10; Titus 2:3, 4)". In these passages it is evident that females were then engaged in various Christian ministrations.

   Do you understand the issue that Mr. Gibson failed to address? He was right about some of the things in his article, but he failed to show these very specific details. From what I see of the SDA Conference church, they do not need to pass an allowance to ordain deaconesses, they are already ordaining deaconesses, and some rightfully so. Women can work in service of the gospel and of the work of Christ as well. So, if the Conference church does not need to pass this into acceptance, then why are they trying to make it "Okay" to ordain a woman into a "Bishops" position? Folks the only explanation of that is because the reason for doing it is politically driven. Everything about politics today is about equality - equality of Gender, women's rights, homosexuals-- these are very dangerous things to be considering to allow into the Church. Notice what Christ did in His time when people approached him wondering about his positions on politics and Legal matters:

"Again and again Christ had been asked to decide legal and political questions. But He refused to interfere in temporal matters. Christ stood in our world as the Head of the great spiritual kingdom that He came to our world to establish—the kingdom of righteousness. His teaching made plain the ennobling, sanctifying principles that govern this kingdom. He showed that justice and mercy and love are the controlling powers in Jehovah’s kingdom.567 {CCh 314.5}"

This is how we should be today. We should not be caught up in all this legal and political stuff. The issue of Womens ordination is political, it is made political because it is society driven and supported by politics. What is the base of women's ordination? The excuse is equality, Tell me that is not political. This is the underlying issue and danger of Women's ordination being passed into acceptance into the church. Once it is in effect, the next thing to go into the church is Homosexuality. Sure, Mr. Gibson says that the bible has enough evidence against homosexuality that it will not be passed into the church. But the bible has evidence against makeup and Jewelry, yet that did not convince the people not to allow it into the church. Learn from the past, History repeats itself. Do Not be deceived into something you are unsure of. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)." "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thess 5:21)."

If I have made a mistake or error in any biblical context in this post, please point out the issue. I would rather recant that which goes against the Word of God than to produce forth error. If not, however, then let the truth be declared.

Work cited:

Gibson, Ty. "A Closer Look At Women’s Ordination." Light Bearers RSS. lightbearers.org, 05 June 2015. Web. 10 June 2015.

Courage and Perseverance

Courage and Perseverance

Perseverance: To pursue, persist, to strive for, not to give up.

Courage: to be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, hard

    1a) (Qal) to be strong, brave, bold
    1b) (Piel) to strengthen, secure, harden (heart),
        make firm, make obstinate, assure
    1c) (Hithpael) to be determined, to make oneself alert, strengthen
        oneself, confirm oneself, persist in, prove superior to

Courage is when a person stands up for something they believe is right against a stronger foe. True courage is rarely found, mainly because it comes from God to His people who stand up for truth against Satan and his agents. There have been courageous men in the history of the world in biblical history and American history. Courage can be noble and yet humble.

To have courage is a noble gesture no matter what you stand for, but there is little courage in men who stand for the wrong. The men who stand for wrong are usually under the wrong influence by a great majority of money or people who are all influenced by Satan.

Gods people get their courage from God and stand up for the truths of the bible and hold fast to that which they know is correct. Even in the face of death many men stood for God and Practiced the Commandments to their fullest ability. Steven was the first martyr in the history of the world. All of Christs disciples had courage to stand before death for what was right. All but one died a martyr for our Lord Jesus.

At the beginning of American history, there were many courageous men who stood for freedom of men and religion. Our founding fathers during the Revolution stood against the British government even though it could mean their fate in hanging for treason. However, God Blessed with success and we are a free nation today with freedom of conscience, religion and of men though it is soon to be taken away by present powers of evil.

Courage isn't always bold and boasting, in fact it should never be in such a manner. Men can be courageous and still humble and righteous. God leads His people and gives them strength, courage and guidance. If we are courageous and stand for what we know is right, we will be rewarded in heaven if we stay true to Gods commandments and keep the faith of Jesus.

There were three men going on a journey. The first was named Jesus. The second and third were named John and Samuel, who were two men who desired to follow and work for Jesus. Along their journey, Christ asked the two men to pick up stones and carry with them. John picked up a small rock but Samuel picked up a medium sized rock and thus carried with them. As the journey progressed it came to about midday and the men became hungry. Jesus took the stones that the two men chose and turned each into the sizable portion of bread to the size of the rock the men chose, and gave for them each to eat. Because John's rock was smaller than Samuels, he did not have enough bread to suffice for his hunger and so Samuel broke his bread and shared with John.

After this, the men arose and continued on their journey. Again Jesus asked them to pick up a stone each and carry it. Samuel chose the same sized stone as his first one, and John chose the same size as Samuels. Again they resumed their journey until they had come to a river. Jesus asked them to throw the rocks into the water and so they did. After all the trouble to carry these stones for several hours, why should they throw them away? What was the reason for this?

Lets look at another example: 2Kings 13:14-19

14 Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.

15 And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows.
16 And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.
17 And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the Lord's deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.
18 And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed.
19 And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.

The dying prophet bade the king, “Take bow and arrows.” Joash obeyed. Then the prophet said, “Put thine hand upon the bow.” Joash “put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king’s hands. And he said, Open the window eastward”—toward the cities beyond the Jordan in possession of the Syrians. The king having opened the latticed window, Elisha bade him shoot. As the arrow sped on its way, the prophet was inspired to say, “The arrow of the Lord’s deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.” {PK 261.3}

And now the prophet tested the faith of the king. Bidding Joash take up the arrows, he said, “Smite upon the ground.” Thrice the king smote the ground, and then he stayed his hand. “Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times,” Elisha exclaimed in dismay; “then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.”2 Kings 13:15-19. {PK 262.1}

The lesson is for all in positions of trust. When God opens the way for the accomplishment of a certain work and gives assurance of success, the chosen instrumentality must do all in his power to bring about the promised result. In proportion to the enthusiasm and perseverance with which the work is carried forward will be the success given. God can work miracles for His people only as they act their part with untiring energy. He calls for men of devotion to His work, men of moral courage, with ardent love for souls, and with a zeal that never flags. Such workers will find no task too arduous, no prospect too hopeless; they will labor on, undaunted, until apparent defeat is turned into glorious victory. Not even prison walls nor the martyr’s stake beyond, will cause them to swerve from their purpose of laboring together with God for the upbuilding of His kingdom.

The story with Jesus, the two men and the stones is a lesson in the two types of Christians. They each carryout what our master has asked, but one does it to the least degree he can to get away with, the other does to the fullest extent he can and eagerly, with Courage and perseverance, because of his love for the Master.

John was carrying out without question, willingly his masters wish, but he did so halfheartedly, and nary had enough food to suffice for his lunch. So out of the generosity of his heart, Samuel shared his bread with John. Now when the Master asked again to choose a stone and carry it with them, John chose a larger stone, thinking the same pattern would occur as previously, and Samuel chose the same stone as he had the first time. When they came to the water, Jesus told them to throw the stones in.

How do the actions of these two men pertain to us? What should our reaction be in similar instances? Do we have the courage to pick up a large stone in faith, and the perseverance to carry it with us? Or will we be weak and lazily in doing what our duty is. Even though John did as the master said, He suffered from the consequences. Samuel chose each rock, not knowing the consequences.

This is my prayer for us all, that we would have the courage and perseverance, as well as faith, to carryout complete heartedly, the masters plan.

As it has been said before, Christianity is not a crutch, it is a cross.

The missing link?

We have found evolutions missing link. It's between the ears.

In most peoples minds they may have noticed that common sense has drastically diminished in the last couple generations, and many people have become dependent on government, supporting them verbally in what ever way they can hoping to get money do they wont have to support themselves.
The true reality is that our government is taking away our freedom, our right to protect ourselves, our right of choice that was given to us by God. The Government can put us in chains and restrictions but They can't take away what God has given us.
Some wish we could just get into the wars and terribles of the end days, get over them so we can go to heaven. But that isn't so, we have a work to do. Jesus can't come until the true people of God have done the work of evangelizing, Spreading the gospel to the world, bringing the light to the individuals searching For Christ.