William P Goff
1/25/2014
Scriptures from the KJV
In Mathew chapter five, we find one of the most loved portions of the Gospel, the “Beatitudes” this teaching by Christ forms the beginning of what’s become known as the “Sermon on the Mount.”
Like to start my message today, by reading those Beatitudes, because it will begin to set the stage for what I want to address today.
(I’m going to read verses 1-12 of Matthew chapter 5, and then kind of skip through and comment on the rest of that particular chapter.)
Mathew 5:1-12
1 “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, (so this is a lesson, and not only for them, but for us also.) He opened His mouth and taught them saying:
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
One of the commentaries I read had this to say about the “Beatitudes”:
“Each Beatitude consists of two phrases: the condition and the result. Together, they present a standard of Perfection or Excellence that focuses on a spirit of love and humility, and they Echo the Highest Ideals of the teachings of Christ on mercy, spirituality, and compassion.
“They echo the Highest Ideals of the teachings of Christ” (Pretty powerful words)…..
“Ideals” is defined as: = A standard of Perfection or Excellence – an ultimate object or aim of endeavor, especially one of high or noble character.
(Were talking about ethics here, principles, standards, and values.)
The Ideals being taught here by Christ, are the ideals (or goals) that He is teaching His disciples that have to do with character (the Holy Righteous Character of the Father) this Quality of character is what a true disciple of Christ will not only learn, not only develop, but will also exhibit.) (But let’s move on and continue setting the stage, before I get ahead of myself.)
As Christ continued to address His disciples in His “Sermon on the Mount” He told them, they are the Salt of the earth, and the Light of the world, and that they are to let their lights so shine before men, that others may see their good works, and glorify their Father which is in heaven.
(Same instructions for His disciples today, they also, are to be the Salt of the earth, and the Light of this world.)
Next He states that He did Not come to destroy the law, or the prophets, but to fulfill, or “fill to the full”.
And that anyone who breaks even the least of the commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven, but whoever shall Do Them & Teach Them, shall be called Great in the Kingdom of Heaven,
And except one’s righteousness exceeds (key word here) that of the Scribes & Pharisees, he shall in no case (no way) enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
(And let us not misunderstand here, were not talking about surpassing the righteousness of the (self-righteous Scribes & Pharisees) by the skin of our teeth (or by some minute level) The Greek word translated “Exceeds” here in this verse, has the word superfluous in its Greek definition.
Superfluous means = being more than is sufficient or required… Remember, were talking about “disciples” of Christ here…. Disciples of Christ are the ones that go “Above & Beyond”.
Christ then elaborates on that by teaching the “Spirit” of the law, how we are not even to transgress in our minds. But take all thoughts into captivity, and subject them to the Scriptures (just as Christ Himself did when tempted by the advisory in the wilderness.) Mathew 4:3-11…..
(Christ wants us, our Heavenly Father wants us, to develop His “Holy Righteous Character.” They want us to walk this earth upright, they want us to be Holy (Like it’s stated elsewhere in the Scriptures 🙂
“Be Ye Holy, for I am Holy”
Ya know, the transgressing of God’s Laws (the transgressing of God’s Ways) is addressed so seriously or intently by Christ in His sermon, that He even states that “If (yes if) your right eye offend thee, pluck it out, or if your right hand offend thee (causing you to sin) cut it off, that it is better for one of thy members to perish, than for the whole body to be cast into hell (or ge-henna.”
(He’s speaking figuratively here or course, not literally, but let us not miss the powerful point that He is making.)
There is abundance of Scripture that clearly state that sinners – transgressors of His ways, the unrighteous, shall Not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Remember, He called the sinners of this world (us) He called us to repentance, to change from our old ways, to get off the Wide & Broad Road that this world is traveling on (the one that leads to destruction.)
We’re instructed to get off of that road, and to pass through the straight gate, and then follow the narrow path, the one which leadeth unto life.
(And ya know, one cannot reach either of these two destinations, until after they have completed traveling first, the safari, the journey, comes first.)
He goes on in chapter five stating much more concerning a disciple’s ideal behavior that he is to maintain during his walk, like “if one smites thee on our right cheek, turn to him the other also, and if a man sue you and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also”.
He goes on to say: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, and do good to them that hate you…..
(Such Tall orders, through out His entire sermon, such High standard, that Christ is instructing His disciples to live by.)
It’s no wonder He says that few there be that find the straight gate, and walk along the narrow path, that leads to life…
Let’s ask a question here. Is there a way that everything that Christ is teaching His disciples here, could be (simply) summed up?
Yes, there is. Christ, our Chief corner stone, the one we are to conform to, the one we are to adhere to, sums it all up for us in one short sentence, as He concludes His sermon.
Mathew 5:48
48 “Be ye therefore Perfect (He says) “Be Ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect!”
I want to talk a little bit about Perfection today. The title of today’s message is”
“Perfect or In Part”
More often than not, when we hear the word “perfect” being used, it’s used in a negative sense, like: “Well, None of us are “Perfect” ya know!”
Or” “We are not going to become “Perfect” until our change over from “physical” to “spirit”.
But is that true, is there really a ‘magic wand” at the end of the day that Christ will wave, that will instantaneously make us perfect, instantaneously create the Father’s Holy Righteous Character in us?
Or is that Holy Righteous Character of the Father something that has to be developed in us over a period of time, and while we are still in the flesh?
I ask, is it even possible for us to become perfect now, or is Christ instructing us to achieve something that is out of our reach, as long as we are flesh & blood human beings?
Well, if perfection is out of our reach and if there is some kind of “magic wand” that will cleans us up, and scrub us down, change our ways, change our nature (our sinful human nature) then why all this instruction to become perfect now, why all these lessons and trials? Why would the “Master Potter” have to work the clay?
(There’s a lot of work involved in turning raw clay “us” into beautiful pottery.)
When “Magic Wands” are used to accomplish something, the only work involved is a quick flip of ones wrist, as they point the Wand and press a button (Like we do with a TV remote.)…
This is a subject that I think makes many (yes many in God’s church) uncomfortable (or maybe even threatened.) When they hear someone addressing “Perfection” in a positive light, as something that is achievable while still in the flesh, they are quick to accuse the person of being “self righteous”. (But is that so?) Am I being self-righteous for placing this subject on the table for discussion?
Well let’s move on, and let some of the other Scriptures weigh in on this matter.
Mathew 5:48 is not the only place where “perfection” is called for. There are other places in the Scriptures that speak of “perfection” being the “goal” (if you will) for a disciple of Christ to achieve or obtain while still in the flesh.
One is found in the book of Ephesians, where we find “Perfection” being something that both Paul and the 1st-century Church were hoping to attain.
I want to read Ephesians 4:11-13. (And define some of the words used in that passage.)
As we turn there, let’s think about something. If there is a “Magic Wand” at the end of the day that will make us “perfect”, and if we don’t have to be all that concerned about reaching perfection now, then why did He give His church teachers & preachers? What’s the point, what’s their purpose?
(We have been hearing much, and learning quite well that the ministry is Not there for the purpose of “Lording Over”… Well, if not for Lording Over, then what?)
Ephesians 4:11
11 “And he gave some apostles and some, prophets and some, evangelists and some, pastor an teachers (For what?) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ.
(Now the word “perfecting” here is not the same Greek word that Christ concluded His sermon with back in Mathew five, But both words work together for our benefit.)
(Let’s stop here for a moment and see that by defining the two words.)
The “perfect” that Christ instructs us to become in His “Sermon on the Mount” means: to be complete in growth, to be complete in mental & moral character.
The Greek word translated “perfecting” which the pastors & teachers have been given to perform in us, means: to complete thoroughly, or adjust) It’s talking about “fine tuning” here, or to “tweak”.
The ministers job is to help us become complete, help us reach that goal of perfection. We can see this as Paul continues:
(Continuing in verse 12)
12 for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (That word “edifying” means = to instruct or benefit, especially morally or spiritually; uplift.)
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man (same word used in Christ’s sermon) (And notice it doesn’t say unto a perfect “spirit being” but a perfect man) (Were talking here & now, while we are still in the flesh, before our change over.
(Again, no mention of any “Wand” here, but definitely some struggling, like we see in Colossians 1:28. (Let’s go there for a moment please.)
There is abundance of Scriptures instructing us to become perfect now, to become fully mature now, fully grown now.
(Colossians 1 and starting in verse 25. (Were cutting in here where Paul is talking about his role as a minister.)
Colossians 1:25-29
25 “Wherefore I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given for you, to fulfill the word of God.” (Another translation reads like this: “I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit.”
26 Even the mystery that hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints.
27 to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles; which is Christ in you (There’s the Key, There’s the Way for us (while still in the flesh) to reach perfection. There’s the hope of glory) Christ in us.
No, we can’t do it alone, we can’t reach perfection on our own while in the flesh, but brethren, we are NOT alone if we have Christ in us, He’s our hope of glory Paul states.
Verse 28
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Yes, with Christ in us, we can become perfect now, we can become Holy now. But Christ doesn’t do it all for us (like many think) and one place we see this is in the very next verse.
29 Wherefore I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily. That word “worketh” means = effectual, producing or capable of producing an intended effect; adequate.
Yes, with Christ in us we can do it, if we strive and struggle for perfection, if we strive and struggle for full Spiritual growth.
Yes, Paul strived (the word means to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize) figuratively (to contend with the adversary) Yes, fight & labor towards the goal.
(It has to do with that straight and narrow path that we need to be following.) (It has to do with trials & tribulations.)
(James 1:2 please)
James 1:2 & 4
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (Sermon on the Mount perfect here) [complete in growth, complete in mental and moral character.]
(And that word entire means: complete in every part, perfectly sound and whole.)
Brethren, we’ve been called to reach perfection now, while still in the flesh; there’s no “magic wand” waiting to perfect us at the end of the day. It’s a struggle, it’s a challenge, and it’s a fight, and it’s a battle that we have to be engaged in now!
Now, we can’t do it alone, we need Christ in us. But even with Christ in us, we have to struggle to reach perfection; we have to struggle to follow (and stay on) the straight & narrow path, The path that still today, leads to the same destination that it did 2,000 years ago, eternal life in the Kingdom of God, which He promises to give all, that will follow that path, by walking in His ways.
(Let’s see that in Mathew 19:16.)
Mathew 19:16-21
16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17 And 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 (if you want to have eternal life) keep the commandments.
(It’s as simple as that, it’s a no brainer) (And remember, God is no respecter of person, what he told this man, applies to all of us, if we want to enter into life, keep the commandment.)
Verse 18
18 “He 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,
19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect (sermon on the mount perfect again, the perfect we are all instructed to be = complete in growth – complete in mental and moral character – of full age) if thou will be perfect go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
See, perfection is not out of our reach, this man was already close to being perfect, he was already keeping the majority of God’s commandments, and from his youth… But, this man apparently wasn’t keeping all of the commandments, the one concerning covetousness, was not declared by the man, and as verse 22 states: he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
This man treasured his physical material wealth, over perfection. If he had only given his wealth away, and became a true disciple of Christ, by following Christ, by adhering to Him (which requires forsaking everything, even ones own life) he would have been perfect, and would have had treasure in heaven.
Our Creator hasn’t instructed us to do something that is impossible, He didn’t tell the man “You can’t be perfect in this life; He told Him that he can be perfect in this life, if he would be obedient.
Now becoming perfect isn’t easy, and of and by ourselves, we cannot achieve perfection. (Of and by ourselves brethren, we can do nothing.) (Just like “of and by Himself” Christ told us He could do nothing.)
But, with the spirit of the Father dwelling in Christ, He was able to keep Himself unspotted from the world; He was able to overcome this world.
And with that same spirit of the Father dwelling in us, we are also capable of keep ourselves unspotted from the world, the question is: Are we willing to keep ourselves unspotted from the world? It’s God’s will, but it’s our choice.
Now it is vital for us to understand, that Christ cannot & will not overcome for us. (Overcoming is ones own personal responsibility (no one can overcome for someone else.)
And just “trying” to overcome doesn’t cut it. He instructs every one of the seven churches in the book of revelation that it is to him that “overcometh” that He will give this and grant that.
All those promises that He makes to the churches, are contingent, they are promises made “to him that overcometh.”
He specifically tells the Laodicea’s that to him that overcometh will He grant to sit with Him in His throne (Even as I also (Christ said) overcame and am set down in my Fathers throne.)
He tells the Philadelphians, to him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the Temple of God.
(Want to be aPillar in the Temple of God? All we have to do is put our High Calling on the “front burner” and follow Christ, and forsake everything else that this “dying world” has to offer.)
The opportunity is there, The Powerful Holy Spirit that can ensure us to get the job done, has been given to us.
Now, do we “shoot for the bull’s eye”, do we “press toward the mark, for the prize of our High Calling”, or fail due to the deceitful words of the false prophets, who tells us that it can’t be done?
(I want to go to 1 John 4 please. We need to understand something that is very very important; it concerns a Bad spirit, a Bad spirit that has been plaguing the church of God for a long long time.)
This Bad spirit emanates (or broadcasts for lack of a better word) not only from many Christian pulpits around this world, but also from the majority of the pulpits within the church of God. And it has deceived many into thinking that it is impossible for (mere human beings) to stop sinning, and walk this earth upright. But the Almighty God, the Creator of the entire universe instructed all of us to do just that, to walk upright.
(So why so many minister teaching so many things contrary to the Scriptures?)
Let us remember what Christ said: “Take heed that no man deceive you, for many men shall come in my name, and shall deceive many.” Peter said: “there are “false prophets” among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you.
Now let’s see what the Apostle John has to say concerning those false prophets and their bad spirits. John tells us how to identify false prophets, and how to know if the spirit they possess is of God, or is not of God.
(1 John 4:1-3)
(It hinges on whether one believes that Christ came in the flesh or not.)
1 John 4:1-3
1 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test – examine) the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth (acknowledges) that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.
3 And every spirit that confesseth Not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is Not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, wherefore you have heard that it should come; and even now already is in the world.
The Key Greek word in this verse is to “acknowledges’ that Christ came in the flesh. Acknowledge means = To admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of, to recognize the validity of.
Brethren, those with the spirit of Antichrist, do not believe that Christ came to this earth in the flesh. Whether they can’t comprehend it, or don’t want to, I don’t know.
They believe that His nature was quite different than ours. They believe that He was capable of walking this earth “sinless” or without sinning. But that it is totally impossible for any human being to stop sinning, and walk this earth upright.
That is the spirit of Antichrist…. And it’s a Bad spirit, it’s a false doctrine, and it’s damnable heresy.
Let’s examine this a bit, the Truth is in the Word of God, not in the speculations, ideas, or myths of men. The Greek word translated “flesh” that this verse tells us Christ came in, is used a total of 150 times throughout the Scriptures, and it’s exactly the same word used for the flesh that Christ came in, as it is for the flesh of the rest of us.
The Greek word means: Human nature, with its frailties (physically or morally) (and passions) or (specifically) a human being (as such): carnal.)
Those with the spirit of Antichrist feel that it was impossible for Christ to sin, that there was too much God in Him for him to sin.
They feel that Christ was different than us, that He could walk this earth totally upright, but that others cannot.
Now to rebut that, we often like to quote Hebrews 4:15, where it says: “For we have not an great high priest (speaking of Christ) which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, But was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
And we reason (and we reason well) how could He even be tempted, if He couldn’t sin?
(Now let’s go to James 1 please.) (James is speaking here about temptation, lust and sin, and how sin develops from a conception of lust.)
Let’s start in verse 13 of James 1, because this is another verse that proves that Christ was not a God being, but a human being when He walked this earth.
James 1:13
13 “Let no man say that when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil,neither tempteth He any man. (Brethren, Christ was bombarded with evil temptations, even directly from Satan Himself.)
(Not turning, but Matthew 4:1 says that Christ was led into the wilderness to be “tempted” of the devil.” (Same Greek word.)
(Now verse 14 begins to tell us where sin originates.)
James 1:14-15
14 “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lusts, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
We have a God who means what He says, and says what He means. He told mankind in the beginning that “The sole that sinneth, it shall die. (That hasn’t changed)“ Now Christ came and paid the penalty for our sins, but that doesn’t give us license to continue sinning.
We are commanded to stop sinning, and walk this earth upright, and we have been given the capability to accomplish that. (His Holy Spirit) But we do have to use that spirit, and we do have to fight & struggle to stop sin dead in its track, right at the production facility of our mind. Then, and only then, will we conquer or overcome sin.
(But the point is, it can be done, it can be accomplished while in the flesh.)
Brethren, we’re the church, the “Ecclesia” the called out ones. Called by the Father Himself. We are even called His sons, His “First Fruits” the ones who are going to see Christ “face to face” at His return.
Brethren, if we have this hope in us, to meet Christ in the air (in the clouds) then there is something that we are instructed to do, and we are instructed to do it now. (1 John 3:3 please)
(Let’s start in verse 1)
1 John 3:1-3
1 Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.
2 Beloved, now we are the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.
(And now verse 3, a very important verse for us to heed.)
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself (how pure) even as He is pure. (He is spotless.)
We need to become pure, we need to become spotless. He wants us Perfect (Fully Mature) He wants His Holy Righteous Character to be fully developed in each and every one of us. (And He wants’ it now!)
(This is nothing to take lightly.) (Its something we need to be striving for.)
And, it’s something that we have to be circumspect about, because our enemy is very subtle, very cunning.)
(Satan likes to play games with our mind, and divert our thinking.)
We come into the church, get ourselves baptized, and the next thing you hear, they start calling us “saints”. But ya know, when we first come into God’s church, we’re not all ‘saints” yet (I know I wasn’t, even today, I’m still working at it.)
But it’s within our reach brethren, unless we take our High Calling lightly, and fail to change our ways. If we neglect to separate ourselves from the ways of this world, and continue to walk in sin, we will not be there.
(Ephesians 5 please)
Ephesians 5:1-5
1 “Be Ye therefore followers of God as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.”
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints (becometh saints means to Tower Up, it means to stand out with outstanding qualities.)
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 for this you know, that no whoremonger (male prostitute) nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
(Notice what it doesn’t say? it doesn’t say “Hakuna Matata” No Worries, that there is a magic wand at the entrance gate of God’s Kingdom that will clean us up and change our sinful nature.)
(Brethren, what it does say, is that sinners are not going to be there.) (We have been called to repent from our sinful ways; we have been called to repent from the ways of this world.)
Ephesians 5:6-11
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: (for because of these things, cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
(Again, were talking the here & now, while still in the flesh.)
8 For you were sometimes darkness, (meaning formerly or at one time) but now are you light in the Lord: walk as children of light.
9 For the fruit of the spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
(dropping down to 15)
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Brethren, the will of the Lord is for His church (us) to walk this earth uprightly, to be Holy & Pure, and to be holy & pure now. That’s been His will (His standard) for those called into His church from the get-go.
(Where the Church, brethren, His Golden Candlesticks, and we have been instructed to let our light shine before men!)
(Revelation 1:12 please)
Christ tells us that He is going to present to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but a church that is holy and without blemish.
And (as we all know) He’s building & perfecting His church now.
Better Put: He Building & Perfecting His Temple now, His Spiritual Temple. He hasn’t erected it yet, but it’s going to go up fast, as soon as the rest of the Stones (us) complete the purification process.
Let’s go there for a moment, and see that (1st Kings 6:7 please.) (hold your finger in Revelation 1, we’re coming back.)
God instructed every detail concerning the building of Solomon’s Temple, and every detail has spiritual significance. All the stones that the temple was made of were first perfectly cut and shaped down at the rock quarry.
Then, after the stones were completed (or made ready) they were brought over to the “other side”, and placed into the spot where each stone was specifically prepared for, and they fit perfectly (No need for any “Magic Wand” And no need for any mortar, because the STONES were prepared quite precisely.
(Just like we read in Revelation 19:7 where it says, the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife (His church) hath made herself ready.)
For anyone to believe that the members of God’s Church (the Body of Christ) are not being perfected now (or cannot be perfected now) is absurd to say the least. (It’s the spirit of Antichrist.) and needs to be rejected. We have no time for foolishness; we need to be about our Fathers business, and making ourselves ready.
The standards required in the building of the physical Temple, reflect th same standards required in the building of the Spiritual Temple as well.)
1 Kings 6:7
7 “And the house (God’s house – His temple) when it was in building, was built of stone (that’s us) made ready (complete & perfect – whole) before it was brought thither. (Thither means “the other side”)(That means perfection came before it was brought to “the other side”) before one enters the Kingdom of God.
The process of preparing the stones has been taking place for a long time now. (Fact is, it’s almost complete.) (Some stones [and for some time now] have already completed the process, and their currently asleep and awaiting the resurrection. (Bible terminology would say: “There in the barn.”)
The remaining Stones (This is where we all might want to take note, because its talking about us here) the remaining stones are also asleep at this time, But with a pulse, we know a lot about them, there divided SPLIT RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE half of them are wise, and half of them are foolish.
(Don’t be deceived into thinking that the church of the Almighty God is divided into hundreds of different splinter groups, because in God’s eyes there are only two groups out there, the Wise & the Foolish.)
The wise are keeping the Word of His patience, and have been promised to be kept from the hour of temptation that is coming upon the whole world. The foolish are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and spiritually naked, and in desperate need of anointing their eyes with eye salve, so they can see and open the door, because Christ is standing on the outside, and knocking, wanting to come in.
(Where the Church, brethren, His Golden Candlesticks, and we have been instructed to let our light shine before men!)
(Now let’s go to revelation 1, and understand a mystery.)
We cutting in here, but there is a mystery concerning “Seven Golden Candlesticks” (or lamp-stands) that we need to fully understand.
Now remember, the book of revelation is a revealing of things the Father gave to Christ to show us (his church) Things that we need to know.
Revelation 1:12
12 “And I turned (John speaking here) to see the voice that spake to me, and being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks.”
Now in verse 20, the mystery of the “seven golden candlesticks” (or lamp-stands – same word – same thing) is solved. Lamp-stands are the Seven Churches. (Let’s read it)
Revelation 1:20
20 “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”
We first hear about those candlesticks in Exodus 25:31 (let’s go there please.)
(Everywhere the Scriptures speak about the church, it speaks about a standard of perfection – purity, no spots, no blemished, not even a wrinkle.)
Exodus 25:31
31 “and thou shall make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made.”
God instructed Moses to make the candlestick out of “PURE” gold. Pure gold is gold that has all of the base metals and impurities refined out of it.
Since that Lampstand has always symbolized God’s church, then we must realize the church must also be refined so that it is pure.
Now refining gold, is a process that entails filing, sawing, forging and heating and hammering the gold into shape) until all the impurities all the imperfections are removed, and then polishing to where the refiner sees his reflection.
(When the refiner sees his reflection, he then knows that the gold is now ready, is now pure, because his reflection is not visible until the gold has had all its impurities removed.)
Brethren, that’s exactly what our Creator is doing with His church, His lamp-stands, He is refining us, putting us through a process, looking to see His reflection, looking to see His Holy Righteous Character in each and every one of us.
(This cannot be accomplished instantaneously at the flick of any “magic wand”, it a process, a rather lengthily process. And He doesn’t leave us in the dark concerning how He will accomplish perfection His church.)
(His technique is found in Mathew 13:33. Let’s go there please.)
(And then, we’re going to make some bread.) Remember, God always gives us a physical side of things, so we can better understand the more important spiritual side.)
(We’re going to start with the spiritual side, and then we will look at the physical for better understanding.)
Mathew 13:33
33 “The Kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven (Now leaven doesn’t always represent sin, there is also a good leaven that represents God’s spirit, as it does in this particular parable.)
You couldn’t read this verse “The kingdom of heaven is like unto sin”. The kingdom of Heaven has no sin.
The word translated “leaven” throughout the Scriptures, means = ferment (as in boiling up) ferment means: any of a group of living organisms that causes fermentation which can effects the nature of things (conversion if you will) like converting grape sugar into ethyl alcohol.
(Of course the conversion we’re speaking of here, pertains to changing sinful human nature, into Holy Righteous Character. And that, is going to take some pretty powerful leaven.
Mathew 13:33
33 “The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven (God’s spirit) which a woman (the church) took (or received, the word took here, is the same Greek word used in Acts 2:38 where Peter said “Repent, be baptized, and you shall “receive” the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Which a woman took, and “hid” in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. That word “hid” means to incorporate. (Till the whole was leavened) The word “whole” here represents the “entire church”
(And don’t misunderstand, we’re not talking about incorporated church groups of hundreds of thousands of people, who all claim to be the part of “The Body of Christ”, we’re talking about God’s one and only true church, His little “flock” where ever they might be.)
We could read this parable like this: “The kingdom of heaven is like unto God’s Spirit, which the church received, and combined into one body, until the entire church was fermented, and had its nature changed.
(Alright, let’s take a look at the physical side, so we can better understand what Mathew 13:33 is saying, let’s make some bread.)
(We can think of the “Wave Loaves” of Leviticus 23 as we do this because the “Wave Loaves” represent God’s church, and the “wave loaves” were “Baked with leaven.”
When one makes bread, they start by selecting and adding the ingredients like flour (flour that has been sifted numerous time makes a better loaf) and they also add a very important ingredient “a leavening agent” like yeast).
Then they begin to kneed the dough (usually with their hands) then, as they do this, the dough begins to rise due to the leavening agent – so they beat it back down and kneed it some more, and again the dough continues to rise back up.
Do you know what the “leavening agent” is doing to the dough, why it’s causing the dough to rise like that? The leavening agent is changing the nature of the dough. It’s a process, and it’s the same process that God is putting His church through.
He’s changing our nature with His Holy Spirit; His Spirit is the only thing Powerful enough to accomplish changing our sinful natures.
Now Satan once again want to deflect our thinking, and has caused that Bad spirit (that we spoke about earlier) to broadcast more false doctrine from the false prophets. The pulpits of this world (including the majority of the pulpits in the church of God) teach & preach that the leavening agent used in the “wave loaves” represents “sin”
They say the reason the wave loaves were baked with leaven, is because the church, the body of Christ, is full of sinful people.
Brethren, nothing could be further from the truth, don’t believe that lie. Christ is not failing at cleaning us up and scrubbing us down!
The leavening agent that God is using in the making of His “wave loaves” His church, us, to change our sinful nature, is His spirit.
And let’s realize something that is very very important. Even though the leavening agent (God’s spirit) is in the process of changing our nature, that change will not be permanent until we are baked, or changed into Spirit beings. (Leviticus 23:15-16 shows that.
Just like the nature of the physical dough in the bread, it can be beaten down, and its nature can be changed back and forth…. It’s not permanent until it is baked. But, once baked, the nature is permanent, and cannot be changed back.
(Future God beings (His church) will not have a sinful nature anymore, once baked with His Holy Spirit in them, when they are raised up on the “Last Day” at the resurrection.)
Brethren, God will not bake anyone who hasn’t had their sinful nature changed first, into His Holy Righteous nature. It’s His plan; it’s His purpose for us, His church.
Now let’s conclude by going to one more place. It’s another verse where that same exact word “perfect” that we have been discussing in this entire message is also used.
It’s a verse that we’re probably not all that familiar with, but, like just like everywhere else this particular Greek word is use, it also pertains exclusively to the members of God’s church.
(1 Corinthians 13:10) (We’re cutting in here, but you can take this verse home and read it in context with the surrounding verses later. As we know, Paul’s writings are sometimes hard to understand, but I believe that this verse pertains to us, God “first Fruits” the members of His church.
1 Corinthians 13:10
10 “But when that which is perfect (Same Sermon on the Mount perfect here, complete in growth, complete in mental and moral character.) When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
That word “away” means = useless – abolish – cease – destroy. It’s the same word used by God The Father Himself in Luke 13:7 where He says:
7 Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this Fig tree (Fig tree is another reference to us, the called of God) These three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none, cut it down, why cumbereth the ground?(Cumbereth is the same word used in 1 Corinthians 10:13) for “done away.”Verse 88 “and Christ answered the Father and said let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it. And if it bear fruit well, and if not (Hakuna Matata, No Worries, we can magic Wand it at the end of the day?)No, He didn’t say that, He said if it doesn’t bear fruit, if it doesn’t mature (because a tree has to mature before it can bear fruit) Then thou shall cut it down.Brethren, the tide of Complacency has moved in and risen High in the church of God today, and the time allotted for us to accomplish the goal of reaching perfection – reaching “full growth” and acquiring that “Holy Righteous Character” that the Father is trying to develop in each and everyone of us, is rapidly diminishing…And God, who is NO respecter of persons; has called many, but many have turned Him down & asked to be excused, because there too busy with the cares of this world, this “untoward” “Blemished” world.Well how about us? We’ve answered His calling when we were baptized and had hands. Back when we were Zealous and had a deep love for His Truth.How about now, are we still zealous? How’s that love doing now? At the times in which we are living now, the time when Christ Himself stated 2,000 years ago, that the Love of many would wax cold? Has our Love waxed cold?How about our faith? We are living at the time when Christ Himself two thousand years questioned if He would even find faith (find belief) on the earth at this time, at His Return.I ask, Is He going to find us Perfect or in Part?