JACOB CAME IN PEACE

Genesis 33:16 So Esau returned that day on his way unto Seir. 17 And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. 18 And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city. 19 And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for an hundred pieces of money. 20 And he erected there an altar, and called it Elelohe-israel.
The title of our lesson comes from the Interlinear Bible which lists verse eighteen above as, And Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem. The word Shalem is the exact same word translated peaceable in Genesis 34:21.
Therefore we find that “through many dangers, toils and snares,” Jacob finally arrives at his desired destination. And so it shall be with all of God’s chosen ones! The Lord Jesus says to his disciples, Let us go over unto the other side, (Luke 8:22), and so they did arrive! But he did not tell them that there would be such a storm as would strike fear into the hearts of seasoned fishermen, who had often times before sailed those waters! But again, they arrived!
There is that same certainty in all of the elect’s lives! They shall, without the loss of one, most certainly arrive in the presence of his glory! But there will just as certainly be trials and tribulations! John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Patient endurance and a determined perseverance in the pursuit of God’s will are necessary to the believer arriving safely at his goal! 2 Corin. 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
And the glory of our afflictions is set by the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. 1 Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
God’s Providences are designed to work together for the elect in order to bring them into the predestinated image of Christ! Read Romans 8:28,29. And we also know that the works that the believers shall produce, in order to evidence their election, are as much ordained as is that individual! Read Ephesians 2:8-10. Therefore patient endurance is essential for the believers to fulfill their ordained journey through time and space.
We MUST remember that God gave his identity as I AM THAT I AM, and not, I AM THAT WHICH I AM DOING! We humans always judge identity by accomplishments! But God judges identity by character, which are manifest by holy works. Therefore we must learn patience since we are going to be eternally like him, and live in his holy, glorified realm!
Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls. If you had a nickel for every professing believer who actually understood that verse, you probably wouldn’t have enough money to pay off Sears! Lets let the Apostle James help us. James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
It is the enduring of God’s ordained trials that works within us a spiritual patience. And this patience is not just human toleration. It is a spiritual endurance by a firm hope and faith in Christ! And this is not just a short termed process! For we must keep on keeping on until patience has her perfect work. That is, until the heart, soul and mind of the believer is abiding in an effectual contentment! 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
And this contentment is not as the world perceives. They think to have what one wants is then to be content. So after they obtained that new house which they just had to have, why are they now not content? It is because godly contentment is not having what you want! Godly contentment is wanting what you have!
The Lord Jesus Christ is Alpha and Omega at one and the same time! He is the ending from the beginning! As Alpha he ordained as recorded in Genesis 33:1 that Esau came! But at the same time, as Omega, he also ordained that when Jacob’s patience was successfully tried, then the words in verse 16 of this chapter would also appear! Those words are, Esau returned! Once God has dealt with Jacob by his instrument Esau, then God would deal with Esau! – And he did! Verse 16 informs us that Esau returned unto Seir. Listen to Ezekiel 35:7 Thus will I make mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it him that passeth out and him that returneth. God promises that anyone that returns to Seir shall be cut off!
Be sure that God knows about your enemies, and will most certainly deal with them! But he will deal with them only after they have been used to perfect our patience! (Read Isa. 10:12-14).
Pastor Gene Breed

DOWN TO CAPERNAUM

John 2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

At first glance there doesn’t seem to be much for our edification in this verse. But we know that the Lord has instructed us in 2Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Therefore we must seek the Holy Spirit to open unto us the revelation of our Lord contained within this verse.

There are four things contained herein. They are: 1.) When did He go? 2.) Where did He go? 3.) Who went with Him? and, 4.) How long did they stay?

1.) When did He go? After this …

We must not omit the introductory words, After this! For in these two words that which happened before this is referred to by the Holy Spirit! His going down to Capernaum is only to be considered as occurring after his glory shown forth in the miracle of the marriage in Cana of Galilee! Seeing this will help us with the importance of the words, he went down! To leave the place of his glory being revealed, and going to Capernaum with brethren who did not believe on him (John 7:5) would certainly need to be listed as a “going down!” The believer soon learns that it is not possible to dwell at any length in the warm glow of glory! One, all too soon, has to “go down!”

2.) Where did He go? … he went down to Capernaum …

Continuing with the previous thought, we see that our Lord “went down” from the revelation of his glory to a more carnal and domestic experience. We find these same two words in the event of his being found by his parents in the temple sitting among the doctors of the Mosaic law, asking and answering their questions as recorded in Luke 2:51. There we also read that he “went down with them,” leaving the spiritual atmosphere afforded him in attending his Father’s business in invigorating Jerusalem, to return to submission under his natural parents in quiet little Nazareth.

It is seldom thought of, at least it is seldom mentioned, that the filling of the Holy Spirit is revealed in the submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of the God. This includes, children obeying their parents in the Lord! (Eph. 5:18, 21, 6:1).

Christ would command his disciples to take his yoke upon themselves and learn of him! For that which we have to learn is contentment in every condition! (Phil. 4:11). Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

“Capernaum” means, “town of Naum.” And in Luke’s writings we read, And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge, (Lk. 3:23, 25). And, as you see, Naum was the 9th ancestor out from Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus! So the Holy Spirit is stamping on this event His issue for us to recognize. And that is, that the Christian, in following the Lamb, will have times of experienced glory, followed by times of coming down to deal with natural kinship!  And the believer’s foes shall be they of their own household! (Matt 10:36).

Capernaum was also a city put under more severe judgment of God due to its refusal to adhere to the preaching of the Lord. Luke 10:15 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. 3.) Who went with him? … and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples … What a ‘mixed multitude’ this was!

His mother had been dealt with by Gabriel, himself! She had been sent confirmations by  local shepherds, who had seen the angels of God! Men of great learning had come from far off places to give her child valuable presents. Her own government had tried to kill her son, for which she was required to move into another nation! – She had a lot of religious experiences! But when her son was twelve years of age, being so given to enjoyment of the company traveling to Jerusalem, she lost him. And upon finding him three days later, she sounds like she denies the virgin birth!  Luke 2:48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

He has to challenge her trying to rule over her with inordinate affection, both at the wedding in Cana, and when she and her sons are seeking audience with him, as recorded in Matthew 12:46-50.

His brethren have the tendency towards the same affections in trying to give him instruction derived from their worldly  reasonings. They didn’t even believe on him as the Christ of God! (John 7:1-9).  But here we also learn to follow Christ in not being of a Pharisee’s attitude towards them that ‘are without!’ Col. 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5  Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

For it later turns out that one of those brothers is of great influence to the Gentile church. James is recorded in Acts 15:13-21 as relieving the Gentile believers from the burdens of the ceremonial law! And although he is called “the Lord’s brother,” by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 1:19, he comes to only refer to himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ!” (Jas. 1:1).

Then there was also, his disciples. The calling of these few that now follow him is listed in John chapter one. And it is good for born again believers, called apart from the world, to mingle with the unbelievers in their families! Family members tend to resent the ‘church’ people for interrupting their family circle. But it is not the church people, but God himself who makes these divisions. Matt. 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

4.) How long did they stay? … and they continued there not many days.

It does not say, not ANY days, but not MANY days! This time in Capernaum, with this varied group was not without benefit to himself and to his kingdom! If it were not so, he would have never allowed it to transpire! We may not be able of reason and logic to appreciate this little verse, nor it’s purposes! But the Lord of Sovereignty – sovereignty over all things, without exception – had his will done in these few days.

And what was it that brought these days to their appointed end? The next verse instructs us as to the times before appointed. They came to their ending because the Lord would attend the Jews’ passover! The Temple of God (John 2:20-21) must come to cleanse the temple of the Jews’ to reveal the flashing fire of zeal in his eyes. For they must be converted from a belief of salvation in their temple, to salvation IN Christ alone!

Pastor Gene Breed

OUR WARFARE

2 Corin. 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is the most power agent ever turned loose on planet Earth! I’m not referring to preaching about the gospel, that is, listing out facts about the gospel. I’m speaking about the effectual revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit! A lot of people have Bibles, but do not know the gospel! A lot of religious pulpiteers have sounded forth tons of ‘sermons,’ but have never preached the gospel. We have fortified religious attenders against the work of the Holy Spirit by providing mounds of religious information that has caused them to conclude that they are safe by their acceptance to those bodies of writings! We shall send some of the best informed religionists to hell from this generation. For only the gospel, when revealed by the Holy Spirit, is “the power of God unto salvation!” (Rom. 1:16).

In the midst of the most religious people on earth, even the teachers of the law of Moses, the Lord Jesus proclaimed that a Roman centurion, who approached the Lord in the understanding of authority, had a great faith not found in Israel! (Lk. 7:9). For the gospel is not a mere invitation! It is a Divine mandate! Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Jesus Christ did not come to take sides! He came to take over!

We are nearer to the King and His Kingdom when we have the authority of His mandates exacted upon us, than when we merely familiarize ourselves with the facets of religious rules and conform to it’s traditions!

The passage listed above reveals the power of the gospel in the context of a “warfare!” Those to whom it’s power would be leveled against were Scripture quoters and Bible toters! But they stood in opposition of the anointed ministry!

The understanding that a Gentile, familiar with military authority, was nearer to the revelation of Jesus Christ than were teachers of the law, within Israel’s religious structure, is needful in order to enter into the above passage. For the Apostle Paul is revealing how he will deal with those in religious circles who stand in opposition to his anointed ministry. He instructs them in the difference in himself when he is presented in “the meekness and gentleness of Christ,” than when he is sent with gospel weapons activated by God’s might! For when these gospel weapons are activated by the Holy Spirit, they would pull down the reasonings and suppositions that had been falsely established in their hearts. The effectual gospel would pull down all the religious fortresses that these individuals had built up in their association with that religion.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Such false religious reasonings are dangerous. When God saw that every imagination of man’s heart was only evil continually, his conclusion was the necessity of the destruction of all flesh! (Gen. 6:5-7). But when an altar is introduced, and a worthy sacrifice is lain thereon, even though God continued to know that man’s imagination shall always be towards evil from his youth, (Gen. 8:21-21), he determines never to smite man in such a universal way again! Man’s evil imagination, which can only be pulled down by the effectual gospel, is only overcome by the revelation of Christ, our altar (Heb. 13:10), bringing satisfaction to God on our behalf!

The heart of man is where the problem lies. Training a goat to act like a sheep is deceptive and cruel to that soul! We MUST have God the Holy Spirit, effect the revelation of Jesus Christ upon hearts! For the heart is where one believeth unto righteousness. (Rom. 10:10). And from the heart are the issues of life! (Prov. 4:23). And it is that which come from the heart that defiles the man! Not that which goes into his mouth! (Matt. 15:17-19).

Psa. 94:18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. 19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. Only when true confession and repentance are experienced, can the thoughts become a comfort within!

Pastor Gene Breed

GO SHEW THYSELF

1 Kings 18:1 And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth. 2 And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria.

Elijah’s Appearance

Elijah is motivated by just as strong a spirit of obedience to God to reveal himself, in order to start the rain again, as he was to hid himself in order to stop it! 1 Kings 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. 2 And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, 3 Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

In fact, in order to convince Obadiah, the White House prophet, that he would not disappear and get him into trouble with King Ahab, he uses the same words that Obadiah had heard him declare in the above listed account at Ahab’s palace. For in verse fifteen of chapter eighteen he says to Obadiah, “As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.”

We learn by this that the supply of a God-called man to provide the glorious gospel of the Lord is every bit as, and even more precious than, the rains upon the earth! To have a man of God among us declaring the revelation of Jesus Christ is essential to the nourishment of souls.

Consider these verses: Deut. 32:1 Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: 3 Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.

Hebrews 6:7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

Just think of those poor souls in the realms of your acquaintance who do not avail themselves to the wondrous word of the Lord. How spiritually unhealthy they are. They neither have the provided nourishment for themselves, nor are they producers of good, nourishing ‘spiritual vegetables’ for the souls of others! Our Lord Jesus, as Bread and the Word, was so nourishing as to be “meat indeed,” for others! (John 6:55).

Matt. 10:40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. To receive the man the Lord sends, is to receive the Lord’s nourishing word! And to receive the Lord’s prophet, acknowledging him to be just that, is to receive the prophet’s reward! And what is that but the receipt of everything that is revealed through him?

The Balm of Gilead

Elijah is not just introduced to us in 1 Kings 17:1 (listed above), as a man from the town of Gilead. But he is listed as a man from among the inhabitants of Gilead!  Their conduct and character had an effect upon him as he grew up among them. Hosea 6:8 Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood. 9 And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness.

He, like his Lord, was numbered with the transgressors! (Isa 53:12). His soul was formed and shaped by the hardness of those around him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (Isaiah 53:3).

But as the famous healing balm is exuded from the trees of Gilead, so this soul being wounded by their transgressions, brought forth the precious healing medicine of the word of God! Jer. 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

This prophet was only wounded BY their transgressions, but there was another Prophet that would be wounded FOR their transgressions! And by those blessed stripes we shall be healed! He is that Tree of Life whose leaves are for the healing of the nations! (Rev. 22:2).

Restoration of Worship

Those verses in Hosea that reveal the condition of Gilead show how Elijah was brought to see the hypocrisy of both religion and it’s prophets and priests. Therefore we find that he had boldness to even publicly mock the false prophets on Mount Carmel in order to teach the peoples of Israel that these deserved no respect! (1K 18:27).

He not only had discernment to recognize false religion, but we read that he also had the spiritual ability to restore true worship! For he repaired the altar of God and set the wood in order, just as Abraham had done in the offering of Isaac, as recorded in Genesis 22:9!

He also knew the extent of the atonement! For it reveals to us in 1 Kings 18:31 that he worked within the framework of God’s predestinated order for His definite atonement! He repaired the altar according to the number of the tribes of Israel! That is, he repaired the altar with twelve stones! And how many barrels of water did he pour on? Was it not also this same number? He knew that the waters of the masses (Rev. 17:15) poured out upon the altar would not exceed the provision of the altar! 2Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The scriptures speak of the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28).

Pastor Gene Breed

STRIVE TO ENTER

Luke 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: 26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. 27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. 28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. 29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. 30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

We have here the same kind of conversation that the Lord had with Nicodemus as recorded in John chapter three. Nicodemus leads off with what he must have thought was a flattering statement concerning the Lord being a teacher come from God. Then the Lord Jesus abruptly informs him, without any hint of response to his flattery, that Nicodemus needs to do something concerning his own lost soul!

And here in Luke, this unnamed man puts forth a question for doctrine. But again, the Lord replies regarding a quest for duty! And his point seems to again be, that the revealing heavenly things was of no earthly good to an unregenerate soul! (Compare John 3:12).

In John 6:37 we find both the doctrine and the duty! In the first part of that verse – All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; – we see the doctrine of God’s Sovereign grace! Every single soul chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4), shall, without fail, come to Christ in salvation! And in the latter portion of this verse – and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. - we as clearly see that the sinner has the responsibility to come to Christ in belief! For he that believeth not is condemned already! (John 3:18). We must not fail to keep this heavenly balance!

STRIVE

This word, Strive is the same word the great Apostle Paul uses to show how he is made ready for eternal glory. In 2 Timothy 4:7 he uses this same Greek word which is there translated, I have fought. He says, I have striven in fighting the good fight of faith.  He equally believes in God’s preservation and his own need of persevering! For only those preserved by the free Grace of God will persevere! And those only who persevere are those preserved by the Lord’s mercies!

And just one glance at the English spelling of this Greek word, Strive, will cause you to immediately know that it is where we get our English word, “agonize!” The Greek word, spelled in English is Agoonizesthe. For one must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22).

The rich, young ruler was said to fail at this striving, as he went away sorrowfully, unwilling to depart from his great riches in exchange for his soul! (Matt 19:21,22).

It Is Better

Mark 9:43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

Three times in the above passage we see that the all wise and holy God emphatically states that striving should be taken to these unbelievable and shocking extremes, in order for one to avoid losing their soul in Hell! Judging by the love of worldly comforts of “Christian” America, it seems that these religionists would flee from  a God who requires such mortifying of their members (Col. 3:5). It seems, according to the religious spirit of this age that all would cringe from a God who would dare to say, It is better to take such drastic action as this bodily maiming implies. We don’t mind being required to memorize bible verses, or having to attend meetings; maybe even being required to be financially involved in the building fund, but this chop-off-my-hand kind of devotedness? Well that’s too radical for even the most extreme among us! – But that’s what the God of the Bible says! That’s what the Lamb of the cross states without apology! (Now you do have to wonder are there few that be saved?)

Abuse of Opportunities

In verse 26 of our Luke 13 passage listed above, we see that the testimony of this shutout group was not concerning repentance. It was one of argument. They argued with the Master that their social involvement with religion should be acceptable to him for their eternal vacation in “Heaven!”  How many pitiful Americans, are involved more with the church’s Dining Halls than with the church’s Divine Head? Yet, even without repentance, and without conversion, they slumber in their souls with the warm fuzzy feeling of church fellowship.

1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

But you have to see the twice repeated indictment the Master spoke against them. In both verses 25 and 27 he states, I know you not whence ye are! In other words, “You are not of this house! In fact, I don’t know what house you are of!”

And you have to think with this repeated judgment that their presence was never felt in his house when the door WAS OPENED! They could only claim that they were with him for the food and drink, and knew him as a teacher out in the streets! By their own admission, they were never involved within his house!

So those nice attenders of religion’s halls, seeking entrance into the eternal kingdom by their casual  religious fellowship that we call “members,” God calls workers of iniquity! Psa. 28:3 Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.

Then he gives them three reasons why Hell shall be tormenting to them. First, they shall see some of their familiars enjoying God’s glory, while they are cast out! – V.28. See Luke 16:23. Secondly, they shall see those not of their familiars in that glory, while they, themselves are cast out! – V.29. See Matthew 21:31,32. And lastly, they shall see that boasting of being “Number One,” based on their bringing casserole dishes to the church dining hall, is that which rendered then to be last! – V.30. See Romans 1:22; Isa. 47:10,11.

May God have mercy on deceived, unregenerate church members!

Pastor Gene Breed

JERUSALEM DARKNESS

Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

Those  who had sat in darkness, and in the land of the shadow of death, saw a great light! (See Matt 4:12-16. And notice that the Lord Jesus “departed into Galilee of the Gentiles!”). It is only in the voidness of   darkness where we hear the effectual words of God’s creativity, “Let there be light!” For the darkness is essential for the proper relating to God’s glory! It is those of the darkness who are made wise, in order that God, and never man, gets all the glory!

1Corinthians 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

“I Came to Make Those Blind Who See!”

John 9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. 40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?

41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

But the darkness of religious-hardened Jerusalem is far different, and far more fatal than the unevangelized darkness of the east! The Lord Jesus plainly instructs the religious elite in his day that his purpose in coming to the earth was to make them blind! – There is no darkness like “Jerusalem Darkness!” He only came to seek and save those who are lost! That is, salvation is only for realized, confessed sinners! The Incarnation, the cross, and even the very blood of Christ will have no effect on anyone but sinners! John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Those who say, “We see!”, due to their religious training and conduct, shall eternally remain in their sin! What is that we sing? “I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind but now I see!” But these Jerusalem dwellers had the scriptures to tell them where the child was to be born. The scriptures would certainly identify the town. But they would not lead them to the very house for personal audience with the Messiah! Therefore in their ”Jerusalem Darkness” they refused to believe that they were blinded to the glories of the Lord! They said of themselves, “We see!” And of this state the Lord Jesus proclaims, “therefore your sin remaineth.” There are none so blind as those who will not see!

Satanic Blindness

“Jerusalem Darkness” is from a Satanic blindness! 2Cor. 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Notice the word “lost” in verse three. These lost souls are not in the same condition of those who are the “lost” that the Lord comes to seek, and to save in Luke 19:10! For these are those who have sinned away their day of grace! For in verse four we are told that Satan has blinded their minds! But that is not the source of their blindness! The source of their blindness is unbelief! “Jerusalem Darkness” stems from the refusal to believe the gospel of Christ! Then Satan, as God’s servant of darkness, is sent to blind their minds for one purpose! – So that the glorious gospel of Christ should neve shine into their minds ever again!

Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. This passage clearly informs us that those who have enjoyed the influences of the Holy Spirit in gospel “enlightenment,” become “impossible” to renew again regarding repentance! They now abide in “Jerusalem Darkness!”

As far as their individual conditions are concerned, it would have been better for them to have never involved themselves with the Holy Scriptures, if they were not going to confess themselves as sinners! 2 Peter 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Bethlehem Light

The nineth verse of our Matthew, chapter two passage, tells of the difference of  the effectual light of the gospel in the hearts of those who believe. For here we read that the heavenly luminary goes before them, leading them, not just to the gates of Bethlehem, but to the very house where the young child was!

And in verse six of our 2 Corinthian, chapter four passage, we read of a far different result in those who believe the gospel while hearing it, than those unbelievers, blinded by Satan! 2Cor. 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Did you notice the difference? The light of the knowledge of the glory shined into their hearts! This is the difference between religionists and true believers! The religions are ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth! (2Tim. 3:7). And the reason is, THEY CAN NEVER SEE THE GLORY!

The wise men had seen hundreds of stars! What made this star different? And just how did they come to identify it as, “his star!” It was accompanied with God’s glory! Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

Reread 2 Corinthians 4:6, listed just three paragraphs above. What kind of knowledge was it that effectually shines into believing hearts? Is is not the “light of the knowledge OF THE GLORY OF GOD?

Jerusalem’s Judgment

America, like Jerusalem, has had a day of great gospel glory! And America, like Jerusalem has turned from the spiritual to just a religion of traditions! So America would do well to find out what happened to Jerusalem, in order to find out what awaits her!

Matt. 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! 38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. The “house” of which the Lord here speaks was her temple!

The Lord removed his glory from that religious temple. Ezekiel 11:22 Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above. 23 And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city.

Ezek. 43:10 Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern. 11 And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them. A God-granted repentance is our only hope!

Pastor Gene Breed

DIRECTING THE JUST

Matt. 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

We know that Joseph was a just man because the scriptures state that he was. But we also know this, because he had the character of a just man! For the scriptures also tell us that the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, for the just shall live by faith! (Rom. 1:17). But this is not only the manner of life for this one man. It is also the pattern of every truly born again believer! 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Flee Into Egypt

Matt. 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

The next issue of faith for this just man had to be quite a shock for his mind! Verse thirteen states that it did not come until the wise men and their caravan departed from the little town of Bethlehem. Knowing how the great city of Jerusalem “was troubled” at their presence, you can imagine what a stir these foreign dignities caused with their priceless gifts, and their proclaimed assurance of this child being “the King of the Jews,” in little Bethlehem! Surely Joseph, being a normal human being, enjoyed the attention and the rich gifts! And surely he thought he could get used to this!

BUT! – as soon as the glorious caravan of worshippers had left town, and all the neighbors quit pressing to see into his windows and doors, that very night Joseph heard the word, “Flee!” That had to be a shock to his attitude! Could this be right? Wasn’t this the God-man in  his wife’s arms? Surely God shouldn’t have to run from anyone!

But all those with whom God invests his Son into their lives, have to get over the initial excitement of the supernatural birth and immediately learn to live IN this world, even though they are not OF this world! And they soon learn, ofttimes with a rude awakening, that God’s plan is not always “deliverance,” but more likely to be that of “endurance!” John 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

At the outset of Elisha’s ministry he was “parted asunder” from his earthly master, Elijah! (2 Kings 2:11-14). In his own heart he probably would have been pleased to have things continue as they were, just like Joseph would have, with the wise men present in Bethlehem! Then, there he was, on the wrong side of the Jordan River! Now he has to face God alone as his Master! The mediation has ceased. He has the mantle of Elijah, but it would be of no good for him without his own personal faith! He then smites the waters and asks, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” By his own faith and obedience he passes into the realm of walking with God!

Isaiah had been greatly influenced by the great king Uzziah. And under that influence he could only see others sin! For some six times it is recorded that he proclaimed, “Woe unto them!”  (Isa. 5:8,11,18,20,21,22). But immediately upon the Lord’s removing Uzziah by death, he begins to cry, “Woe is me!” (Isa. 6:5). Now he has to face God, life, and God’s purposes in a consciousness of God alone! How soon the ‘blessings’ fade into the background and the reality of the Most Blessed weighs heavily upon the heart and mind!

Outside the Camp

“Flee into Egypt!” But was that not the wrong direction? All Israel knew that phrase should read, “out of the land of Egypt!” (Acts 7:40, Heb 8:9).  The entire nation had been brought up out of the iron furnace, out of the land of bondage. But that’s not what the Lord God told Joseph! All those who have the Lord to entrust them with the care of His Son in their lives must learn to come outside the camp of religious practice and traditions! They must learn to  obey and walk with God, for the protection and nourishing of that holy thing that has been supernaturally birthed unto them! Heb. 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

By Night

In verse fourteen, listed above, we read that Joseph, the just man, arose and departed into Egypt “by night!” If God, to whom the light and darkness are the same, (Psa. 139:12), could give instruction in a dream by night, surely He could be a light unto Joseph’s path to follow Him in that same dark night!

But how came Joseph to be able to flee into Egypt that same night? Husbands and Dads  have a lot of gathering up, and packing to do with a wife and child when a move is to be made! But the IRS had already taken care of that! He was not in his home! He was not in his home town! He was already ‘living out of a suitcase,’ as they were already on a journey, caused by the tax laws of Roman! (Luke 2:1). God had already stripped this little family of their household belongings and put them on the road by His servant, the civil magistrate! (Romans 13:1,2).

Of course many in our day who say they believe in the sovereignty of God, really just mean that they believe in a kind of “Selective Sovereignty!” They make great issue of some social issues, fighting against them, “in the name of the Lord!” But in this case the Lord had used Caesar to cause the prophesy of his Son’s birth location to be fulfilled! He was to be born, not in Nazareth, but in Bethlehem! (Micah 5:2). And he used an ungodly world ruler to get him there!

So all Joseph had to do was to close the door behind him as he left! Remember Lot’s wife. (Luke 17:32). Don’t get so encumbered with this world’s goods that you cannot immediately respond to God’s instruction to “flee!”

Many Americans lost a great deal of financial stability this past year. But shouldn’t Christian Americans say, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD? (Job 1:21). Of course, we shouldn’t expect that from those with only a belief of “Selective Sovereignty!” Only of those who believe in Absolute Sovereignty, can it be said that they, took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. (Heb. 10:34).  God have mercy on deceived church members!

“And Was There Until”

Verse fifteen of this chapter states that Joseph settled down in Egypt until the Lord sent him  word to return. Herod had to fulfil his times before appointed. (Acts 17:26).

But how could God be pleased with any Israelite, being away from the only place where God accepted worship? And how could God be pleased with the guardians of his infant Humanity not being under the Priesthood, offering acceptable sacrifices?

Remember Abraham’s words to Isaac who asked where the sacrifice was? He replied, “God will provide HIMSELF a lamb…” (Gen. 22:8). Joseph had the temple of God with him! John 2:21 But he spake of the temple of his body.

But what about a proper sacrifice? John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. – And the priesthood? Heb. 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Pastor Gene Breed