07/01/2010   The Golden Thread – Book I (An Excerpt)

From Part Two, Chapter 3. Leviticus – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Offering and the High Priest

". . . Another law for the Priest was that they were to be ceremonially cleansed when performing offerings to God (Leviticus 21:6, 22:1ff, Numbers 18:1ff). The Levitical Priest was not allowed to touch anyone or anything considered unclean. Momentarily, this significant point will become greatly meaningful when we get to Jesus' first resurrection encounter with Mary of Magdala.

The Nation of Israel went so far as to "whitewash" their sepulchers, making them clearly visible, so no one would accidentally come into contact with them and be considered unclean and consequently unable to participate in the offerings on their holy days. It is interesting to recall the vivid example Jesus gave about the feistiness of the Pharisees, accrediting them with the title of "whited sepulchres," who "indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness" (Matthew 23:27).

Now commences a wonderful morning's encounter. Mary Magdalene who was the first person to see Jesus after his resurrection (Mark 16:9), broke all tradition and protocol, actually defiling herself by approaching the sepulcher looking for her Lord's body, saying, "I know not where they have laid him" (John 20:13).

John 20:14–16:
-14: And when she had thus said she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
-15: Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence {carried the body of Jesus away}, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
-16: Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

That morning, Mary did not know Jesus until he spoke her name, which turned her mourning and sorrowful tears into joyful elation seeing that her Lord was alive! Jesus' once brutalized body was now resurrected and whole as he spoke to her with his voice of comfort. Recall Jesus said of his sheep that they would "know his voice" in John 10:4.

Mary, she heard his voice, and she answered – Master!

Has Jesus also spoken to your heart?

Have you heard his pleasant voice, perfectly pitched to your (spiritual) ears?

Have you answered his call?

Have you opened the door of your heart?

For you – God sent His only begotten Son.

For you – Jesus gave his life!

For you – God raised Jesus up from the dead!

From the isle of Patmos, Jesus said, "I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead, and, behold, I am alive for evermore" (Revelation 1:17–18).

So, this is why I am asking:

Have you found him in the Scriptures?

Have you seen the living Christ in the Word?

Have you heard him?

Have you answered him?

Did you know Jesus is at the door of your inner heart?

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20). . .

. . . John 20:17:
Jesus saith unto her {Mary}, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

What was Jesus referring to when he said in John 20:17 above, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God? This relates to Jesus being the High Priest, and he still needed to present himself as the first fruits from the dead later that same day, the first day of the week after the Passover as prescribed by Old Testament Law. . . This is why Jesus in the bloom of his morning glory would not allow Mary to touch him, for Mary was just at the sepulcher. Mary would have caused Jesus to be ceremonially unclean in the function and duties of the High Priest.

As Israel would not touch the barley harvest until the Priest offered the first fruits of the sheaf to God, Jesus was not to be touched until he offered himself as the first fruits from out of the ground, being himself the risen High Priest. Wherein, "there ariseth {in resurrection} another priest {Jesus Christ} who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless {indissoluble} life" (Hebrews 7:15–16).

Later in the Gospels, Jesus openly invited people to touch him, he even allowed the Apostle Thomas to put his finger into where the spikes went through his hands. Thomas also felt with his own hands precisely where the sword of the Roman solder slashed into Jesus' side (John 20:25–28). The Apostle John states that, "our hands have handled, of the word of life" (I John 1:1), referring to himself and others touching the resurrected Christ.

After Jesus performed the wave offering, offering himself as the first fruits from the dead, he earned eternal Redemption for all of humanity who would answer his call.

I Corinthians 15:20:
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept {in the grave, or gravedom, for their ascent is now assured in Jesus' rising}.

Jesus was the firstfruits from the dead, raised by God! As such, he needed to perform his duties as the High Priest before ascending into Heaven. "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is {now} passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God" (Hebrews 4:14).

Hebrews 9:11–15, 24:
-11: But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle {his resurrected body}, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
-12: Neither by the blood of goats and calves {as the Levitical Priest did}, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
-13: For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
-14: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit {God} offered himself without spot to God, purge {cleanse} your conscience from dead works {detailed in the Book of Leviticus, and throughout the Old Testament} to serve the living God?
-15: And for this cause he {Jesus Christ} is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of {his} death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
-24: For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands {the physical temple that was in Jerusalem}, which are the figures of the true {temple in the heavenlies}; but {Jesus Christ went} into Heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Without any exaggeration, every person, every offering, every sacrifice, and everything that has a surrogate relationship to the Temple were foreshadows to the true likeness or characteristics of the life of Jesus himself. Jesus was the absolute Ark of the Covenant between God and man. Jesus was the actual Tabernacle, the indisputable living Temple of God, the legitimate Mercy Seat, and the real Altar.

Jesus' own body represented all the genuine Holy Vessels of the Sanctuary. His sinless blood was for the complete and dependable Forgiveness of sins, the just Atonement and total Propitiation for the sin nature and humiliation in man.

Jesus' flesh was for the true healing of many as it also was the authentic Veil of the Temple, for he is man's unquestionable entrance wholly – into the Holy of Holies, and gave man the rights – to the righteousness and presence – and presents – that come from Almighty God!

The more we find the marquetry of Jesus Christ inlaid within the Scriptures the greater he reveals his heavenly Father Who then draws us ever closer to Himself. The Scriptures reveal Christ and he reveals his Father in the hearts of our understanding.

It is exciting when we recall what Jesus said in John 6:44, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him {through me to Him}."

Not only was Jesus the firstfruits, but God has also drawn and given to us the "firstfruits of the spirit" (Romans 8:23). Because of Jesus, we now in grace stand before God and He sees us with Christ in us, purely innocent and holy.

When Jesus, the prophesied High Priest, waved the offering of himself as the first fruits from the ground (the dead), our shortcomings, and our sins were also waived so we may stand, justly with Jesus in God's presence.

In God's eyes we are "a kind of firstfruits" (James 1:18) i.e., the kind of firstfruits God has chosen before the world began to become His own beloved children (Ephesians 1:3–4).

When we have the inner desire to know our Savior, Jesus Christ who offered himself for us, he begins filling us with the truths that he gave everything he had in this world, including his very own life, so that we may walk with God. Jesus Christ is now in the eternal presence of God, and always he is for us.

The High Priest during the Old Testament times was distinguished by wearing a special hem on the borders of his priestly robe to show the people he was there to "minister," as is detailed in the Book of Exodus 28:33–35, 39:24–26. It is enlightening to also notice that when Jesus walked, many people wanted to "touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole" (Matthew 14:36). For those people in the biblelands, Jesus was indeed a Priest of the highest magnitude, and the people who believed on him as a true minister of God were made perfectly whole. There was also a woman who believed that if she simply "touched the border {or hem} of his garment" (Luke 8:44), she would be healed from a twelve-year affliction of bleeding, and she was healed.

Now let us view the counterfeit with the example of the Scribes and Pharisees who tried to portray themselves as being as good as or even better than the Priest with their hems.

Matthew 23:4–5:
-4: For they {the Scribes and Pharisees} bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
-5: But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments.

The phylacteries they wore were either armbands or headbands that had some Scriptures written on them to ward off evil spirits or demons, whereas Devil spirits simply fled away from Jesus, for he was the true incarnate Word (John 1:14). The reason the Scribes and Pharisees enlarge the borders of their garments was for show, to demonstrate that they were somebody special, to visibly prove that they were not only as pure as any old Priest, but even more so by enlarging the hems so that everybody would take notice of their ultra-pious clothing. As far as anybody knows, nobody ever got healed by touching those enlarged hems of theirs.

For those in the biblical examples who touched Jesus' hem, healing flowed into their lives. For us in grace who are genuinely looking to Christ, the Golden Thread through the Scriptures, we are not only following him at his hem, but also are touching and savoring the genuine taste of divine grace, and are receiving his offering of redemption. This is "looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith {believing faith}." (See Part One, Chapter 6. Looking unto Jesus.) Coming to know our Savior today in grace certainly gives us an edge that can be felt in the heart of our hearts. . ."

06/19/2010  Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge

By Larry M. Jaynes:

The phrase "treasures of wisdom and knowledge" used in Colossians 2:3 represents a vast amount of spiritual insight into what the Christian believer has received because of the resurrection of Christ Jesus. This subject is so prodigiously immense that we cannot fully examine all of the many details in this small Bible study. Still, by the grace of God, we will visit a component of this subject by looking at "Christ in you," to glean a portion of what the Scripture means when referring to the "treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Colossians 2:3:
In whom {in God through Christ} are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

God's hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge are revealed and given to us, His children, according to our knowing and then believing in His healing Word. These treasures have never been hidden from us but reserved securely in God for us through knowing Christ, with the view that we may not only receive but also enjoy crystal clear revelation about the "riches" of having "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27), which is, from our perspective, the greatest treasure of all time. As Colossians 3:4 states it, "When Christ, who is our {spiritual} life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him {Christ} in glory"; this is the believer's hope of glory, to ever be with Christ the Lord, eternally sharing in and enjoying his same glory.

Although the future for the believers is to be glorious, the Epistle of Colossians continues down in verse 4 with an admonition to encourage the believer so that he or she can, even at this moment in time, enjoy the treasures of this splendid truth of knowing and appreciating the spirit and power of Christ within (Romans 8:9-14, Philippians 3:10a).

Colossians 2:4:
And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

Beguile means to be deceived, and enticing words mean to be persuaded with false or unbiblical reasoning. Verse 4 literally is stating that we should not allow anyone to talk us out of the truth that RIGHT NOW we have access to the treasures of wisdom and knowledge of having Christ within our hearts. We will have a super glorious future that will be lived both with our heavenly Father and with Christ the Lord, as Romans 8:17 reveals that we are, "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." What could be better for the comfort of the heart than to know and believe in this eternal treasure? The Apostle Paul had a concern because some people were attempting to persuade the believers out of the Word of God and out of believing in these treasures of wisdom and knowledge that they currently had received in Christ.

Paul wanted the believers to stand firmly with believing conviction in the knowledge they had already received of the treasures of Christ in them from God (II Corinthians 4:7), and Paul wanted them to enjoy these spiritual treasures of godly enlightenment (Ephesians 1:16-20). Nowadays, you might hear it advocated that you are not quite saved, have not given or suffered enough for the Lord, that heaven cannot be confirmed for you, that Romans 10:9-10 is not for you because you are sinful and should not be blessed and have no right to be an heir of heaven's throne. Yet, the truth is that Jesus died for your sins, he gave, stood in, suffered, and died - for you, so that you could receive, so that you could stand at his side without having fear or doubts about your salvation or your God-given righteousness (II Corinthians 5:20-21), and you are most certainly blessed, extremely blessed (Ephesians 1:3-5). You have every right to enjoy the "glorious gospel of Christ" (II Corinthians 4:4).

Please, always remember that Christ Jesus is called our "Savior" for a reason, because we were saved to know and walk with him, not only when we arrive in heaven, but also today (II Corinthians 6:2). In order to really walk with Christ the Lord in today's world, we must fully recognize that he is alive and abides within the minds and hearts of believers, including yours (Ephesians 3:17)! Knowing Christ from the Scriptures and believing on him is the beginning of realizing the wonders of the spiritual treasures of wisdom and knowledge that God has already given you in and through Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:5:
For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit {for even today we are "members" of the spiritual "body of Christ," (Romans 12:17, and I Corinthians 12:27)}, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith {believing faith} in Christ.

Paul is stating that believers are all in this together, that we are all members (brothers and sisters) in the spiritual family of God, and heirs to the treasures (Ephesians 4:15-16) through our faith in Christ. Their order was their orderliness by continuing in the truth of having and appreciating Christ within, as holding this wisdom and knowledge in the human heart leads believers into the spiritual freedom in Christ, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free" (Galatians 5:1). Their steadfastness in their faith in Christ was their continued believing in Christ as a complete Savior even over the obstacles of the current hour (Romans 8:37-39), even over the doubts and skepticisms of others who refuse to acknowledge the wholesome Word (I Timothy 6:3-5). Paul was joying and beholding the believer's steadfastness in the wonderful knowledge that they received freedom to daily walk with God in Christ.

Colossians 2:6:
-6: As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Did you happen to notice that verse 6 says Christ Jesus, rather than Jesus Christ? (In fact, Christ (Jesus) is the only title we have read in the verses above.) The reason for this inversion is that Christ Jesus in the Bible always refers to the resurrection and the power of Christ. You see, Jesus Christ died for our sins, but when he was raised from the dead, he was raised with the celebrated title of Christ Jesus, because he arose for our justification into eternal life. Jesus "was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification" (Romans 4:25), and with the risen Christ Jesus the Lord we are enabled to walk in him from that (his) risen perspective as Ephesians details.

Ephesians 2:5-6:
-5: Even when we were dead in sins, {God} hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
-6: And {God} hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Once, we had no justification of life eternal, being without Christ, hope, and without God (Ephesians 2:12), but now because of the resurrection of Christ Jesus, we can receive justification and a spiritual vindication from the sin of the world. "Like as Christ {who? Christ!} was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). The walk in newness of life, is to walk in the knowledge Christ brings from the standpoint of our having received life eternal and our complete justification to receive this new life (Romans 5:18). Knowing this is a large part of realizing the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that we have been given in Christ, and delivered from heaven's throne to our heart's understanding.

When in the Bible the name Jesus Christ is inverted to read Christ Jesus, then the name always carries a reference or connotation to the resurrected Righteous One, the anointed Messiah, and the Savior who accomplished our salvation. The reversal of our Savior's name was not produced by a scribe who was suffering from dyslexia, but rather is inscribed in the Scriptures with precision through the inspiration of God Himself.

In the Bible, the name Jesus Christ is used for him who humbled himself to die on the cross for the sin of the whole world, and it is he who completely identified himself with sinful man (Philippians 2:7-8), as he was made "sin for us" (II Corinthians 5:21), through his earthly life and sufferings. Yet now in his resurrection, Christ Jesus is empowered to live forever as our eternal Savior. Christ Jesus is who we may now identify ourselves with (Colossians 3:4), for he is the spiritual strength of believers, of you and me (Philippians 4:13). The wording of Christ Jesus is only found in the New Testament passages after his resurrection, but Christ Jesus is never used in the Bible before his resurrection. (For a few examples please see Romans 3:24, I Corinthians 1:2, II Corinthians 4:5, Galatians 3:24, Ephesians 2:6, Philippians 3:8, Colossians 1:28, and I Thessalonians 2:14.)

We can learn about Jesus (meaning Jehovah's Salvation, or Jehovah's Savior), and Christ (meaning the anointed Messiah), and these names are mentioned throughout the entire Old Testament, as well we can study about Jesus Christ throughout the four Gospels, and we can further discover Christ Jesus throughout the New Testaments Epistles and letters. He is the golden thread that connects the entirety of Scripture together to himself, because he is the incarnate Word (John 1:14, Revelation 19:13). Knowing the different variations of Jesus Christ's / Christ Jesus' name will enable us to have further in-depth insights into his life when we are reading or studying our Bibles. Yes, both usages of his name represent the same person, the Son of God, but are as diverse as oh, let's say the differences between the first (or last) century BC and the first century AD as they separate the turning point of world history because of our wonderful Savior's resurrection.

In our eBook series "The Golden Thread," we present the Son of God in this same light. We demonstrate the principle of following Jesus Christ along an enlightening thread that weaves contiguously throughout the Bible (along with dozens of other titles God has given to His Son). For instance, we start with an Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah and then proceed into the Gospels to see how Jesus Christ fulfilled that particular Old Testament prophecy in his earthly ministry. Then further, in the New Testament, we follow along the same thread of Christ that we studied in both the Old Testament and the Gospels to see what we as believers have received in grace because of Christ Jesus and his resurrection, and thus, we learn specific details about the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

To give you a quick example: in our chapter (from eBook I) on the Book of Genesis, titled: "Genesis - Reveals Jesus Christ as the Promised Seed," we feature a prophecy about the promised seed of the women, then in the Gospels we discover the details of this prophecy being completely fulfilled with the birth of Jesus Christ. Then in the New Testament, we further study how we also have received a new, spiritual birth by receiving this promised seed of Christ. As well, along this thread we also discover and share with our readers some enlightening insights; we plant and water with related Scripture, and thus we are supplying the light of God's Word, as the seed, our precious Christ within, begins growing from inside the heart of our understanding. This unique study from Genesis sets the pattern and foundation for our continued spiritual growth and is detailed throughout every book in the Bible and chapter in the eBook series.

This is a new approach into the window of Scripture and permits a warm breeze of fresh air to invigorate our souls with thoughtful revelations about Christ and the "power of his resurrection" (Philippians 3:10), which believers have received. Thus, as we read (above) in Colossians 2:6, "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him." Knowing him, by knowing Christ Jesus the Lord, we become more enabled to walk ye in him. This technique of following the thread has proven itself most remarkable, a new way that helps us understand wonderful, enlightening insights into our risen Savior, offering details that otherwise would have remained unnoticed, and as a result, we end up understanding from the Scriptures themselves why and how we are with Christ today to a much greater dimension.

We then may fellowship around what Jesus has accomplished for us through his prophesied life on earth, his death on the cross, his resurrection from the grave, his ascension into heaven, and now our spiritually receiving Christ within and our walking with him in grace. As Jesus said in John 14:12, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father," and he went unto his Father (Hebrews 1:3), therefore we can do greater than we ever thought possible in Christ Jesus' name, just as he promised. Then he continued, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name {after he went unto his Father}, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name {in his resurrected name - Christ Jesus}, I will do it" (John 14:13-14). Through Christ Jesus' name, a unique treasure trove can avail itself to the believing believer (if he or she ever knew it and truly believed it), as Philippians 4:19 promises, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus," by Christ Jesus' powerful name! Yes, his name puts you in touch with the powers of heaven itself to supply all your need - from his riches - this is a spiritual view into the treasures of wisdom and knowledge now available to you - do you want it?

It is man himself who defeats the promise that God shall supply all your need, by doubting in his own God-given powerbase, "Now unto him {God} that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3:20). The power that worketh in us is Christ within, and in him the only limitations we have - are the ones we permit - because according to God's Word we "can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me {and you}" (Philippians 4:13).

Colossians 2:7:
Rooted and built up in him {in Christ Jesus as the context of verse 6 (above) shows}, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

To be rooted and built up in Christ is to be established in the faith, the faith refers to God's calling us into His family; this is "the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10), which is also called "the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19). God's healing Word continues to encourage us about how to grow in His family in the "house of God" (I Timothy 3:15), and to be abounding therein {the household} with thanksgiving for the wisdom and knowledge that God continues revealing to us through an understanding of Christ Jesus. This is not only finding, but also enjoying, "the promise of life {eternal life} which is in {WHO?} Christ Jesus" (II Timothy 1:1), well, glory hallelujah, praise God, and thank Him in Christ Jesus' name! (And all the people said "Amen.")

Philemon 1:6:
That the communication {i.e., the fellowship} of thy faith {believing faith} may become effectual {may become actively energized, But how?} by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in {or from} Christ Jesus.

We are in the family of God and have Christ within; and coming to know this privilege is acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Our heavenly Father is continually blessed with His eternal family (Ephesians 3:14-21). The more we learn about Jesus Christ, his sacrifice, his death, and his resurrection as Christ Jesus and the subsequent new life that God gives to us in Christ, then - the more we will be able to walk with our heavenly Father equipped now with understanding. Peter wrote, "the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus" (I Peter 5:10), and "Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus" (I Peter 5:14). We are endeared and endowed with the peaceful, hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge, this is "the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world {even began} unto our glory" (I Corinthians 2:7), and is given to us, today, so that we may be empowered to boldly walk in the knowledge of Christ Jesus, our risen Lord and Savior.

Philipians 4:13 (The Amplified Bible):*
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

Philemon :6 (The Amplified Bible):*
[And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory].

*Scripture taken from THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE.
The Amplified New Testament copyright (c) 1958, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.
Used by permission.

03/30/2010  The Kingdom of God Cometh Not With Observation!

Matthew 24:36:
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Jesus said in Luke 17:20 that, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation." So when people say or predict that wrath and the end of the world will begin on August 22 (or any other specific date), and claim this based on any writings or observations - either they are smarter than Jesus is and know more than God knows, or they are simply in error!

Mark 13:32:
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father {"The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God" I Corinthians 2:11}.

We cannot rule out that there will be evil and ungodly deeds perpetrated in the world from time to time, but the Christian has a continuous, present tense refuge and a prayer link to heaven's throne through Jesus' powerful name. "If ye shall ask any thing in my name {Jesus Christ's name}, I will do it" (John 14:14). We can daily trust in our God and walk with our risen Savior - Jesus Christ our Lord.

Proverbs 29:25:
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe {and since we trust in the LORD, we will be safe!}.

II Peter 2:9:
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations {of being afraid of the future, which is to be glorious}, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Colossians 3:4:
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Psalms 107:30:
Then are they glad because they be quiet {having and enjoying spiritual peace}; so he {our God} bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Romans 5:9:
Much more then, being now justified by his {Jesus'} blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him {and since the Bible, which is God's Word, says we are to be saved from wrath, then let us believe we will be saved from wrath!}.

I Thessalonians 1:10:
And {we are} to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come {and since the Scripture, which is God's Word, proclaims that we are delivered from the wrath to come, then let us believe we will be delivered from the wrath to come!}.

Psalms 139:1-10:
1: O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2: Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3: Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4: For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
5: Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6: Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7: Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8: If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9: If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10: Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

Isaiah 9:2:
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Hebrews 13:5-6:
5: Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6: So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Psalms 34:1-8:
1: I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2: My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3: O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
4: I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5: They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
6: This poor man cried {prayed}, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7: The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
8: O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Revelation 22:20-21:
20: He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
21: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

03/01/2010  The Mammon of Unrighteousness

By Larry M. Jaynes:

In this study, we will be looking at the meaning of the biblical phrase "the mammon of unrighteousness" that Jesus talked about in the Gospel of Luke 16:9-13.

Luke 16:9:
And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye {they} fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

The mammon of unrighteousness is an expression that was completely understood to the people of the biblelands, and literally refers to their worldly possessions, also known to them as their personal treasures that God gave to bless them. Jesus was instructing his followers to take care of their possessions, and the reason was that in Bible times everything that a person owned they believed came from God and that their possessions were gifts given directly from Him to them, no matter how their possessions literally came to them, they were thankful to God for them. They understood that, "The earth is the LORD'S, and the fullness thereof" (Psalms 24:1), and the believers believed this wholeheartedly. If their belongings were inherited, or given to them, or if they worked for them, to them they were thankful to God Who opened up to them His "good treasure" to bless them with His abundant blessings.

Deuteronomy 28:11-12 displays how the LORD blessed them with their treasures, "the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee. The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand." The people in the biblelands would remember that it was God Who blessed them as Deuteronomy 8:18 expresses, "thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth."

The mammon of unrighteousness is set in the context of stewardship, as they in the biblical lands believed that their possessions were on loan to them from God above, and they believed that if they were faithful stewards, then God would give them even more to care for and enjoy. But if they were slothful or wasteful stewards with their belongings, then they believed that they would lose what they owned, and thus, their own actions were tantamount to knowing exactly why they possessed much or had little.

Years ago as I first read the words mammon of unrighteousness, I imagined that Jesus was referring to a beast of some kind or something else weird; and just the other day someone told me that they thought that the mammon of unrighteousness had something to do with the Manna that the children of Israel ate in the desert. The word mammon is an Aramaic word rather than a Greek or English word and the translators literally transliterated the Aramaic word only with the equivalent English letters, rather than translating mammon into the appropriate English word or meaning when compiling many of our New Testament versions of the Bible.

There are actually many Aramaic words still left in the King James Version of the Bible (more than forty), and many of these are used several times. I will give you a few examples of some of the Aramaic words that are still transliterated into English letters in our Bibles; the word Abba in Mark 14:36, the word Gethsemane in Matthew 26:36, the word Golgotha in John 19:17, the word Raca in Matthew 5:22, the word Rabboni in John 20:16, the words lama sabachthani in Matthew 27:28, the words Anathema Maranatha in I Corinthians 16:22, and the words Talitha cumi in Mark 5:41.

For people who love words, these are some excellent examples for study because, more often than not, the correct meaning were just barely translated correctly into English, like our current study of the mammon of unrighteousness. We have one Bible that was translated over into English directly from Aramaic Texts by George M. Lamsa, and he translates the mammon of unrighteousness correctly into the words "earthly wealth." If this were translated correctly into our Bibles from the start, then no one would ever need to guess about Jesus' subject on the stewardship of our possessions.

In Luke 16, Jesus was teaching that when we faithfully take care of our belongings (referring to them as the mammon of unrighteousness) that we have received from God, then in the end (in heaven) we will receive greater rewards that will last for all eternity, even after our worldly possessions fade away (or fail us).

By making the time to take care of our possessions we will literally have even more time to enjoy the finer things in life such as love, light, peace, happiness, and holiness. As a result, the things we own will last much longer for they will be blessed by God Who lovingly gave them to us to care for and watch over.

Jesus continues with his teaching about the mammon of unrighteousness:

Luke 16:10-12:
-10: He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
-11: If therefore ye hath not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches {of life}?
-12: And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's {as in wasting time when working for someone or borrowing things and abusing them}, who shall give you that which is your own?

Taking care of our possessions, even things that we may consider the least in our lives, such as a simple hair comb, is perhaps one of the least of our belongings, and yet when we become faithful to care for the little things we have and are thankful for them, then God blesses our faithfulness and supplies even more abundance. By being faithful in that which is least, God is willing and able to give us even greater abundance because that caring action proves that we can be faithful also in much.

A man or a woman's life literally becomes more abundant as they thankfully acknowledge God for their possessions, as well as caring for their personal belongings. By taking care of our personal effects and putting everything back in its place and keeping our rooms, apartments, or houses clean will bring great rewards into our lives. Our God indeed can supply our every need, and being thankful and caring for what we do own at this moment in time opens the floodgates for even more abundance from our God.

Luke 16:13:
No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

The questions that first must be asked about the servant in verse 13 above are who are the two masters that a servant would serve, who is the servant, who is the one, and who is the other? If we get these wrong, then we will be heading down the wrong path and ultimately, we would come up short in understanding the essence of the great teaching of Jesus Christ who is the golden thread to God's heart. (See our eBook, The Golden Thread - Book One, in our bookstore, and if you have an opportunity, please try and read Part Two, Chapter 18, which goes very well with this study, especially with the last four paragraphs in this study.)

Recall Jesus said (in verse 9 above), Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, and he discussed about being faithful in the unrighteous mammon (in verse 11 above)? Jesus cannot be recanting in verse 13 or backpedaling to now imply that we should abandon these (our possessions) and pursue only God, neither was Jesus implying that you will end up either holding and loving God or hating and despising Him, because that would make our Savior double-minded and a flip-flopper. The servant is you, the believer; the two masters are you and your possessions. What helps free a man or a woman is being in control of their possessions, befriending them and faithfully taking care of them BEFORE they begin controlling your life and causing you to begin serving them, because then they would draw out all your time and you could end up hating and despising them.

We all have heard people say, and perhaps we have said or thought of some of these before, "I hate my stuff," or "I hate my TV," or "I hate my car," or "I hate my stereo," or "I hate my job," and even, "I hate my life." God's Word instructs, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance {more on this reward of the inheritance below}: for ye serve the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23-24). When our focus is on serving the Lord, and we are trying to take care of our things and being thankful for all our stuff, then we will also notice God's blessings upon them and just how blessed we really are!

When we begin realizing that our stuff was given to us by God, as this idea forms the right mindset, we will be living in accordance with the precise will of God. By taking care of our stuff, we end up freeing up even more of our spare time, which allows us to be in the delightful service of our Lord and Savior. Oh, and by the way, the word "stuff" is a good biblical word used for people's belongings throughout the Old Testament. For instance, see Genesis 31:7, Exodus 37:7, I Samuel 25:13, and Nehemiah 13:8; Jesus even used the word "stuff" in Luke 17:31. After we become faithful in the unrighteous mammon, THEN we can follow and participate in Jesus' next inspiration that states, ye cannot serve God and mammon.

I would like to give you one example of ye cannot serve God and mammon that will help you understand this biblical concept. If I owned an automobile and the manual that came with it gave instructions as to when I should change the oil, alternate the tires, and change the filters, etc., and I follow these guidelines, the car would run much smoother. However, if I do not follow the instructions in my manual, just to save some time and money, what would happen to the automobile? Well, over time the car will begin to deteriorate at a much faster rate than if I had followed the instructions in the first place, and the repairs will be much more expensive and even more time-consuming. Consequently, the money I had for other expenditures, like food and bills, etc., will be harder to come up with, and as a direct result of this, I am now working for the car and financially I become much more strapped, and I will have less free time than if I took care of the car in the first place. I am then serving mammon and despising it, and have no (or much less) time to serve my heavenly Father.

When believers take the time to be faithful in the small things in their lives, they will literally receive even greater and bigger things from God, not only now, but throughout eternity. However, if we cannot take care of our own possessions, then eventually our possessions begin controlling our lives, which literally gives us less time to walk with and serve our God. This is the meaning of Luke 16:13 (also see Matthew 6:24). God is a Spirit (John 4:24) and being Spirit we cannot literally see Him. However, as we care for the things He has given to us, the more real God becomes in our lives and the greater we will realize that we are serving Him. God promised Abram (Abraham) that He would become his "shield, and his exceeding great reward" (Genesis 15:1), and as He was these for Abram, He can become these for us today.

The subject of Luke 16:1-13 is on stewardship, on caring for the physical things we own.

Romans 6:22:
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

The work of Jesus Christ made us free so that we may freely serve our God. Fruit represents what we produce as we serve our heavenly Father, and what we produce is holiness, and holiness means purity. God has given to His children a way to recognize their holiness before Him. We can stand now and forever before our Maker with dignity and the assurance of knowing our own heavenly purity and we can know that at the end of this life (with the return of Christ) we will be received into everlasting life and rewarded.

Jesus taught us that when we follow the instructions in God's Word, and stand even through adversity, that we should, "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad {And why?}: for great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:12). When we care for our possessions and faithfully put in the required time to care for our stuff, then a real spiritual quality of life will be committed to our trust (the true riches).

The true riches, such as fruit unto holiness, will begin to be manifested in our lives and in our surroundings, as we become good stewards with that which God has blessed us.

In heaven, you will not receive more of the same mammon of unrighteousness that you presently have, nor will you be asked to take care of them any longer because in heaven you will receive new, everlasting treasures. Mammon is titled as unrighteous treasures only because they are temporal, lasting only for a while, but in eternity, you will "receive the reward of the inheritance" that will endure perpetually and help care for and support you. Being faithful stewards with your earthly possessions will "receive you into everlasting habitations" (Luke 16:9), meaning that they will bring to you many more rewards that are eternal.

"The LORD recompense {reimburse} thy work {Ruth's work}, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust" (Ruth 2:12). Ruth was a widower, destitute, and childless, but she was promised a full reward, just as all believers can aspire towards the receiving and enjoying of their own full reward by being faithful in this life with the things God has already give to them, whether plenty or little (see Proverbs 3:9-10; 15:16; and 16:8).

Ruth came under a covenant with God (under His wings) by trusting in the LORD God, trusting that He "is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6), not only in this life but in the next as well. Ruth knew that "having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (I Timothy 6:8), and because she was trying even with the little she had, she eventually became extremely blessed with great abundance with a loving husband, Boaz, and a son, Obed. Ruth knew and believed what Hebrews 13:5-6 substantiates, "and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper," and He certainly was for Ruth and He surely will be for those who are faithful stewards.

Ruth and Boaz were the great grandparents of King David, who was in the lineage of Christ the King of kings and Lord of lords. In Ruth's story, her faith, as does all biblical faith, links to Christ who is the golden thread to God's rewards. Following Christ and his teachings in the Word of God is positively better and more profitable than following a rainbow and its supposed treasure chest. Our committed faith to be faithful stewards with the stuff that we have been blessed with by God, as Jesus Christ taught us, assures us in the present tense that our faith has led us to the ever present promises of God wherein we will merit a future "inheritance incorruptible."

I Peter 1:3-5:
-3: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
-4: To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.
-5: {For} Who {FOR YOU} are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

I Corinthians 15:46 reads, "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual," meaning that we should first be good stewards of the natural (or physical) things God has given to us in this world. Then, afterward in heaven, we will receive spiritual treasures that we can lay up in our heavenly treasure chests by being faithful stewards today. Jesus said, "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matthew 6:20), for our heavenly treasures will be everlasting.

II Corinthians 4:18:
While we look not at the things which are seen, but {we should look towards or} at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

This verse is pretty cool when you think about it in relationship to some of the temporal theories that the scientific community has been circulating about our planet, propounding their "new" discoveries that the world may not last, even though God already told us this centuries ago in II Corinthians 4:18. And what's more, people who advocate these theories are now suggesting that we (as a race) should start planning to move to a dead planet (like Mars) and re-seed and cultivate and repopulate it for the salvation of our posterity. It is the same old story of history repeating itself, it is the story of Nimrod and Babel all over again, and reminds me of the conquerors and barbarians of old after they had plundered and laid waste an area, they moved on to the next conquest where the grass was hoped to be greener, only these days the goals are much loftier. I would suggest that they first try rejuvenating our own earth before they blast off (and with a mega fortune of taxpayer dollars), because if they cannot fix a living planet which is temporal according to God's Word, then why would we suppose that they could kickstart a dead planet to life? Could it be that man is just trying to play God and save the world by man's wisdom (I Corinthians 1:18-31)? Well, all I can say is "happy trails," but for me, I would rather follow God's instructions to "wait" here, on earth, for Christ's return for you and me (I Thessalonians 1:10; 4:14-17; and II Thessalonians 3:5). How ridiculous (and pretentious) it is to imagine that man can save man, "None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him" (Psalms 49:7, this is an awesome Psalm to read), but Jesus did; he paid the ransom (price) for all men and women (I Timothy 2:6; and I Corinthians 6:19-20)!

Our escape and salvation from the bonds of this world are in accepting and knowing our Savior, Jesus Christ, and by daily walking with our God; and further, we may fellowship with Him by taking care of what He has given us to enjoy in this life. I Corinthians 7:31 reads, "they {that is us} that use this world, as not abusing it {not overusing it}: for the fashion of this world passeth away." The universe, including the earth, will melt and burn away (II Peter 3:8-14; and Isaiah 34:4), but this will happen only on God's timetable, not man's. We will be able to stand before God knowing that we have done our personal part in caring for what He has given us if we take care of our personal belongings that God has blessed us with, regardless of the ineffectual movement to save the planet that is becoming a religion unto itself. Keep in mind that many in days gone by "worshipped and served the creature {creation} more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever" (Romans 1:25). There are those today who think they know better than God about the unobtainable pursuit to "save our planet," yet in spite of our shortcomings, God already has the future covered in His infinite wisdom.

Jesus only asks us to take care of our stuff, not to abuse what we use, and not be so concerned about what everyone else is doing (Matthew 7:1-5). All too many people are living in an ever increasing crisis mode and have put themselves in a state of frenzy worrying about global problems that they have no control over, all the while trying to get us all to buy into what they are selling. Remember Jesus said, "Come unto me {not them}, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29).

There is folly in worrying about what your neighbors are doing all over the entire earth. We were not meant to be like Atlas and carry all the world's problems upon our shoulders. Not one of us has been commissioned by God to save the earth because it is temporal, impossible, and therefore cannot be preserved for ever. The earth is given to sustain man so he could worship God and serve Christ our Lord with our fellow believers. True, a lot of good has been done to help curb the wasteful handprint of man on this earth, and much more is needed, but we, as Christians and good stewards of the mammon of unrighteousness - our temporal possessions, are to simply trust in God to be our sufficiency. Living in the light of Godly principles backs down darkness without a fight. Remember, just like the song, "He's got the whole world in His hands," not, "we have the whole world is in our hands." In other words, we need not sweat the small things, or fret about the big things. We are encouraged to do our best and not worry about things that are out of our control, and in the end, trust God, He will right every wrong, and so - no worries mate.

Revelation 21:4:
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

"For, behold, I {God will} create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I {will} create" (Isaiah 65:17-18). "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first {former} heaven and the first {former} earth were passed away" (Revelation 21:1). However, today (praise the LORD), God gives the true riches of life to His children that can become daily enjoyed; this is the great lesson Jesus Christ taught us when he spoke of the mammon of unrighteousness.

Acts 20:32:
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

"When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or in the life of another." Helen Keller:

"God gives every bird his worm, but he does not throw it into the nest." Swedish proverb

"Ask God's blessings on your work, but don't ask him to do it for you." Dame Flora Robson

"Sow an act, and you reap a habit. Sow a habit, and you reap a character. Sow a character, and you reap a destiny." Charles Reade

12/07/2008  Our new online eBookstore is now open featuring the new eBook, The Golden Thread - Book I

The Golden Thread is offered exclusively through our website bookstore.

Twenty-five years of research went into the making of this inspiring new book series.

The Golden Thread uncovers and simplifies many principles and concepts from the Bible that have not been realized for decades. The information contained within the new book can be life - changing and incredibly inspirational when placed in the minds and hearts of people who are sincerely looking for their Savior, God, and spirituality.

* Experience an uplifting, seismic shift in your believing faith.

* Find a spiritual revival of unparalleled proportion.

* Personally experience God and His Son in your life.

* Learn to become more in tune and receptive to God's peaceful voice.

* Enjoy learning biblical truths that dispel doubts, worries, and fears from your life.

* Discover an uplifting spiritual journey through the Scriptures.

* Delight in the confidence of receiving answers from prayer.

Enjoy these benefits and more as you receive the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom brought to light in the new book, The Golden Thread.

One Reader Commented:

". . .I thank God for you and your book, The Golden Thread, especially regarding the chapter on "Job – Reveals Jesus Christ as our Arbitrator" and wanted to let you know what a relief to my heart it is to now be absolutely sure that God is all love and all light and is not the cause of any of the tragedies that took place in Job's life. I now have grasped the power of prayer together with glimpses of the reality that God in Christ in me is a winning team in every situation! Thank you for making difficult passages of Scripture plain as daylight – and for the bold stand you take to tell the truth of the Word – so controversial to what is so often pawned off to people as truth – it is easy to see that you have been blessed with a gift to bring the truth to light that has been buried for centuries! Your love for the truth of the Word of God is crystal clear and it is so beautiful that it brings tears to my eyes. I will pray daily for the outreach of your ministry so that anyone with a searching heart to really know God's heart will find your work."

Cynthia T. Chicago, IL

* What do the books of Genesis and Revelation have in common with each other?

* How will you know when God is talking to you?

* What is the truth about your future, who inherits the Earth, and who goes to Heaven?

* What really happened to Job's children?

* What is the difference between sense knowledge and spiritual knowledge?

These questions and so many more are answered for you in The Golden Thread - an avenue to connect searching hearts to the Savior's heart.

RECENT READER COMMENT:

". . . I just wanted to comment on your wonderful book.

This book is the best thing that ever happened to me! I just wish I knew all these things much sooner! It has really changed my life because it showed me who my savior is – just like I really met him, and now I feel I know him. Thank you so much for that!

One thing that caught my eye was to finally understand what the Bible really says about angels. You know, I see people all around me that are afraid of dying and trying everything to put it off and prevent it at all costs, but ever since I read The Golden Thread, I really do know what God has in store for me and I am not afraid any more. I know that I have eternal life and I am lovin' it after so many years of not really knowing to be at peace by knowing God and Jesus Christ.

Not exactly sure how to express how thankful I am to know these things!"

Rebecca M. USA

The Golden Thread - Book I, can be downloaded onto your computer in about two minutes, and then you will be reading the generous plan of Redemption, as you come to know and enjoy your personal Savior in inspiring detail.

Below is the Table of Contents for Book I

Part One – The Old Testament Introduction

1. Jesus Christ in the Scriptures: Finding Him
2. Jesus Christ is the Golden Thread
3. The Alpha and The Omega (The Beginning and the End, The First and the Last)
4. He is called Faithful and True
5. The One Great Subject in Scripture
6. Looking Unto Jesus
7. Jesus Christ in the Scriptures
8. The Prince of Peace
9. He Sent His Word

Part Two – The Old Testament Books – Genesis through the Song of Solomon

1. Genesis – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Promised Seed
2. Exodus – Reveals Jesus Christ as the True Passover
3. Leviticus – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Offering and the High Priest
4. Numbers – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Bright and Morning Star
5. Deuteronomy – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Prophet
6. Joshua – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Captain of Salvation
7. Judges – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Wonderful Secret
8. Ruth – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Redeemer
9. Samuel – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Deliverer
10. Kings – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Still Small Voice
11. Chronicles – Reveals Jesus Christ as the King's Son, and Eternal Answer
12. Ezra – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Spiritual Revival
13. Nehemiah – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Heavenly Pardon
14. Esther – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Good Day
15. Job – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Arbitrator
16. Psalms – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Song in the Night
17. Proverbs – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Path of Righteousness
18. Ecclesiastes – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Wholeness of Man
19. The Song of Solomon – Reveals Jesus Christ as the Beloved

Part Three – The Old Testament Benefit

1. The Hope of Job
2. Life Ever After
3. "The Resurrection and the Life"
4. "When I Awake"
5. "The Just Shall Live By Faith"
6. "I AM THAT I AM"
7. Jehovah - in the Old Testament
8. Trusting in Jehovah
9. "The Lord is My Helper"
10. A Psalm of David

A reader comments:

". . .The book The Golden Thread is a very moving and inspirational book. The book is written to help one understand and come to know truth rather than to confuse people, like many other religious books. The author has a wonderful way of taking complicated biblical issues and explaining them so anyone can understand. And the subject, Jesus Christ, is a most excellent study. The book is touching and has humorous aspects as well as instructional teachings. The Golden Thread reads wonderfully, and is an uplifting and motivating biblical study. . ."

Natalie C. USA

The Golden Thread may be summarized with three verses, two of which are from the first chapter of the Gospel of John, verses 14 and 45: "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us," and "we have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth." The third verse is from Hebrews 7:25 and reads, "Wherefore he {Jesus Christ} is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by {or through} him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." By comparing these verses, it is evident that Jesus is the living subject and focal point of all that the Prophets wrote. He is unquestionably, according to the Bible itself, the incarnate Word of God. This eBook will help the reader confidently admit, "I also, have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth." The eBook guides the reader through the Bible to him who said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. . ." (John 14:6-7).

Some of the benefits of owning this eBook are:

* Accessibility:
Easy downloading, easy opening, easy closing, and can be conveniently stored right on your desktop, or in any computer file that you like. Just follow the simple downloading instructions as you check out.

* Easy navigating through our spacious reading design:
You can determine the length and the width of your eBook. Also includes easy search features so that you may effortlessly tab forwards or backwards and then easily return to your starting point. This eBook is designed to be visibly pleasing to your eyes as it rests on a well lit platform that is much easier for your concentration and learning experience. You will not find any "hyphenated" words to distract your reading attention.

* No page numbers are ever in the middle of sentences, paragraphs, or Scripture verses (as are found in printed books):
There are also no paragraphs or verses broken up between pages, and as well, you will be pleased to never have to turn a page again, which is an awesome benefit and convenience.

* Enjoy an amazing reading experience that is like no other:
Easy navigating between all the chapters and all three divisions consisting of Parts One, Two, and Three in your new eBook - this was designed to make your reading experience and journey into the life of our Savior much more enjoyable and can commence for you in about two minutes from right now!

12/01/2008  The Golden Thread - Book I

The Golden Thread - Book I, is the first in a new series of five eBooks, and delineates a spiritual journey into the life of Jesus Christ. Discover hidden biblical truths to unlock the mysteries of the Bible that have been kept from searching hearts for ages. These secrets reveal spiritual blessings that were always intended to be yours – as you are the rightful recipient of so many unclaimed heavenly promises and gifts!

The Golden Thread series offers a different blueprint for lifting searching souls up above the wrongly believed, so-called "blind faith mysteries" of the Bible, as the eBook series guides the reader through the entire Bible to clearly recognize him who said, "For I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me." As we discover Jesus Christ through the pages of Holy Scripture, the reader will be lifted and enlightened as they effortlessly identify with their personal Savior and their heavenly Father!

If you are content with what you already know about spirituality and religion, then please DO NOT consider purchasing this eBook! If you are only searching for a "standard" interpretation, rife with overbearing dogmas, laws, and restraining commands, then this series is honestly not for you. However, if you are looking for an enlightening book that offers you hope in Christ, shows you how to have joy and inner peace in your heart, and highlights the love God has for you, then The Golden Thead was absolutely written for you!

This exciting, new series is written to cut through the fog of religious confusion; it clearly will identify a new concept of Christ that may have been previously hidden from you. The Golden Thread reveals to believers many unclaimed spiritual rights that we can receive in Christ – rights which lead the believer into the more abundant life!

If you are searching for something more, and if you are feeling confused about your part on God's creation or what your future holds, and if you desire a greater connection with the God of heaven and with your personal Redeemer, then The Golden Thread offers you an exciting new approach to help you receive the many promises of God. Our research offers an uplifting peace that accompanies biblical understanding in palatable truth, which can be savored within your heart's quest!

Are you feeling drained of all hope? Have your expectations of God been depleted? Are you downright frightened from threats of hellfire, brimstone, and terror accompanied with the absence of any lasting joy and peace in your life? Then allow The Golden Thread to lighten your path on the joys of life that Christ still offers you!

Did you know that you have spiritual rights and freedoms that Jesus purchased for you with his life? Jesus said in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Take a moment and ask yourself two straightforward questions. One; do you have this peace Jesus promised? We claim this peace, his peace, is readily available right now. Question Two is, are you bombarded with the terrors of tribulation? We cannot simultaneously have tribulation and enjoy our life in peace. The way of the world is the way of tribulation and the Word's way is promised by Jesus Christ and leads us to his peace. The Golden Thread offers the way into peace that Jesus our Savior promised, the way that will reduce tribulation and put it back into the world where it properly belongs and off your shoulders!

The peace of Jesus Christ frees the heart and mind to enjoy life in the way God in Christ Jesus intended for you. This peace has been guaranteed you for nearly two thousand years. Do you have it? We will show you how to receive this peace, we will prove the present reality of this peace, and then you may begin enjoying his peace – today, and hereafter through all of eternity! Peace is only one of many more rights and privileges that are revealed to you in The Golden Thread!

John 16:33 (The Amplified Bible):*
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]

The End Times: How would you like to be delivered from the fears of Armageddon, hellfire, and the entire wrath to come? The Golden Thread shows you how to safely pass through not only the end times that are coming to pass on this earth, but also how to know with certainty that you have a Savior who can deliver you today from the prophesied future times recorded in the Book of Revelation!

During these troubling times – escape into something wonderful as you learn to walk alongside your Savior on the path less traveled, yet the views are amazingly spectacular. You are invited to go hand in hand with the Prince of Peace and enjoy the spiritual freedom that he provides along The Golden Thread!

This new eBook series is life-changing and inspirational because it will connect you to Jesus Christ, the Physician of the heart, whose continued pleasure is to heal, mend, restore, and reconcile you to the loving embrace and inspiration that emanates from heaven's throne, from God Who sits thereon, and from His Son, our Lord, and Savior – Jesus Christ!

*Scripture taken from THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE. The Amplified New Testament copyright © 1958, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.
Used by permission.

08/28/2007  Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Her “Terrible Pain of Loss”

It was a dark day for the Christian world to hear and realize that Mother Teresa actually wrote of her doubts about the existence of God.

She wrote:

"I am told God lives in me – and yet the reality of darkness and coldness and emptiness is so great that nothing touches my soul."

"I want God with all the power of my soul – and yet between us there is terrible separation."

"I feel just that terrible pain of loss, of God not wanting me, of God not being God, of God not really existing."

The above quotations and many others are from newly released letters and are currently riding across the airwaves in news stories and commentaries and her personal thoughts have been compiled in a new book titled, "Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light." Mother Teresa was without a doubt a great person and saintly women of God who helped inspire and led many people towards the light, yet she was somewhat tormented from within her heart as she wanted to see and believe more than she saw. She was unable to reach her personal goals of realizing God in her, just as all too many professing Christians think, believe, and come face-to-face with similar letdowns while still hoping and searching for God.

In our eBook, The Golden Thread, you will learn that Jesus Christ is the link to God Himself, as Jesus confessed "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." When Christ touches your soul, when you begin seeing him not only throughout God's Word but also in your own life, then the darkness and coldness and emptiness, and as well the terrible separation between a Christian believer and his or her God will completely subside. The light of God Himself can illuminate your inner soul through Christ and restore the terrible pain of loss; this is the underlying theme of The Golden Thread. Through this new and inspiring eBook, you will find the principles that allow Jesus Christ to show you that God wants you, that He does live in you, and as you learn from this eBook to increase your faith in Jesus Christ, you will come to experience the certainty of God really existing in your life!

When we look at a good person such as Mother Teresa, for an example, who searched a lifetime and looked for clear cut, heartfelt proofs without ever really knowing whether God is truly real; this story causes one to be saddened for her, especially knowing how kind and giving she was towards even less fortunate souls. Imagine how much more her giving could have meant to her, personally, if she could have realized in her heart the existence of God – greater miracles would have abounded! Now we could also take another person (like you for example), who may be struggling over these same basic issues of looking for God and not knowing how to recognize His voice. If you are still searching, then we would ask you to simply read The Golden Thread in your quest for God, the reason being is that you would discover Jesus and his continued mission which is to reveal the realities of God in your personal life. We further believe that you will experience your heavenly Father's acceptance of you from His Word and from within your own heart!

The cost and time of reading The Golden Thread is minuscule in comparison to the amounts many have already paid out in searching for, but are still not sure about the existence of God other than to hold on to an "I sure hope so" mindset. Many are uncertain about where God's Son resides other than to think that he may be "upstairs" someplace. These are the great pursuits of the ages, and as well, these are unmistakably answered for the searching believer throughout our new eBook.

So often, many people are hesitant or even afraid to seek and come to God and see Him for Who He really is, which thankfully, He is known to us as being Love and Light. Take the challenge and do not allow doubts or worries to whelp up into fear that may prevent you from realizing our omnipresent God, but invite His graciousness into your life and heart. The Golden Thread was written to help show you how to enjoy His peaceful grace and how to experience His awesome presence and how to receive His delightful presents!

The Golden Thread offers anyone the chance of a lifetime to discover the heavenly Father in crystal clear, awe-inspiring revelations, and is available, is here, and is presented to you right now! Yes, we say, for you it is only a chance of a lifetime until you experience definite reality of God residing in your own heart, and then you could never write or even imagine the nonexistence of God because you will have come to know and experience Him personally.

True, if our eBook is wrong and does not lead you to an unprecedented understanding of God, then you would have donated a few dollars and a little of your time (though less than a movie, a drink, and a snack at a theater). Now let us turn this around and propose the following. What if we are correct and our research is true, then you will have an abundant, eternal profit to gain from your loving, heavenly Father as you are drawn into an intimate relationship with Him whose desire is to cherish, to love, and to sustain you for all eternity! If you have never known this caring and loving God before, we are so very sorry, but in truth, in The Golden Thread, you will find your way to the warmth and loving embrace of your heavenly Father!