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DEAD IN FAITH – What Faith Do the Dead Hold? (Lesson 2)

By Kathy L McFarland

Don’t take lightly the Grace of the LORD God in your life! Christians know with surety that when their physical bodies die, their baptized spirits ascend to Heaven (Rom 6:1-11), where they are given a new body; or, unbaptized spirits sleep in their grave for a while until resurrected to live eternally upon the New Earth; or, raptured alive believers ascend with their physical bodies, where they receive white robes in Heaven for a time (Rev 7:9-17). All Christians know that through their belief and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ, their sins will be forgiven and justified, promising eternal life, regardless of how they assume the next life. So, it is a known ingredient in our thought process; we know we will live eternally, so our death (without sting) does not terrify us.

1 Corinthians 15:35–50

“But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.” (1 Corinthians 15:35–50)

One day, folks, there is going to be a big battle between the righteous soldiers of the LORD God, led by Jesus Christ, and the wicked minions of Lucifer, upon the battlefield of Armageddon. Our Christian faith allows us to know this battle is a done deal. We know the end of the story. WE WIN! Our side is victorious.

However, here’s a shocking announcement: the other side thinks they are going to win also. Lucifer is recruiting his soldiers today, preparing for that great and final battle. His wicked forces believe they will annihilate the forces led by Christ when the fog of war draws near.

Revelation 17:14

“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (Revelation 17:14)

Would you want to live eternally if Lucifer were victorious? Of course not! Christians hold unshaken faith that their Lord Jesus Christ will be victorious in their battle against the fallen angel Lucifer. We know that in the end, our omnipotent Lord will pummel the enemy and cause his blood to fill the battlefield. And when we have won the battle, we are given a glimpse of the wonderful life we will have upon the New Earth, freed from the grips of the devil and sin.

We know the end of the story! We have the Word of God in our hands, and we can read with clear understanding about the great battle to come. To think that conflict between good and evil would end any other way is unthinkable and impossible because we know the power and might of our Lord.

Revelation 19:11–21

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. 19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.” (Revelation 19:11–21)

Often Christians hold fast their salvation promise in an attitude of focusing on what Christ brings to them. However, there is a much bigger picture that is unfolding, as the forces of good and evil prepare for battle. Our King has prepared us with His Word. He has let us know about the battle beforehand. He has started the basic training of his soldiers by using the military terms necessary to prepare by encouraging us to put on His armor and learn to use it before the battle comes. He has presented the call to order, by illustrating that only one Master can be followed. He gave recruitment instructions to His apostles, and followed up with orders to all Christians to continue the recruitment process throughout the world.

Unfortunately, those Old Testament saints and sinners didn’t have the easily understood battle plan in their hands. They did not have an understanding of the Messiah that would come to prepare them for war. The books in their Bible were not fully written when they lived; and if the major prophets of the Old Testament were alive in some of the times of the more recent people of the LORD God, they talked in depths that were hard to understand. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Amos, Micah, Zephaniah, Zechariah, Malachi speak clear prophesy that will happen past the time of the lives of the Old Testament people; some of the Prophets speak of events that happen even past our own time!

Abraham’s generations did not have the information we have today. They did not have the complete Word of God, because the Word of God had not come yet! They did not know the Lord Jesus Christ; for most, the prophecy of His coming was unknown, and those who heard it, misunderstood.

For the most part, they had only the five books of our present-day Bibles. These five books are called the Pentateuch. These books were the writings of Moses, which expressed the laws of the LORD God and His Creation in the books Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (These are English translated words; the Hebrews name their books from the first word spoken in each).

What did the generations of Abraham faithfully hold that they took confidently to their grave? They had the promise of a Messiah one day coming, and they believed that He would free them from the wicked grasp of their enemies. They knew that when they died, they would sleep in their grave until awakened by the LORD God; as time unfolded, they were hopeful that their line would continue and multiply their generations as the Chosen people of God. They knew that while they suffered oppression and persecution, that one day their Messiah would come and destroy their enemies quickly. That faithful confidence gave them purpose to live and follow after the LORD God’s will and ways.

Hebrews 11:13–16 tell us specifically what they knew!

Hebrews 11:13-16

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:13-16)

Check it out! Even before the Lord Jesus Christ came to reveal the Kingdom of God completely to His followers and give the promise of eternal life, the generations of Abraham knew they were strangers in this world! Their faith was persuaded, embraced and confessed. Through those acts, we know they sought a country, the Kingdom of God, even when they did not have the promise realized in their generation. It is only Christians who had full access to this knowledge!

Revelation 21:1-8

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 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. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:1–8)

It is through these three acts of persuading, embracing and confessing that present-day Christians can know that Abraham’s generations had faith in the providence of the LORD God. They knew their LORD God was omnipotent, and would one day restore them into a Kingdom that did not contain their enemies. Thus, it is worthy for us to examine these three concepts of faith, to include them within our own spiritual growth of faith, as His Word is revealed deeply to us.

It is also important to look deeply into the desire of the generations of Abraham to live in a Kingdom where God is not ashamed of them. Even before the Messiah was revealed fully to them, they knew that the LORD God was able to create a place where the wickedness was gone, and where their righteousness could shine. Even back then, they were confident that one day God would make a place for them to honor Him.

Faith must be persuaded, embraced and confessed by all Believers, both Jew and Christian. Without these three aspects of faith expressed, there is no faith. It is fascinating that the generations of Abraham figured this out before the complete revelation of the LORD God’s plans through the Word of God. And it is humbling to realize that present-day Christians have access to the full expression of the Word of God and yet struggle with the aspects of persuasion, embracing, and confessing. Thus, it is time for us to take a lesson from our brothers and sisters of old, and learn the ways of faith, even when the “rest of the book” is unknown.

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DEAD BEFORE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST – The Faith of the Dead (Lesson 1)

By Kathy L McFarland

Hebrews 11:13-16

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:13–16)

This study module is focusing upon a group of people, rather than a specific person. However, don’t take the lack of specificity to define the importance of this expression of faith example in Hebrews 11. Rather, examine the amount of words that Hebrews 11:13-16 contains in defining this type of faith, and recognize that it is both noteworthy and essential for all Believers to understand perfectly!

Who are the dead in faith? They are the ones that died before the promises of the coming Messiah were fulfilled, and who were not taken directly to Heaven as a Saint. It was the promises given through the Lord Jesus Christ that overpowered death, and gave life to those that believed and followed after Him. Until His Time was fulfilled, most of the Chosen People of the LORD God went to their graves, and are presently sleeping; they unknowingly await the resurrection at the final Judgment of Jesus Christ, to receive their reward or punishment.

Revelation 20:11-15

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11–15)

The Israelites that descended from the generations of Abraham did not receive the promises of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 1 traces the generations that led to the designated father’s side of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 1:1-17

“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; 3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; 4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; 5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; 6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; 7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; 8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; 9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; 10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; 11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: 12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; 13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; 14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; 15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; 16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.” (Matthew 1:1–17)

Traditionally, Bible scholars have attributed the generations listed within Matthew 1 to represent the line of Joseph, while the genealogy listed in Luke 3:24-38 to show the lineage of Mary, showing a family relationship between Mary and Joseph. Luke 3:24-38 traces the generations that led to the Lord Jesus Christ, clear back to the time of Adam!

Luke 3:24-38

“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, 24 Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, 25 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, 26 Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda, 27 Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri, 28 Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er, 29 Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, 30 Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim, 31 Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David, 32 Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson, 33 Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda, 34 Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor, 35 Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala, 36 Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech, 37 Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan, 38 Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God. (Luke 3:23–38)

Now, when you compare the names in both of these genealogies, you will notice a few inconsistencies. Some of the names are different, but similar, which can be explained by the Hebrew vs. Aramaic translation of the names. Some Kings are left out, like Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah, those between Joram and Uzziah, and Jehoiakim in the Matthew line. Matthew also includes women in the lineage, which is a rare event in ancient genealogies. While rare in tradition, their places in the lineage were crucial to establishing certain timelines in the Bible, just as the missing Kings were unimportant to the author’s point. Comparisons of Luke and Matthew show disagreement, but can be explained in scholarly fashion. But, you know what! We don’t have to worry about any of these arguments, to go to the places we need to go to learn about the faith!

We only need to look at Luke 3:23-28 to realize that there were a whole bunch of people, generation after generation for many generations that brought forth the fulfilled line of David through our Lord Jesus Christ! That means that all of those past people who contributed to the human being expression of Jesus Christ DIED IN FAITH! They went to their graves, when they died. They did not realize the promises that their faith looked forward too! Most of the actual human being relatives of our Lord Jesus Christ are not in Heaven! That’s an amazing statement of fact!

Remember, the lineage of Jesus Christ as expressed in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, represents one branch of the generations before Jesus Christ! There were hundreds upon hundreds of offspring that sprang from the seed of Abraham! The specific genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ is but one of many that form the tree of Abraham that leads to the Twelve Tribes of Israel that are God’s Chosen People who looked expectantly to the future promise of the coming Messiah.

Philippians 2:5-11

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5–11)

The hope of all Jewish people is centered fully upon the promise by the LORD God to send a Messiah to them, to lead them from the oppressions of this world. Sadly, when the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ came to this earth with the nature of a human being, few of the Jews knew Him. They did not recognize Him as Messiah, because they thought the Messiah would be powerful and mighty and cause their enemies to perish. The Lord Jesus Christ not only exhibited the nature of human being, but was easily crucified upon the cross. The Jewish people were made blind by the LORD God, and unable to see the glorious Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. They could not connect this with the perfect expression of God’s power over death, and His exaltation of His only begotten Son.

John 4:19-26

“The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.” (John 4:19–26)

The Lord Jesus Christ, coming in the nature of man, with the flesh and blood of human being, had to die, in order to destroy the power of death.

Hebrews 2:14-18

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:14–18)

It was only after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ that brought him to die, that death could be conquered. Thus, all those that lived before the Lord’s coming, died with faith that He would one day come. It is the circle of faith that took generations upon generations to accomplish the fulfillment of His Promises to His Chosen People.

Hebrews 11 honors those of faith in the Promises of the Messiah that were unable to see the fulfillment of His coming. It is with that same heart we look with honor upon the ancestors of God’s People before Christ, who kept the faith pure and moving forward, without guarantee that they would see the Promise in their lifetime.

The generations of God’s People had a faith that is worthy of study, recall and emulation, as our own time troubles began to increase beyond endurance. The Promised return of our Lord Jesus Christ is an important promise to Christians, just as those generations of Adam looked to the first Promise of the Messiah’s return. Thus, it is worthy to know the coping tools of the Chosen People of the LORD God, to give us the survival tools of our own time, promising a hope where all seems impossible, and encouraging a faith that is sure and true in salvation, redemption and rescue by our Lord Jesus Christ, regardless of the wickedness that surrounds us.

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ENOCH – Typology: Rapture (Lesson 6)

By Kathy L McFarland

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:5-6)

The translation of Enoch had the testimony of the LORD God and pleased Him. We understand that Enoch was living one moment and then the next he was not. He passed over the chasm that separated him from God, and he went to Heaven without experiencing death. His victory of life without ever dying is a symbolic and typological representation of the End Times Rapture that Christians look forward to with great hope.

The Greek word used in Hebrews 11:5 for “translated” is “metathesis.” It is used three times in Hebrews only, and is used three different but similar meanings. In Hebrews 11:5 it means to transfer to Heaven, Hebrews 12:27 means that God “removes things by shaking, so that things that cannot be shaken can remain” and Hebrews 7:12 means a “change in the law”. So the Greek word means transfer, removal or change.

Today, that Greek word metathesis describes an “alteration of a word from one form to another” in an effort to make it more eloquent or easier to say, like a child calling spaghetti “pasghetti”. In the “Hollow Pursuits” episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Lt. Commander Data explains the meaning of metathesis after Captain Picard mistakenly calls Lt. Barclay “Mr. Broccoli”. After Barclay leaves, Data says to the captain, “metathesis is one of the most common of pronunciation errors, sir; a reversal of vowel and consonant; ‘barc’ to broc’…”. (Note to audience – the creator of this lesson is a Star Trek junkie; this blurb is added to increase job satisfaction even further, while at the same time connect with the students in understanding the word “metathesis.”)

So why is understanding the deeper meaning of the word “metathesis” so important to understanding the concept of translation? It is important, because it is such a rare event, we don’t quite know how it happened, what it looked like, or how quickly it took place. Therefore, we must examine every piece of evidence surrounding the word “metathesis” to sort of grasp the supernatural translation event of Enoch.

There is one more word that might help you understand the process of “translation” a little better. Metamorphous means a change in nature and form, like a caterpillar changing to a butterfly; in contrast, Metathesis is the change of the place or condition, like the exchange of bonds in a chemical reaction!

Now we are nailing down the deeper meaning of the word. When the translation of Enoch occurred, his place of existence was changed from one place to another. His body and nature were not changed; it was only the place, translating from earth to heaven, and the condition, living one moment, and nowhere found the next.

Now that we understand the word used to express the translation of Enoch, we are closer to understanding the process that will happen to believers during the rapture of saints. Enoch’s translation was a typological shadow of the event that will happen to living believers one day.

The word “rapture” is not actually located within the Word of God; yet, it is a well-known term by both religious and secular interests. It is a word that is used to represent the End Times event where Christians alive are raised up into the air by Jesus Christ, and taken immediately to Heaven, without experiencing death. The rapture event can be found prophesized in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1Thessalonians 4:13-17)

This rapture experience captures the metathesis example that was first revealed in the translation of Enoch. One day, which date is not known by anyone but the LORD God, the Lord Jesus Christ will descend from Heaven with a shout, the voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God. When these sounds are heard, the dead in Christ will rise first, and then all of the Christians which are alive will be caught up together in the clouds and meet the Lord in the air. The body or the nature of the raptured Christians will not be changed. The change will be only the place and condition; the Christians location will be changed from earth to Heaven, and their condition of human being, will be changed to that of a risen saint.

Interestingly, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 makes further reference to this rapture event, and this reference connects to one of the deeper meanings of the word “metathesis” we studied earlier. Can you find this meaning?

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.” (2Thessalonians 2:1-2)

The concept of “shaken” was used with one of the three only meanings of “metathesis” in the Word of God! Remember? Hebrews 12:27 defined the word “metathesis” with the process of shaking!

Hebrews 12:26-28

“Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this [word], Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” (Heb 12:26-28)

The LORD God is going to be shaking the Kingdom of Heaven while He shakes mankind on earth. Those in Heaven that can be shaken, will be removed from Heaven. Only those which cannot be shaken continues to live in the restored Heaven. Now 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 tells us that when the day of Christ is at hand to not be “shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word!

So now you know what rapture will look like, feel like, sound like, and be like. From the deep study of the word, we know that rapture comes to those who cannot be shaken in mind nor troubled in spirit when the tribulations, persecutions and martyrdoms on earth begin. Stand strong and confident in the Day of Christ, and await your redemption. The translation of Enoch was the shadow of rapture, that will one day raise up believers, and change their location from earth filled with tribulation and wickedness, to Heaven in the presence of our Lord and our God!

Praise be to God!

Further Study Resources

The Book of Enoch

The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish book that many believe was written by the Enoch, father of Methuselah and grandfather of Noah, around 300 B.C. Jews and Christians do not regard it as Scripture; however, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church think it is canonical in nature.

While it is absent from the sacred books of the Word of God, many scholars believe that The Book of Enoch influenced early Christianity, and thus is profitable for study. Many early Church Fathers considered 1 Enoch as Scripture, such as Athenagoras, Clement of Alexandria, Irenaeus and Tertullian. In fact, Tertullian accuses that it was officially rejected by the Jews as Scripture because it contained early prophesy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

There are five parts to The Book of Enoch. The first part describes the fall of angels, “the Watchers,” who became the fathers of the Nephilim. The remaining four sections cover Enoch’s visits to Heaven with descriptions of his travels, visions, dreams, and revelations.

* The Book of the Watchers (1 Enoch 1 – 36)

* The Book of Parables of Enoch (1 Enoch 37 – 71) (Also called the Similitudes of Enoch)

* The Astronomical Book (1 Enoch 72 – 82) (Also called the Book of the Heavenly Luminaries or Book of Luminaries.)

* The Book of Dream Visions (1 Enoch 83 – 90) (Also called the Book of Dreams)

* The Epistle of Enoch (1 Enoch 91 – 108)

It is important to note that The Book of Enoch is also said to be referenced in the Word of God through the account of his prophecy spoken about in Jude 14,15:

“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken” against him. (Jude 14, 15)

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ENOCH – The Translation and Faith of Enoch (Lesson 5)

By Kathy L McFarland

Hebrews 11:5

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” (Hebrews 11:5)

Translated is represented by the Greek word “metatithemi.” This Greek word is used several times in the Word of God and it has several meanings, depending on context; it can mean to pass over, transfer, carry over, remove, change or turn. In the case of Enoch, we know that its meaning is most consistent with passing over the great chasm that separates man from God, without having to experience death. In literal words, at one moment he was alive and walking the earth and the next instant Enoch found himself in the presence of the LORD God.

Enoch was translated because he pleased the LORD God. He held this testimony that he brought the LORD God pleasure. The Greek word “martureo” is translated testimony, and means to bear witness and record.

It wasn’t that Enoch did well in speaking a little prophesy the one time it is mentioned in the Bible. Through the use of the word testimony, we can be certain that he had a spotless record of serving the LORD God, and that record was witness to his righteous service toward Him.

Note the Greek word “martureo” once more. It is a derivative of the word “martus” which is interpreted “martyr.” A martyr is one who proves the strength and genuineness of their faith in Christ by suffering persecution and violent death. It is not a far stretch to suspect that Enoch’s testimony had the nature of the martyrdom that would come later with followers of Jesus Christ.

Enoch’s “martuereo” brought great pleasure to the LORD God, and it was for that reason he was translated without death! His strength and genuineness of faith in the LORD God was so great, that He was noticed by the LORD God and used by Him to prophesy the things of last days from the beginning generations of His Creation!

NEVER BEFORE had another man been translated by the LORD God. He was the first! Since the day that Adam and Eve had sinned, death had to come to human being bodies to release sin’s hold upon them. It was the most unusual event in the midst of corruption and unrighteousness that was swirling around mankind.

This righteous man Enoch, known by all for his goodness and dedication toward God, might have died a common death, and then been taken to Heaven, and no one would have known. But through his translation, it was seen by many as Enoch living one moment amongst them, and the next, nowhere to be found. His translation became a testimony to the LORD God, that His providence for those that please Him can include eternal life without experiencing the physical sting of death.

The LORD God made sure that the reason He translated Enoch was clear to everyone that sought after His Word.

Hebrews 11:6

“But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

The LORD God translated Enoch so that those generations to follow could know how to please Him. There was only one way. It took faith in Him to please Him! He even explained further, by breaking that faith down to two areas of faith that Enoch possessed:

The faith of Enoch believed that the LORD God was who He IS

The faith of Enoch knew with certainty that the LORD God would reward those who diligently sought after Him

The Greek word “pisteuo” translates to the word “believe.” This powerful word denotes not only a surety in the LORD God, but also a conviction and trust inside a person’s soul that the He can be trusted completely. There can be no doubt in the type of faith that pleases the LORD God and moves Him to give great reward.

How does one get this type of faith? You must diligently seek after the LORD God. Seek diligently is represented by the Greek word “ekzeteo” and denotes a highly focused effort to search for the Will, Way and Word of God. The way this deep investigative seeking can be effected by Believers is through the study of the Word of God. The more study of His Word, the deeper the faith He gives you, and the more application that can be applied to your spiritual life.

The Faith of Enoch represents the believer’s sincere search and discovery of the things of the LORD God, and the application of those things into a life that honors and worships Him. Those who are able to diligently seek after the LORD God, and have confidence that He is who He is, will both please Him and receive reward from Him one day for their faith!

Faith of Enoch Today

So we return to the place from which we started…the Faith of Enoch. His faith was so strong and sure, that he did not see death, and was raised up by God to join Him in Heaven.

Hebrews 11:5-6

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:5-6 AV)

The LORD God brought great reward to Enoch for his faith, and caused a supernatural translation to happen to him for both him and all believers that come after him. The Faith of Enoch pleased the LORD God so much, that he was included as an example to us in the chapter of faith accounted in Hebrews 11. It is that faith we are focusing upon in this lesson, as we “translate” the things of Enoch’s faith, to our own faith in these difficult times.

The followers of Jesus Christ today must take the example of the Faith of Enoch and stand strong in the face of the wickedness and despair of mankind. It is through this strong faith that the witness of the Lord Jesus Christ is propagated throughout the world. And it’s quite a world, isn’t it? Our times are just as Enoch’s; we both live in times of great wickedness, where men turn against righteousness and obedience to the LORD God and His Will and Ways. In two short generations from Enoch, the entire world, save Noah and his family, were wiped from the earth. Believers today feel that same doomsday clock ticking, as the promised judgment of mankind by our Lord Jesus Christ grows nearer to unfolding according to the signs of the times!

Enoch pleased the LORD God because he had testimony. His testimony was maintaining a righteous presence in the midst of the terrible wickedness of mankind. His prophesy identified the nature of that wickedness as being the Way of Cain, the Error of Balaam, and the Gainsaying of Core. Take a moment, and consider these things that are prevalent in our own time, and growing worse each day.

The Way of Cain in the time of Enoch was the arrogant approach to the LORD God by those who demanded God bow down to them. They did not want to obey Him, but rather, expected Him to do as they willed. Today, we hear many speak freely about how they expect God to take them to Heaven because they are good; they are completely oblivious to His requirements to follow after the Lord Jesus Christ and do His things. We see prayers offered up to God to support this war or another, worldly cause over spiritual things, or things of fortune to be bestowed upon the prayers, without regard to His Will.

Godless people walk the earth today, focused on their attributes and needs over the will of the LORD God. The self-focused generation of disobedient people reassures themselves daily that they are good and deserving of the rewards that God has to offer, and that their money and efforts toward making a better world will guarantee them a spot in Heaven. They are vocal and condemning of any religion and any believer that goes against their belief in the way things should be with regards to reward from God and judgment.

It takes a very strong and brave Christian to stand up to the self-indulging kind, and announce to them that they must bow a knee to God regardless of their thoughts of the ways they think the reward and judgment of God should be. It is a testimony of faith when a believer speaks the Truth of God and reveals the only path to approach Him to be through Jesus Christ, even when it offends those who control their offerings to God with a demand of expected compensation and reward. The Way of Cain produced ungodly men lacking referential awe toward the things of God in the day of Enoch, and it has produced the same type of sinful, lewd, lustful and carnal natures within mankind today.

The similarities between our time and the time of Enoch do not stop with most of mankind embracing the Way of Cain. There are widespread instances of the Error of Balaam being reflected in our world today, with the same devastating effects of unrighteous, lewd and manipulative behavior being favored over righteousness. For instance, how many times have we seen pretend religious leaders receive wealth, power and prestige from their followers as they teach a corrupt lies that go against the Word of God. I’ll give you a hint…many are brought down by the excessive lustful and lewd acts that come from doing the error of Balaam!

Only faithful Christians can stand up and reveal the lies and manipulations generated by glory-seeking individuals’ intent on gaining and benefiting from attaching themselves to the Kingdom of God. The error of Balaam was thinking that any favor of God shown to him, gave him freedom to manipulate that favor into personal reward. This error led to the worship of false gods and attention paid to soothsayers, fortune tellers, and witches. False idols were embraced when the LORD God refused to grant privileges to those who were embracing the error of Balaam.

Just as in the times of Enoch, many people have left their faith, and lustfully sought riches, prestige, and power instead of walking in the Ways of the LORD God. Their attitude led to worship of false gods, as they gained a false sense of entitlement through their manipulation attempts toward the True LORD God. They have empowered the false idol use of others through the manipulation of magic, soothsaying, and worship of false gods. The faith of Enoch stood bravely in the midst of such chaos, and declared their practices wicked and warned of coming judgment if they did not stop their embrace of idols. They ignored him, just as those who worship idols in this world will ignore a faithful Christian who warns of judgment to come. Regardless, it is that faith within a Christian, expressed fully in support of the things of God that brings great delight to Him and provides testimony of your walk with Christ.

Lastly, the gainsaying of Core brought death to 250 leaders and 14,700 followers of God because of JEALOUSY! Core convinced strong and powerful leaders that had God’s favor, to forsake the leadership that was placed by Him to lead them, and challenge the authority established by Him. Regrettably, this same attitude is prevalent in churches today, as congregations jockey for power and prestige, challenging leadership and creating turmoil through gossip and attacks. The disagreements between denominations pale when weighed against the utter chaos that is within the church settings. Jealousies against the leaders seem to propel more and more attacks within the institutions that God Himself has established.

How can Christian leaders reclaim the positions that God has placed them in, when jealous attacks come their way and attempt to destroy the righteousness of the appointments? They cannot do it alone; we do not have the advantage of the LORD God dwelling among us, where we can go before Him, and prove the holiness of a leader vs. the jealousy of another. However, those of strong faith, that emulate the faith of Enoch in their walk with Christ, can make a difference by boldly proclaiming and upholding those appointed to leadership positions in the Kingdom of God on earth.

The faith of Enoch was so perfectly expressed by Him, that it gave testimony of his belief in the LORD God’s will and ways. His stances of bold declaration against the ways of Cain, the error of Balaam and the gainsaying of Core expressed the complete dedication he held toward the LORD God. It is that faith of Enoch that each faithful Christian should emulate, as we struggle against the wickedness of this world, to declare the Truth from the Word of God.

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ENOCH – The Gainsaying of Core (Lesson 4)

The way of Cain was the choice of many of God’s people, as they demanded His worship of them and their works by refusing to offer worthy and righteous gifts to the LORD God. The error of Balaam was embraced by many of God’s people, when they lustfully sought riches, prestige and power instead of walking in the Ways of the LORD God. This attitude led to worship of false gods, as they gained a false sense of entitlement through their manipulation attempts toward the True LORD God. In this lesson, we are going to examine the gainsaying of Core, to complete our study of the three levels of errors that polluted many within the generations of disobedient people belonging to God.

The dramatic account of Core (known as Korah in Hebrew Old Testament) can be found at Numbers 16:1-50, which records his influence in causing 250 Israelite leaders to turn away from the LORD God. Ultimately, 14,700 were put to death as a direct result of the gainsaying of Korah, and the resulting plague against those who followed after him. It is this major event that leads Enoch to warn those of the coming wrath of the LORD God that is written about in Jude 1:14.

Let’s begin our deeper study by examining the meaning of “gainsaying” found in Jude 1:11 as a description of the error of Korah. The Greek word for “gainsaying” is “antiologia.” Note the two words combined which are “anti” and “logia” which translate literally to “ANTI LOGIC.” Other definitions of the word that lend deeper understanding include contradiction, opposition, and rebellion. The gainsaying of Korah meant that he was going against the logic of his belief in the LORD God, and the common sense that Moses was the leader established to lead him. Let’s look at the account of the revolution that Korah started, and the LORD God ended.

The anti-logical revolution began when Korah encouraged 250 famous princes to challenge the authority of Moses and Aaron. These leaders with renowned reputations among all of the people in all of the Tribes of Israel were convinced by Korah that Moses was taking too much holiness for himself. The anti-logical 250 leaders led by the nose with the hand of Korah were convinced that all of the people that were congregated together within the Tribes of Israel were just as holy as Moses. They angrily charged Moses that he acted as if he were “better than others” (in common speech of today), and chided him to step down.

“Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?” (Numbers 16:1-3)

When Moses heard this, his immediate reaction was to fall on his face. One could sense his despair at the suggestion that he led God’s Chosen People with his will rather than through the LORD God’s direction. His solution for the determining whether the charges were truthful was both brilliant and risky. He called upon Korah and his followers to appear before the LORD God the next day, with Aaron and him, and allow the LORD God to decide who was right.

What had caused this anti-logical rebellion against a beloved leader who had helped free them from the oppressive control of Egyptian taskmasters and freed them for their journey to the Promised Land?

Two events foreshadowed the angry uprising to usurp the authority of Moses. Moses had ordered the stoning of a Sabbath breaker by every member of the congregation after the LORD God instructed this punishment.

“And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him. And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp. And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.” (Numbers 15:32-36)

Then to cause them to remember all of the commandments of the LORD God, He instructed them through Moses to place fringes on their garments. These fringes were to help them:

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.” (Numbers 15:37-41)

Interestingly, the very mindset that the LORD God wanted them to possess concerning the things of heart that he instituted with the fringes on the garments, was violated through the anti-logical rebellion of Korah and the princes. They did not want to think anyone holier than them. They sought after their own hearts, and were jealous of the holiness of Moses, and the priests established to serve the LORD God. Whether the stoning of the Sabbath breaker, and the requirement for fringes upon their garments sparked the uprising is not known; however, the rebellion questioned the authority of Moses, Aaron and the Priests, and kept the anti-logic of rebellion towards God’s ways moving throughout the camp.

There could be no doubt about their jealous resentment of the leadership forming around Moses. They were angry with them because they were wandering the wilderness and never arriving to the Promised Land which flowed with milk and honey as they appointed themselves in holy judgment against all others. The rebels wanted the position of Moses and Aaron and the Priests to end, and they wanted themselves to replace the exiled leadership immediately.

The gainsaying of Korah was against the setting apart of the family of Aaron for the duties and privileges of the priesthood. Moses wisely challenged them to appear with him before the LORD God and let Him choose. It would be the LORD God’s choice that would declare the holiness of the man, whether it was Moses and Aaron, or whether it be Korah and the 250 Princes who challenged the position Moses held.

They gathered together the next day; Moses, Aaron, the priests with Korah and the 250 princes, standing in the Tabernacle door with incense in censers to bring a pleasant smell as they approached the LORD God. The congregation of Israelites surrounded the Tabernacle, awaiting the decision of the LORD God. That decision came quickly. The LORD God spoke to Moses and Aaron and advised them to separate immediately from the congregated people, because he was going to destroy them.

Moses quickly pleaded to the LORD God to allow them to give the congregation of people gathered to watch the proceedings a chance to save themselves. The LORD God agreed. Moses told everyone:

“Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.” (Numbers 16:26)

Then Moses said:

“Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the Lord hath not sent me. But, if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. (Numbers 16:28-30)

At the end of Moses’ speech, the earth opened up her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. Moses was confirmed to be the holy leader, established by the LORD God, in full view of the congregation of Israelites, as he lived, and the rebels died.

“And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me. But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation. And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also. And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.” (Numbers 16:28-35)

Unbelievably, many of the Israelites charged Moses with the death of the troublemakers, rather than acknowledge the destruction of them at the hands of a wrath-filled LORD God. It took the intercession of Moses to save the entire people of Israel from destruction; in the end, 14,700 people died in a divine plague before Moses’ prayers became effective.

“But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD. And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared. And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces. And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah. And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.” (Numbers 16:41-50)

And that is the result of the gainsaying of Korah. The rebellion made the LORD God angry, and caused the destruction of him, the 250 princes that rebelled with him, and 14,700 people who followed after their ways. It was a rebellion against religious and political authority, coupled with the jealousy of men who wanted things to be the way they chose, rather than the way that the LORD God willed, that caused the destruction of so many.

We will delve into learning about the abhorrent ways of a sinful nation of disobedient people that developed as a result of these errors entering into their ways, as we examine the Prophesy of Enoch in our next lesson.

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ENOCH – The Error of Balaam (Lesson 3)

By Kathy L McFarland

The second degree of errors done by those who followed after Cain was done by greedily running after the error Balaam for reward. The generations to follow Cain were not satisfied with their status in the world; they looked for reward, and chased after false things to replace the Grace of the LORD God that they had rejected and turned into lewdness.

Jude 1:11

“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” (Jude 1:11)

Balaam of Beor was a soothsayer who took advantage of God‘s people and counseled them to sin against the Lord. Unfortunately, many were so driven by lust toward receiving reward that they followed after the error of Balaam without restraint. Read your Bibles of the account of Balaam recorded in Numbers 22-24, and prepare to deeply study this error that tricked some people that had previously walked with God.

Don’t be confused at the “positive” account of Balaam that seems first to portray Balaam as a saint carrying out the perfect will of the LORD God. As you read the actions of Balaam, you will soon recognize him to not only oppose Israel, but also as one to seek out money rather than serve the Will of God. The continual mention of money within these accounts suggests that Balaam used “indifference” to encourage that his palms were greased with fortunes to buy his efforts toward God.

You will soon recognize that the LORD God has control over this situation, even as Balaam tries to control Him. It is this conflict that develops the error of Balaam to its full intensity, and tempts men to follow after his ways.

The seeking of riches to perform works of God that He has not directed is a common tactic of many even today as televangelists and leaders of big churches and hierarchy of religious institutions follow after the Error of Balaam.

Balak, the son of Zippor, was King of Moab. He had watched as the Israelites had conquered the Amorites. He saw that God had delivered the Amorites into the hands of Moses and God’s people, and saw King Sihon and his sons killed for possession of their land through the offensive attack of the Israelites. King Balak was scared that the Moabites would be destroyed in the same manner as the Israelites advanced into their lands. He hatched a plan to prevent this invasion and massacre by hiring a “prophet” of the LORD God that was not attached to the Israelites from Egypt.

Numbers 22:1-6

“And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho. And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.” (Numbers 22:1-6)

King Balak sent the elders of Moab and Midian to bring a reward of divination to Balaam, in exchange for his cursing of the Israelites through his God, to prevent them from overcoming the Moabites and their land. It is apparent that King Balak knew Balaam served the same God that the Israelites worshipped, and trusted that he was an important prophet to the powerful LORD God.

Numbers 22:7-8

“And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak. And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.” (Numbers 22:7)

And they were partially right! Balaam did indeed have the ear of the LORD God. The LORD God forbade him to go with the Moabite errors to curse the advancing Israelites, who were blessed by God.

“Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people for they are blessed.” (Numbers 22:12)

Balaam heeded the orders of the LORD God, and sent the Moabites back with his refusal to help them.

Reward was added upon more reward, and Balak sent a new delegation of more powerful princes to pay Balaam for his services. Balaam was promised to receive a promotion of great honor, and the King promised to do his bidding, if only he would curse the Israelites and bring the wrath of God upon them. Balaam told them that:

Numbers 22:18

“If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.” (Numbers 22:18)

So far, so good! Balaam was holding to his faithful stance toward the LORD God, and being a good prophet that was obeying his LORD God.

Just like he had done before, he instructed the delegation to stay the night, while he inquired of the Lord. The LORD God came to Balaam that night, and told him:

Numbers 22:20

“If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.” (Numbers 22:20)

It was the next morning that the Error of Balaam was formed, when Balaam decided to disregard the instruction of God to wait for the men to call, and then give the Words that God speaks through him.

Instead, Balaam skewed the LORD God’s instructions to benefit him, and rose up, saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab; he was not called by the princes, nor did he possess the Words that the LORD God wanted him to speak. Like many pretend faithful today, Balaam manipulated the Words of God to His advantage. Certainly the Princes had called him before, and certainly God had given him Words before, so technically speaking, Balaam apparently convinced himself that he was right with God’s instructions.

The Lord God does not like His Word or Will to be manipulated! He was very angry with Balaam and He placed the angel of the LORD to stand against him and in the way of the ass ridden by Balaam and the two servants that accompanied him.

Numbers 22:21-27

“And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.” (Numbers 22:21-27)

The ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in front of them, prohibiting their walk forward. Each time the ass bolted and refused to move past the angel of the LORD, Balaam beat him, hoping to stir him forward; he was unaware of the presence of the angel. At one point the ass thrust herself into the wall to prevent walking into the angel, causing Balaam’s foot to be crushed against the wall. It was a dramatic scene unfolding as the ass refused to move forward and Balaam continued to beat the animal into submission.

Then the LORD God did something to the ass that was so spectacular, defining and rare, that the message that He was given could not be mistaken. He made the ass speak! The ass spoke real words given to Him by the LORD God!

Numbers 22:28-30

“And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.” (Numbers 22:28-30)

Clearly, the LORD God could speak His Word through any beast or man He chose; it was certainly apparent that the ass was more obedient to Him, than the man Balaam who had risen in stature as a prophet of God. The LORD God opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in his way.

Numbers 22:31-34

“Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.” (Numbers 22:31-34)

Balaam realized with great repentance that he had sinned against the LORD God, and promised to obey Him once again. The angel of the LORD instructed him to go with the princes of Balak, but to only speak the words given to him by God to speak.

Numbers 22:35

“And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.” (Numbers 22:35)

Balaam was spiritually blind and powerless against the LORD God. He could do nothing without God’s Words and Will; yet he stupidly thought he could. Numbers 23 and 24 show him preparing enchantments to tempt the LORD God to speak the words Balaam needed to speak to please Balak. He would build seven altars and burn seven sacrificed oxen and seven sacrificed rams three times; surely this would please the LORD God enough to allow Balaam his moment of prestige and power in front of the King! Yet, each time Balaam went to curse the Israelites, words of blessing were placed in his mouth by the LORD God, and great prophesy spoken concerning the happiness, protection and strength of God’s chosen people.

Numbers 24:4-9

“He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters. He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows. He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.” (Numbers 24:4-9)

King Balak was furious! He had paid Balaam well, and given him great prestige in his kingdom, for the cursing of Israel. Yet, Balaam blessed, rather than cursed, Israel each time he opened his mouth. Balaam was frustrated beyond measure. He had done everything he could think of to trick the LORD God into cursing Israel, but God would not budge. Balak and Balaam separated company, and departed to their own places.

Although Balaam was unsuccessful in his attempts to manipulate the LORD God, he gained great success in bringing a death curse to a part of God’s people. Although he could not change God’s Words or Will, he was able to create an atmosphere of enchantment and manipulation toward false gods that would persuade many in the tribes of Israel to follow after these things that were against the LORD God. As the Israelites advanced into the Moabites lands, they began to create whoredom with the daughters of Moab. This led to the sacrifice and worship of the false gods of their land by many disobedient Israelites, and resulted in the LORD God anger and order to slay all who submitted to these wicked ways.

Numbers 25:1-5

“And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor.” (Numbers 25:1-5)

The wickedness that Balaam brought upon the Israelites and the resulting turning of many toward false gods was noted by Moses as he ordered all the Moabite women to be killed.

Numbers 31:16

“Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD God in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.” (Numbers 31:16)

It was that realization by Moses, and by those who hear this account today, that exposes the heart of Balaam completely, and defines his actions against the LORD God perfectly. Here was a man that had elevated position and was able to speak to the LORD God, receive His Words, and speak them to other people. Yet, he was not satisfied. He desired the fortune and the prestige that the world could offer, and he sought after it continuously. He attempted to elevate himself above the LORD God, by attempting to trick and manipulate Him into doing Balak’s bidding through Balaam’s request.

When Balaam could not manipulate the LORD God, he went against Him, by counseling the women of Moab to entice the men of Israel to come to them with sexual enchantments. Balaam knew, as surely as the demons know today, that sexual lust is the perfect condition for enchantments to lead those of God astray. It was very successfully implemented, and as a result, many of the perverse Israelite men walked toward false gods because of the pleasure and reward they could receive.

That is the Error of Balaam. He thought he could control the LORD God through enchantment and manipulation. He desired riches, power, and prestige more than he cared about his obedient relationship with the LORD God. As a result, many of God’s people “ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward,” which became the second of three errors that developed to separate the people of God from Him, and part of the prophesy focus that Enoch spoke. (Jude 1:14)

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ENOCH – The Way of Cain (Lesson 2)

By Kathy L McFarland

The Faith of Enoch is captured perfectly in His prophecy against those who walked in the Way of Cain, ran after the Error of Balaam, and perished in the Gainsaying of Core. (Jude 1:11)

To understand the nature of most mankind during the time of Enoch to provoke prophesies spoken by him, we will study each error of mankind separately.

The Way of Cain was revealed in his arrogant offering to the LORD God on that fateful day, when he demanded God to worship him and his efforts. When the LORD God refused, and gave a blessing to the offering of his brother Abel, Cain murdered Abel.

Genesis 4:8
“And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.” (Genesis 4:8)

This begin the disintegration of mankind, as the offspring of Cain and the generations to come intermingled together, and developed the Way of Cain even further.

Have you ever heard of the philosophy where a butterfly’s wings in the jungles of South America have the potential of creating a hurricane across the oceans, depending upon the conditions in nature at the time of flight? The “Way of Cain” reflects this philosophy perfectly. One man gone terribly wrong because of his self-focused efforts to glorify his own works from the cursed ground, coupled with the sinful de-evolution of mankind, resulted in very wicked generations coming forth from his emulating his ways.

The nature of the wicked generations that evolved from this error in the Way of Cain is described dramatically in Jude 1:6:

Jude 1:4
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4)

The Way of Cain condemned one man and removed him from the presence of the LORD God. Cain’s way evolved into a total denial of the LORD God and Lord Jesus Christ, which became the profane error of the wicked mankind that followed after him.

Cain was cursed from the earth after he murdered his brother Abel.

Genesis 4:9-13
“And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.” (Gen 4:9-13)

This condemnation was ordained upon those whom followed his ways, which in turn, which eventually crept into the spiritual lives of the Faithful followers of Jesus Christ. That is how powerful the Error of Cain became! It extended through generation after generation, finally reaching the point to cause the denial of both God and Christ!

The “Way of Cain” produced “ungodly men.” The Greek Word used to describe this type of men is “asebes.” “Asebes” is the destitute lack of reverential awe towards the LORD God. Those who are ungodly, condemn God, and are impious. “Impious” means a total lack of respect toward the LORD God.

Remember your study of the Faith of Abel? Abel offered the choicest life created by the LORD God, back to its maker. It was the only gift worthy to be given by the LORD God; man was unable to create anything greater to God, and Abel knew it would be disrespectful for him to even try.

Cain, on the other hand, lacked reverential awe towards the LORD God. He created fruits from his own labors and demanded the LORD God to accept them. This lack of respect toward the LORD God is termed “ungodly”, and perfectly represented by the Greek word “asebes.” And guess what this disrespect of God led to! Scripture says that it turned the grace of our LORD God into lasciviousness!”

Lasciviousness means lustfulness, lewdness and lechery! The Greek word for this is “aselegia,” and identifies the absolute outrageous and shameless insolence that those who follow the Way of Cain hold toward the LORD God. The grace given to Cain by the LORD God was changed in the most wicked way, when he decided to elevate himself above God. Today, we see the result of that lewdness in the behaviors of the carnal, wicked people in the world. Our televisions, games, speech, politics and religions often reflect that lewd and lustful behavior that first developed as a direct result of the Way of Cain!

This lewdness eventually led to the denial of the LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ. It was that problem that first began with the Way of Cain, and it was one of three problems that caused wickedness to run rampant during the time of Enoch’s prophesy.

Jude 1:14-15
“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” (Jude 1:14-15)

We will study the other two problems next, that together caused most of mankind to become ungodly complainers that walked about shooting their mouths off against the LORD God and His people, and brought the promise of judgment to come to bear against them.

The Ways of Cain started the process, but the Error of Balaam, and the Gainsaying of Core added to the problem to create a horrible and wicked mess.

Jude 1:11-16
“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.” (Jude 1:11-16)

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ENOCH – The Faith of Enoch – Introduction (Lesson 1)

Hebrews 11:5,6
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:5-6)

Before we can understand the “Faith of Enoch” we must first meet the man. The Word of God speaks just a few words about him; however, there are many words spoken about his generation. It is that journey to discover the conditions and responses during his time that will lead us to a deeper place of understanding of Enoch’s faith.

We do know who the man is exactly through an examination of three Scriptures. Hebrews 11:5-6 identifies him as the one that had testimony before his “translation”. Genesis 5:21-24 identifies him as the father of Methuselah that was taken by God and in Jude 1:14 he is identified as seventh from Adam. Putting this evidence together in the genealogy table we can pinpoint his generation specifically.

The son of Cain is often mistaken by many to be the same Enoch based upon Genesis 4:17:

Genesis 4:17
“And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.” (Genesis 4:17 AV)

The Enoch of our study is NOT the direct descendent of Cain, named Enoch, who had a city named after him.

There are five Enoch’s mentioned in the Word of God…

1. Eldest son of Cain
2. Son of Jared and father of Methuselah whom God took home to Heaven without dying
3. The city which Cain built and named after his son Enoch
4. A son of Midian, the third child
5. The eldest son of Reuben

Take care in your study that you are studying the correct Enoch in correlation with Hebrews 11:5, 6! (See Adam to Abraham Genealogies for a concise list of generations that identifies Enoch perfectly)

Enoch of Hebrews 11:5, 6

Genesis 5:21-24
“And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” (Genesis 5:21-24)

1. Enoch was sixty-five years old when he begat Methuselah.
2. He walked with God after he begat Methuselah for three hundred years
3. He begat other sons and daughters during this time
4. Enoch lived three hundred and sixty five years
5. Enoch was taken up by God instantly because he walked with him.

He did not die! He was translated because of his faith in the LORD God. He could not be found upon this earth after he was translated, because God had taken him up to Heaven.

Hebrews 11:5,6
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:5, 6)

6. The LORD God chose to translate Enoch because of his testimony.

7. His testimony pleased the LORD God.
8. Enoch’s testimony was a reflection of his faith, because it pleased the LORD God.
9. It is impossible to please the LORD God without faith.
10. The Faith of Enoch was confident that the LORD God was who He is.
11. The Faith of Enoch knew that the LORD God would reward those who diligently sought Him.

The faith of Enoch was given to him in a time when many were going the “Way of Cain.” We studied the error of the way Cain thought about the LORD God in our last study. In our study of The Faith of Enoch, we’re going to learn how that error was introduced into the common way of thinking in the generations to come, and the results that this error led to.

We are going to study the environment that enveloped the world that Enoch lived in. We will be talking about the “Way of Cain”, and the “Error of Balaam” and the “Gainsaying of Core.” We cannot know the Faith of Enoch, without knowing the Errors of the World, for it was within this sin that the faith of Enoch shined forth to the LORD God!

We’re going to delve into some deep and descriptive characteristics of the people that lived during this time and connect these same errors in thinking to the carnal generations that live today. Some of these colorful descriptions of wrong thinking are “spots in your feasts of charity”, “feeding themselves without fear”, “clouds without water”, “carried by the winds” and “trees without fruit” to list just a few.

We will learn the things that Enoch did during this time to express his faith fully to the sinful people, and the prophesy he spoke to them. We will take a look at the translation of his live body into Heaven and discuss the things of death that the rest of the culture was experiencing at that time.

The Faith of Enoch will be applied to your own spiritual confidence in the LORD God. We will make a connection between the things of this world of error that try to remove the “Faith of Enoch” from us, and identify the pitfalls that the demons lay to prevent us from knowing these Truths of God.

Finally, we will study the deep typology of “translation” and connect it to the resurrection of baptized Christians into Heaven upon their physical death. It promises to be an enlightening and deep journey into the spiritual things of God, as we look to the Faith of Enoch to speak of the special mysteries of the LORD God that only His people understand completely!

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NOAH – Typology of Ark (Lesson 5)

By Kathy L McFarland

Genesis 6:11-14
“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.” (Genesis 6:11-14)

The LORD God saw righteousness in Noah as he lived among wickedness. It was only Noah that had successfully maintained a righteous relationship with the LORD God, and it was only Noah and his family and a sampling of beasts that the LORD God chose to save. The LORD God gave measurements for an Ark to be built, to save the best of His creation from annihilation.

Genesis 7:15-16
“And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein [is] the breath of life. And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.” (Genesis 7:15- 16)

The LORD God “shut” Noah in the ark that he had built according to blueprint given to him. Another word for “shut” in context to this action is “sealed”. Noah and his family and the selected beasts were rescued and preserved by the ark as the waters prevailed upon the cursed earth.

Genesis 7:21-23
”And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: All in whose nostrils [was] the breath of life, of all that [was] in the dry [land], died. And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained [alive], and they that [were] with him in the ark.” (Genesis 7:21-23)

Only those lives that were “sealed” in the ark were saved. All other life forms were destroyed by the flood of waters sent by the LORD God.

The LORD God remembered the life sealed in the Ark, and blew the waters away. He blessed Noah and his sons, gave him dominion over beasts, and established shed blood as the sacrifice required for life to proceed, be fruitful and multiply. Then the LORD God made an everlasting covenant with Noah, signified by a rainbow that promised mankind that He would no longer destroy mankind by the waters of a flood.

Genesis 9:12-17
”And God said, This [is] the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that [is] with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which [is] between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that [is] upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, This [is] the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that [is] upon the earth.” (Genesis 9:12-17)

That salvation of mankind had been sealed inside the Ark and given the most sacred promise of the LORD God. The first Ark of Noah begins the shadow of the wooden container that is present throughout the Word of God. How appropriate it was that the mother of Moses used the same type container to save her son from death by placing him in the Ark of the Bulrushes.

Exodus 2:1-5
“And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took [to wife] a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he [was a] goodly [child], she hid him three months. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid [it] in the flags by the river’s brink. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash [herself] at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it.” (Exodus 2:1-5)

Moses grew to become a great leader of the people of Israel, and pleasing to the LORD God. He saved the Israelites from Egyptian control through the moving of God, and escorted the Tribes of Israel through the wilderness and toward the Promised Land. The Ark of the Bulrushes had saved the man set to lead God’s chosen people. If not for the Ark of the Bulrushes, Moses would not have received the Ten Commandments from the LORD God! Hold on to that thought as we catch up to the history of the Ark in the Word of God.

The Ark of the Covenant was made to specific instructions by the LORD God, to house the laws of the LORD God within the Tabernacle. It was made of shittim wood with golden rings attached to its side so staves could be used to carry it as the Israelites traveled through the wilderness. The wooden ark had Cherubims stretching forth their rings above it, covering the mercy seat that set upon the Ark. It was that place that the LORD God met with them, and communed with them, in the back of the tabernacle, in the holiest of holies rooms, that only a sanctified priest could enter.

Exodus 25:21-22
”And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.” (Exodus
25:21-22)

Aaron was made high priest to come into the Holiest of Holies, and into the place where the mercy seat set upon the Ark of the Testimony within the Tabernacle. He was instructed to bring a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, and the LORD God promised to appear to Him in a cloud upon the mercy seat, which set upon the Ark. Thus, the shedding of innocent blood for the cleansing of sin was accepted at the Ark, and became the tool of salvation for obedient men.

Leviticus 16:1–5 (KJV 1900)
And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died; 2 And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. 3 Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. 4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on. 5 And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering. (Leviticus 16:1-5)

Now back to the Ten Commandments: Moses was instructed to hew two tablets of stone like the first Ten Commandments that had been broken. He took these two new tablets up to the mountain, and the LORD God wrote on them the same commandments, and instructed Moses to put them in the Ark of Testimony made with shittim wood.

Deuteronomy 10:1-5
”At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood. And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest and thou shalt put them in the ark. A d I made an ark [of] shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand. And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me. And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me.” (Deuteronomy 10:1-5)

The Ark of the Covenant held the book of law. The LORD God promised the Israelites to be their LORD God and make them prosper. But, He required them to follow His law, and that law was placed in the Ark to convict those who did not obey Him.

Deuteronomy 31:25-26
“That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying, Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:25-26)

The Ark filled with the presence of the LORD God traveled through the wilderness with the Israelites, and led them across the Jordan. When finally the Temple of the LORD God was built in Jerusalem, the Ark was moved inside; while not always located in that place, it figures greatly in the salvation of men through the LORD God’s covenant, and the accounts of David’s dance and Solomon’s Temple.

David danced before the LORD with all [his] might!

2 Samuel 6:1–17 (KJV 1900)
Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. 3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. 4 And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark. 5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals. 6 And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. 7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. 8 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perez-uzzah to this day. 9 And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me? 10 So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obed-edom, and all his household.
12 And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness. 13 And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings. 14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. 16 And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. 17 And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. (2 Samuel 6:1-17)

Take a moment, open your Bibles and read as the Ark is brought to Solomon’s Temple in 1 Kings 8.

Now to the deep part that directly touches faithful Christians today:

Matthew 24:37–44 (KJV 1900)
37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:37-44)

We are instructed to be ready and watchful for our Lord Jesus Christ to come. Just as the times when Noah entered the Ark, faithful Christians watch expectantly for the coming destruction of the earth, preceded by the Son of Man coming for them in rapture.

Open your Bibles to Hebrews 9, and read the progression of the Ark as it seals the Covenant of the LORD God throughout the Word of God. Pay particular attention to the plan of salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ as High Priest, as mediator of the New Testament, and as Purger of bad conscience from dead works to serve the living God. The Ark was the pattern from the start that represented the sealing of men through the redemption of the sacrificed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, through the covenant of the LORD God.

Hebrews 9:23-28
“[It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be_purified with these; but the heavenly thzngs themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands [which are] the figures of the true· bui into heaven itself, now to appear i the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:23-28)

Stand in awe of the full revelation of your Lord Jesus Christ!

Hebrews 11:7 (KJV 1900)
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (Hebrews 11:7)

Just as faithful Christians are heir to the righteousness by faith! It was always planned, from the time that Noah was saved by the Ark through the flowing waters of the LORD God. Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ saves faithful Christians as they are able to have good conscience toward the LORD God. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Ark of the Covenant, the High Priest that administers salvation, and our Savior!

1 Peter 3:18–22 (KJV 1900)
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. (1 Peter 3:18-22)

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NOAH – Times LIKE Noah (Lesson 4)

By Kathy L McFarland

Our times are similar to Noah’s day. Great wickedness prevails at every darkened corner in people’s frequently chosen lifestyles of carnal pleasure. Lust runs rampant and controls human sexuality, as well as guides breathing creatures to every form of deviant expression to raise the bar even higher with perverse doings.

While liberal do-gooders espouse the hope of change on our planet with ecological developments, life creation and control measures, and one world government, life has become almost intolerable for faithful Christians. At every turn, Christians are bombarded with real-life promotion of things that only Satan could originate. Babies are killed as birth control and the convenience of society. Old people are cast away, as the government develops programs to end their lives quietly with socialized medicine that favors the young. Prisons are filled with addictions that were first created by government supported drug cartels. War and threats of war are not based on righteous cause, but rather world control of products and profits.

Scientists promote shaky theories as fact, and campaign vigorously to prevent the Truth of God from entering the classroom. Political correctness standards prevent the Christian from speaking fully, while vile spokespeople mock the Lord Jesus Christ regularly in skits, cartoons, editorials and free speech. Honor is given to false gods and idols, and false religions elevated to hold legitimate rights to exist, while disdain is cast upon Christians who pronounce the Word of God to be Truth.

Courts cast their verdicts to prosper the liberal guilty, and hold Christian activism to a higher standard. Often rapists and murderers are set free before those standing for the cause of Christ against wicked rule are given a hearing. Dank and darkened jail cells hold the persecuted and oppressed people belonging to Jesus Christ because they disregard their government’s prohibition’s to faith.

Soldiers are forced to fight for wicked cause while bearing the weight of national pride directed by corrupt political fervor. Governments are established to control people rather than represent them. Christian causes are placed on the back burner, while Islamic principles are recited and implemented daily to improve relations of the oil producing third world nations. Israel is under attack by those who wish her destruction, and government officials turn their backs, as her existence becomes more threatened. One-World policy is developed that quietly removes the Jews right to own the Promised Land given to them by the LORD God, as Palestinian thugs persuade support with threats, terrorism, and murder.

Life is nasty. The televisions, movies and internet sites pummel the senses of viewers with profane images of perversions and pornography. Sexual abuse is not only prevalent behind the closed doors of perverse parents and pretenders of faith but out in the open and practiced with great fervor by evil minions seeking their self-pleasured lusts, captured by the cameras to sway support. Homosexual relations are pronounced equal to God-blessed marriages in dramatic parades and policies, and those who honestly question the moral decline are tagged with words of blasphemous insult. Mind control is conducted daily through the mass media of the masses, and young children are led to the perverse ways of the devil by casually watching his works unfold.

Laws are made to control people, and beasts are raised up to be free and prosperous. Human life has lost dignity, and animal life has gained support above them. The world moves away from being subdued by God’s Creation, and is gaining momentum of controlling those He created to watch over and guide His handiwork. Worms and fish and horned owls are protected, while the helpless life inside a womb allowed to be murdered at mother’s choice.

Evil religious institutions teach the traditions of mankind in spite of the Word of God, and create new ways for people to be saved without bowing a knee to Jesus Christ. Liberal people of faith vote against God in their gathered conferences, and uphold the ways of man as they institute and water down government of the souls they are tasked with shepherding. Conservative people of faith support a pretender that evokes Messianic overtones that comes close to a false Christ, seeking to overthrow democracy in favor of armed rebellion. The Word of God is falsely declared a historical government and disregarded as a book with error; some religions go as far as writing a “better book” for their people to follow because the Way of God seems unfair, unflattering, or unobtainable.

The LORD God, the all-powerful, all­ knowing God of all Gods is prayed to by the pretenders of faith as a genie who grants wishes to those that ask. The Lord Jesus Christ is profanely taunted and blasphemed by a world of spite and hatred, and His followers persecuted and oppressed at every turn. Even the Holy Spirit is mocked, as pretend faithful manipulate religious fervor to their advantage, to gain power and prestige among the religious worshippers who cannot see or hear. People of faith have mixed their seed with people of evil heart for so long, that the God’s breath is no longer seen inside the products of their union.

Sadly, these words just touch the tip of the absolute wickedness that our generation lives within. These times are no different than the times of Noah, as every imagination of wickedness fills the people. Christians wait expectantly for the Lord Jesus Christ to return, and unleash His tribulation and judgment upon wicked and perverse generations. We watch as the sign of the times reveals the promises of Christ’s return to be close, and we try to hold firm in faith and safe from persecution, without falling to the traps set before us.

We gather in churches and fellowships. We study our Bibles. We sing our hymns and offer our times and talents to advance the LORD God’s Word when we can. Yet, no matter how much we do, it cannot hold back the perfect storm tide of wicked man. Times are unfolding as we watch the profane dance in the street. The faithful Christian waits and watches and wonders when their hope will come.

Will the Lord find us ready to receive Him? Will we be shouting from the housetops and the mountains and the ships of the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ and His coming rule, or will we be hiding in the darkened caves and whispering to each other as the world goes mad? Noah was found righteous and perfect when the LORD God chose to destroy the wicked world of old. He built an ark, unknowing of the time or process, but knowing His God perfectly, and obeying His Word. It is that unflinching confidence in the knowledge of the LORD God saved Noah and his family, and it is the same confidence we must hold in these times, as the clouds begin to roll and thunder above us with the signs of His coming drawing near.

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