HAGGAI 2:7 – The Desire Of All Nations Shall Come

Here is an overview of the written content from the video “After Armageddon, God’s Kingdom” which can be viewed at the link provided at the end of this post.

In recent times Television and Radio news commentators, have filled our consciousness almost daily with catastrophic events happening throughout the world. Who can forget the tragic collapse of the twin towers on November 9th, 2001, when thousands of innocent people lost their lives because of a hand full of terrorists. Earthquakes are increasing at an alarming rate all around the world, which in turn, often produce the heart wrenching scenes of Tsunamis, wiping away entire cities with tens of thousands of lives lost in Indonesia, and the more recent one in Japan. The world is plagued with terrorist attacks. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan being fought not against conventional armies, but suicidal terrorists. Throughout the Middle East we see people uprising in revolt against their nations leaders. The masses in Egypt, Syria, Libya, Bahrain, Yemen, Iran and many other countries, are held down in poverty and oppression of rights. As a result, they demanded the removal of all their corrupt leaders, and governments. Other countries are worried that terrorists or radical governments might acquire a nuclear weapon to destroy their enemies resulting in a nuclear holocaust.

Armageddon In The News

These catastrophic events and increasing threats are resulting in the Medias News anchors using the term Armageddon ever more frequently. People are wondering if all this trouble is an indicator that we are approaching Armageddon mentioned in the book of Revelation?

In Revelation 16:13-20 (ESV) we read:

“(13) And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon [Political power under the influence of Satan], and out of the mouth of the beast [Papacy – the Roman Catholic Church], and out of the mouth of the false prophet [the Church of England and their Protestant allies]. (14) For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (15) Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. (16) And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon [Strongs 717 – “the hill or city of Megiddo”]. (17) And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. (18) And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. (19) And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. (20) And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.”

The destruction in Armageddon is highly symbolic picture language. By many, the word Armageddon has come to be misunderstood as a final great cataclysmic event that will destroy by fire the heavens and our literal planet earth, together with all remaining unbelievers. Let us explain in relation to the words of 2 Peter 3:10.

This scripture is using figurative symbolic language, and should not be taken literally.

The Heavens and The Earth

The heavens being destroyed couldn’t possibly be referring to the literal heaven of God’s abode or the billions upon billions of stars in the starry heavens above as in this NASA deep space shot, in which each speck of light is not a star, but a galaxy.

Nor could the destruction of the earth be referring to our literal planet earth on which we live, for notice God’s Word in Ecclesiastes 1:4.

This scripture is a plain easy to understand literal statement. The earth will abide forever!

How then, can 2 Peter 3:10 be understood which says the earth will be destroyed by fire?

Since the Bible was inspired by God, we realize it must be harmonious with itself. Hence, the heavens and earth that are to be destroyed can only be understood in a symbolic sense.

We are told in 2 Corinthians 4:4 that Satan is the god of this present evil world.

“In their case the god of this [evil] world [the Adversary] has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Thus, the symbolic heavens and earth that will be burnt up with fire, refers to the destruction and removal of all the works of injustice and iniquity of Satan’s evil empire.

All these elements of Satan’s empire will be destroyed or removed in Armageddon.

The Apostle Peter furthermore, explains what will replace Satan’s empire.

God will replace the present evil order of society with a new righteous one. This new heavens and earth refers to the kingdom of God that Jesus taught us to pray for.

We notice God’s kingdom for which we pray for, is going to be right here on earth.

Thus the new heavens isn’t referring to a new literal heaven, but to the new spiritual ruling power of “The Christ,” that will govern over a new earthly society. Not a new planet, but to a new holy righteous kingdom here on earth.

A Great Time of Trouble

A great time of trouble will remove this present evil order. Yet, let us take note what immediately follows after—a great time of blessing to mankind here on planet earth! The kingdom of God!

Psalm 46 speaks of the time of trouble that will melt the earth at the end of the age. It begins with giving comfort to his faithful people as the trouble time approaches.

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This is the same end time trouble referred to in Revelation and in 2 Peter chapter 3. The elements melt as he brings desolation or destruction to earths evil social structure. But now notice what immediately follows in the very next verse after the symbolic earth melts from the heat of trouble.

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After the symbolic melting of earth, the earth is still here!

God makes wars to cease to the ends of the earth. It’s God’s kingdom time, the time God will be exalted among the nations.

And where are the nations? God says, “I will be exalted in the EARTH!”

Yes, the EARTH will abide forever.

The previous melting, was only symbolic of the destruction of Satan’s evil empire that will be removed, and replaced with God’s kingdom. Similarly we read about this in Zephaniah 3: 8,9.

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Again, we read of the destruction of symbolic earth with the FIRE of God’s jealousy. But in the very next verse we read:

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After the removal of the present evil order of society, the kingdom of blessings will immediately follow.

All mankind will be gradually raised from the tomb of death, and will be instructed with a pure language, that is a pure and true understanding of God’s word, his plans and His will for mankind to follow in order to go on to receive everlasting life.

Now we come to our theme text of Haggai 2:6-8 (KJV).

“(6) For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
(7) And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.
(8) The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.

This is prophetic of the same shaking of Armageddon and the end time of trouble that will remove Satan’s empire—the present symbolic heavens and earth. But again, let us notice what immediately follows in the very next verse!

“‘(9) The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.’”

What a glorious precious promise!

After the trouble, the blessings of the kingdom of God on earth will come. A time when THE DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS WILL COME when they are raised from the tomb in God’s kingdom.

What is the desire of all nations, of all people?

→ peace
→ health
→ freedom from all fear and anxieties,
→ EVERLASTING LIFE!

The opportunity for all these and more is what God has promised for all mankind in God’s promised Kingdom on earth.

WHY

One might ask, then, if God intends “the desire of all nations” to pass, then:

WHY did God not do this from the very beginning of Creation?

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WHY has God allowed man to suffer pain, sickness and death for thousands of years?

In order to find the answer to this universal question, may we suggest that for a few moments we try to imagine ourselves being God! That’s rather difficult but let us give it a try! Imagine having just finished creating the Angelic host and all the stars, galaxies and planets.

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Let us try to envision our beginning to contemplate creating a new human race of intelligent beings. Our first thought might be that of creating him in such a way that it was impossible for him to ever do anything wrong, for in this way, humanity will live forever never having any pain or sickness.

But upon further thought, we may realize no, this would not be good because then humans would be mere robots, programmed to love God rather than truly desiring from their own hearts to love God.

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We would want our children to love and obey us because they want to, not because they have to without any choice.

We would want them to have a mind of their own, to have freedom to make their own decisions.

As we consider various possibilities, we gradually develop a fantastic plan. A plan that:

is kind and loving!
provides for freedom of choice!
teaches our children to learn by experiencing right from wrong!
provides an opportunity to live forever in perfect happiness.
allows our children to love and serve us, not because they have to with no choice, but because they love us for what we are, and for what we provide for them.

This is the plan of God that he provided for his new human family. As we further consider that plan, we will see that it is the most loving, most just, most reasonable plan for mankind that you could ever imagine.

Adam and Eve in Eden

When God created Adam in the Garden of Eden, he gave him a simple test:

Obey and live,
or
disobey and die.

God knew Adam would fail his test, because of a lack of experience, but
God permitted it as an act of love
for man’s ultimate greatest eternal blessing.

Man was to learn from experience to discern right from wrong and also to experience the disastrous effects of disobedience so that…

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after evil is eradicated, for eternity the lessons of the past will serve as a reminder of what JOYS REMAIN ETERNALLY for all who OBEY the Heavenly Father’s principles.

The Scriptures promise, that very soon every single one who has ever lived will gradually be raised from the sleep of death in God’s promised kingdom.

In 1 Corinthians 15:22 we read, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Notice ALL will be made alive. This includes every man, woman and child that has ever lived on the face of the earth… Jew, Arab, Christian, Atheist, Hindu, Buddhist, good or bad… ALL are promised to be made alive in God’s kingdom!

Because the one perfect man Adam sinned, the death penalty came upon him and all of us as his children. But God’s love provided for another perfect man Christ Jesus, to give his life as a ransom to redeem father Adam. Thus, it was Jesus’ ransom merit that provided the legal basis for justice to be satisfied, and allow everyone that has ever lived to be resurrected from the dead.

Two Salvations

The KEY to understand God’s ultimate plan for his human creation is to recognize that the scriptures teach that there are two salvations for mankind:

A heavenly salvation.
An earthly salvation.

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Our Lord refers to this heavenly class as but a “little flock,” that is relatively few in number.

But note:

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It is to this earthly kingdom that ALL the remainder of mankind (the good and the bad) will be raised in the 1000-year Millennial kingdom of God. As each one will be raised from the dead in this kingdom, they will be guided and instructed in the laws of the kingdom. They will be given every opportunity to gradually change their ways to develop Christ -like qualities.

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By that time, all mankind will have experienced the great contrast between disobedience (prison) and obedience (joyful life). Thus, with experience being the best teacher, this vast contrast will enable most of mankind to pass their individual test and go on to live forever in perfect happiness.

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A Foretaste of the Future

We can see that the plan God has adopted for his new human creation will result in most all of mankind loving and obeying their Creator for all eternity, not because they have to with no choice, but because they want to with all their being. It will be then that words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:10,11 shall be fulfilled.

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Kingdom Blessings

With this brief summary of why God permitted evil for man’s ultimate good, let us note a few of the many Scriptures that describe the blessings of what the kingdom of God will be like.

In Isaiah 35:1-10 we are promised:

“The desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose…
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped…
Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue will shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert…
and the ransomed of the LORD will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them” (Isaiah 11:6, NIV).

“They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain (Kingdom), for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9).

“He will destroy in this mountain [kingdom,] the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death for ever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth; for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Isaiah 25:7-9, RSV).

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After the shaking trouble of Armageddon, truly “the desire of all nations shall come” in God’s glorious kingdom!

Signs of The Time of the End

Since Jesus died so long ago, one might wonder when will this resurrection take place and the kingdom of God be established? The disciples asked Jesus this very same question in the 24^th chapter of Matthew:

30. MATT-24-3.PNG Jesus proceeded to outline evidences that would enable those who were watching to recognize when this time would be.

Matthew 24:21,22—“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved.”

But someone might say, there has always been trouble, and people often feel it is worse than ever before. What makes our present day trouble, a special sign? What makes it a special sign is the last phrase,

“And except those days should be shortened, there should be no flesh saved.”

Recall for a moment the devastation that took place in Hiroshima Japan on August 5^th 1945. The next day the United States dropped one Atomic Bomb over Hiroshima and the city was completely destroyed.

40. HIROSHIMA.PNG Over 200,000 people died and countless others were injured with radiation burns.

By today’s standards that bomb was relatively small. Its destructive power was the equivalent of exploding only 13,000 tons of TNT explosive.

On October 30, 1961 Russia exploded a test hydrogen bomb, that had the equivalent of 50 million tons of TNT—3,846 times greater explosive power than the one bomb on Hiroshima!

Today there are eight countries that have nuclear warheads: China, England, France, India, Israel, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States. There are currently about 31,000 nuclear warheads owned by these eight countries. The combined explosive yield of these weapons is approximately 5000 million tons of TNT. That’s 200,000 times the explosive power of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima!

We can see the fulfillment of Jesus’ sign of the end of the age when he said:

“And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved” (Matthew 24:22).

Never before in the history of man would it have been possible to destroy all life on earth. Today there are enough nuclear warheads to destroy all flesh on earth many times over. But how thankful we are God has promised the trouble will be shortened. And when Satan’s present evil heavens and earth are removed, they will be replaced with the new righteous heavens and earth of God’s kingdom.

In the book of Daniel, God gave us additional signs to know where we are in the stream of time.

“And at that time shall Michael [Jesus] stand up, … and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time” (Daniel 12:1-4, KJV).

Again a great time of trouble like never before, but note what will come after the trouble in the next verse… THE KINGDOM TIME!

“And at that time thy people shall be delivered, (2) Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake…” (Daniel 12:1,2).

The resurrection of the dead will begin!

Then in verse 4, God gives us two more signs to help us know when this time of trouble followed by the kingdom would be. It wasn’t going to be in Daniel’s day, but in “the time of the end.”

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We have witnessed both of these signs. Think for a moment how fast knowledge is increasing. The accumulated knowledge of mankind since his first appearance on earth up to 1750 had doubled by 1900, a period of 150 years, redoubled again in just 50 years by 1950, redoubled again in 10 years to 1960, and again in 8 years to 1968.

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The telephone, electric light, automobiles, sound recording, radio, television, jet airplanes, modern appliances, computers, space travel, trips to the moon, cell/mobile phones have been changing so rapidly we can’t keep up. And now with the internet—via a press of a button—information about any topic from around the globe can be accessed.

The “increase of knowledge” was one of the signs Daniel gave us of the nearness of the kingdom of God and it made possible the next sign Daniel gave us: “…many shall run to and fro!” (Daniel 12:4, KJV).

Are we not running to and fro today?

Think for a moment how just a little more than 100 years ago, man’s common transportation for thousands of years was a horse and buggy. Sir Isaac Newton was scorned by his peers when he predicted man would someday travel at speeds of 50 miles per hour. Little did he realize that man would fly across the ocean at 1300 mph and travel through space at 25,000 mph.

“Many shall run to and fro”—this is certainly our day! Another evidence that we are on the very brink of the establishment of God’s Kingdom!

The Fig Tree

Returning to Matthew 24, Jesus gave another very important sign that would indicate the time of his 2^nd presence and the end of the age in Matthew 24:32-34.

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“³²Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: ³³So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. ³⁴Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”

From many Scriptures throughout the Bible we realize the fig tree always represents the nation of Israel. Leaves sprouting on a tree is a sign that the tree has sprung to life after a dormant winter. Thus, what Jesus was actually telling us, is that when we see Israel come alive as a nation after being without a homeland for thousands of years, then we will know that God’s kingdom is right at the door.

Has Israel put forth leaves? Yes!

As we recall the past, we see how Israel as a people were dispersed among all nations, persecuted bitterly, having to live in Ghettos, hunted and exterminated as undesirables. Yet Israel’s hope was strong in God’s promises of a return to their homeland.

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We recall the words uttered so often by Jewish people, “next year in Jerusalem.”

This hope was fulfilled in an historic miracle of our day, after thousands of years without a homeland.

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By all military standards, Israel should not be in existence.

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In war after war, outnumbered 100 to one, the tiny Israeli forces could not be overpowered.

And so it has continued to this day because God’s time clock has struck, for Israel to return to their land!

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The Fig tree has blossomed!

Remember this was a sign Jesus gave to show the nearness of his kingdom. The Apostle Luke adds something in his account that makes our faith even stronger, writing the following words:

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If the Fig Tree pictures Israel, “all the trees” would refer to other nations.

So Luke is telling us that together with Israel putting forth leaves (springing into life), many other nations would be putting forth leaves—sprouting into existence. And when we see this happen we would know the kingdom of God was near at hand. What does history tell us? It ties in exactly with Israel becoming a nation.

Up until 1945 the number of independent nations in the world remained relatively constant for centuries. A total of 70 were in existence in 1945. But since the ending of the 2^nd World War in 1945 notice what’s happened! Today, there are 196 nations! More than 125 new independent nations have sprung into being which previously were held as colonies. Yes, Israel simultaneously with other nations has put forth leaves, sprouting into existence! We are the ones who have witnessed the fulfillment of this!
Let us recall what Luke and Matthew told us:

“When ye see these things come to pass, know ye the Kingdom of God is nigh at hand” (Luke 21:31).

“When ye shall see all these things know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily, I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled” (Matthew 24:34).

What a thrill to our hearts to realize this means we are on the very brink of the greatest event in all human history—the establishment of God’s Kingdom!
If this is so, then why all the continued trouble?

This is again in fulfillment of prophecy. For just as a contractor must remove an old structure from a building site, before he can build a new skyscraper, so with God. He must first remove Satan’s present corrupt systems of society, before they can be replaced with Jehovah’s kingdom of blessings.

Notice how this was portrayed in the book of Daniel. In Daniel 2:31-45 Daniel interprets a prophetic dream of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, that pictured the four Universal World Empires, and their removal. Here are three images to explain the image according to Bible prophecy:

The stone that struck the image—pictures how God’s kingdom will grow and fill the whole earth. This prophetic dream is in essence, another symbol of the removal of the present corrupt heavens and earth being replaced by the new heavens and earth of God’s kingdom, which will fill the earth with blessings.

Then in verse 44 of Daniel 2, we are given another prophetic corroboration of 1914 as the time when the stone of God’s power initially strike the image beginning the “time of trouble” which will be culminated in Armageddon.

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We realize that the kings of Europe virtually passed away after the first World War of 1914.

Thus this Scripture is telling us, that when the kings still existed in 1914, it was God’s initial kingdom power that struck a blow which started the time of trouble. It started to break in pieces the monarchies and colonies of the kingdoms, and the breaking down process will continue until it ultimately removes all the kingdoms in Armageddon.

God’s plan is truly the most kind, the most loving, the most just, the most blessed and reasonable plan for mankind, that you could ever imagine.

We leave you with one of the most precious closing verses of the book of Revelation. Earlier we consider Revelations reference to Armageddon. But now notice how Revelation’s closing promises show us that Armageddon is not the end, but in reality it’s the prelude to the beginning of the new heavens and earth, the most glorious time period awaiting you and me and everyone that has ever lived—God’s Kingdom!

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Truly, the desire of ALL nations will have come, and it will LAST FOREVER!

Acknowledgment:

Br. George Tabac—The content for this post is based on Br. George Tabac’s script of his video titled “After Armageddon, God’s Kingdom” which can be viewed on the BibleTruth411 YouTube channel, at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzAnPWMXrW0

Suggested Further Viewing/Reading

“Armageddon—A Critical Part of God’s Master Plan” by Br. Bob Goodman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECzweTBCmjk

“Armageddon then World Peace”— a Dawn Publication by The Dawn Bible Students Association. http://www.dawnbible.com/booklets/armageddon.htm

“The Melting Elements.” The Dawn (Magazine) – A Herald of Christ’s Presence.http://www.dawnbible.com/1957/5711-hl.htm

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Christ And His Bride

Shiny diamond on black background.

“And you belong to Christ, and he belongs to God.” (1 Corinthians 3:23, NAS)

To be part of a Heavenly Class,
To be part of the Bride of Christ,
To see our Heavenly Father “face to face!”
Are you also running, in this High Calling race?

Living in this world isn’t easy;
You’re confronted with trials, tribulations and sufferings;
So don’t be surprised or disillusioned,
Just put your faith, hope and trust in God.

Shine like stars in the Universe;
Shine like candles in the darkest night.
Illuminate the place with Christ-like conduct;
Preserve and maintain peace with Godly speech.

Keep pursuing righteousness—
The fountain of eternal joy;
Seek honor, glory and immortality—
A faithful life, do employ.

Discipline and train the mind
To take captive every thought,
‘Til it is obedience to God’s will,
This IS what we wish to be taught.

Being trustworthy and humble in all—
Can this be the result after a fall?
The Heavenly Father permits what is best,
Hence reassured in Faith—the mind in Christ can be at rest.

Above all, don’t ever stop praying—
Communion with our Heavenly Father must start when we’re on earth.
By asking for and seeking for Jehovah’s Spirit,
We’ll receive it through Christ Jesus’ Precious Name.

Christ’s ransom price, paid at Calvary nearly 2000 years ago,
Has set sinners free, and raising the world will no sooner be,
Than after the Elect, the Bride of Christ,
Has been glorified at last!

What a prospect before us,
Fellow pilgrims of the Cross of Christ!
As we sojourn to the Promised Land above,
May we do what the Heavenly Father requires here,
And thus attain God’s gracious offer—belonging to Christ forever.

Suggested Further Reading

A Special Calling by Br. David Rice. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July /August 2016.
URL: https://herald-magazine.com/2016/07/01/the-bride-class/

Old Testament Portrayals of the Church by Br. Homer Montague. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July/August 2004.
URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/2004/04ja_2.htm

The Song of Solomon by Br. Frank Shallieu. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July/August 2004.
URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/2004/04ja_3.htm

The Bride and the Bridegroom by Br. Carl Hagensick. A Verse-by-verse Study of Psalm 45. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July/August 2004.
URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/2004/04ja_4.htm

New Testament Portrayals of the Church by Br. Michael Nekora. A Precious Treasure. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July/August 2004.
URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/2004/04ja_5.htm

A Chaste Virgin. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/literature/chliv_38.htm

The Truth About Hell. A Dawn Bible Association Publication. URL: http://www.dawnbible.com/booklets/hell.htm

Hope Beyond the Grace. A Dawn Bible Association Publication. URL: http://www.dawnbible.com/booklets/grave.htm

URL of this post: https://biblestudentsdaily.com/2017/06/25/christ-and-his-bride/

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ISRAEL – No Longer Dry Bones!

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DAWN—what a glorious word and name! (Proverbs 4:18, Isaiah 8:20, Luke 1:78)
And like the dawning of the Millennial Day at hand (2 Peter 1:19),
It is the Sun of Righteousness—Our LORD and his risen saints (Malachi 4:2, 1 Corinthians 15:52)—
Who are tearing down the systems of this fallen world! Allelujah! (Haggai 2:6-9)

The second presence of our Lord is here! (Matthew 24, Daniel 12, 2 Timothy 4)
Invisibly he is active and the time of the Millennial kingdom reign of CHRIST is near,
When a new covenant shall be established with Israel… (Hebrews 8:8-13, Jeremiah 31:31-34)
Between the Heavenly Father and His people—Israel, and all who shall become “Israelites indeed”.

Then a golden standard of GODLY RIGHTEOUSNESS shall apply to all on earth. (Isaiah 26:9, 28:17, 35:8)
Whoever will do things their own way—disobeying the will of GOD’s will—
Upon such, judgment will be executed speedily and they will learn not to stray (Psalm 1:5);
Learning that the only way to eternal perfect life, is by OBEYING GOD faithfully each day.

As we now remain in the flesh executing GOD’s will with careful discipline and training,
Let us rejoice as we see how the nation Israel is blossoming like the rose (Isaiah 35:1);
The work of CHRIST and his raised sleeping saints is happening before our still carnal eyes, (1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
And these, now divine jewels, are fulfilling Bible prophecies according to Jehovah’s plans and purposes. (2 Timothy 1:9)

The process of Ezekiel 37 has begun, since our LORD’s invisible presence—his “parousia.”
Ezekiel’s vision of “the valley of dry bones” reflects this. (Ezekiel 37)
And it can be recognized as occurring in stages—
Through a process of years and many developments, the Kingdom shall be inaugurated.

In 1874 the first stirrings (Peta Tikva)—here we see bone coming to bone…
In 1896 the sinews (ligaments) are evident, to join Israel’s bones…
In 1917 there is muscle that forms to cover the bones…
And in 1948 the skin is applied—to complete the “bone” of Israel.

There is no breath—no life still—there in the land of the ancient heros of faith (Ezekiel 37:8),
Until Armageddon shall hit the earth, when the four winds are let loose—showing their worth. (Ezekiel 37:9, Revelation 16:16)
Then the financial, religious and political systems will collapse—false papal doctrines destroyed!
And the breath into Israel shall herald earthly restitution—a millennial age enjoyed! (Acts 3:21, Revelation 20:6-7)

The nation of Israel will then recognize the one they have pierced on Calvary (Zechariah 12:10).
Then CHRIST—head and body complete—shall reign for 1000 years with greatest vitality!
GOD’s spirit of Truth and understanding poured into each heart and mind (Ezekiel 37:14),
And at the end of the Millennial Age, after a final “little season” of testing for the world—ALL evil destroyed and eternal JOY and NO PAIN ever more! (Revelation 20:7-15, 21:4)

By considering the dates of Israel’s history and studying the Biblical prophecies unfolded,
May our Faith be strengthened and our lives be JOYOUS, as into CHRIST we are moulded.
With humble gratefulness and sincere thankfulness, let us continue to watch and pray.
Why? So that we, with the yoke bearers in CHRIST, can faithfully reach the end of our narrow pathway.

Israel Is Fulfilling Bible Prophecy

End Times prophecies continue to interest many. At the center of much controversy is the tiny nation of Israel. Hated by many, Israel faces great obstacles for its very survival. The booklet “Will Israel Survive the End Times” outlines End Times prophecy and how God will fight for Israel as He sets up His earthly kingdom. Here is a free PDF version of this booklet: https://lnkd.in/gCuJ8R2

Psalm 122 (NKJV) — The Joy of Going to the House of the Lord. A Song of Ascents of David.

(1) I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”
(2) Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!
(3) Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together,
(4) Where the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to the Testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
(5) For thrones are set there for judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
(6) Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.
(7) Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces.”
(8) For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, “Peace be within you.”
(9) Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.

This post’s URL is:
https://biblestudentsdaily.com/2017/05/02/israel-no-longer-dry-bones/

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The Agony In Gethsemane

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As we consider the solemn scenes of this lesson, let it be with reverence and deep gratitude, remembering it was our load the Master bore, that it was the chastisement of our peace that was upon him, and that with his stripes we are healed.

The narrative, so familiar to every Christian, is one full of precious lessons, especially to those who, by his grace, are endeavoring to follow in the Lord’s footsteps.

We observe:

(1) that when the Master realized that his hour of betrayal and fierce temptation was close at hand, having first comforted, counselled, and prayed for and with his disciples, his next strong impulse was to seek a solitary place for prayer and communion with God, that he might find grace to help in time of need.

(2) We note also his love for his disciples, and his desire for their love and sympathy in return. “Having loved his own, he loved them to the end.” And because he loved them, and knew that they loved him, he permitted them to accompany him to the place of prayer, that they might watch and pray with him.

Leaving all but Peter and James and John at the entrance of the garden, as a sort of outer guard against the sudden intrusion of his betrayer upon his last hour of prayer, he advanced with the three—the three in whose ardent natures he seemed to find the most active and consoling sympathy—and, with an earnest appeal to them to watch and pray, he left them and went about a stone’s throw beyond.

Three times did he rise from prayer and return to them in anguish of soul to feel the touch of human sympathy, saying, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.” It was a sorrow, an agony, which, of itself, would have worn him out shortly—an intense mental and nervous strain which caused him to sweat great drops of blood.

It was no sign of weakness in the Master that he thus craved human sympathy. His was no coarse, stoical nature, insensible to pain and shame and loss; nor was it a proud, self-centered nature which stood aloof from human fellowship, although those with whom he associated were so far beneath his glorious perfection. Gracefully he condescended to men of low estate, and esteemed them brethren beloved, of whom he was not ashamed. His was a refined nature, keenly appreciative of all that is lovely and pure and good, and correspondingly sensitive to pain from everything to the contrary of these.

Human degradation and human woe must continually have borne heavily upon him during all his earthly life.

But in this awful hour all the griefs and burdens of the whole world were rolled upon his shoulders, and he was to suffer as though he himself were the sinner—to suffer death, extinction of being, trusting alone in the Father’s grace for a resurrection.

Into this one hour were crowded, not only the mental realization of death and the physical agony and shame, the cruelty and torture of a horrible death, but also the sense of desolation to be experienced when even his beloved disciples, overcome by fear and dismay, should forsake him; and the sorrowful reflections upon the irretrievable loss of Judas, and upon the course of the Jewish nation—”his own” people, who despised him and were about to call down upon their own heads the vengeance of his blood, saying, “His blood be upon us and on our children” (Matthew 27:25). He foresaw the terrible calamities that in consequence must soon overwhelm them. Then the degradation of a whole guilty world, which must continue to groan and travail in pain until by his sacrifice he should gain deliverance for them from sin and death, caused him to feel the burden of responsibility to an extent which we can only approximate, but cannot fully comprehend.

And in addition to all this was his knowledge of the fact that every jot and tittle of the law with reference to the sacrifice must be perfectly fulfilled according to the pattern in the typical sacrifice of the day of atonement.

If he should fail in any part of the work, all would be lost, both for himself and for men.

And yet, though a perfect man, he realized that the flesh, however perfect, was unequal to the task.

How much depended upon our Lord’s fortitude in that awful hour, alone and defenceless in the darkness of overwhelming night, awaiting the certain arrival of his betrayer and the will of his persecutors maddened with hate and full of the energy of Satan!

Oh, how the destinies of the world and of himself seemed to tremble in the balances!

Even the perfect human nature was not equal to such an emergency without divine aid, therefore it was that he offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him who was able to save him from death, by a resurrection.

The necessary comfort was provided through the Prophet Isaiah (42:1,6), by whom Jehovah said,

“Behold my servant whom I uphold, mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth: …I, the Lord, have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee [from falling or failure], and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles… He shall not fail nor be discouraged.“

When the fearful ordeal in Gethsemane strained the powers of endurance almost to their utmost tension his prayer was only, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.” Then, though the cup might not pass from him, an angel came and ministered to him. Just how, we know not, but probably by refreshing his mind with the precious promises and prophetic pictures of the coming glory, which none of his disciples had sufficiently comprehended to thus comfort him in this hour when the gloom of thick darkness settled down upon his soul, crowding out hope and bringing a sorrow exceeding great, “even unto death.” Ah, it was Jehovah’s hand upholding him, blessed by his holy name! according to his promise, that he might not fail nor be discouraged.

The result of that blessed ministry was a reinforced courage which commands the deepest admiration. It was not a courage born of stoical indifference to pain and shame and loss, but a courage born of that faith which is anchored fast within the vail of the divine promises and power. With his eye of faith upon the glorious victory of truth and righteousness, when he should see of the travail of his soul and be satisfied—satisfied with:

the eternal joy and blessedness of a redeemed world,
with the welcome and wealth of the Father’s blessing, and
the love and gratitude of every loyal creature in heaven and in earth—yes, comforted and encouraged thus with a realizing sense of the rewards of faith and faithful endurance to the end, he could now calmly and even courageously, go forth to meet the foe.

Yes, this was the victory by which he overcame, even his faith, and so we also are to overcome.

Now commenced the realization of the dreadful forebodings of Gethsemane.

Mark his calm, dignified fortitude, as he addresses Judas and the Roman soldiers, and its effect upon them. They were so overpowered with the grandeur and nobility of this wonderful man that they could not have taken him had he not voluntarily placed himself in their hand. Notice, too, his kind consideration for the bewildered and weary disciples, and his loving excuse for them, “The spirit truly is willing, but the flesh is weak,” and his request to the Roman soldiers at the time of his arrest that they might be permitted to go their way (John 18:8), that so they might escape sharing in his persecutions.

Through all the trial and mocking, and finally the crucifixion, his courage and solicitude for the welfare of others never failed.

As we thus view our Lord under a trial so crucial, and mark how the hand of Jehovah upheld him, let it strengthen the faith of all who are endeavoring to walk in his footsteps, to whom he says,

“Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world: and this is the victory that overcometh, even your faith (John 16:33; 1 John 5:4).

Has not the Lord, Jehovah, commissioned his angels also to bear up the “feet” of the body of Christ, lest at any time they be dashed against a stone (lest some overwhelming trial should prove too much for them)? (Psalm 91:11,12). Yes, as surely as his hand upheld the Head, our Lord Jesus, so surely will he bear up the feet. “Fear not, little flock: it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom,” though through much tribulation ye shall enter it.

The angels are all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation. Though their ministry is unseen by us, it is not therefore unreal, but potent for good. Our fellow-members, too, in the body of Christ, are all the Lord’s active messengers to each other, thus in turn sharing the privilege of bearing up the feet.

But to have this help in time of need we must invoke it.

Every day and every hour is indeed a time of need; hence our necessity of living in an atmosphere of prayer—to pray without ceasing.

And if the Lord needed often to seek retirement from the busy scenes of his active life to be alone with God, to keep the close bond of loving sympathy established, surely we need to do so; and in so doing we shall always find grace to help in time of need.

In seasons of heavy trial the darkness may indeed so deepen upon the soul, as in our dear Lord’s case, as almost to shut out the stars of hope; yet if, like the Lord, we hold on to the omnipotent arm of Jehovah and meekly say,

“Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done,”

His grace will always be sufficient; and with the Psalmist we can say, Though my flesh and my heart fail, yet God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26); and, with the Lord, our hearts will respond—“The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”

Acknowledgment and References:

Br. Charles Taze Russell – “The Agony of Gethsemane” —from Reprints (R.1801) of the Original Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.

JUST AS I AM

[Note: the same melody of the above song “Just As I Am” (sung by Alan Jackson) is Hymns No. 64 in the Hymns of Dawn hymnal and titled “I Come To Thee.”

I Come To Thee

I come to thee, I come to thee,
Thou precious Lamb who died for me;
I rest confiding in thy Word,
And cast my burden on the Lord.

I come to thee with all my grief,
To find in thee a sweet relief;
Thy blessed name my only plea,
With this, O Lord, I come to thee.

I come to thee, whose sovereign pow’r
Can cheer me in the darkest hour;
I come to thee thru storm and shade,
Since thou hast said, “Be not afraid.”

I come to thee with all my tears,
My pain and sorrow, griefs and fears:
Thou precious Lamb who died for me,
I come to thee, I come to thee.

To thee my trembling spirit flies,
When faith seems weak and comfort dies;
I bow adoring at thy feet,
And hold with thee communion sweet.

O wondrous love! what joy is mine,
To feel that I am truly thine.
Thou precious Lamb who died for me,
I come to thee, I come to thee.

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ACTS 23:6 —HOPE & RESURRECTION. PART B. Will Mankind Resurrect With the Same Mind?

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Why is a Resurrection Necessary?

The Apostle Paul explains why a resurrection is necessary through stating a precious promise in 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, (21) For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. (22) For as in Adam ALL die, even so in Christ shall ALL be made alive.”

The resurrection is necessitated by the fall, if God is to recover the fallen human race.

The Greek word in the Bible used for “resurrection” is “anastasis”—(noun).
The “ana” means again, the “stasis” means a standing.
It has the connotation to be lifted up back to full and perfect manhood…. Back to perfection.

The Old Testament does not state this word “resurrection”; it is only found in the New Testament.

So can we find this term expressed anywhere in the Old Testament? Let’s take a look at some Old Testament scriptures.

“You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals” (Psalm 90:3, NIV).

“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10)

“Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away” (Isaiah 51:11, NIV).

God doesn’t just want a blinded obedient creation
but one that will actually REJOICE after returning from death!

Men Sleeping in the Dust

Mankind isn’t just poor, but impoverished!

We read in Daniel 12:2, “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”

Job confirmed this expectation of a resurrection in Job 14:13-15, “(13) O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! (14) If a man die, shall he live again?… (15) Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.”

Job expected to be remembered and restored. Job believed he would be awoke so much, that he asked God to put him in the grave until all his trouble would pass!

So in the Old Testament there was the understanding of the concept of being re-awakened from the sleep of death.

Release from the Prison of Death

In Psalm 146:7 we read,“The Lord looseth the prisoners …”

When you are in prison you cannot get out. The whole purpose of the prison is to keep you in. Until the door of death is unlocked, there is no coming out.

“Looseth”—freed from death as until then, there is no coming out of this condition.

In Job 3:18 we read, “There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.”

Death is oblivion—there is no consciousness there… resting not in the same place of course but meaning in the same condition.

In Isaiah 49:8-9 we read, “ (8) I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; (9) That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves.”

We see a glimpse of how this will be accomplished—Christ and his ‘body’ (the Elect)—through them the New Covenant will begin once they are complete.

GOD will unlock the prison house of the grave then!

“I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes” (Hosea 13:14).

“(54) …Death is swallowed up in victory. (55) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (56) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15: 54-57).

Will Mankind Resurrect With the Same Mind?

Yes. The mind you die with the mind you will come up with. If they were constantly thinking of evil or immoral… they will have to correct that!

Here are some verses to prove this:

“… if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be” (Ecclesiastes 11:3).

If they are earnestly seeking God they will have no problems in changing their characters.

^“As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, … even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all” (Ecclesiastes 11:5).

^“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7).

In all the trials of life in the kingdom in perfect conditions wherein righteousness rules, mankind will have to make righteous choices to live forever.

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The principle in scripture is, described as the sowing and reaping one; that what we sow we will reap…

It seems today in the world that the wicked prosper, right?
But there is no fooling God!

As the way they go down, so they will come up… it will catch up with them as they will have to unlearn the unrighteousness and to sanctify themselves.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

You can fool the government …
You can fool the courts …
You can fool the majority of people …
But! You cannot fool God!

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing both the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).

^“For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

So, the character you go down with, will be the character that follows in the resurrection.

Wickedness and deceit will be their own punishment in the kingdom, so they will have much further to have to go, to change their characters.

But can God Restore a Mind? Yes!

“(29) Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, (30) to bring back his soul from the pit [“sheoul” = hell, pit, grave,] to be enlightened with the light of the living” (Job 33:29-30).

The light of the living concerns the mind, the intellect. Resurrected humanity on earth will “be enlightened” again with the light of life. Their resurrection from the dead will be clear and convincing evidence to them of God’s wonderful blessing on their behalf. This itself will provide an opportunity for them to begin anew on a better footing than before, with faith in God and appreciation for His kindness.

This favorable new beginning for mankind, each one individually, being raised again on earth during the Millennium, will come through the reign of Christ with his “Bride” (comprising 144,000 members, Revelation 7 and 14). Then evil will be restrained, rather than allowed to proceed, as at present. The Spirit of understanding from God will be poured out upon the hearts of humanity, starting with the nation of Israel (Zechariah 12:10).

The spirit of understanding will bring joy to mankind in doing what is pleasing to the Heavenly Father. They will seek after righteousness when they recognize the blessings that shall be gained in doing so. As Proverbs 21:21 says, “whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.”

In Jeremiah 31 we read about the Spirit of understanding coming to Israel when they finally recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

“(31) Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah … (33) This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (34) And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

After Israel has been inducted into this “new covenant,” at the beginning of Christ’s Millennial Reign, they will be used by God to extend the same blessings outward to the remainder of the world. Then all will be able to receive the spirit of understanding from God. “And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest” (Hebrews 8:11).

At the outset of the Millennial Age, the ransom will be applied for the world in order to remove the curse. The removal of the curse is the first necessary step in order to proceed with the resurrection. However, that does not mean the resurrected individuals are justified. They will be sinful people still (because they will return back with the same thoughts, as mentioned earlier in this post). Many of those raised will be without faith, and far short of good works. Teaching people about God and the standards of righteousness will take time. Individually, the blessed influences of the Kingdom will bring people to repentance, faith, and obedience. Ultimately they will be righteous and holy. As this process continues, they will be blessed also by physical blessings of health and vitality, returning to the perfection of being that Adam enjoyed in the garden before his sin.

The Basis of Our Hope

The basis of our hope IS the resurrection of the dead, and that ALL who die, shall come back alive.

“(20) But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (21) For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. (22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (23) But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. (24) Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power” (1 Corinthians 15:20-24).

All will be made alive. There is a hope to the resurrection.

SOME EVEN TODAY SAY— THERE IS NO RESURRECTION!

But the Bible clearly teaches us that our HOPE is based on the resurrection—the key to our faith!

Here is a beautiful explanation that there IS a resurrection:

^“(12) Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? (13) But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: (14) And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. (15) Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. (16) For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: (17) And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. (18) Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. (19) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15: 12-19).

The Apostle Paul is saying if your assumption is there is NO RESURRECTION, then you have NO HOPE!

The Apostle Paul is teaching us that the ONLY HOPE IS the resurrection!

The Church class (those running in the race of the High Calling) understand this and they understand that since Jesus did resurrect—this is our seal of approval that there IS a resurrection. The resurrection is really key to our faith.

Is the resurrection illustrated in the Scriptures?

Yes. Some temporary re-standings from the dead are illustrated in the Bible and as listed below, which demonstrated the capability of there being a permanent resurrection of all those in the grave:-

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Remembering Those in the Grave

The hope of man is that they will be remembered by others. Yet are they?

In Psalm 6:5 we read, “in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?”

As generations pass, people are largely forgotten as explained in Psalm 102:11-12,^“11My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass. ¹²But thou, O Lord, shall endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.”

Although mankind cannot remember people even 100 years ago, God can remember all generations and that too, means, that God CAN restore!

Can God Put a New Mind in an Old Body?

Of course God can!

In Acts 26:8 (NIV), the Apostle Paul explains to King Agrippa that it is because of this hope in the resurrection from the dead that the Jews are accusing him and states, “why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?”

If God has the ability to allow for the creation of 100 billion galaxies, then there is no doubt that God can restore all mankind in the soon to begin Kingdom!

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In Isaiah 40:28 (KJV) we read, “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.”

Why Restore the Old Mind?

In Mark 12:27 we are told that our Heavenly Father “is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living…”

The Bible explains that God has appointed a day, in which “He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).

This necessitates the remembrance of the consequences of sin.

All mankind who resurrect on earth will have the chance to gain eternal life so that there is PERFECT JOY FOREVERMORE as it is disobedience to God’s commands that led to PAIN, SORROW, TEARS, SUFFERING and UNHAPPINESS… while OBEDIENCE to RIGHTEOUSNESS is what pleases the Creator of our Universe and adhering to this, will lead to ETERNAL JOY!

The Bible assures us that God will “swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces… for the Lord hath spoken it” (Isaiah 25:8).

Acknowledgement

Br. Bob Goodman — for source material from his power-point presentation (a “BibleTruth411” – YouTube Video) “The Hope and Resurrection of the Dead”.

Br. David Rice — assistance with content and editing.

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OUR PURPOSE & MISSION:- The Story Behind “BIBLE Students DAILY”

Dear Reader,

Upon receiving questions from both brethren and friends in Christ, here are some answers to the hows and whys behind the begins of this website—“BIBLE Students DAILY” which our Heavenly Father has allowed to be created and continue its ministering of God’s divine gems of Truth since March, 2016.

Gratitude and Thankfulness

Pastor Russell - C&C We are thankful for the assistance of the Bible Student Elders in editing, correcting, and clarifying the content matter posted on BIBLE Students DAILY which has allowed this website to proceed forward.

We wish to specially acknowledge Br. David Rice’s help, who often assists and kindly responds when called upon.

We are also grateful for all the labours of love by our dearly beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, who share in our joys and efforts of striving to produce “fruit that will last” (John 15:16).

“(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness (23) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (24) Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:22-23). (See also 2 Peter 1:5-8).

The content shared here, is thus a melting together of many kindred minds who continue to inspire the creation of each post—and though their names and efforts may be hidden to many—they tarry onward as faithful stewards of Christ yet their reward shall be great (Romans 2:6, Matthew 5:12, Matthew 16:27) and even the works of those who now rest—“their deeds do follow them” (Revelation 14:13).

Above all, we thank our Heavenly Father for continuing to offer new opportunities of service and fellowship, of learning and of sharing about His Divine Truth. BIBLE Students DAILY has brought the family together throughout the week to read and discuss each post and we hope this ministry work can likewise touch the lives of all people wherever God wishes it to reach—from the farmers in the Outback to the Indigenous populations of Australia as well as to all peoples far and near throughout the world, so that the Gospel can be preached to all (Mark 16:15).

“Every member of the anointed Body, the Church of Christ, is anointed to preach the Gospel (Isaiah 61:1-3).” — R2157

Our Purpose and Mission

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Jesus commissioned his disciples to go into all the world to preach the Gospel, but he did not encourage them to believe that this would result in the world’s conversion. The purpose of this worldwide witness work is explained in Acts 15:14 (ESV): “God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name.”

This “people for His name” are the “Sons of GOD” (Romans 8:14)—the Bride —comprising of 144,000 members (Revelation chapters 7 & 14) who are promised immortality at the first resurrection and shall reign with Christ for 1000 years bringing the world of mankind into harmony with God (2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 20:6).

The High Calling to this position of sonship was opened up at the beginning of the Gospel Age, and to these were given the “power” (Margin: “right”, or “privilege”) to become the “Sons of God” (John 1: 11, 12). Since 33 A.D. Jesus’ power has been drawing out “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people a peculiar people…” for his name.

The Heavenly Father has allotted a time period of 6,000 years for the permission of evil allowing mankind to experience the devastating and detrimental effects of sin—a consequence of original Adamic disobedience to God’s will. Currently, in 2016, we are in year 5,973 of the allotted time for evil to run its course. The 6,000 years will terminate at the beginning of the Messianic Age and the New Dispensation is soon to begin. In Acts 15:18 we read, “Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.” May these words give us great confidence in the precious promises of God our Almighty Creator and courage in our own efforts to know and to do His will (Psalm 118:8, Philippians 3:3 & 4:13, Hebrews 13:6, 1 John 5:14-21).

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16

We hope the content shared here:

provides pain relief (through “the peace of God that transcends all understand” received by God’s grace when meditating upon and studying the Word of God) to the suffering and pain-infested,
encourages the isolated and bereaving, and
inspires the Reader to be actively engaged in the Word—a tool in transforming one’s character into the likeness of Christ (Philippians 4:7, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:23, Colossians 3:15).

May the posts be a launching pad to further personal study as well as being a means of accessing eat-on-the-go “spiritual meals” to those swamped with work and the demands of daily life. We desire to proclaim the Kingdom message of Good News about our Heavenly Father’s Divine Plan of SALVATION TO ALL mankind which shall be testified in due time (1 Corinthians 15:22, 1 Timothy 2:6) proclaiming about Christ’s Kingdom, as well as allow for a forum on which to share various Biblical subject matter for spiritual edification to bind the bonds of Christian unity between the brethren in Christ worldwide and be a means of comfort, strength and joy to all whom have a hearing ear (Ephesians 5:19-20, Colossians 3:16-17, Luke 14:23, Matthew 22:9).

Some closer to home reasons for this website include: creating posts that would not only serve as English lessons for those of the immediate family requiring it, but most importantly be a spiritual teaching tool—to deliver spiritual food about God and His Plan and HIS beauties of Truth to the youngest members at home; to spiritually edify home ecclesia members through print-outs of the posts; to spiritually edify all interested Truth Seekers worldwide who would appreciate reading content based on God’s Word; to encourage and strengthen the ties of brotherly love and unity in Christ amongst the brethren through the globe, according to our Heavenly Father’s will.

The Apostle Paul encourages each to use and share their specific talent(s) in the service of the Lord.

^“(4) For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, (5) so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (6) We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; (7) if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; (8) if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully“ (Romans 12:4-8, NIV).

Sharing God’s Divine Plans and Truths

Sharing about God’s Divine Plan can be compared to leading someone to

→ the most precious treasure in the universe! ←

And if another chooses to accept it and feast upon it and study it for themselves, then God’s drawing power can be compared to a mountain literally moving! (John 6:44)

The power of character change in a human touched by God’s calling power is beyond fathomable!

Jehovah-GOD is unfathomably awesome! (Romans 11:33)

There is no magic about it… as magic is not based on PURE TRUTH whom God and His Son, Jesus Christ both represent (Deuteronomy 18:9-12, Leviticus 20:6 & 27, Isaiah 8:19, 20 & Isaiah 44:24-25, Zechariah 10:2, 2 Kings 21:6, Jeremiah 27:9-10, Acts 8:9-11 & 13:6-8).

Developing a relationship with God and Jesus through prayer and study makes one the richest soul on earth, and each true Christian has the responsibility to shine their light of God’s Truth to all who have a listening ear; “as freely you have received so freely give”! (Matthew 10:8). Spiritually food must be shared and ingested daily or like the manna the Israelites in the wilderness ate for 40 years, if kept over to the next day—it will not nourish; it will not be consumable (Exodus chapter 16). Hence the name “BIBLE Students DAILY” is one we hope stimulates the thought of regular consistent daily meditation upon the Word of God as did the Bereans in the Book of Acts (Acts 17:11).

May we learn to speak the holy language of God confidently and with great joy and enthusiasm in any situation, anywhere, at any time, always and everlastingly!

“(26) For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. (27) But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; (28) God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, (29) so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (30) And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, (31) so that, as it is written,

‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'”

(1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

And now the story …

With prayers, tears, patience… surrendering to loses of career, income, relationships, mobility and freedom from chronic pain and complications following a rare frozen hip (capsulitis) situation diagnosed after months of severe pain following a fall injury at the ecclesia hall, and the medical interventions that followed… after experiencing the incomprehensible… it was during the greatest failures of life, that God’s mercy and grace (undeserved kindness) opened up the most gloriously joyful opportunities in the Lord’s work—a permanent antidote for pain and mobility limitations, and a means by which to learn about and do the Father’s divine will, “laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangle” keeping hope alive by saturating the mind with the exceedingly great and precious promises of God, and striving to keep the thoughts super-glued on Jesus by feasting on the Word of God (Hebrews 12:1-2; Hebrews 2:18).

The Phone Calls

It was the day after the last series of prolotherapy injections that followed some months after hip surgery that one’s bed became the office desk and numbers were dialed to various Website Designers in Melbourne and inquiries were made about help to start up a Christian website.

Through these phone conversations, Aussie locals were introduced to the Bible Students and a brief “tasting” of what the Bible teaches. (See post titled “BELIEFS”). Some heard about various topics wished to be discussed on the website such as how the purpose of the Gospel Age is to call out a Bride of 144,000 Elect members. Others were told about the nation of Israel and our desire to comfort our Jewish friends through sharing material about End Time prophetic fulfillment of both spiritual and natural Israel. The 1000 year Messianic Kingdom period of Christ was a topic not to be kept silent on either, highlighting the glorious blessings of joy that every single human will experience after Jacob’s Trouble and Armageddon where all shall learn righteousness who wish to have eternal life.

There is no doubt in one’s mind, this was the weirdest caller those receivers had ever encountered. But how can one miss an opportunity such as this of not sharing about grand and gloriously divine and perfect things which concern a PAIN-FREE future that will be for eternity to those who follow God’s only acceptable standard of righteousness in a world free of sin! How could one not share about the best, grandest, most rewarding, most joyful, satisfying and thirst-quenching for Truth activity that exists on this planet earth?! How could one remain silent about the SOURCE OF ETERNAL JOY—doing the will of our Heavenly Father through Christ who gives strength and satisfies one’s every longing and desire?! (Psalm 107:9, 1 John 2:17, Psalm 30:12, 37:4 & 46:1)

“Whom have I in heaven but thee?
and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee”

(Psalm 73:25).

After soon realizing that financially it would be impossible to even have the cheapest website designed by an expert in this field, continual prayers were offered up to the Heavenly Father in relation to this matter, and the next revelation of thought was … go buy a do-it-yourself CD website builder!

When road blocks here too were experienced, another plan emerged—to try finding a TAFE or University student who had the “know how” to help set up the foundationals for a user-friendly website. And this is exactly what happened—positive and hopeful thoughts leading to a positive reality. Is this not what “thinking on things above” results in also?

“(1) If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (3) For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3).

Inspirations from the past

The voices of encouragement from other dear saints seemed to be echoing a song of joyful Godly approval of the desires within, to create posts that could touch hearts and spark interest in desiring to know God and enhance Godly reverence in such a time as this.

There had once been a dear Sister in Christ, Sr. Olive, who’s daily email devotionals were just so inspiring and uplifting (when residing in the USA and involved in the harvest work of the Gospel Age, at The DAWN) and one’s desire was to return the favour and show appreciation through running with the flame of God’s Word that lightens up any dark place and purifies the mind through its loveliness, truth, honourability, justice, purity, excellence, and praise worthiness—this IS what the Word of Truth does (Proverbs 4:22, Hebrews 4:12, James 1:18).

^“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him” (Proverbs 30:5).

Delivering Godly Truth to humanity is a most grand privilege! It reminds one of what our Lord Jesus had talked about in Luke 14:23:

“And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.'”

The Lord never compels the acceptance of his favors, but he does constrain—by his love and grace and promises—those who love righteousness and truth (2 Corinthians 5:11,14,15). Here is food to satisfy every longing, more and better than we could ask or think, a spiritual feast of future good things—joys and pleasures in the presence of the Lord (R343:1). To come to this feast involves a leaving of worldly hopes, aims and pursuits. In proportion as earthly things are abandoned, each may feast now (R343:1).

Earlier on in life, the inspiring words of Romans 15:16 had remained engraved on the heart and mind after receiving this text from a dear isolated Sister In Christ—Sr. Elsie Hurd—who was visited when on a pilgrim trip with some dearly Beloved brethren, Br. Ray and Sr. Carmela Luke. This was another driving motivator to establishing BIBLE Students DAILY.

Romans 15:16 reads, “to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

The Effects of Godliness

What else does God’s Word of Truth do?

It provides eternal prosperity (Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 6:19-20, 24:35)…

It gives hope (Romans 5:2-7, 2 Peter 1:4) and it provides a future (Jeremiah 29:11, 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 5:10)…

The Divinely inspired words of God in the Bible:

give life and give meaning to life (John 6:63);

are pure (Psalm 119:9);

are flawless (Psalm 18:30)… joy-invoking;

give knowledge, wisdom and understanding to the simple (Psalm 119:130, Proverbs 2:6);

sustain and give strength (Matthew 4:4, John 6:35);

are a lamp for one’s feet; a light on one’s path (Psalm 119:105);

useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17);

give freedom (Romans 8:2, James 1:25)… freedom from condemnation of sin by believing in the blood of Christ which can provide justification—where Jesus is no longer one’s mediator between God and man, but one’s personal Lawyer—one’s advocate, and prayers can be directed straight to Jehovah-God himself.

Freedom comes when one petitions to God for HIS help and one studies to develop true Faith rather than a blind faith (which lacks substance of understanding); it comes through patiently persisting in the “testing of all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

God Finds the Help. God Makes Things Work Out Well.

“(6) So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. (8) … and each will receive his wages according to his labor” (1 Corinthians 3:6, 8).

A call was made to RMIT—a TAFE College in Melbourne’s CBD and within two to three weeks from the posting of an advertisement, a student with computer website and graphic design skills called up offering her services. At this stage of the journey, it felt like one had entered into Solomon’s Temple and could see as if, a staircase—a sense of hope that God had accepted the desires of the heart and was allowing for this work and its new avenues of witnessing opportunities to proceed. Any closures along this journey seem to be greeted by nearly immediate openings somewhere else. So our journey did continue …

The female student helped to set up the exact foundationals required to then continue building the website. Since then, ongoing adjustments continue to be made with the assistance of the online WordPress resources.

Minister Unto All

Today the world’s needs are great. Fear fills the hearts of the people and the nations are in distress. The Day of God’s Vengeance is approaching after which time the blind eyes will be opened, the deaf ears unstopped, and when the lame shall “leap as an hart” (Isaiah 35:6).

The followers of Jesus have today the same privilege as did our brethren in the early Church, which is to proclaim unpopular truth and be looked upon as ‘out of step’ with the world and the evil worldly church systems.

The “WAY” of the present Gospel Age is a “narrow way,” and “few there be that find it” (Matthew 7: 14). But oh! How rich and full are the compensating joys of the narrow way which leads into the Heavenly Kingdom, among them being the great privilege of telling the world of the Earthly Kingdom blessings soon to come, when a “highway” will be opened upon which the world of mankind may return to Jehovah-God, and to health and life everlasting (Isaiah 35:5-10).

To the Proclamation of this Message, a small group of people, throughout the world, is dedicated to shout out:

“the due time for the world’s RESTITUTION is almost here!”

We rejoice to know that the earthly Kingdom Gospel is even now, bringing joy to many, enabling them to pray with understanding, “Thy Kingdom Come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). And for those of us who seek to be of the Bride of Christ, such also rejoice in the fact that the heavenly Kingdom is almost completed.

We hope that this forum can continue to be a Bible Study Classroom that our readers find helpful, and ask for your prayers in the work we wish to continue to all do, to make our Heavenly Father well pleased, bring JOY to the Heavenly Father and His Son— our Beloved Head and Captain of our Salvation—Christ Jesus.

Most of the content found in each of the shared posts, comes from others. Therefore if the words read are well received, the credit for their good belongs to others. If you detect flaws in the content shared, please let us know.

May the Heavenly Father through Christ be praised, honored and glorified for any light we may see on the heavenly things shared on this website.

Finally dear friends, we wish to encourage you with the words of the Apostle Paul from 2 Timothy 4:2-5:-

“(2) Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (3) For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, (4) and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (5) As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

In the “one hope our our calling” (Ephesians 4:4), your servants and fellow co-labourers in Christ Jesus,

The Olszewski Brethren and family – Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA.

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“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15).

URL: https://biblestudentsdaily.com/2016/08/27/our-purpose-mission-the-story-behind-bible-students-daily/

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The First Resurrection

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When we meet our LORD
with all the saints that are waiting
We will be overjoyed with gladness
Singing “all honor and praise to our GOD.”

Finally together,
Our Beloved Jesus and the saints shall be,
In glory…
With Crowns of Victory.

No more separations; no more tears and no more sorrows;
No more misunderstanding; no more silence.
Eternal joy and gladness praising our Jehovah;
Eternal journeys with our Beloved Christ.

This life is just a short test of faith,
Learning to not give up,
But patiently enduring and persevering with JOY in the spirit.
Today’s discomforts of the flesh—are experiences worth more than gold.

It is through suffering, that our Beloved Jesus learned obedience.
That same narrow path, we must follow too.
It is the only way to life immortal,
Learning to obey GODLY principles willingly and change into the likeness of our Lord, Jesus.

Delight thyself in the LORD,
HE SHALL give you the desires of your heart.
Seek the face of the LORD always,
Seek till you find… till you win the race of the High Calling.

As the hearts of men shall all seek to know and serve the LORD,
Precious promises shall be fulfilled.
Then the 144,000 Bride members of CHRIST—the “little flock,”
Shall be together with their King.

Tears of hope shall be no more,
As immortal and together the saints shall be—
Dwelling for eternal eternities
In their perfect everlasting home—where there is glory, honor and immortality.

So continue on dearly Beloved Ones IN CHRIST,
Your fellow saints cheer you on through their private prayers,
We shall soon meet beyond the river, where our Bridegroom is waiting;
And I too hope to meet you there, when my sacrifice is complete.

LUKE 12:31-38 (ESV)

(31) Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

(32) Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

(33) Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.

(34) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

(35) Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning,

(36) and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.

(37) Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.

(38) If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants!

Further Suggested Reading:

A Special Calling by Br. David Rice. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July /August 2016.
URL: https://herald-magazine.com/2016/07/01/the-bride-class/

Old Testament Portrayals of the Church by Br. Homer Montague. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July/August 2004.
URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/2004/04ja_2.htm

The Song of Solomon by Br. Frank Shallieu. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July/August 2004.
URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/2004/04ja_3.htm

The Bride and the Bridegroom by Br. Carl Hagensick. A Verse-by-verse Study of Psalm 45. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July/August 2004.
URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/2004/04ja_4.htm

New Testament Portrayals of the Church by Br. Michael Nekora. A Precious Treasure. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July/August 2004.
URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/2004/04ja_5.htm

A Chaste Virgin. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/literature/chliv_38.htm

The Truth About Hell. A Dawn Bible Association Publication. URL: http://www.dawnbible.com/booklets/hell.htm

Hope Beyond the Grace. A Dawn Bible Association Publication. URL: http://www.dawnbible.com/booklets/grave.htm

ACTS 23:6—HOPE & RESURRECTION. Part A: What Is Jesus All About?
https://biblestudentsdaily.com/2016/11/03/acts-236-hope-resurrection-part-a-what-is-jesus-all-about/

ACTS 23:6—HOPE & RESURRECTION. Part B: Will Mankind Resurrect With the Same Mind?
https://biblestudentsdaily.com/2016/11/05/acts-236-hope-resurrection-part-b-will-mankind-resurrect-with-the-same-mind/

ACTS 23:6—HOPE & RESURRECTION. Part C: The Order of the Resurrection Process.
https://biblestudentsdaily.com/2016/11/11/acts-236-hope-resurrection-part-c-the-order-of-the-resurrection-process/

URL of this post: https://biblestudentsdaily.com/2016/03/08/the-first-ressurection/

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The Time is Short! – SURRENDER ALL

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Do you placed your life entirely in God’s hand alone?

Do you kneel down, honor Him, praise Him, and thank Him?

Do you block the bad, and surrender to the good?

Do you give up your wants and accept our Creator’s ways of meeting your needs?

The hour is fast approaching

When we shall be forever with our Lord.

Disappointment, grief and fear become buried as if beneath earth’s surface, as we live FOR Him.

Sorrow is blurred and Jehovah’s perfect love restores to us the purest joys.

When changed, and tears are past,

And all safe and blessed, we shall meet at last;

Christ and his Bride on the throne, and the companions before the throne.

Lean on every holy word now as you fight the good fight of faith to the finish line. There is not long to go, but enough time for the faithful to be more than over-comers.

Let your entire hope be found in God’s Precious Promises.

Find perfect rest in that which is permanent and eternal.

The more you seek the Lord, the more you’ll find Him.

God’s holy words are in the Bible. Saturate your mind by them.

Have you laid your burdens down before the Heavenly Father?

Have you asked Him to show you the way just for today?

Do you feel He is pleased?

Please Him. Please, please Him.

Do you cast all your cares on Him? Your cross then becomes lighter.

Do you daily surrender your will entire into God’s hands?

Do you wait patiently and cheerfully for His answers?

Whether in the silence or in the noise, God always gives the perfect answer.

Continue to place your ALL before our Heavenly Father’s throne. You won’t regret it.

He who overcomes will sit down with Jesus on His throne,

Bringing loving justice to all mankind, and helping all to walk up the Highway of Holiness and bring pleasure to our Creator, who is the ALL IN ALL.

SURRENDER YOUR ENTIRE WILL and SEEK JEHOVAH’S WILL IN ALL and you will find perfect happiness for eternal eternities.

“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.”

Psalm 63:3

Suggested Further Reading

A Special Calling by Br. David Rice. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July /August 2016.
URL: https://herald-magazine.com/2016/07/01/the-bride-class/

Old Testament Portrayals of the Church by Br. Homer Montague. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July/August 2004.
URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/2004/04ja_2.htm

The Song of Solomon by Br. Frank Shallieu. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July/August 2004.
URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/2004/04ja_3.htm

The Bride and the Bridegroom by Br. Carl Hagensick. A Verse-by-verse Study of Psalm 45. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July/August 2004.
URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/2004/04ja_4.htm

New Testament Portrayals of the Church by Br. Michael Nekora. A Precious Treasure. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July/August 2004.
URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/2004/04ja_5.htm

A Chaste Virgin. The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. URL: http://www.heraldmag.org/literature/chliv_38.htm

The Truth About Hell. A Dawn Bible Association Publication. URL: http://www.dawnbible.com/booklets/hell.htm

Hope Beyond the Grace. A Dawn Bible Association Publication. URL: http://www.dawnbible.com/booklets/grave.htm

URL: https://biblestudentsdaily.com/2016/03/08/the-time-is-short-surrender-all/?share=press-this&nb=1