In my previous post, I discussed what modern prophets should be focused on if they are indeed prophets of God. In this post, I want us to focus on the main topic that has been brought forth and for us to consider if such is true or not. So, what is this message that has stirred up so much controversy within Christian circles: a new outpouring of God’s glory on the earth.

Prophets in the past tried to warn their fellow citizens of the error of their ways and to focus on what they could not see rather than what they were seeing all around them. Many believed they were doing nothing wrong and that all was in order. Yet, the prophets stated that was not the case and they were living in sin. If they didn’t repent, then God was going to bring doom to them (in their case, captivity). Many did not listen, but for those who were true followers, the prophets also gave a message of hope to those who would hear. Isaiah prophesied and warned of the kingdom of Israel being taken captive by Assyria (Is 8:7-8) but also prophesied of their coming Messiah (Is 7:14), Jeremiah prophesied that Judah would be under Babylonian rule for seventy years (Jr 25:11) but also prophesied of their divided kingdom one day being reunited (Jr 30:3) even more glorious than the way it had been in the past (Jr 31:38-40), and Ezekiel prophesied of the destruction of Jerusalem’s temple (Ek 24:29-21), but then prophesied of a new and glorious temple that God would have built so they could worship God once again (Ek 40-48). Each of these prophets wanted their people to come back to God but warned of consequences of not doing so. Yet, they also made sure everyone knew that God would never abandon them and would bring wonderful things for them in their future.

Is this what modern prophets are doing as well? It seems some are. What is the message of hope some are giving to us? I have talked about this somewhat in a previous post (Kingdom Age). As I mentioned in that post, while some are saying we are on the cusp of the Kingdome Age, I see this as a fourth and final component of the Church Age. What are the Scriptural bases for such a thing to come about?

One such passage of Scripture is Daniel chapter 7. I have spoken about this passage as to what has been going on in our world recently (Will God Show Up Today?), but let’s focus on what was told Daniel that would come about after this. We find this in verses 26-27: “But the court will sit, and his [i.e., the fourth beast’s] power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.” It would seem this is not Christ’s Millennial Kingdom because he will be sovereign at that time, not the holy people themselves. Perhaps this is to what Paul alluded to when he said, “Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?” It seems Paul is comparing the Christians in Corinth to how they will be before Christ’s Kingdom, otherwise, it would not be such a straightforward comparison as to how they would be able to judge others.

Some have stated that this passage is referring to Christ’s Millennium Kingdom because the next sentence states that the kingdom of the Most High will last forever. While this is true, it is not necessarily implying that this kingdom is the same as the kingdom of the previous sentence. The consistency between the two sentences is the “Most High” not the “kingdom” of each sentence. While it is the holy people, or followers of Christ, who will be the rulers of this kingdom, it is under the leadership of the Most High as will the Millennial Kingdom be under his direction as well.

So, it would seem that our hope is not the return of Christ as this time, but the return of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. While this is not saying that all Christians don’t have the Holy Spirit living within them, we must admit that we are not operating in all the power of which we have access to through the Holy Spirit. Paul does tell us that because of what Christ did on the cross, we have access to the same power that raised Christ from the dead. Who can say we are operating with that same power?

If this is the only passage of Scripture about this, we would perhaps gloss over it. Yet, there are others we should review before we make a final consensus on this topic. Join me, and we’ll discuss this topic next time.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

We know there were prophets in the past who God used mightily. After all, there are whole books of the Bible that were written by these prophets who God told to do certain things and to speak certain words. I have mentioned in a previous post how the messages these prophets spoke, typically of impending doom, were peppered with messages of hope (God's Prophecy of Hope) and that hope is not hope unless it is actually tangible and will come to be in the physical as prophesied.

Do such prophets exist today as well? One of the arguments by many against this tenet is that today we have all Scripture from God so there is no need for prophets today. But did God only use prophets to provide his scripture to us? As I pointed out in another post (Church Age), there were many other prophets who God used but their words did not become part of our canon of Scripture. It would seem it was not the office of prophet that determined the use of their words, but God’s intended purpose of their inspired words which the Holy Spirit gave them. Yet, the common denominator seems to be that all those whom God called to be a prophet pointed their audience to God and to God’s scripture. Their main purpose was to help prevent God’s people from going astray or to help them understand the error of their ways so they would return to God wholeheartedly.

So, if there are prophets today, they should be doing the same. I think there are three criteria they would be fulfilling based on what I just stated above: (1) they provide God’s inspired words, but not adding to what the Bible already has told us; (2) they point people back to God and his precepts; and (3) while they may be speaking about what God will be doing or is doing, they are not adding to Scripture, but utilizing Scripture for us to focus on to either teach us some aspect of Scripture we have not, or are not, abiding by or recognizing.

Yet, we need to recognize that prophecy can be tricky for us to validate before we jump in wholeheartedly. After all, the enemy has his prophets also. Our enemy, Satan, uses them to distract, divide, and confuse us so that we focus on the division their words cause us rather than on the message the true prophets are trying to get us to understand. It seems this has been his modus operandi from the very beginning. Maybe a few examples will help us. During the time of Jeremiah, there were those who opposed his prophecies as being untrue and unfounded and even publicly ridiculed him (Jr 28:1-11), and God proved the false prophet to be untrue as he met an untimely death (Jr 28:12-17). God revealed these false prophets’ true motives as being from the enemy (Jr 23:13-14). Almost all God’s prophets had to deal with false prophets who tried to make the people believe their words null and void. This was true of Isaiah (Is 8:20) and Ezekiel (Ek 22:28) as well.

We find similar cautions in the New Testament also. Jesus warned people of this issue even in his day (Mt 7:15) as well as what would happen in their future (Mt 24:24). John (1Jn 4:1), Peter (2Pt 2:1-3), and Paul (Cl 2:8) also provided this same warning.

So, if we know there will be false prophets among us, wouldn’t that suggest we would also have true prophets of God in our midst as well? Why would we need them if we have all of God’s scripture? Well, it seems the false prophets are using scripture (or, rather, misapplying scripture) to support their false theories and teachings (2Co 11:13). We need true prophets to cause us to focus on the true meaning of scripture and not fall for such false teachings. While, yes, we can accomplish the same on our own, we also know most of us do not dive into scripture and personally pray to understand its true meaning. True prophets will (and should, if they exist today) cause us to focus correctly on what God is telling us through Scripture.

If this was not true, then why would John say to test the spirits to tell if a prophet is true or false (1Jn 4:1)? What was the litmus test? “Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God” (1Jn 4:2-3). So, listen to several messages from those who claim to be prophets. Are they consistent in their messaging? Do they talk about other prophets and demean them? Do they point you to Scripture or focus you on what they say? Does their message align with all Scripture or just the point they are making with a specific scripture reference (which may be out of context if it doesn’t align with all scripture). And, as John told us, is Jesus Christ the center of their teaching?

So, what are these prophets telling us that is putting so many people in a quandary? We’ll get into that in my next post. I hope you join me.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In the last several posts, we have talked about how we are to partner with angels. Yet, we also need to understand some of the cautions we need to consider which Scripture warns us about.

Just because we work with angels does not mean we revere them too highly. Scripture is clear on this: we are not to worship angels. When Satan encountered Jesus and tempted him in the wilderness just before Jesus began his ministry to Israel, Jesus said to him [Satan], “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only’” (Mt 4:10). The apostle Paul also held the same caution: “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you” (Cl 2:18a). The apostle John did likewise: “I [John] fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them [revelations of visions] to me. But he said to me, ‘Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!’” (Rv 22:8b, 9).

We should take note that the spiritual realm is very real, and we should learn to operate in it. We use prayer to fight in the spiritual realm. Prayer is not just a way to ask God for things we think we need but is a way to bring down our enemy’s spiritual strongholds using the authority of the Word of God. Both Christians and angels are followers of Christ and do his bidding. We need to be as steadfast in our devotion to Christ and his will as are his angels. Angels obey God’s written words as well as his commands. We should as well.

Thereby, Christians and angels operate together to accomplish God’s plan. By serving Christ, we empower and enable angels and they empower and encourage us. Just because we don’t see the spiritual should not mean we don’t trust and operate in it. Actually, it is the only way we can achieve victory in this life and in the life to come.

Another caution: Christ is greater than any angel. The book of Hebrews tells us four reasons for this fact: Christ is the creator of the world and the heir of all eternity (Hb 1:2). Christ reflects the glory of God and holds all things together by his power (Hb 1:3). Christ has made purification of sins and has sat down at the right hand of God (Hb 1:3). Christ has a name more superior than that of any angel (Hb 1:4). Therefore, only Christ, not angels, deserves our worship. Angels will never desire your worship. Only prayers that are according to his will does he answer, and he uses both us and angels to accomplish it. We are only effective if we operate within the will of God.

We become warriors on our knees. We can’t know his will unless we operate in the spiritual realm through prayer, reading and knowing his written word, which are the very words of God. All that comes through the power and understanding the Holy Spirit gives us. And we can’t receive the Holy Spirit unless we acknowledge our sin and understand that we need rescuing from our sin. That is what Jesus Christ did for us: the one without sin, took on our sin, so he could pay the sin debt for us that neither we, nor anyone else, could pay for us. That’s why we must come as we are because we cannot change or save ourselves. It is only after we trust in what Christ has done for us that he gives to us the Holy Spirit who imparts power and authority to operate in the spiritual realm through our prayers as we yield more and more of ourselves to him. The spiritual realm then becomes more real to us because that is where the true fight for our future resides. I invite you to do just that.

We can never understand all of God’s wisdom and ways. And that’s okay because if we accept what Jesus has done on our behalf so that our sins are blotted out of the sight of God the Father by Christ’s blood, we can be declared righteous and have an eternal inheritance with him. Let us learn how powerful our prayers can be if we direct them to Christ with full faith and understanding of the power and authority God’s Holy Spirit has given to us. We can then truly be powerful partners with God’s holy angels and help bring God’s will for the world into reality. Isn’t that an exciting challenge? Are you ready?

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In my last post, I went over three of the seven ways Christians and angels are similar. Let’s go over the final four now.

1.      Both are Called to Obey and Enact Christ’s Word (that is, the Logos of God)

David tells us about angels in Psalm 103: “Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word” (Ps 103:20).

John tells us what Jesus said about us: Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching [Greek: logos: i.e., word]. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them” (Jn 14:23).

The Holy Spirit enables us to do, or possess, at least six things: (1) Our Speech: “For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit” (Jn 3:34). So, the Holy Spirit allows our speech to be in alignment with God’s Word; (2) Our Authority: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ep 2:6). Therefore, we have authority given us though the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us as we yield to his control; (3) His word to not return void: “It [my word] will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Is 55:11). Therefore, if we speak God’s words, they will also not return void; (4) His word to not fail: “For no word from God will ever fail” (Lk 1:37). So, if we speak his words, they also will not fail; (5) Us to remember His words: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (Jn 14:26). We can rely on the Holy Spirit to bring to our minds God’s words appropriate for whatever occasion we need them, as long as we have stored them in our minds; and (6) Us to have the mind of Christ: The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ” (1Co 2:16). Therefore, the Holy Spirit will help us to think like Christ does.

Scripture (words of God) impacts both us and angels. When we pray Scripture, we are giving voice to God’s Word causing angels to respond. Angels will serve us: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hb 1:14). Therefore, they minister for us because they obey God’s word. If we have the mind of Christ, then we will be praying his words which will be effective and enable angels to act on our behalf. This does not mean we are praying to angels, but we are aligning our thoughts and desires with those of God. And angels act on God’s words. The Holy Spirit allows us to do this. It is amazing how the Trinity works in concert in our lives.

We influence angels according to Scripture because angels observe us. Paul tells us, “. . . We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings” (1Co 4:9). We should therefore be conscious of our actions because not only are others looking at us but so are the angels. Are we teaching the right things to those who observe us?

We help angels understand salvation. Peter tells us, “Concerning this salvation . . . Even angels long to look into these things” (1Pt 1:10-12). Salvation is an awe and mysterious thing to angels. We should not take it for granted for, indeed, it is awesome and a mystery. While the angels had a choice to make, they did not have multiple opportunities as we do or have their status change by choosing Christ over Satan as has been done for us. We are now joint heirs with Christ. That is not true for angels.

What can praying scripture do for us? It aligns our thoughts and will with that of God. We cannot be effective if we are not in his will. It gives us confidence in our prayers because they are aligned with the word of God. Only his word is powerful and effective; ours is only if they repeat back to him his words or our words are spoken according to his will. It increases our faith because God cannot go back on his word so we can pray with confidence in his response. His words will not return to him void.

God’s word is powerful. Scripture tells us: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hb 4:12). His word changes us inside and out. Scripture also tells us: Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word (Ps 103:20). His word sends angels into action.

2.      Both are to Fight Against Evil

Paul tells us in Ephesians: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ep 6:12). We often forget this and make our struggle with other individuals forgetting the dark forces which are manipulating many human beings. We need to focus on the spiritual. God’s angels also fight these dark forces. Scripture tells us that Michael the archangel helped to defeat a principality of Persia so another angel could get a message to Daniel (Dn 10:13); Michael will defeat Satan in the end (Rv 12:7-8).

Angels fight for us and with us. We have examples in Scripture of this to encourage and strengthen us. In one example, the king of Aram, a country in Mesopotamia where the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers are located, which is today’s Iraq, went to capture the prophet Elisha because he was telling the King of Israel how to evade the Aramean army. The king of Aram thought he had a spy in his army but was told the prophet Elisha was telling the King of Israel his own battle plans. He therefore sent his army to the city of Dothan in Samaria where Elisha was staying so he could capture him and thereby prevent him from speaking further to the king of Israel.

We find what happened in 2 Kings chapter 6: “When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots [of Aram] had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hill full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2Ki 6: 15-17). God had his angels to protect Elisha with an entire angelic army and in greater number than the king of Aram could muster in the physical.

Angels fight other angels of Satan. An angel fought a demon to get an answer to Daniel concerning his prayer (Dn 10:12-14). Angels fight against human foes as well. A large host of angels came with God to Mt. Sinai (Dt 33:2) and provided protection to Israel (Ps 68:7, 17). As we just mentioned, an angel army surrounded Elisha when the Arameans came to take him (2Ki 6:17). Jesus had access to more than twelve legions of angels at his beck and call (Mt 26:53). We would likely be surprised at what we would see if we could visualize what is going on around us in the spiritual realm.

3.      Both Have Abilities to Fight and Serve

Not all angels are of the same rank and purpose, and, therefore, have different missions in how they follow and obey God’s purpose, whether it is to deliver messages, protect, or to fight against the enemy. Christians are given different gifts of service and ministry for fighting spiritual battles as well. All Christians have access to the armor of God (Ep 6).

Angels do God’s bidding on our behalf. There are many examples in Scripture of this as well: Angels visited Lot and his family in Sodom to keep his promise to Abraham (Gn 19:1); an angel helped Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, obtain a wife for Isaac (Gn 24:40); an angel guarded the children of Israel along their way (Ex 23:20); an angel kept Daniel safe from the lions (Dn 6:22); an angel fought a demon to get a message from God to Daniel (Dn 10:13); an angel rolled the stone away from Christ’s tomb (Mt 28:2-7); an angel opened the gates of the prison for Peter to escape (Ac 5:19); and an angel caused Herod Agrippa to be struck with a sickness causing him to die quickly (Ac 12:23).

We are also equipped to do God’s bidding. God has given us both defensive and offensive weapons (Ep 6): the belt of truth holds the armor together understanding that Jesus Christ and his words are the only truth in this world; our minds are protected with the helmet of salvation as the knowledge about our present and our future is based upon what Christ did for us on the cross; we have the breastplate of righteousness which we have only because of Christ’s blood which he shed for us. God who is above any and all declares us righteous. Anyone who says otherwise are in error to the One True God. We have the shield of faith which is strong enough to defend anything the enemy sends our way because we are solid in our belief in what Christ has done for us. And we have the Sword of the Spirit; the Word of God; which wields only truth and is sharper than any two-edged sword which penetrates to the very essence of one’s thoughts and world perspective to deliver that truth. All of this is accomplished through the footwear which delivers the Gospel of Peace beyond all comprehension to all those who we come in contact with: both friend and foe alike. All of this makes us truly powerful in our spiritual battles with the enemy.

4.      Both Encourage Each Other

We are told in Psalms: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Ps 91:11). While this is also a prophetic psalm about Christ, the psalmist is also stating what is true about his followers.

The psalmist also tells us: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (Ps 34:7).

Peter tells us: “Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things” (1Pt 1:10-12).

We need to be more mindful of our actions because the spiritual realm is listening, watching, and being taught by us. Next time, we’ll look at some cautions we need to consider as we partner with angels to follow God’s commands.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

To answer this question, we need to take several things into consideration.

Our focus should be on the spiritual. After all, we are not of this world. Jesus said of his disciples as he prayed to God, the Father, “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it” (Jn 17:14-16). If we are not of this world, then this means we are part of the spiritual world and should operate in it.

Our battle is a spiritual one. In Ephesians, we read: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ep 6:12). We far too often focus on people rather than the power behind the person causing them to do what they are doing. This causes us to miss the important message that this person is being manipulated by dark spiritual forces who is our true enemy.

Next, we must recognize where we should fight. We operate in the spiritual just like the angels do. Satan, who is spiritual, is against those who follow Christ. We must fight where our enemies dwell. This brings us back to the question we asked last time: does this mean we should partner with God’s holy angels?

There are at least seven ways Christians and angels are similar:

1.      Both Are Called Sons of God

Angels: In Job we read: “On what were its [the Earth’s] footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels [in Hebrew: ben Elohim: i.e., sons of God] shouted for joy?” (Jb 38:6-7).

Us: And in Galatians: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children [in Greek huios: i.e., sons] of God through faith” (Ga 3:26).

Contrary to popular belief, all humans are NOT God’s children. Everyone is born into Satan’s kingdom, not God’s Kingdom. We find proof of this in the Gospel of Matthew: “Again, the devil took him [Jesus] to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me’” (Mt 4:8-9).

Action must be taken to become part of God’s Kingdom. In the Gospel of John, we have Jesus speaking to Nicodemus: “Whoever believes in him [Christ] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (Jn 3:18).

And in Colossians, Paul states, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (Cl 1:13).

We are not equal as “Sons.” Our inheritance is not the same as that of angels. There is no scripture stating angels’ status changes. Yet, if we accept Christ for our eternal future, several things change for us. Angels are either in God’s kingdom or Satan’s kingdom. We go from Satan’s kingdom into God’s kingdom when we accept what Christ did for us. Apparently, angels had one chance to choose sides. It seems a third of the angels followed Satan and the remainder followed God. Their fate and loyalty were then sealed for all eternity. Humans, on the other hand are given numerous opportunities to choose Christ. Why is that? We don’t know for sure, but it could be that angels were originally in God’s kingdom, and some chose Satan over God. Humans on the other hand are born into Satan’s kingdom so God is giving every opportunity possible for us to choose his kingdom.

Our current status is not the same as that of angels. In Ephesians, we read: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ep 2:6). Therefore, we have been made joint-heirs with Christ, and Paul goes on to say we have been given authority with the same power that raised Christ from the dead if we yield to the power of the Holy Spirit (Ep 1:19-20). Our future status is also not the same as that of angels. In 1 Corinthians, we read: “Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!” (1Co 6:3). The authority Christ has won for us will be for all eternity.

2.      Both are servants of Jesus Christ to do his bidding

For angels, we read in Revelation: “I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, ‘Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant (Greek: doulos: i.e., bondservant or slave) with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!’” (Rv 22:8-9).

For us, as stated by Paul in Galatians: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant (Greek: doulos: i.e., bondservant or slave) of Christ” (Ga 1:10).

We both willingly submit ourselves to God like a bondservant or slave does to their master. But our position is by choice.

Let’s further look at the term “doulos” (or bondservant / slave). First, we need to understand that the term “slave” is different from that of a “servant.” A servant is one in the employ of another and can one day be on their own. They have a will different from their employer. A slave, especially a bondservant, on the other hand, is the property of another and can never be on their own. They have no will different from their owner. From these two passages just mentioned, we read that both angels and the followers of Christ have only the will of Christ which they enact.

3.      Both are Christ’s Messengers

There are several examples in the Bible where angels delivered messages from God to various individuals. Angels delivered a message to Abraham (Gn 18:2) about the prophesied birth of Isaac and to Lot (Gn 19:1) to get him to leave Sodom as God promised Abraham. The angel Gabriel delivered a message to Daniel (Da 8:15-16) for which he prayed about, to Zechariah (Lk 1:19) concerning the birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary (Lk 1:26-28) concerning the birth of Christ; many angels delivered a message to shepherds (Lk 2:8-11) about Christ being born in their manger.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2Co 5:20). Both are in this world but not of this world just like an ambassador who is not in their own country but represents their country. We are in Satan’s kingdom but are representing God’s Kingdom. We also have diplomatic immunity. We are not subject to the laws Satan uses to control his subjects. We are under the laws of God and his will only.

Both angels and Christians deliver what has been charged to them to deliver and to whomever is designated. Angels deliver whatever message God or Christ wants delivered to whomever they designate. Christians deliver the message of the Gospel to fellow humans so they can also have the opportunity to choose Christ as their Savior.

We operate under the directive Christ gave to his disciples: “Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I command you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mt 28:19-20).

Can you begin to see why we should be caring about angels? We are in a partnership with God leading us both. Isn’t it awesome? Next time, we’ll go over the additional four reasons we should be caring about this partnership. I hope you’ll join me.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

When was the last time you thought about angels? Likely, Christmas and Easter are about the only two times we think about angels and how God used them. It seems at other times, we as Christians fail to recognize the spiritual realm in which we are to operate. After all, the spiritual realm is probably the more real dimension than is even our current reality and the place where we will spend most of our eternal existence. After all, we were created eternal beings. We will go from mortality to immortality once our life here is over. Our existence in our present reality is such a short period of time compared to eternity.

So, we should ask the question: Should, or can, Christians partner with angels? And is that even possible? Before we go there, though, let’s first consider the question: what do we know about angels? If you ask most people, you’ll likely get an answer that is not biblically based. Why? Because art and Hollywood have distorted our view of angels. What are some of the things we learn from such media?

There is a famous painting titled Sistine Madonna painted in 1512 by the Italian painter Raphael. While a beautiful painting, it gives us some errant information about angels. If you look at the bottom of the painting, you’ll see two infant cherubs. This part of the painting has even become more popular than the overall painting itself. You’ll see these cherubs on valentine cards and in many different types of decorations. Maybe you’re like me and didn’t even know they were part of another painting. They are drawn to look innocent, cute, and engender a sense of happiness and frivolity—and, sometimes, with just a hint of mischief. Also, when someone very young dies, you’ll often hear people say something like, God needed another angel in heaven, or something to that effect. Yet, the Bible’s view of a cherub is far different from this. Also, humans never become angels when they die, no matter how young they were.

Another famous painting is titled Song of the Angels, painted in 1881 by William-Adolphe Bouguereau. Again, it is quite beautiful and engenders a sense of happiness and tranquility as the angels in the painting are playing music for the infant Jesus to enjoy. Yet is this true? It, too, provides errant teaching. This painting portrays angels to be quiet, demure, and feminine. This is not how the Bible portrays angels at all. Everyone in the Bible who encountered an angel was usually at first terrified and fell to the ground in deference.

Also, Hollywood has had a huge influence on our understanding of angels. Remember Clarence Oddbody in It’s a Wonderful Life? He was George Bailey’s guardian angel and had come to earn his wings by helping George realize just how valuable to others he really was. It’s a great story. Just not true to Biblical teaching. Angels do not undergo self-improvement techniques to earn their wings and they do not go from one phase of being an angel to another.

Remember Touched by an Angel? Monica and her boss Tess had a caseload of humans to go through to try to better their lives and give them a helping hand. While the stories were wonderful and engendered a message of hope to its audience, the teaching was, again, errant in its overarching message. Angels are not put on assignment to better themselves or to be able to get to a desired designated rank.

So, this begs the question: What are angels? The designation “angel” simply means “messenger.” They are spirit beings who operate in this world without usually being seen by humans and were created by God. Some look human, some do not; some have wings, some do not. They operate under the direction of God; yet some are under the direction of Satan. There are hundreds of thousands of angels who operate in a hierarchy.

What kind of hierarchy, you ask? Let’s explore that question. Some have divided the angels into three orders and nine classifications:

Highest Order: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones

Second Order: Dominions, Archangels, Powers

Third Order: Virtues, Principalities, Angels

These names do come from Scripture, but someone had to use their own reasoning to put them in this particular order. Yet, as we’ll see, this order does make some sense. The prophet Isaiah had an encounter where he saw one order of angels, called seraphim: “Above him [the LORD] were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying” (Is 6:2). These are considered the highest order because they are around the throne itself. Their name means burning or fiery one—likely meaning they are of copper color.

The prophet Ezekiel experienced a different order of angels, called cherubim: “I looked, and I saw the likeness of a throne of sapphire above the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim” (Ek 10:1). The cherubim are considered the second rank because they are just below God’s throne.

The apostle Paul, in Ephesians, mentions several of the orders of angels: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers [principalities], against the authorities [virtues], against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ep 6:12). This verse is talking about Satan’s kingdom, yet, if the order of angels is true, it seems he gained some of the second and third order of angels into his domain. This shows that God is a God of order and Satan has exploited his work.

Paul mentions some of these same orders of angels in Colossians: “For by him [Christ] all things were created whether thrones or powers [dominions- this is a different Greek word than what was translated as powers in the Ephesians passage] or rulers [principalities] or authorities [virtues]; all things were created by him and for him” (Cl 1:16).

And we see the order of archangel in the book of Jude: “But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” (Ju 9).

And of course, the generalized term “angel” is mentioned throughout the Bible.

This hierarchy of angels was codified by a man who originally claimed to be Dionysius (one of the converts by the apostle Paul in Athens) who was a member of the Athenian Areopagus. His exact identity is not known, so historians have termed him as Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite. The Areopagus was something like a Greek thinktank for people to come, discuss, and debate all sorts of ideas and beliefs. Paul used their process and curiosity to his advantage in his first visit to Athens to talk to the Athenians about their statue made to what they termed, “the Unknown God.” The Athenians believed in a pantheon of gods and did not want to snub a god whom they did not know. Paul used this as a means to discuss with them the God of the Universe. The Areopagus was also denoted as Mars Hill by many.

It is believed by some that this hierarchy of angels was a teaching of early Christians; some say by Gnostics. We do know that Gnostics had a habit of calling their works by a renowned biblical or Christian figure. While Scripture does allude to an angelic hierarchy, it is not specific in the exact hierarchy or the role of each of these divisions.

Let’s take a closer look at this hierarchy of angels and see what this Pseudo-Dionysius said about them.

Highest Order: Heavenly Angels

Seraphim (Is 6:1-17) – minister around God’s throne and have six wings.

Cherubim (Ek 10) – had four faces and wings; located under God’s throne in the stones of fire.

Thrones (Cl 1:16) – while not stated, perhaps these are the Living Creatures that are before God’s throne (Rv 4:6-8); each had six wings with eyes, and each had the face like of one of the heads of the Cherubim.

Second Order: Warrior Angels

Dominions (Cl 1:16) – deliver God’s justice in unjust situations.

Archangels (1Th 4:16; Ju 9) – likely leaders of warrior angels as one, Michael, helped a messenger angel get a message to the prophet Daniel by fighting a powerful demon; the Bible only names one archangel: Michael (Ju 9).

Powers (Cl 1:16) – warrior angels under the direction of Archangels.

Third Order: Messenger Angels (but not devoid of fighting)

Virtues (Ep 1:21 DRV) – “Unyielding courage”; strengthen mankind’s faith in God. [Note: Douay-Rheims is the only version that lists “authorities” as “virtues.” This translation is made from the Latin Vulgate version of Scripture and was the first English version of the Bible accepted by the Catholic Church.]

Principalities (Ep 1:21) – watch nations and ensure the fulfillment of God’s will.

Angels – minister to mankind.

There is another angel mentioned in Scripture who is different from the other angels we just mentioned and discussed. This is The Angel of the Lord. While he is called an angel, he is a special and unique angel. This angel would be called The Messenger of Jehovah, since “angel” means “messenger” and “LORD” means “Jehovah” [or Yahweh]. The definite article is always used in reference to this angel’s designation, meaning this entity is likely none other than the preincarnate person of Jesus Christ. This being the case, we see Christ was very active in the Old Testament as well. He appeared to various individuals: Hagar (Gn 17:7) when running from Sarah; Abraham (Gn 22:11) to let him know his son, Isaac, would be born to Sarah; Moses (Ex 3:2) at the burning bush; Balaam (Nu 22:22) to block the way of his donkey in order to get his attention so he would bless and not curse Israel as the king of Moab wanted him to do; Israel as a nation (Jd 2:1) to state not to make a covenant with Canaanites; Gideon (Jd 6:11) to tell him to deliver Israel from the Midianites; Manoah (Jd 13:15) as well as his wife (Jd 13:3) to tell them they would have a son, Samson; David (2Sa 24:15) to deliver judgment of a plague because he did a census of the Israelites against God’s will; Gad (1Ch 21:18) for him to tell king David to build an altar at the threshing floor of Araunah to stop the plague sent among the people; Elijah (1Ki 19:7) when he fled from Jezebel after killing her prophets of Baal; and Zechariah (Zc 1:11) to tell him to continue building the temple and to encourage Zerubbabel to do the same. He also executed judgment: on Israel (1Ch 21:12) because king David took an unsanctioned census, and on the Assyrians (2Ki 19:35) when they came against King Hezekiah in Jerusalem. He also camps around those who fear the LORD (Ps 34:7).

Now that we know about the classifications and potential hierarchy of these beings, our next question is, why should be care about these angelic beings? Join me next time, and we’ll discuss that very subject. Until then, may God bless.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

While many of us are getting over the excitement of Christmas and preparing for the New Year, there are others who are still in the thick of Christmas celebration. Before Christmas, we celebrated the four weeks of Advent as we prepared and celebrated the birth of Christ. For some, Christmas was just the beginning of another celebration that lasts for twelve days and leads from Christmas to Epiphany. What is this celebration and what is Epiphany? Let’s find out.

For many of us, The 12 Days of Christmas is just a zany Christmas song that is sung in a round and keeps repeating itself. It’s just a fun song that a group of people can really get into. Yet, this song refers to an almost two week celebration of Christ’s birth and what he has given to us.

The celebration of The 12 Days of Christmas, or Christmastide, was established by the Council of Tours in 567 AD. The lyrics were published in 1780, but likely existed far earlier. While it is unknown when the song was first written, it is believed to originally be of French origin and began as a memory and forfeits game. This is a game where one makes up unrealistic lyrics to a song to stunt your opponent. If not repeated correctly, that person must forfeit something to the other person. The tune we know of today is from the English composer Frederic Austin in 1909.

The first Christmas was celebrated in 336 AD under the Roman Emperor Constatine. Christmastide goes from the first day being Christmas day to the night before Epiphany, January 6th. Epiphany was first celebrated around 200 AD and was originally the recognition of Christ’s baptism and a time when new converts to Christianity were baptized. It is still celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox today. Yet, by 361 AD, Epiphany was changed to be a celebration of the visit of the Magi to Jesus and their presentation of their gifts to him. Yet, when the Schism of the Catholic Church occurred in 1024 AD, the West continued with the celebration of the Magi on Epiphany while the East officially adopted the celebration of Christ’s baptism.

Some say the song The 12 Days of Christmas was derived or used by Catholics as a secret code to teach catechism and avoid persecution. Some believe this to be untrue for a couple of reasons: (1) the English monarch in 1780 was George III who was considered by many to be a devout Christian. Yet, he took seriously his role as the defender of the Anglican Church. While not actively against those outside the Anglican Church, he would not be supportive of them either. (2) Yet, again, there is nothing taught by this technique that would be contrary to the teachings of the Anglican Church and strictly Catholic in origin. But still, far less reasons for persecution between Catholics and Protestants had been instituted in the past. We have discovered that “conspiracy theories” often have a habit of being true. And it is interesting how the symbolism plays out quite conveniently to the lyrics of this song even though they sound rather zany at first glance.

So, let’s investigate this song and the meanings to which may be inferred.

Each stanza of the song starts with the saying, “My True Love Sent to Me . . .” This is a reference to none other than God Himself. The Bible teaches us that God is love. John tells us, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1Jn 4:9-12). Jeremiah stated, “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jr 31:3). We may not originally think of these things in the song as gifts, but as we explore, I think we can agree these are definitely gifts from a loving God. Also, the number twelve is significant because it represents perfection, authority, and completeness. So, these twelve gifts should represent the perfect gifts of God to us.

On the 1st Day of Christmas, a partridge in a pear tree is presented. This represents Jesus Christ providing wisdom and prosperity. Jesus Christ’s birth is celebrated on the first day of Christmastide. In some Christian circles, the pear signifies knowledge and wisdom, as some believe the pear was the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden, and believe the shape of the pear is linked to humanity’s sorrows. The partridge symbolizes protection and sacrifice because a partridge will give its life to defend its young. This is quite as accurate symbolism of Jesus Christ as to his origin, suffering, and sacrifice. All the gifts within this song point to him, represent him, or come from him.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas, two turtle doves are presented. These represent the Old & New Testaments, which is the provision of the complete plan of God. It is often said the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. As doves are a representation of the Holy Spirit; it is the Holy Spirit who ties all of scripture together. Paul stated in 2nd Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2Tm 3:16).

Doves also represent peace and harmony. Jesus stated, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Mt 5:17). By fulfilling the Law, much of the Old Testament seems like it is null and void, but because it is fulfilled, much of the Law no longer has the same impact on us because Jesus became our Old Testament required sacrifice so that we can now petition directly with the Father: The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience, and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hb 10:19-22).

On the 3rd Day of Christmas, three French hens are presented. These represent Faith, Hope, & Love. The apostle Paul stated, “And now these three [gifts] remain: faith, hope and love, But the greatest of these is love” (1Co 13:13).

French hens come in various colors and patterns, depending on the breed. They are known for their unique feather patterns, colorful eggs, and personality. Like these hens, faith, hope, & love are related but distinct on their own. They each have their own “personality” so to speak. All the other gifts given by the Holy Spirit hinge on these three. Paul tells us that other gifts without, especially, love is like listening to clanging cymbals. One must first have these three to make any other gifts effective and used in the way God intended them. The other gifts without these three can lead to pride and conceit, just the opposite of what any gift is designed to achieve.

Faith is trusting in God for what he says. Hope is believing in what God says about our future as if it already was. Love is demonstrating the trait God has shown to us to others. These are definitely gifts that can only come from God Himself.

On the 4th Day of Christmas, four calling birds are presented. These represent the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John. Although the lyrics today say “calling birds,” it seems originally it was “four colly birds.” Colly birds are typically European black thrushes but can represent any small songbird of any color. This is a great depiction of the Gospels: each one calls to all but with a slightly different song and perspective of Jesus: Matthew presents Christ as the Messiah; Mark present Christ as Our Sacrifice; Luke presents Christ as Savior to all; and John presents Christ as the Son of God.

On the 5th Day of Christmas, five gold rings are presented. These represent The Pentateuch (Torah), or the five books of Moses (i.e., Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). Gold rings signify covenant and promise. The first five books of the Bible provide God’s covenant with Israel and the set up for the new covenant which he also promised to Israel and which we, as Gentiles, are grafted into once we accept Christ for our future. Understanding the old covenant is foundational to understanding, and appreciating, the new covenant Christ has extended to us. Genesis presents how everything began by God’s design and introduces his Promised Kingdom he will one day provide through a coming Messiah. Exodus speaks of deliverance from sin and old ways and turning toward God and how to worship him. Leviticus presents the Law—a binding to God. It shows how to obey and worship a holy God. Numbers is a representation of sanctification over time like the Children of Israel enduring various trials as they traveled through the wilderness on their way to their Promised Land. Deuteronomy was a remembrance for the Children of Israel as Moses reminded them what God did for them, and he prepared them for their future once they reached their Promised Land.

On the 6th Day of Christmas, six geese a-laying were presented. These represent the six days of creation. Each day could be considered hatched, or birthed, by God. As geese lay eggs from within them to give birth to chicks, God birthed creation into existence from within him, being created from nothing already existing. Understanding how creation came to be is foundational to a proper worldview and understanding how God and we are intimately connected to each other. In various cultures, geese have been associated with creation, community, martial harmony, and seasonal changes. On Day 1, light was created. Light is paramount to life; Jesus stated he is the light of the world (Jn 8:12). On Day 2, the firmament was created which gives us air to breathe and protection from cosmic radiation, just as Jesus is our sustainer and protector (Mt 6:25-34). On Day 3, land & vegetation were created, providing us a place to live and nutrients for our needs, reminding us that Jesus is our life sustainer. On Day 4 the sun, moon, and stars were created which provide just the right balance for life to exists on the Earth—all sustained by Jesus Christ himself (Cl 1:17). On Day 5, birds & fish were created providing beauty and nourishment to sustain us—again reminding us that we are sustained by Jesus Christ himself. On Day 6, land creatures & mankind were created. The land creatures provide us nourishment, companionship, and a way to get work done. Again, all sustained by Jesus Christ.

On the 7th Day of Christmas, seven swans a-swimming were presented. These represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In some Christian literature, swans represent the Holy Spirit or God’s unconditional love for humanity. In some cases, swans are even used to symbolize Christ himself – his purity and grace being represented in this beautiful creature. Isaiah 11: 2-3 presents these gifts: (1) The Spirit of wisdom and (2) of understanding, (3) the Spirit of counsel and (4) of might (fortitude), (5) the Spirit of the knowledge and (6) fear of the LORD (piety), and he will (7) delight in the fear of the LORD. Let’s look at these more closely.

Wisdom is discernment, insight, and rightly applying God’s word. The psalmist says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise” (Ps 111:10). So, wisdom is something that we should all be pursuing.

Understanding is the ability to comprehend, learn, and connect to God’s word. Solomon, in Proverbs, says, “Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course” (Pr 15:32). Understanding leads us to having a course in life pleasing to God.

Knowledge is the theoretical and practical understanding of truth expressed through God’s word. Solomon told us, again in Proverbs, “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered” (Pr 17:27). So, knowledge of God leads us to understanding who he is, and that leads us to have awestruck respect for God which is wisdom.

Counsel is the ability to convey insight from God’s word to others. The psalmist said, “I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me” (Ps 16:7). God’s word is where we should receive our counsel for how to make our plans successful.

Fortitude is courage to stand and persevere during adversity knowing God is on your side based upon His word. James tells us, “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (Ja 1:3). We should know who we are in Christ so that we can stand in spite of circumstances and chaos which may surround us.

Piety is devotion in service of God according to His word. The word piety in this verse is translated from the Latin Vulgate. It is not listed in other translations. Yet, the concept is definitely taught in scripture. In Deuteronomy, we read, “It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him” (Dt 13:4). Understanding and practicing all the previous gifts enables us to serve out of gratitude, not out of duty or necessity for approval or winning favor.

The fear of the Lord is a state of holy reference as well as being in awe of who God really is, both his wonderful love as well as his longsuffering judgment. Isaiah actually has this as two separate gifts where one has been interpreted as piety, the fear of the LORD, and secondly to delight in the fear of the LORD. To delight in the fear of the Lord is to have a relationship with this one who you can call “Abba Father” and at the same time know his capability of discipline. Solomon also said in Proverbs: “The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (Pr 19:23). It is one thing to have fear, or reverence, for the Lord, but another to delight in this reverence which is another way of saying you have an intimate relationship with God. All of the previous gifts lead to being able to have this one.

On the 8th Day of Christmas, eight maids a-milking were presented. These represent the Beatitudes: those who inherit the kingdom. In 16th century England, women working as day laborers would indicate they were quite poor for they would normally take care of their house or someone else's. So, the beatitudes represent those who the world considers “lowly” but whom God esteems greatly (Mt 5: 3-10): blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted; blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth; blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled; blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy; blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God; blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God; blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. God’s kingdom is upside down to how mankind has set up kingdoms on this world (much from the influence of Satan).

On the 9th Day of Christmas, nine ladies dancing were presented. These represent the fruit of the Spirit. Dancing represents emotions and spiritual experiences. So, it isn’t a stretch to understand that nine ladies dancing would represent the fruit of the Spirit (Ga 5:22-23): Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. These add grace & beauty to anyone’s life and to all those around us.

On the 10th Day of Christmas, ten lords a-leaping are presented. These represent the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). Lords have always been associated with making proclamations, laws, and commandments. The 10 commandments are both God-relational and fellow man-relational. They cover: (1) our relationship with God: Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only; Do not take God’s name in vain; Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy; (2) Our relationship with family: Honor your father and mother. (3) Our relationship with others:  Do not kill; Do not commit adultery; Do not steal; Do not bear false witness. And (4) the respect we should have for others and what is theirs: Do not covet your neighbor’s wife; Do not covet your neighbor’s possessions. These all represent how to live a harmonious life but require all to follow them.

On the 11th Day of Christmas, eleven pipers piping are presented. These represent the eleven disciples. Judas Iscariot is not included because he did not carry forth the gospel. It’s interesting that the disciples are contrasted to “pipes” or woodwinds. There are various kinds of woodwinds and can be used as solos, in combination together to play the melody, or to support the melody. The disciples were similar in that each had different talents and skills, and each complemented the building of the church and spreading the gospel to many places. Judas, of course, is excluded from this list because of his betrayal of Jesus, and a reminder that we must stand for Christ to be counted worthy by God.

On the 12th Day of Christmas, twelve drummers drumming are presented. These represent the 12 Points of the Apostle’s Creed. Drummers keep the beat or cadence for others to follow. This fits in well with the Apostle’s Creed for it is also the beat, or belief, all Christians should follow so that we are united within the body of Christ. Unity is an important point made in Scripture: The psalmist states, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Ps 133:1). Paul tells us in Ephesians, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ep 4:3). And states in Colossians, “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Cl 3:14). Now let’s look at each of the 12 points in more detail:

Apostle’s Creed #1: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Paul tells us in Colossians, “For in him [Christ] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Cl 1:16, 17). Therefore, all things originated from God.

Apostle’s Creed #2: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

Paul stated, “He [Jesus Christ] has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time” (2Tm 1:9). Jesus is the ultimate solution to our sin problem.

Apostle’s Creed #3: He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

Isaiah prophesied, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Is 7:14). Matthew tells us, “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledge to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit” (Mt 1:18). As well as, “But he [Joseph] did not consummate their marriage until she [Mary] give birth to a son. And he [Joseph] gave him [the infant] the name Jesus” (Mt 1:25). Luke adds to this by saying, “You [Mary] will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus” (Lk 1:31). A virgin birth is paramount to how Jesus Christ can save us. Only someone fully human yet full God could accomplish this.

Apostle’s Creed #4: He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

Matthew states, “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” (Mt 27:22). John tells us, “Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head” (Jn 19:1-2). He goes on to say, “Finally Pilate handed him [Jesus] over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus” (Jn 19:16). He then adds, “When he [Jesus] had received the drink. Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (Jn 19:30). Mark tells us, “So Joseph [of Arimathea] brought some linen cloth, took down the body [of Jesus], wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb” (Mk 15:46). Christ was the only one who could atone for the sins of everyone.

Apostle’s Creed #5: He descended into hell [Sheol]. On the third day, he rose again.

Paul tells us in Colossians, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Cl 2:15). Peter adds to this by saying, “After being made alive [in the Spirit], he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits” (1Pt 3:19). Paul tells us in First Corinthians, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1Co 15:20). Christ’s resurrection is the hope and assurance of our resurrection and having a glorified body that will be like his for all eternity.

Apostle’s Creed #6: He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

We read in Acts, “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight” (Ac 1:9). Paul tells us in Romans: “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Ro 8:34). Christ is our ultimate high priest and makes intercession on our behalf to God, the Father.

Apostle’s Creed #7: He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

We read in Acts, “Men of Galilee,” they [the angels] said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Ac 1:11). John tells us in Revelation, “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war” (Rv 19:11). And goes on to say, “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire (Rv 20:15). He is a God of love but ultimately a God of justice.

Apostle’s Creed #8: I believe in the Holy Spirit

In Acts we read, “All of them [Christ’s disciples] were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Ac 2:4). John reminds us of Jesus’ words: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (Jn 14:26). The writer of Hebrews tells us, “God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will” (Hb 2:4). And the apostle Paul tells us, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Ro 8:6). We can have the power and mind of Christ because we have the Holy Spirit.

Apostle’s Creed #9: I believe in the holy catholic Church

The word catholic here means “universal.” Paul tells us in Ephesians, “Christ is the head of the church” (Ep 5:23). And also states, “The church submits to Christ” (Ep 5:24). And then tells us, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ep 5:25). He also tells us in Second Corinthians, “I am jealous for you [the church] with a godly jealousy, I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him” (2Co 11:2). He also speaks to the church in his epistle to the Philippians: “then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Pp 2:2). We are to have unity as the body of Christ.

Apostle’s Creed #10: I believe in the communion of saints

The writer of Hebrew states, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hb 12:1). As well as telling us, “. . . Not giving up meeting together . . .” (Heb 10:25). Paul tells us in Second Corinthians, “And when he had given thanks, he broke it [the bread] and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me’” (1Co 11: 24-25). We are to meet together to strengthen and encourage one another.

Apostle’s Creed #11: I believe in the forgiveness of sins

Paul tells us in Ephesians, “In him [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ep 1:7). And also in Colossians, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins” (Cl 2:13). John wrote, “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his [Jesus’] name” (1Jn 2:12). This gives us hope and the opportunity to live with Him forever.

Apostle’s Creed #12: I believe in the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

In John, we read, “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (Jn 11:25). And Paul stated, “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Ro 6:5). As well as, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ro 6:23). His resurrection gives us assurance of an eternity with him if we have accepted what he has done for us and the hope of our eternal future.

While the 12 Days of Christmas is just a zany Christmas song to many, I hope the next time you hear it, you will remember the key elements of our faith, what Christ gave up to give us all of these gifts, and to appreciate them and review them every time you hear this song in the future.

Paul tells us in Ep 3:20-21: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

We have a lot to live for and even more to experience both in this life and in the life to come!

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Our pastor has decided to retire this next year. He and his wife have been such a great asset to our church and to all of us individually. I wrote this sonnet several years ago, but still feel the same way today.

Christmas is a time of gifts and good cheer.

A time of good deeds and being benevolent.

But sometimes a pretty package leads one to say, “Oh dear!”

Because what was wrapped was actually a white elephant.

Other gifts are expensive and showy which reflect more the giver

Than reflecting on what was wanted, what was needed, or desired.

Some gifts are timely and precious putting a smile on the receiver,

Making onlookers wish to the same they had aspired.

Then come the gifts devoid of pretty packages and bows,

Whose contents, though intangible, are as precious as one’s youth.

Unwrapped is not a thing but a person God bestows,

With a desire to share the Christmas story based upon God’s truth.

And that brings us to the gift Countryside received more than a decade ago,

When God brought to us the gift of Mike and Kaye Otto.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

This poem alternates between three Christmas perspectives: Angelic viewpoint; Joseph’s viewpoint; and modern day viewpoint.

I don’t understand. Was this the plan? Is this what Jesus will do?

How could he leave and go to the Earth, and grieve those here who remain?

I hear the love that resides in him is so great that he will now woo

The humans he loves because that is what he does and their future he will soon regain.

I don’t understand why his plan is entrusted to someone like me.

Can I as a father not bother to care for the life of such a one?

Yet, if he is the Savior which his angel has said, then what can I to him be?

But I will obey and ensure the way so his will for me can be done.

I don’t understand why we wrap all these presents. I for one say nay.

They’re such a chore, a pain, and a bore—that’s for sure and certain.

Is anyone even grateful for how much I spend and just give it all away?

I wouldn’t shed a tear if on all this “cheer” we would just close the curtain.

I can’t believe what I just heard! How can it be? It can’t be true.

He’s bringing his love, which comes from above, but these humans won’t even care.

Gabriel has said of this he knew, but his birth would somehow become a clue

For those who follow, his love they hallow, and it to others they bear.

I can’t believe the shepherds would come to observe our baby just born here at Migdal Eder.

Angels, it seems, had said to them to be of good cheer for he lay here in their manger.

I thought they would be mad but one shepherd replied and spoke as if their leader.

He said no, they were happy to ponder this Promised Wonder; Israel to God no longer a stranger.

I can’t believe my wife had me purchase such an expensive type of wrapping paper.

Why does the color need to be gold with texture stiff and hard to fold? But that’s what I had to buy.

Yeah, she said beauty of the color reminds her of the gold, and the frankincense and myrrh

That was given so freely, on that first Christmas really, to the baby Jesus by the regal Magi.

I think I get it now, even though it is strange to see it all play out.

Jesus left heaven on that Shavuot, being born as a sin antidote, arriving on Earth as an infant

So he could with humans identify even though their allegiance lays often in doubt.

But he assures his love will win in the end, freeing mankind from sin, becoming transcendent.

I think I get it now, this Promised One in my arms giving me a feeling of awe.

Knowing that God has visited this sod in such a glorious and magnificent way.

It’s beyond my comprehension how his tiny little fingers reach out and touch my jaw.

My eyes fill with tears realizing Mary’s fears will manifest on that future dark day.

I think I get it now: this present wrapped in gold donning its delicate bow changes my attitude.

I anxiously await as the giver for the receiver to open this gift wrapped with so much care.

It then hits me. God felt the same giving his Word, his Son, without any platitude.

What mattered was not its inception but its open reception without any needed fare.

I bow my head and raise my hand as I am taught this love which Jesus freely flaunts.

Humans are not worth the mention but that does not change the attention that is given.

“It was all for naught,” “it will not last,” “and all will forget,” the Adversary taunts,

But love, a sacrificial cause, will give the receiver applause as one day to be risen

To a life anew forever united with this One who loved them so.

Their praise will last forever because their Savior will never let them go.

I bow my head and raise my hand as I look at the shepherds and Magi here on their knees

Realizing I am part of the prophecy of the supremacy of this dear one now in Mary’s arms.

Yes, sadness will come but will not remain for there is more to these prophecies

Which state my adopted son will one day reign King of kings and free us all from any harms.

My heart beats with pride as I look at this one so tiny in this lowly of places.

Knowing I’m fulfilling God plan for me, for Israel to see, and for the world full of so many faces.

I bow my head and raise my hand, a better attitude now found.

Presents are a symbol of the love that does resemble what occurred on that first nativity.

How love came down in the form of an infant, and to all mankind did abound.

Even to those who refuse his gift and remain amused in their negativity.

But Christ’s love bestows new life to those who believe and keeps the evil that comes at bay.

So shout it and say, “I thank you Yahweh for the love you gave on that first Christmas Day.”

By: Randy C Dockens

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Can you believe that? Almost being fired for delivering news we have all waited for for centuries. I mean, who else should be more excited than me about this, but them? I thought that was why my great grandfather, by grandfather, my father, and I have worked as shepherds for the temple.

My father taught me it was an honor to watch over the sheep that produce lambs for temple sacrifice. We have always taken great pride in ensuring the animals are without any blemish because we want only the best to be offered to Yahweh. The Torah commands it. We obey. That’s what the priests teach us and repeat to us almost every time we bring them the lambs.

“We can’t afford to offer anything with any hint of sickness, deformity, or blemish,” they say. “It’s your job to ensure that,” they drill into us.

And we do! I can’t remember a single time I had to be reprimanded for bringing in a bad lamb or goat.

I learned from my father and grandfather what to do. And I was determined to do it even better. I was going to be known for the quality of my work. I would watch each ewe carefully for when they showed signs of being ready to deliver. I would bring them to Migdal Eder, our watchtower for the flock just outside Bethlehem, when they got near their time for delivery so I could watch them closely. As soon as the lamb was born, I would grab it, wrap, and swaddle it so neither the mother could accidently kick or step on it nor the lamb somehow injure itself. The swaddling cloths would cause the lamb to calm. After it calmed down, I would place it in the stone manger and examine every square inch of its body to ensure it was a lamb worthy of temple sacrifice: free from any blemish or malady. I had to watch all the lambs born for an entire year to ensure they fed properly, didn’t become too rambunctious, or do anything that could potentially harm or mar them in any way. Even if I do say so myself, that’s a lot of hard work. And I take great pride in it. Doing otherwise yielded harsh consequences.

Oh, I saw how these “benevolent” priests could get so riled when things didn’t go their way. I was determined not to go through their scolding. They can be brutal. After all, wasn’t it only a couple months ago they were commending me on the quality of sheep they got from me for Passover? Now, today, they tell me I must be drunk because I saw hallucinations, and if I don’t stop spreading these false rumors, they will not only fire me but excommunicate me. And maybe even my entire family from the temple! I can’t bring such a disgrace to my family.

But I can’t deny what happened and what I saw either.

There we all were, sitting around the campfire as the sheep had finally settled down. All of a sudden, the dark, night sky burst into glorious light. It was a light almost like that of the sun, but different somehow. I was able to look at it. The light began to move, and I realized it wasn’t light after all, but an angel! I didn’t know what was happening and wanted to run, but my feet wouldn’t move. I was terrified, I tell you. But the angel spoke. Such a calming tone yet commanding somehow.

“Don’t be afraid,” the angel said. “I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people. Born to you, even today, in the City of David is a Savior, the Christ, the Messiah you have been waiting for. Here is a sign for you: you will find him as a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in the manger.”

Then, suddenly, the night sky exploded with light. Many, many angels seemed to be everywhere around us! Each shining like a glorious star—and singing. I can still hear them:

“Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.”

We all were stunned, standing there looking into the sky with mouths partially open. I don’t know how long it lasted. It seemed like an eternity and like a split second at the same time. Then, just as suddenly as they appeared, they vanished.

The darkness enveloped us once again.

We all just stared at each other for several seconds.

Benjamin broke the silence and said, “What just happened?”

“A miracle,” Elimelech added.

I then chimed in, “Let’s go see.”

“See what?” Benjamin asked. Benjamin has always been a little slow on the uptake, granted, but I just couldn’t believe him.

“See what? The baby, the Messiah, of course.”

“Let’s do it,” Eldad replied, “but where?”

Maybe they were still too stunned, but I know they heard the same words as I did.

“Why, Midgal Eder, of course. Where else has a manger we know about?”

So, we left Simon and Jesse with the sheep as the rest of us headed to the watchtower.

As we approached Migdal Eder, we saw a small fire going, so we knew someone was using the watchtower. The timing for birthing of the lambs was practically over so we only had some supplies and a few animals there at the time. When we poked our heads in, a woman and man looked at us, at first startled, but the mother then smiled at us—almost like she knew we would be coming. She was somewhat rocking the baby as it lay in the stone manger; she waved for us to come closer.

The man spoke first. “I am Joseph. This is my wife, Mary. And this . . .”

Mary picked up the infant so I could see his face, “is our son.”

I think I gasped. It was such a special moment.

Now any baby is cute, but this one—well, he was different. Looking into his eyes was like looking into eternity. I can’t really explain it, but I just knew he was special—he was the One Israel had been waiting for. With eyes like that, yes, he was the One.

“What is his name?” I asked.

The mother smiled and said, “Jesus.”

I grinned. “The Lord Saves.”

Mary nodded. “He will save his people from their sins.”

My eyes began to water. “My name is Joshua,” I said.

Mary smiled again. “Then you both have something in common already. Your names are similar to each other,” she said as she placed her son back in the manger.

I nodded again—overcome with emotion.

I looked down at the infant in the stone manger, and I gasped again. He looked just like a newborn lamb I would wrap in swaddling cloths inspecting it for blemishes to ensure it would be suitable for sacrifice. It hit me like a ton of bricks. This is the One who would save his people from their sins. Sin requires sacrifice. This meant he would, somehow, become the sacrifice for Israel. How he would do that I had no idea but knew he would. This One had come to be born to die.

My eyes watered again, and I looked at Mary who seemed to know what I was thinking. She gave a slight nod as her eyes watered as well.

It then struck me what Joseph had said. “If you are married, how can you be the virgin to give birth to our promised Messiah as prophesied by the great prophet Isaiah?”

Mary touched my shoulder and looked into my eyes. “I assure you; the Holy Spirit has conceived this child. Joseph and I have not yet been together.”

When I looked at Joseph, he nodded. “I took her as my wife to protect her.”

I nodded as I knew immediately what he meant. Knowing the wrath the priests could bring upon someone, I knew he had likely saved her from being stoned to death. But I just knew the high priest would welcome this one with open arms. After all, this baby was fulfilling prophecy, several in fact, and the Sanhedrin certainly believed in prophecy, or so I thought.

I told Joseph and Mary all that had happened: about the angel and what he said, about the angels singing, and the bright star I had noticed.

“Oh,” she said, “I don’t think many even look up to notice the star. How did you notice it?”

I laughed. “A shepherd has two things to do,” I said. “Tend sheep during the day and look at the stars at night. And I’m certainly not going to count sheep at night to go to sleep. I spend all day counting sheep. I’d rather just look at the stars until I fall asleep.”

Both Mary and Joseph thought that a little funny.

We stayed a little longer and then left the couple there with their infant so they could have privacy and get some sleep themselves.

I had a hard time sleeping that night, though. What would the priests say? Would we still have a job if the true sacrifice was already with us?

But I learned something. Greed trumps prophecy. I overhead some of the priests say that if the people heard what I had just told them, then they may stop buying sheep for sacrifice. They definitely didn’t want that to happen. Then, as I said earlier, they threatened me to remain silent. I eventually told them what they wanted to hear: I would not spread false rumors.

But what I saw and heard was not false. No! It was truth!

Truth is something to be shared. And that is what I will do! I will share the truth because it is the truth that will set one free. So, I will go and spread truth. After what you’ve heard from me, I hope you will do the same. Until we meet again. Shalom.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

All that occurs when Christ returns to this earth is in preparation for Christ’s Millennial Kingdom when He will reign over all the earth (Zc 14:9). However, before this, Christ’s kingdom will only include those righteous as Satan will not be loose during this time (Rv 20:1-3).

The beginning of the Millennium is almost like the antithesis of the earth after the Rapture. This time all those who have not accepted Christ as their Savior are removed.

There are two groups who enter the Millennium. One group is composed of those who were alive at the time of Christ’s return and who had accepted him as their Savior. They enter the Millennium in their current human bodies. The other group is composed of those who are part of the first resurrection and enter the Millennium in glorified bodies. These consists of the following:

·       Those who returned with Christ when He came to destroy the Antichrist and bind Satan (Rv 19:14). These are considered the church, i.e., those from Christ’s resurrection until the Rapture who put their faith in Him.

·       Those that put their faith in the Messiah prior to his resurrection (Dn 12:1-2). These are resurrected after Christ’s return and before the start of His reign (Rv 20:4).

·       Those martyred for their faith during the Tribulation period. These also are resurrected after Christ’s return and before the start of His reign (Rv 20:4).

Those of the Gentiles who are left will travel to Jerusalem each year to worship the Lord (Zc 14:16) and the punishment for not doing so will be lack of rain (Zc 14:17) and those of Egypt will receive plagues as punishment for not worshiping the Lord (Zc 14:18-19). Egypt here may be a metaphor for all the Gentile nations where lack of rain would not be devastating due to river irrigation and, therefore, more severe punishment will be instituted to show to all the world that nation’s disfavor with God. God will establish Jerusalem as the place from which He will reign and will become a holy city dedicated to the Lord (Zc 14:20-21).

A sacrificial system is reinstituted. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, death is abolished. There is no mention of another resurrection of believers after the first resurrection at the beginning of the Millennium (Rv 20:5-6). Sacrifices are the only way the people will know what death means. Those born during the Millennium will need to accept Christ by faith just as all who lived previously had to do. These sacrifices will help those born during the Millennium to understand the death Christ underwent to pay for their sins. The sacrificial system will be used threefold:

·       Sacrificial system depicts what Christ has done for every individual.

·       Sacrificial system depicts what death and separation from Christ looks like.

·       Sacrificial system shows that cleansing is needed to worship a holy God.

Four of the seven feasts will be observed: (Pesach) Passover, (Matzah) Unleavened Bread, (Bikkurim) First Fruits, and (Sukkot) Tabernacles. These represent the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, as well as his literal dwelling with his people. The other three feasts are fulfilled and not needed.

Israel will fulfill their original mandate to be the priests to the world. Israel will lead the world in worship of the Messiah. Just as the Church led to the final harvest prior to the Rapture, Israel is now leading the world to how to worship the Messiah under a sacrificial system. This will be led by an individual known as the Prince. Jesus Christ is the King of kings during this time and over all the other kings of the nations during this time with David serving as the king of Israel. The Prince will be a non-glorified human who will be of the tribe of Judah and lead all the world into the worship of Jesus Christ. It is thought he may be one of the 12,000 Jews of the tribe of Judah who served as evangelist during the Tribulation and Great Tribulation periods.

We have so much to look forward to! It is hard to believe how much he loves us and does for us—both now and in our future. If you accept him and put your faith in him for your future, you too, can be a part of all of this!

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

At Christ’s second coming, He will remove all sin from the land of Israel, including idolatry, evil spirits and false prophets (Zc 13:1-2). Yom Kippur is the prophetic Jewish holiday of this event. Those false prophets who continue will be turned over for destruction and even if they feign to be otherwise, the evidence of their true nature will give them away (Zc 13:3-6). However, only one-third of the Jews will even live to see this day (Zc 13:7-9) because when the entire world turns against them (Zc 12:3), most will be killed but when the remnant calls upon the name of the Lord, he will answer (Zc 12:9) just as Jesus promised (Mt 23:39).

Christ will first touch down on the Mount of Olives (Zc 14:4), the same place of his ascension (Ac 1:11-12). The mount will split forming a valley east and west (Zc 14:4) which forms a way of escape for those fleeing Jerusalem (Zc 14:5). This day of Christ’s return will be a unique day (Zc 14:6-7) with it being neither a day of light nor dark but something in between.

It has been found that the Arabian fault extends from the Afar Triangle (where the Arabian, African, and Somalian plates meet) up to the Gulf of Aqaba and through the Jordan River basin (called the Great Rift Valley) northward. In addition, there is a fault zone, called the Palmyra Belt of Faults and Folds extending from the Jordan River north of the Sea of Galilee to the Euphrates River. All throughout this area are subterranean riverbeds. When Christ returns to the Mount of Olives, it triggers a massive earthquake which causes all these faults in this area to separate. A fault scarp between Geba (about 5 miles north of Jerusalem) to Rimmon (about 35 miles south of Jerusalem) is formed which causes the area east to become a plain (Zc 14:10). The rift in the mount of Olives will go westward to the Tyropoean Valley in Jerusalem (Zc 14:10-11) and eastward also forming a scarp face and allow a subterranean river to flow from beneath the temple mount in Jerusalem toward the Dead Sea (Zc 14:8; Ek 47:1-12). Also, the Palmyra Belt of Faults will separate causing the Euphrates River to then flow into the Jordan River causing the remainder of the Euphrates River to dry up (Rv 16:12). Therefore, even more fresh water will flow into the Jordan River from the Euphrates and from other subterranean rivers now exposed from the scarp face and will flow into the Dead Sea making it vibrant for fish and vegetation (Ek 47:9-10) and water will then flow out of the Dead Sea to the sea of Aqaba and another part of the Jordan will then flow along the newly developed scarp face into the Mediterranean Sea (Zc 14:8).

Christ immediately goes to the Petra area to save the people there and then goes up to Jerusalem destroying the enemy as he goes. Christ will fight all the enemies of Israel that have come against them, and God will cause a plague to strike them and they will fight among each other, and in the end, Jerusalem will be victorious (Zc 14:12-15). He banishes the Antichrist and Satan who has possessed him to the Abyss (Rv 20:2-3), and then begins the process of setting up his kingdom, which will be a 45-day period (Dn 12:11-12). During this time several events will occur: the angels will be judged. ( 1Co 6:3, Mt 25:41), the survivors will be judged (Mt 25:31-46), assignments for the saints will set in motion (Dn  12:13, Jr 30:9, Mt 19:28), nations, property, and laws will be established for the next 1000 years (Zc 14:17-21), and the temple will be built (Ek 43:6-7; Zc 6:12-13).

Our future will be a glorious one. This is something you don’t want to miss. I hope you don’t. Join us. He is waiting for you. It is just a simple decision of faith on your part, but it opens up so much to a glorious future.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Most believe in a coming Tribulation Period. Some believe we are already in it while others believe it is tied to the Rapture with this period of earth’s history to be after the Rapture event. Yet, if we understand that the evil we see today and the evil that will be during this period of history are not the same due to the Kingdom Age, or the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the earth during the end of the Church Age, then this begins to bring these two views into alignment.

This is a period that will start sometime after the Rapture. As stated earlier, when we understand the Kingdom Age at the end of the Church Age, then all the beliefs of the Rapture coalesce into the Rapture occurring at the end of the Kingdom Age. The Tribulation will be for three and a half years when the Antichrist will come to power and make a treaty with Israel (Dn 9:27). Israel will again build a temple (Ek 40-48) which will be protected by two individuals termed the Two Witnesses (Rv 11:1-14). God will allow much hardship to come upon the earth. Yet, he will also have the entire earth evangelized with his gospel message (Rv 7:3-17). At the end of the three and a half years, the Antichrist will seize more control over the earth and of the temple itself. This will usher in an even greater time of hardship on the earth, labeled the Great Tribulation.

The Bible teaches that this time begins when the Antichrist desecrates Israel’s temple by erecting a statue here known as the Abomination That Causes Desolation (Dn 9:27; Mt 24:15). Both Israel and Christians will undergo intense persecution and there will be many martyrs (Rv 6:9-10). This intense persecution of Israel will culminate with the battle known as Armageddon (Rv 16:16) when the Antichrist will come against Israel with his internationalistic military force and will come against both Jerusalem and against, most likely, Petra where Christians and Jews have congregated to try and escape persecution (Is 63:1-6; Rv 14:20).

This time is called “the day of the Lord” (Zc 14:1) also known as the Great Tribulation period or the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Is 24:1-20; Jr 30:7; Dn 12:1; Zp 1:14-18; Mt 24:22). As this period climaxes, the Battle of Armageddon ensues where most of the Gentile nations are gathered together against Israel, Jerusalem is taken, and half of the people are taken captive (Zc 14:2), many killed, and many women raped with only a remnant (one-third, Zc 13:9) surviving in the city. It is at this time that Israelites will call upon the name of the Lord and Christ will come forth and fight against these nations that have come against Israel (Zc 14:3) because this remnant finally called upon God (Zc 13:9).

God always keeps his promises no matter how many years, decades, or centuries, it is for us. Our God is a faithful God!

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Of course, with every wedding is a wedding supper. It is no different in the spiritual realm than in the physical. After all, the physical is many times a manifestation of the spiritual. As the Church is the bride of Christ, we will then be a part of a marriage supper that will occur in heaven (Rv 19:7). This could not occur until the Church was made blemish free and conducts the righteous acts of God (Rv 19:8).

In Jewish weddings, this phase of the marriage ceremony could last an entire week. This is similar to what will occur in heaven as well. While this is going on, the Tribulation Period on earth is also occurring—for seven years. As we have seen in other passages of Scripture, a day for a year is not uncommon (Dn 7:25; 12:7; Rv 12:14). This gives the bride time with her bridegroom before they dwell together for all eternity.

Understanding this also helps us to understand that the Second Coming of Christ and the Rapture event cannot be the same event and occur simultaneously. Otherwise, this phase of being the bride of Christ could not occur because this event occurs in heaven (Rv 19:1).

Another factor in understanding these two events are indeed separate events is recognizing that the trumpet talked about by Paul concerning the Rapture (1Co 15:52) is not the same as the seventh trumpet talked about by John (Rv 11:15). Perhaps understanding the Jewish feasts of Shavuot (Pentecost) and Rosh Hashanah (Trumpets) can help us here. As we talked about earlier, the first trumpet is noted as the trumpet blast that occurs on Shavuot because this represents the betrothal period of God and Israel. And we mentioned that Shavuot (Pentecost) was also the beginning of the Church Age (Ac 2). So, the time period between the first and last trumpet would represent the entire Church Age. This then begs the question as to when is the last trumpet to sound? It would stand to reason that Rosh Hashanah would have some play in this as it is known as the Feast of Trumpets (Lv 23:23-25). There are one-hundred trumpet blasts that occur on this day, yet the last trumpet call of the day has a different sound than any of the others. Could this be the last trumpet call Paul referred to? After all, this would be something known to Jews, and he was a Jew after all.

These Jewish feasts were also prophetic and are all about the nation of Israel and are about the Church, the bride of Christ, in that because of our belief, we have been grafted into their promise as well (Ro 11:17). We know that Pesach (Passover), Matzah (Unleavened Bread), and Bikkurim (Firstfruit) represent the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1Co 5:7; 15:20; 2Co 5:21), and Shavuot (Pentecost) represented the coming of the Holy Spirit (Ac 2). The Fall Jewish Feasts refer to what will occur in the “end times.” Rosh Hashanah (Trumpets) represent God remembering his covenant with Israel, since Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) was only ten days away where they would be judged as a nation, Israel wanted God to remember his covenant with them as they had no other grounds to stand on before a holy God. This would represent the beginning of the Tribulation Period because this period of future history is for the retuning of both Judah and Israel back to their homeland (Is 11:11-22; Ek 37:1-28; 39:27-28; Jr 19:14; 32:37). Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) represents the Second Coming of Christ as he will heal and forgive Israel upon his return (Zc 12:10; 13:1), and Sukkot (Tabernacles) represent the beginning of Christ Millennial Kingdom as he will be dwelling with his people on the earth (Zc 14:9; Rv 20:4).

Therefore, the last trumpet blast is a representation of the end of the Church Age and the beginning of the Tribulation Period where God remembers his covenant with Israel and begins to work with her again (Ro 11:25-27).

If the event of the marriage supper is occurring in heaven, what is really happening on the earth during this time? Join me in my next post and we’ll find out together.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Many have thought and been taught that the next event for this generation is the Rapture, or the Receiving of the Bride by Christ. The premise was that the evil in the world would increase more and more, and God would then have the Rapture occur to save his bride.

Some teach the Rapture will occur before the coming Tribulation Period starts. Others teach the Rapture will occur half-way through the Tribulation Period, others teach it will occur three-quarters through the Tribulation Period, and still others state it will not occur until the end of the Tribulation Period, or maybe even not at all.

Those in the pre-tribulation rapture camp point to several Scriptures to support this premise. God states his people will not be part of wrath (1Th 5:9) and what will be coming on the earth (Rv 3:10). They also point to the time of Noah in which the ark which saved Noah and his family from the wrath of the flood as a metaphor of God saving his people from his coming worldwide wrath. They also state that the evil in the world today is not part of God’s wrath as stated in Scripture because that wrath will be much worse than what we are experiencing today.

Those who believe the Rapture will not occur until the Tribulation has started point out the evil in the world as proof that wrath has already started. It seems the main support of this view is that the wrath of God is not the beginning of the Tribulation Period but the beginning of the Great Tribulation Period (Rv 11) and they therefore believe the persecution of the followers of Christ in the first three and one-half years of the Tribulation Period (Dn 7:25) is talking about believers today rather than those who become believers after the Tribulation period starts. In addition, they believe the trumpets mentioned by Paul and John are the same trumpet (1Co 15:52; Rv 11:15) while others believe these are not the same.

Those who believe the Rapture occurs three-quarters through the Tribulation Period state the wrath of the tribulation is broken into three separate phases of wrath: the wrath of Man, the wrath of Satan, and the wrath of God. Christians are protected from the Wrath of God but not from the Wrath of Man and Satan.

Then, there are those who believe the Second Coming of Christ and the Rapture are really the same event. The Rapture occurs and then immediately Christ returns to the earth.

Yet, it seems these views are not the case because the idea of the Kingdom Age we mentioned in a previous post has not been considered in any of these views concerning the Rapture. I think all these views will become united if we consider the Kingdom Age (i.e., the end of the Church Age). This shows that the evil we are currently experiencing, even though severe, is not the evil, or God’s wrath, that these current views of the Rapture are defining.

Also, perhaps the confusion around the timing of the Rapture is because we have not taken the Rapture event into its proper context. The groom would show off his bride before taking her to his home. He would not allow her to be crushed if he had the power to prevent it. Granted, evil in this world has increased at an ever-alarming rate and many individuals within the universal Church, Christ’s bride, have suffered. Yet, this is as Christ prophesied (Mt 24: 9-13). Why would he allow such to occur? As Paul stated, Christ wants a bride who is without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish and is holy and blameless (Ep 5:26-27). Is the Church that way currently? No. No, it is not. We have a lot of disunity within the body of Christ. Paul also tells us Christ bride is to be a picture of unity and will bear with each other in love (Ep 4:2-3). So, this is what the Lord is currently doing—making his bride pure. Then, rather than taking her away, he is going to present her to the world as she was originally intended to be. The effect of the Church, his bride, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, will allow the entire world to see and honor his bride. Many in the church will lead scores of others to become part of Christ’s bride.

It is then, and only then, after a large harvest of souls, who also become part of Christ’s beautiful, unified bride, will he then come to receive her—a bride beautiful, without blemish. He will receive his bride from the earth in all her glory, not in her humiliation.

How does this then unite all these views of the Rapture? It shows that there is a definite demarcation between the current evil in the world and the evil that is to come. Therefore, it is after the Kingdom Age at the end of the Church Age where the time of the Wrath of God of earth history will occur. Since all these views of the Rapture are united in stating the Rapture occurs just prior to the coming of God’s Wrath, understanding the time of the intense outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the reign of the Church during this time, it brings the timing of the period of God’s Wrath in each of these Rapture views to be at the same time.

This helps us to see that really understanding God’s Scripture to us really does help to put all our disagreements into their proper context and we become more unified in our doctrinal beliefs. Perhaps us now understanding the aspect some are calling the Kingdom Age, or the end of the Church Age, is God starting to unite his Church so he can work with it and bring it to being his unblemished bride.

Some have stated that Rosh Hashanah (Trumpets) represents the Rapture of the Church, but these feasts are prophetic for Israel. However, this feast is not totally devoid from the Church because if this feast is representative of God remembering his covenant with Israel (Ro 11:28-32), then God can’t concentrate on Israel as a nation again until the Church is removed. This accomplishes two things: God can focus on bringing his people back to their homeland during the Tribulation Period (Israel), and he can remove his bride from the coming wrath of the Tribulation period (the Church).

God is so multifaceted, isn’t he? Only he could accomplish so much in such a unique way that glorifies not only himself but us, his bride, as well. What a mighty God we serve!

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

The idea of the coming Kingdom Age is not absent from the Bible. The coming outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our time, which some are calling the Kingdom Age, will bring in an unprecedented harvest of souls for the Lord. This was revealed to Daniel (Dn 7:27) and Jesus also spoke of this as well (Mt 24:14). We know he was not talking about the end of time because Jesus then goes on to talk about what will occur after this which we have labeled the Tribulation Period (Mt 24:15-22). Jesus also told his disciples he was conferring a kingdom to them just as God the Father had conferred a kingdom to him (Lk 22:29).

This is likely the kingdom to which both John the Baptist and Jesus himself were speaking of when he first started his ministry. Reason? The Holy Spirit had not yet been given so he asked his disciples to pray for it to come because the Holy Spirit would be able to do more than he himself could do because the Holy Spirit could work within everyone at the same time (Jn 14:12).

Why would there be a coming Kingdom Age and how have so many people missed it? The former is probably easier to explain than the latter. As previously said, both the Church as well as Israel did not fulfill their original calling. This coming Kingdom Age, highlighted by one of the most unprecedented Holy Spirit outpourings in history, is the graciousness of the Lord to allow the Church to fulfill its original mandate: preach the gospel to the whole world (Mt 28:19-20) and to become a united, unblemished, bride for Jesus Christ (Ep 4:13; 5:27).

I see the Church Age divided into four steps:

1.      Early Church: This was when the Holy Spirit was first given and was allowed to work miraculously to reach many who accepted Christ as their Savior and could then go and duplicate what they had seen, heard, and had been given.

2.      Church Decline: Unfortunately, this started not too long after the expansion of the Church throughout the Roman Empire. Greek and Hellenistic thought processes began to infiltrate Biblical interpretation and the Church becoming hierarchical in structure inhibited the working of the Holy Spirit because those in influential seats of power were often not led by the Holy Spirit. Apostles and prophets were suppressed because they showed that individuals had the power of the Holy Spirit to bring others to Christ rather than relying on the Church organization itself to achieve such a feat, and the prophets would preach and reprimand those in clerical power positions which those in power would not want to occur and so would suppress the validity of such individuals.

3.      Church Reformation: This was a reawakening of the Church to many aspects of the Early Church but still with many weights and flaws of the previous hundreds of years by misguided leaders. Satan was quick to jump on this bandwagon to cause doctrinal disputes which split the church into an ever-increasing number of factions. With no belief in prophets to counter the waywardness, it seemed to create more and more factions until, today, there are hundreds of various denominations which cannot get along and which bicker with each other rather than seeing how to unite within Christ.

4.      Kingdom Age: This is a true reawakening of the Church to the Early Church beliefs and practices. So, it is not so much a new thing, but returning to something the Church once was. We will see the Holy Spirit being outpoured in significant ways that will likely jar many who are stuck in church tradition and rites. We will again see many signs and wonders with many being miraculously healed from all sorts of diseases and maladies by the Holy Spirit as a true testament to his power. As in the Early Church, this will lead many to put their faith in Jesus Christ.

This seems to be when the Church will shine for the Holy Spirit will enable believers to impact others with their lives and many will fall under the conviction of the Holy Spirit leading to a tremendous reaping of souls for the Lord. It is unclear how long this time will last, but it seems to come on the heels of much persecution but ends with a time of great glory. Therefore, the rapture event for the Church does not come to rescue believers but to take them out of the world at the peak of their performance so it can have an even greater impact on those who remain.

Doesn’t that sound wonderful? We, the church, as the bride of Christ will be received by Christ in our glory and not our humiliation. What a great God we serve!

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

It’s no coincidence that the Church had its beginning on Shavuot (Pentecost; Ac 2). Israel became a nation (i.e., became betrothed to God [Yahweh]) fifty-two days after the first Passover (Ex 24:4-8). While Bikkurim (Firstfruit) and Shavuot (Pentecost) were not celebrated as festivals until the Israelites reached their Promised Land (Lv 23:10), the covenant God made with Israel to make them a nation occurred on the same day that Shavuot would normally occur. In the same way, the Church was born or was betrothed to God [Yahweh] on the first Shavuot after Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.

The Church did not replace Israel (Ro 11:1-2, 11, 25-29) but the mode of worldwide impact for God was transitioned from a nation to individuals. It was a betrothal because God calls the Church his bride (2Co 11:2; Ep 5:24; Rv 19:7). It is interesting that Shavuot is also known as the First Shofar because the betrothal period is marked by the blowing of a shofar. The sound of the shofar was the very voice of God when Israel was pledged to God at the base of Mount Sinai (Ex 19:18-19; Dt 4:12-13). The sound of a rushing mighty wind, the Holy Spirit himself, occurred when the Church was pledged to God in the upper room in Jerusalem (Ac 2:2) forty days after Christ’s ascension into Heaven (fifty days after his resurrection on Bikkurim, or Firstfruit).

This was the foreshadow (2Co 1:22) of God’s new, more intimate, covenant promised to Israel (Jr 31:31-34). Jesus had fulfilled the previous covenant with Israel (Mt 5:17) and was now making a new blood covenant which would actually forgive sins (Mt 26:28) whereas previously, all the sacrifices just placated sin (Hb 10:1-4).

While the idea of the Church we know of today was alluded to in the Old Testament (e.g. Dt 32:21; Is 65:1), it was not made fully known in how God would use it until God revealed such to the apostle Paul (Ep 3:4-6). The birth, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ had to first occur before his Church could be established. Why is that? Because the power of sin over humans had to be eliminated (Ro 6:7).

We need to fully understand what Christ did for us on the cross. He became our sin so that we could take on his righteousness (2 Co 5:21). What does that mean? Our past, present, and future sin was placed on Christ; all sin ever committed by anyone. Now, that’s quite the burden. The apostle Paul tells us Christ disarmed the powers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Cl 2:15). This implies that he went to Sheol in our place so that penalty of our sin could be dealt with once and for all. So Christ went to Sheol for three days, proclaimed to those on the unrighteous side why their fate is sealed, and preached to those on the righteous side what he just did for them and gave them the gift of redemption. He then brought the righteous home to the third heaven where they are today and why Paul stated to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2Co 5:8). Because of the disarming by Christ to Satan and his kingdom, he can now bestow on those in his Church gifts for building up his Bride and make her strong and effective.

Christ received back from Satan the power he had stollen from Adam (Cl 2:13-15; Jn 10:17-18; Rv 1:18). What power had God given to Adam? God gave him dominion over all the earth (Gn 1:28) to rule in God’s authority (Ps 8:6-8). Satan deceived that out of Eve and Adam rebelled against God (Gn 3:1-7) so Satan connived Adam’s kingdom from him (Mt 4:8-9; Jn 14:30) and all born afterward are born into sin, Satan’s kingdom (Ps 58:3, Jn 12:46; Ro 5:12); therefore, we do not have to choose Satan’s kingdom because we are born into it and must make a conscious decision to leave it (Jn 3:17-18).

God’s people, his Church has gained that power back. Paul tells us the power we have received is the same mighty strength God exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms (Ep 1:18-23), and God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus (Ep 2:4-10). Therefore, we, God’s Church, have far greater power and authority than we have been led to believe. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, you already have this power which comes to us through the Holy Spirit. We can exert more and more of this power as we allow the Holy Spirit to control more and more of us.

The early church was given, and operated, in a five-fold ministry, as some have called it. Paul states that Christ gave the Church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip his people for works of service so that those who come to Christ may be built up in unity of faith and become mature in the knowledge of Christ (Ep 4:11-13). There is much debate about this verse both from a gift classification perspective and from a gift over time perspective. Paul does use a different conjunction between the first three gifts and the last two gifts. Yet, the conjunctions Paul uses in this verse, (de and kai) while different are still translated as the English conjunction ‘and.’ Yet, just because a different conjunction is used (kai) between the last two does not necessarily mean these are one gift but likely mean they are more connected in character and function than the other three. For example, all pastors are teachers but not all teachers are pastors. This same type of mental gymnastics cannot be done for the other three (apostles, prophets, evangelists). So, in the end, it seems there are still five distinct gifts, but some individuals could be pastors and teachers, while others are teachers but not pastors.

Then, there is the controversy over apostles and prophets being for the early church, but not for today. This, I think, comes down to the definition of these terms. Some state there were only twelve apostles so there were no additional apostles after these individuals. While this is a true statement, this does not necessarily exclude others from being called apostles. For example, the original twelve apostles were also called disciples, but this did not mean Jesus had only twelve disciples. After all, the word ‘apostle’ simply means “an ambassador of the Gospel” usually with miraculous powers.

It seems there were apostles Christ had chosen (Ac 1:2) and then apostles which the churches chose (Ac 14:14; Ro 16:7; 1Co 9:2). Paul also uses the word ‘we’ when he mentioned the term ‘apostles’ in his letter to the Thessalonians (1Th 2:6). He is likely referring to not only himself, but also to Silas and Timothy as well (1Th 1:1). Later, Paul also refers to Andronicus and Junia as apostles, two among many others. Therefore, it seems over time, the term apostle came to be applied to other dedicated individuals for God’s service and not just to the original twelve.

In addition, it seems others were posing to be apostles even though they were not (2Co 11:13). It would seem these individuals, whom he sardonically called “super-apostles” were performing some type of miraculous signs as that was one indication of an apostle (2Co 12:12). Yet, their overall intent was not the advancement of the gospel but their own fame. Yet, if apostles were noted to be only Christ’s original twelve apostles, then these individuals would not have been able to feign being apostles.

The other term to consider is ‘prophet.’ Some claim that once all of Scripture was complete, there was no need for prophets as we now have God’s compete word to follow. While that is true, I’m not sure that settles the issue. After all, prophets were not just to deliver a message that would become Scripture but provide messages from God that warned people about obeying God’s Scripture. Granted, there were many prophets in the Old Testament that became part of our canon of Scripture (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachai) but there were many others who delivered a word of warning from God which did not become part of Scripture, but held true to Scripture (e.g., Gad, Nathan, Ahijah, Azariah, Hanani, Elijah, Elisha, Micaiah, Jahaziel, Oded, Huldah, and Uriah). In addition, there were prophets mentioned in the New Testament as well (Silas, Judas [Ac 15:32], Agabus [Ac 21:10], and others [Ac 13:1]). So, just being a prophet does not mean words delivered will become Scripture. Yet, their words will never contradict Scripture.

Yes, we have God’s complete Scripture today, but we have so many different interpretations of Scripture today leading to so many different doctrines based upon the same Scripture. Is this what God would want? Would prophets have prevented such from occurring? Just something to consider.

Also, prophets have always popped up when God’s people have gone astray from following his word. That is why so many were persecuted because they warned people they were not in the right. People get very angry when they are spiritually reprimanded. We also see that throughout Scripture.

While prophets are certainly about the future, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are talking about a future not reported in Scripture. But let’s be honest here, we have so many views of our future, how can we know which are truly correct? Would prophets have prevented that from occurring as well? Again, something we should consider.

In addition, if there are no prophets today, then why does Scripture teach there will be prophets in “the last days” (Jl 2:28-32)? So, we had them, then they went away, and then they’ll return? If so, who determines when we should listen to them again?

Also, if prophets were only for the early church until the canon of Scripture was in place, wouldn’t Scripture have been more explicit about that? At what point is the cutoff for prophets? The canon of Scripture occurred over several hundred years. Also, how do we handle what Paul says about prophecy when he said, “Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all” (1Th 5:20)? Because if we are no longer listening to prophets, then we are technically treating them with contempt because we are not following them. So, at what point were we allowed to not follow Paul’s advice in this regard? Would this suggest that we should listen to prophecy as long as they do not contradict the Bible itself?

And, if we look at what many prophets are saying today, then many are talking about a Kingdom Age that is upon us, or a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the earth to bring a great revival. Is this something we should listen to or ignore? If this is upon us, why weren’t those of the early church looking for this future for themselves? Wouldn’t Paul have known about this and would have put this in his writings?

I think the short answer is no. Why? Because they were already operating in the idea of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Paul likely expected the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to continue throughout the Church Age, so he would not be expecting it to wane and then come back again. Therefore, his emphasis was on Christ’s return and not another outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

So, what would have caused this decline of the outpouring of the Holy Spirt to get us where we are today? What some have purported, and what is hard to refute, is that the teaching of the spiritual gifts of apostle and prophet no longer being needed is the reason. If these two gifts were meant to be carried farther, what caused their demise? Politics.

Whether we look at Judaism or Christianity, both have not fulfilled their spiritual destiny God had ordained for them because of politics. Not politics itself, per se, but allowing those not led by the Holy Spirit to lead.

As an example, by the time Eli was Israel’s high priest, the people went through the motions of sacrifice, but their hearts were not in it, mainly because his sons were quite corrupt. Likely when the people saw their corruption, they were not as enthusiastic in following the precepts God had required of them. It was at that time God brought Samuel into play. While he was a judge, he was also a prophet by warning the people as to what God required of them.

By the time of Jesus, the high priest position had become a political position and thereby the person being high priest had lost a lot of their concern about following God’s precepts. They were in the position for the power, prestige, and wealth the position provided them. In addition, it led to nationalistic encouragement rather than Scriptural encouragement. This led to the Jews becoming more exclusionary to other nationalities rather than teaching other nations the ways of Yahweh. The letter of the law became more important than the heart of the law.

This is also true of the Church as well. The early church had the spiritual fervor, ever desired to be led by the Holy Spirit. As the church became larger, it became more organized, and over time, became hierarchical. While there is nothing wrong with such organization, it led to those who were not really Christian to hold high positions, ever looking how to increase their power, prestige, and wealth. This led to the Church becoming more political and less spiritual. It would be easy to see how apostles and prophets would be discouraged in such an environment because they would bring stinging remarks that those in prominence were not in keeping with the heart of Scripture. Religious rites became more important than the true leading of the Holy Spirit.

What about you today? What is leading you? Are you more about the letter of Scripture or the heart of Scripture. God has always stated it is better to obey than sacrifice (1Sa 15:22; Ps 40:6; Ho 6:6). Let’s walk in the light of the Holy Spirit and allow him to guide us.

Next, we’ll look at something wonderful that will be coming. I hope you join me for the next post where we will be discussing that.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Scientists have sought for a long time to find a theory that unites gravity and quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics provides a description of atomic and subatomic particles into either zero-dimensional particles or as waves. Gravity, on the other hand, could not be explained in this same manner. The unification between them was sought with the development of different versions of superstring theory which looks at these subatomic particles as one-dimensional strings where their frequency of vibration defines each type of particle. Yet, the inclusion of the graviton or gravitational force was not achieved until the development of M-theory which some have called the Theory of Everything since it is inclusive of the graviton in its theorical predictions.

There were at least five versions of superstring theory before M-theory was conceived and developed. This theory was able to not only combine all the other forms of string theory into its model but also explain the graviton as well as other troublesome quantum areas which these other theories were unable to include.

I present this introduction because I think we can do something similar to the area of theology around the different doctrines of “end-time” prophecy. There was something missing in the five superstring theories that M-theory was able to unite. I think the same holds true for “end-time” prophecy regarding what many call the Rapture – the snatching away of God’s elect at some point in our future just before God’s wrath is poured out upon the Earth. Currently, there are five views of the Rapture as well:

1.      The Rapture will occur just before the seven-year Tribulation Period.

2.      The Rapture will occur half-way through the seven-year Tribulation Period.

3.      The Rapture will occur three-fourths through the seven-year Tribulation Period.

4.      The Rapture will occur at the end of the seven-year Tribulation Period just before Christ’s Second Coming.

5.      The Rapture will not occur at all.

In understanding end-time prophecy, there are several events we need to consider and be sure our understanding includes all of them in a logical and orderly manner. I have provided a short description of each, but we will go into more detail with each of these in future blog posts.

1.      Church Age: This began forty days after Christ’s ascension on Shavuot (Pentecost) and will last until the beginning of the Tribulation Period. I’ll later show that I think this Age can be divided into four phases.

2.      Kingdom Age: This is actually the fourth part of the Church Age which many have not considered in their discussion of end-time prophecy. Yet, it will likely play a key role in the unification of the various views of the Rapture. A future blog post will discuss this topic more thoroughly.

3.      Rapture: This is the return of Christ in the atmosphere to receive his elect, his bride, his Church (those alive and those who are dead).

4.      Marriage Supper of the Lamb: This is an important future event for the bride of Christ, his Church, to further help us understand important aspects of the Rapture and put events in their proper order.

5.      Tribulation: This is the beginning of hard times on the earth and will lead to the reunification of Judah and Israel.

6.      Great Tribulation: This is when hardships on the earth will be excruciating on those who live on the earth at this time. Understanding the order of the events mentioned here will help to put this one in its proper perspective and we’ll add to this in a future post.

7.      Second Coming of Christ: This is an event not really in controversy, but putting this event in its proper order will help us to better understand it.

8.      Millennial Kingdom: A future post will give more insight into this event and how wonderful it will be.

We will look at each of these in more detail in future blog posts. If we understand the order of these events and what each of these events entail, then I believe it will show how these different views of the coming Rapture will merge into only one view. I’m sure many feel that one must situate themselves into one of these camps defining the Rapture and reject the others. Yet, I believe they are all one and the same. Just as scientists thought they had to choose which of the five versions of superstring theory they believed in and then reject the others, I see the same thinking about the concepts of the Rapture. As scientists came to see their version of superstring theory was actually only one piece of the whole within M-theory, perhaps what many are predicting is coming upon us and the world in the very near future—even at our doorstep—will bring the same unification of our views of the Rapture as M-theory did for superstring theory.

I hope you will join me in this look at what God is going to bring to our world and to us individually as well. I’m always amazed at what God tells us and how he is such a uniting force for us. It is us humans who divide us. It is God and his wisdom who unites us once again.

All praise to God who is all knowing. Let us forever allow his wisdom to guide us.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

This is perhaps the only “negative” miracle of Jesus recorded in Scripture. This is found in two of the gospels: Matthew chapter 21, verses 12-27; and Mark chapter 11, verses 1-33.

To understand this miracle, we need to understand what occurred prior to this miracle. Jesus had ridden into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey. Why is that? This fulfilled a prophecy of Jesus doing so which we find in Zechariah chapter 9, verse 9.

What were the people saying about Jesus as he entered the city? “Hosanna to the Son of David,” “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!’ “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

They were quoting from Psalm 118: “LORD, save us! LORD, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Ps 118:25-29).

Today, we use the word Hosanna synonymous with Praise. Yet, in Hebrew, the word Hosanna means “save, rescue, savior.” The people were saying and acting out this passage in Psalm 118. They were saying they recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of this scripture and their Messiah to bring in his kingdom for Israel.

So, why did Jesus get angry with the tree and why did he drive out moneychangers?

Fig trees give two fruits: small nodules in Spring on the new shoots just as the leaves are coming in and then figs in the Fall, around September near Rosh HaShanna on the shoots from the previous year.

Here, with the leaves already on the tree, there should have been nodules where the leaves attached to the stem, but there was nothing. So, something was wrong with this tree and would not yield a fig harvest.

Jesus saw this representing what he saw at the temple. The Jewish leaders looked good, but they were pushing out converts, i.e., Gentiles whose only place to worship was the Court of Gentiles.

The temple was designed with separate spaces which takes one closer and closer to God. The high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year where he was to meet with God. Priests could enter the Holy Place which contained specific furniture representing the traits of their coming Messiah and make the sacrifices on the bronze altar outside the temple. Levites could only enter the Court of Priests and aid in preparing the animals for sacrifice. Jewish men could only enter up to the Court of Israel, a space just outside the Court of Priests going all the way around the temple itself. Jewish women could only enter the Court of Women which was a large area on the other side of the Nicanor gate and the steps where the Levites would play musical instruments and sing. This was the area which had large lights which were utilized during certain feasts. Gentiles could only be in the Court of Gentiles which was outside from where any Jew could enter. There was a balustrade beyond which no Gentile could go or be met with sudden death from temple guards.

The Court of Gentiles became packed during festivals. This is where all the vendors set up for sacrifices and money changers sat. According to the historian Josephus, during a Passover week, up to 250,000 lambs would be sacrificed.

Why did Jesus overturn the tables here? This was the only place where Gentiles could worship. They were kept from worshipping due to all the chaos and selling of animals. Their place of worship had been turned into a chaotic marketplace.

Gentiles were some of the most responsive to Jesus. His kingdom was open to both Jews and Gentiles. Here, Gentiles were being excluded.

As Jesus and his disciples returned from the temple, the disciples now noticed the fig tree had withered and they were amazed. This fig tree represented the leaders of Israel, as Scripture refers to Israel as a fig tree, and most notably the Jewish leaders:

“I will take away their harvest, declares the Lord. There will be no grapes on the vine. There will be no figs on the tree, and their leaves will wither. What I have given them will be taken from them” (Jr 8:13).

Jesus fulfills this scripture. Religious leaders were in the way of the coming kingdom. They thought and acted like God’s salvation was exclusive to them because they followed the Law. Jesus said they look good on the outside, just like the fig tree, but they were not producing fruit. Something was wrong on the inside of them.

Jesus reacted to their myopic view of scripture where they over-interpret some parts but then ignore others. They were ignoring their responsibility to being God’s light to the world.

God had told Abraham his descendants were to affect the whole world: “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all people on earth will be blessed through you” (Gn 12:2-3).

God had told Israel they were to be God’s priests to the entire world: “you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Ex 19:6).

God had revealed through the prophet Isaiah that Israel was God’s servant to show God’s glory: “He said to me, ‘You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor’” (Is 49:3).

Why did Jesus not explain this to the Jewish leaders? He tested their hearts to see if they would listen. They refused, so he did not go further with them. They closed off the community. They focused on their own worship and on each other, never looking outward. This led them to cause all their people to lose the greatest blessing Jesus was offering them.

Are we not like these Jewish leaders today? Today, have we become dead fig trees? As a church, have we become so focused on ourselves that we have forgotten the Great Commission? Jesus is giving the opportunity to be transformed. Others see us and should want to worship God as well because of how they see him working in us.

How did the Jewish leaders miss that Jesus was their promised, long-awaited, Messiah? The word Messiah comes from the Hebrew word Mashiach; in Greek, Christos, and means “anointed.”

Hebrew: Yeshua HaMashiach : Jesus the Messiah; Jesus the Anointed One

Greek: Jesus Christ: Jesus the Messiah; Jesus the Anointed One

In the books of the Law, Messiah is noted as a priest:

“Then the anointed priest shall take some of the bull’s blood and carry it into the tent of meeting” (Lv 4:5).

The word “anointed” is mashiach, from which we get the word messiah. In the Historical Books and Psalms, Messiah is noted as a king:

“David asked him, ‘Why weren’t you afraid to lift your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?’” (2Sa 1:14).

“These are the last words of David: ‘The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs’” (2Sa 23:1).

“There I will make the horn of David to bud. I have ordained a lamp for my anointed” (Ps 132:17).

Again, the word “anointed” is mashiach, i.e., messiah.

The prophets were anointed by the Holy Spirit:

“The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord” (1Sa 3:19-20).

“Samuel said to them, ‘The Lord is witness against you, and also his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand’” (1Sa 12:5).

This is where the idea that the Messiah will be prophet, priest, and king originates. He came as a prophet (Holy Spirit descended upon him; Jn 1:32), he is currently our High Priest making intercession for us (Hb 8:1-2), and will come back and rule as king (Rv 11:15).

Daniel then paints the Messiah as the Conquering One:

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and people of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed” (Da 7:13-14).

“Know and understand this: From the time the world goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-two ‘sevens’, the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood. War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him” (Da 9: 25-27).

This led to the teaching of two coming messiahs: one who would come, suffer, and die and then one who would come to conquer.

What was the Messiah expected to do?

“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.’ Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued 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” (Is 35:1-10).

“But your dead will live, Lord; their bodies will rise—let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy—your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead” (Is 26:19).

“In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see” (Is 19:18).

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor” (Is 63:1-3).

According to the Torah, the Messiah will be a male descendant of the Jewish King David, human - he will have a human birth and human parents, a perfect teacher of God’s law, a great political leader - inspirational and a good judge, able to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, ruler over humanity - but he will rule with kindness, the bringer of peace to the world, and able to unite humanity. Ultimately, it is believed that the Messiah will establish God’s kingdom on Earth.

The Jewish leaders were focusing so much on the conquering aspects of their Messiah they ignored all his other attributes. They focused on what they wanted from God and did not ask what God wanted from them.

May we not do the same.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

We find this miracle recorded in three of the gospels: Matthew chapter 9, verses 20-22; Mark chapter 5, verses 25-34; and Luke chapter 8, verses 42-48.

The woman with the bleeding issue likely had menorrhagia. This is a heavy menstrual flow that is typically defined with these types of symptoms: (1) soaks through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours (realize this woman had nothing like these products to help, but likely used rags or strips of cloth); (2) heavy bleeding that requires a person to use more than one period product at a time (she would not have had this aid); (3) the need to change pads or tampons in the middle of the night (she would have to continuously wash the strips of cloth she had and continuously reuse them); (4) menstrual flow or bleeding lasting more than a week (hers had lasted for at least 12 years –can you even imagine?!); (5) the passage of blood clots that are the size of a quarter or larger; (6) symptoms of anemia, including fatigue and shortness of breath (how she could maintain a living would be quite difficult); (7) constant lower abdominal and pelvic pain (for her to ensure for so long is a testimony to her fortitude); (8) the inability to perform regular daily activities because of bleeding (this would force her to be labeled unclean).

These symptoms from which she suffered had a huge social stigma for her to bear. She would be considered perpetually unclean requiring her to separate herself from family and all of society, could never go to the temple or synagogue, and likely had to live alone without any physical human contact.

The cause of menorrhagia could be from any number of issues: hormonal imbalance, ovaries that are dysfunctional, fibroids in the uterus, polyps, adenomyosis, cervical cancer, bleeding disorders that are inherited, progesterone hormone deficiency, anovulatory cycles in the first year of attaining menarche. These are difficult issues to deal with in today’s society. It is hard to imagine the hardships she had to go through.

We know very little about her background. At one time she had money, or her family had money as she had seen many physicians to try and get healed. So, at one time, people cared for her. Perhaps over time that dwindled away and she became a social outcast. Was she bitter? Did she still have people who cared? We can only hope she had family who still cared for her. Yet, even if so, there would be no human contact since she would be considered unclean constantly.

How did the woman decide that she would only touch the hem (tzitzit) of his garment? In these passages, the Greek word is krsaspedon, meaning fringe, tassel, border, or hem. The Hebrew word is tzitzit. In Numbers chapter 15 and in Deuteronomy chapter 22, it instructs that tassels, or tzitzit, should be placed on the corners of their garments.

Tzitzit were prepared in a very specific way. Five double knots were placed on each tzitzit tassel. In the spaces between these knots, one of the fringes being longer than the others is coiled around the rest. Seven coils in the first space, eight in the second, eleven in the third, and thirteen in the fourth for a total of 39 coils and has the same numerical value as “HaShem Echad”: God is One.

One could ask, was the woman justified to disobey the Law to get to Jesus? In her mind this was her one and only shot to get cured. If she wasn’t cured, then she may have people angry at her for making them ceremonially unclean, but she likely had that occur so many times before. If she was cured, then she could have a normal life. Some argue that as long as her skin did not touch anyone else’s skin, then no one would become unclean. Yet, in a crowd of this size, such a condition could not be guaranteed.

Was Jesus made impure because the woman touched his clothing? The Law stated this about a sin offering: “Whatever touches any of the flesh [of the sin offering] will become holy, and if any of the blood is spattered on a garment, you must wash it in the sanctuary area” (Lv 6:27). Since Jesus was our sin offering, one could argue that he was in no danger to become unclean, but he would be the one to pass cleansing on to the woman rather than she passing uncleanness onto him. In addition, by her touching the tzitzit of Jesus’ garment, there was no danger of making him unclean, even if the previous argument is rejected.

Although many people were touching and jostling Jesus, he knew immediately when this woman touched his tzitzit. Healing went out of him into her. Others wanted what Jesus could give them but did not possess the faith in what Jesus could really give them. This woman had the faith in what Jesus could do for her. What was Jesus’ response? He called her daughter. Can you imagine what an emotional impact that had on her? He did not condemn her for disobeying the Law of Moses by putting others at risk of becoming unclean but had tender compassion for her and praised her for her faith. She got far more from Jesus than what she had ever dreamed of receiving.

What about you? What do you want from him? He only requires faith to achieve something for you that will also be beyond your comprehension: a new life that will transform you forever. How special is that?

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens