Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
I don't have anything to add to this thread right now, but I wanted to say thank you for sharing all of this. I have enjoyed reading it.
Thanks for reading. Learning to be content is never easy but doing the inner work does help in keeping companionship with the Lord Jesus. Our conscience doesn't allow contentment in any revealed sin. And when love of God and fellow pilgrims is figgered in it becomes that much harder to be content in the freedom that we allow ourselves. 1 Corinthians 8:9
Much to talk with Him about to come to being reasonably content! But coming to His throne of grace in prayer w/o fear but rather confessing the love for Him and His Way is guaranteed to cleanse the conscience for us to pick up the cross again. Hebrews 9:14
Again thanks for reading!
 
Upvote 0

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
The Church Walking with the World
~ author unknown~

The Church and the World walked far apart
On the changing shores of time,
The World was singing a giddy song,
And the Church a hymn sublime.

“Come, give me your hand,” said the merry World,
“And walk with me this way!”
But the good Church hid her snowy hands
And solemnly answered “Nay!

I will not give you my hand at all,
And I will not walk with you;
Your way is the way that leads to death;
Your words are all untrue.”

“Nay, walk with me but a little space,”
Said the World with a kindly air;
“The road I walk is a pleasant road,
And the sun shines always there.

Your path is thorny and rough and rude,
But mine is broad and plain;
My way is paved with flowers and dews,
And yours with tears and pain.

The sky to me is always blue,
No want, no toil I know;
The sky above you is always dark,
Your lot is a lot of woe.

There’s room enough for you and me
To travel side by side.”

Half shyly the Church approached the World
And gave him her hand of snow;
And the old World grasped it and walked along,
Saying, in accents low:

“Your dress is too simple to please my taste;
I will give you pearls to wear,
Rich velvets and silks for your graceful form,
And diamonds to deck your hair.”

The Church looked down at her plain white robes,
And then at the dazzling World,
And blushed as she saw his handsome lip
With a smile contemptuous curled.

“I will change my dress for a costlier one,”
Said the Church, with a smile of grace;
Then her pure white garments drifted away,
And the World gave, in their place,

Beautiful satins and shining silks,
Roses and gems and costly pearls;
While over her forehead her bright hair fell
Crisped in a thousand curls.

“Your house is too plain,” said the proud old World,
“I’ll build you one like mine;
With walls of marble and towers of gold,
And furniture ever so fine.”

So he built her a costly and beautiful house;
Most splendid it was to behold;
Her sons and her beautiful daughters dwelt there
Gleaming in purple and gold.

Rich fairs and shows in the halls were held,
And the World and his children were there.
Laughter and music and feasts were heard
In the place that was meant for prayer.

There-were cushioned seats for the rich and the gay,
To sit in their pomp and pride;
But the poor who were clad in shabby array,
Sat meekly down outside.

“You give too much to the poor,” said the World.
“Far more than you ought to do;
If they are in need of shelter and food,
Why need it trouble you?

Go, take your money and buy rich robes,
Buy horses and carriages fine;
Buy pearls and jewels and dainty food,
Buy the rarest and costliest wine.

My children, they dote on all these things,
And if you their love would win
You must do as they do, and walk in the ways
That they are walking in.”

So the poor were turned from her door in scorn,
And she heard not the orphan’s cry;
But she drew her beautiful robes aside,
As the widows went weeping by.

Then the sons of the World and the Sons of the Church
Walked closely hand and heart,
And only the Master, who knoweth all,
Could tell the two apart.

Then the Church sat down at her ease, and said,
“I am rich and my goods increase;
I have need of nothing, or aught to do,
But to laugh, and dance, and feast.”

The sly World heard, and he laughed in his sleeve,
And mockingly said, aside-
“The Church is fallen, the beautiful Church;
And her shame is her boast and her pride.”

The angel drew near to the mercy seat,
And whispered in sighs her name;
Then the loud anthems of rapture were hushed,
And heads were covered with shame.

And a voice was heard at last by the Church
From Him who sat on the throne,
“I know thy works, and how thou hast said,
‘I am rich, and hast not known

That thou art naked, poor and blind,
And wretched before my face;’
Therefore from my presence cast I thee out,
And blot thy name from its place.”


"...you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine." Leviticus 20:26
 
Upvote 0

GTW27

Junior Member
Aug 31, 2007
982
1,048
65
Western Pa
✟201,469.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Thanks for reading. Learning to be content is never easy but doing the inner work does help in keeping companionship with the Lord Jesus. Our conscience doesn't allow contentment in any revealed sin. And when love of God and fellow pilgrims is figgered in it becomes that much harder to be content in the freedom that we allow ourselves. 1 Corinthians 8:9
Much to talk with Him about to come to being reasonably content! But coming to His throne of grace in prayer w/o fear but rather confessing the love for Him and His Way is guaranteed to cleanse the conscience for us to pick up the cross again. Hebrews 9:14
Again thanks for reading!

Contentment comes, when all that matters is Him. He is the faithful Servant, The Lover of our souls.
 
Upvote 0

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
I posted this on another thread and was pleasantly surprised with all the spiritual people posting there than no one objected to it. So I'm passing it on here. I like to run things by others in the Body before setting things down for the Body ... but am always open to correction.

John the Baptists' baptism is the one that is a water baptism. It's a repentance baptism. That means that those who were of a repentant heart came to him to be baptised in preparation for He Who was about to come. The Coming One would baptise with fire.

John's whole ministry was that of preparing the Way. Belief in the Lord comes from hearing. Repentance portrays the recieving of the new heart. The recipient of the new heart feels compelled to ceremoniuosly and publicly display, like a marraige ceremony, the new union. The new union is a setting apart dedicated to the new husband (Christ) and in recognition of the death of the old husband (self)
(I think that sacramentally that is baptism and recieving of the new name, but I may be wrong)

However .... that is still just the Baptism of John and as Apollos found out that is not enough to be a disciple of Christ. The baptism of fire has not come upon that.

Jesus demonstrated a double baptism received from Him. The first was breathed upon them as disciples. That is the air that disciples breath. It's for the daily living as His disciples. We breath Him in at all times and breath out that which is foul. Constant vigilance because He has sent us out into the world as sheep among the wolves.
But what He sends out He also equipts so the fire from on high is also given to accomplish His work. So one baptism of the breath of God is for living and the other baptism that is the mantle to His servants is seen as the fire by night and the cloud by day that leads those who have dedicated (set apart) their lives as Nazirites to Him.

Matthew 3:15
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

Jesus demonstrating being right with God in being baptized by John seems to allow for His human qualities to suffer death in able to perform according to ressurection power before His own death it seems.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: “Paisios”
Upvote 0

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
Verses related to abiding in Him and Him in us.

1 John 2:5-6
We truly love God only when we obey him as we should, and then we know that we belong to him. If we say we are his, we must follow the example of Christ.
1 John 2:24
Keep thinking about the message you first heard, and you will always be one in your heart with the Son and with the Father.
1 John 2:27-28
But Christ has blessed you with the Holy Spirit. Now the Spirit stays in you, and you don’t need any teachers. The Spirit is truthful and teaches you everything. So stay one in your heart with Christ, just as the Spirit has taught you to do.
Children, stay one in your hearts with Christ. Then when he returns, we will have confidence and won’t have to hide in shame.
1 John 3:6
and people who stay one in their hearts with him won’t keep on sinning. If they do keep on sinning, they don’t know Christ, and they have never seen him.
1 John 3:24
If we obey God’s commandments, we will stay one in our hearts with him, and he will stay one with us. The Spirit that he has given us is proof that we are one with him.
1 John 4:4
Children, you belong to God, and you have defeated these enemies. God’s Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one that is in the world.
1 John 4:12-13
No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is truly in our hearts.
God has given us his Spirit. That is how we know that we are one with him, just as he is one with us.
1 John 4:15-16
God stays one with everyone who openly says that Jesus is the Son of God. That’s how we stay one with God and are sure that God loves us.
God is love. If we keep on loving others, we will stay one in our hearts with God, and he will stay one with us.
1 John 5:20
We know that Jesus Christ the Son of God has come and has shown us the true God. And because of Jesus, we now belong to the true God who gives eternal life.
John 14:17
The Spirit will show you what is true. The people of this world cannot accept the Spirit, because they don’t see or know him. But you know the Spirit, who is with you and will keep on living in you.
John 14:20
Then you will know that I am one with the Father. You will know that you are one with me, and I am one with you.
John 15:4
Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me.
John 17:21
I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: “Paisios”
Upvote 0

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
Our inheritance is God Himself. Acts 26:18. He is the portion allotted to us the saints as our inheritance Colossians 1:12

If we need any further proof that we are a Kingdom of priests consider that this is much the same inheritance that was given to the Levites. Consider that it is our down payment, the guarantee of the inheritance, the pledge and the seal. We have been given the Holy Spirit for our living as the new creation Ephesians 1:13-14 as well as into eternity where it is being kept for us. 1 Peter 1:4

Our rewards today are in this inheritance that we can enjoy thru the abiding that is in Christ, Him in us, us in Him. The abiding feeling is peace that He leaves with us John 14:27, John 16:33 Peace that is beyond understanding no matter the circumstances. Peace that we can quickly return to.
We can go to Him and leave our problems there with Him. He tells us we will have afflictions but HE has overcome them all. Even in the midst of troubles peace is there.

Philippians 4:6-7,9
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses every man’s understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus....
What ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, these things do; and the God of peace shall be with you.​

Fellowshipping with God in prayer results in enjoying the peace of God. Our environment may not change but there will be a change within. He has given us a peace that can only result in a gratitude that brings joy in Him. We're saved from worry because our hearts and thoughts are guarded by the peace of God.

We fellowship with Him every time we turn our hearts to Him, sing His praises, participate in prayer with Him, call on His Name, tell Him we love Him. Turn away from whatever evil is presenting itself and turn to God. Enjoy Him as our inner peace and rest knowing that this is the down payment of our inheritance that He has given to you. Ephesians 1:14
 
  • Like
Reactions: “Paisios”
Upvote 0

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
21728149_10212697862538065_8660877630039097104_n.jpg
 
Upvote 0

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
As disciples of Jesus Christ we should be sensitive to what is from God and what is not. This is nowhere near a complete list. For instance satan as being the accuser is not listed .... discerning that we're being accused of some sin vs being prompted by the conscience to modify behavior ... we can be guilty of many things but being shamed even Jesus despised ...
 
Upvote 0

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
The children of the promise are not of the bondwoman but of the free

Galatians 4:26-27
But the heavenly Jerusalem, which is above, is like the free woman.
She is our mother.
It is written in the Scriptures:
"Be happy, Jerusalem.
You are like a woman who never gave birth to children.
Start singing and shout for joy.
You never felt the pain of giving birth,
but you will have more children
than the woman who has a husband.
Isaiah 54:1
My brothers and sisters, you are God's children because of his promise,
as Isaac was then.
The son who was born in the normal way treated the other son badly.
It is the same today.​

We have the words of Hannah, Samuel's mother,
another barren woman used by God in effecting the
change of priesthood thru her anointing vow.

1 Samuel 2:5
Those who once had plenty of food now must work for food,
but people who were hungry are hungry no more.
The woman who could not have children now has seven,
but the woman who had many children now is sad.
1 Samuel 2:8
The Lord raises the poor up from the dust,
and he lifts the needy from the ashes.
He lets the poor sit with princes
and receive a throne of honor.
"The foundations of the earth belong to the Lord,
and the Lord set the world upon them.​
Repeated in Psalms 113:7-8

Psalms 113:
7 The Lord lifts the poor from the dirt
and takes the helpless from the ashes.
8 He seats them with princes,
the princes of his people.​

Repeated also when Mary speaks of the lifting up of the bondservant
to the place of service to Him.

Joseph dreamed of greatness and he found it
thru his brother's rejection and cruelty toward him.
Jailed but then exalted, like Jesus, Joseph reviled not.
But like Jesus also Joseph would put those he called his brothers to the test.

Galatians 4:17
Those people(a) zealously court you, but for no good; yes,
they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.​
Footnotes:
(a) Those people They are the false teachers who were bothering
the believers in Galatia (Galatians 1:7).

In their zeal they exclude so as to include you with them in their false teachings.

In Christ there is no exclusivity

Romans 10:12
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek,
for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.​
Because of grace

Isaiah 54:4
Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed;
Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame;
For you will forget the shame of your youth,
And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.
Romans 4:16
Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace,
so that the promise might be sure to all the seed,
not only to those who are of the law,
but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham,
who is the father of us all​
Father faith and mother grace produces the promise.

Genesis 21:9
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian,
whom she had borne to Abraham,
mocking.​
 
  • Like
Reactions: “Paisios”
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
2 Corinthians 5:14-21

Our reconciliation is accomplished thru Christ's death to become ambassadors of reconciliation for Christ

Romans 5:10
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Ephesians 2:16
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Romans 5:11
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
2 Corinthians 5:20-21
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.​

The Lord's death accomplished a great change. It was a positional change. The relationship of the world to God was changed; and the world was rendered savable. The world is presented in the position to be saved.

The second great change by Jesus Christ's death on the cross is not positional. It's experiential.
The change of the wordling to God.
The child has been intrusted with a message, the message of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ *NOTE*, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God WAS IN Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and *notice* has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.​

(**Apart from this ministry of reconciliation** ~ even for those whom reconciliation has been provided, they will never be adjusted to God's standard)

(GOD WANTS US TO TELL PEOPLE (SINNERS) they can come to Him because Jesus Christ has met the righteous demands)

(Tell them that they may be conformed to God's standards)

(Point to Jesus, God's agent in reconciliation)

A person may be redeemed but not reconciled to God

Exodus 19:4-6
You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles wings and brought you to Myself.
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.
And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel
Romans 5:1
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Hebrews 6:1
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,​

-the fuller and further blessing

Ephesians 2:13-14
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,​

-obtainable by all

Psalms 25:14
The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him,
And He will show them His covenant.
Psalms 34:2
My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Hebrews 11:40
God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
Colossians 1:23
if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven...
Romans 8:19
For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
Romans 8:22
For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
Psalms 145:15-16
The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.
You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.​

SUMMARY

1 John 2:6
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
Exodus 26:31-33
You shall make a veil woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen. It shall be woven with an artistic design of cherubim. You shall hang it upon the four pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold. Their hooks shall be gold, upon four sockets of silver. And you shall hang the veil from the clasps. Then you shall bring the ark of the Testimony in there, behind the veil. The veil shall be a divider for you between the holy place and the Most Holy.
Hebrews 10:20
by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh​
 
  • Like
Reactions: “Paisios”
Upvote 0

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
Curing greed needs an ideology shift. So consider that Judas, Esua, all the way back to Eve, taken out of Adam, operated from that nature of greed.

Acceptance of something that appeals to a higher calling, namely Love, turns us away from an inexhaustable need to fill greed within to place trust in a hope and promise of greater things. Not that it's no longer the same nature's inherant longing but the ideological shift has placed it in the hands of God to fulfill. There's no instant gratification in that. But the rewards are greater. Still free will, still the old nature with an added focus.

The choice seems to comes down to accepting God's love and somehow God does know who will do that. Believing the truth of Christ brings freedom. Mature believers (those having left behind the elementary guidelines that are milk for babes) have been left to decide what will be consciously allowed. Those who would refuse the teachings of Christ are said to have their consciences seared. 1 Corinthians 8:8-10,1 Timothy 4:2

Keep in mind that being clothed in the righteousness of Christ is part of the armor. Righteous means of right standing that His righteousness according to His work supplies. How much we need the mind of Christ to be in right standing with Him, to achieve maturity to walk in the meat of the word and not the milk thereof. Romans 8:3-4. Never must freedom be used as an occasion to sin 1 Peter 2:16, Galatians 5:13, Romans 6:15, Galatians 5:1, Galatians 5:13

Romans 3:21-22
"Now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law . . . the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe."
Philippians 3:8-9,
"For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith."
Romans 10:4,
"For the goal of the law is Christ for righteousness to everyone who believes."​

Conscience cleansed at the throne of grace, bringing our thoughts captive to Christ in prayerful communion with Him, receiving mercy to carry on with Him ... is the freedom of conscience that guides the freewill of Christians. John 8:9, Romans 2:15, 2 Corinthians 5:11, 1 Timothy 1:5, 1 Timothy 3:9

To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
 
Upvote 0

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
Consider the seven Spirits of God, what have you been taught about that thru revelation or teachings?

Revelation 1:4
John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,
Revelation 1:14
His head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; his eyes were like a flame of fire,
Revelation 4:4
Around the throne are twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones are twenty-four elders, dressed in white robes, with golden crowns on their heads.
Revelation 5:6
Then I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.​

One lampstand but seven functions. The Spirit of God has intensified sevenfold to accomplish God's work on earth shown by the repeated emphasis on the Spirit speaking in Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; Revelation 3:6,13,22; Revelation 14:13; Revelation 22:17
Grace and peace had eminated from the Father and Son in earlier epistles but now the Spirit is included to impart grace and peace to the churches.

Song of Songs 5:2 Christ's eyes are the expression of love but here they are like a flame of fire that observes and searches so that He can exercise enlightened judgements. His seeing with seven eyes is the complete picture because seven is the number of completion.
Daniel 10:6

The elders in the picture of Revelation 4 are not the elders of the church but the elders of the angels, because here, before the Lord's second coming, they are sitting on thrones already Matthew 19:28; Revelation 20:4. Among God's creation the angels are the most ancient ones. Their elders are the elders of the whole creation of God. That they sit on thrones with golden crowns on their heads indicates that they must be the ones who rule the universe until the millennial kingdom, when the authority to rule the earth will be given to the overcoming saints Hebrews 2:5-9; Revelation 2:26-27; Revelation 20:4. That they are clothed in white garments and have a harp and golden bowls full of incense Revelation 5:8 indicates that now they are also priests before God; in the millennial kingdom, however, the reigning overcomers will be the priests of God and of Christ Revelation 20:6. The elders' golden crowns indicate that they are also ruling ones. Therefore, they are priests serving God and kings reigning over His creation.

Seven lamps show the enlightenment of the Spirit of God for God's building, Exodus 25:37, Zechariah 4:2 (building and rebuilding of the temple) but here the seven lamps of judgment will also issue in God's building; for the building of the New Jerusalem.

Zechariah 3:9
For here is the stone that I have set before Joshua - upon one stone are seven eyes. I will engrave its engraving, declares Jehovah of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
Zechariah 4:7
Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain, and he will bring forth the topstone with shouts of Grace, grace to it.
Zechariah 4:10
10 For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice when they see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel; they are the eyes of Jehovah running to and fro on the whole earth.

Here's a quote from Barnes on Revelation 5:6

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible
....
Which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Cmt. on Revelation 1:4. That is, which represent the seven Spirits of God; or the manifold operations of the one Divine Spirit. As the eye is the symbol of intelligence--outward objects being made visible to us by that--so it may well represent an all-pervading spirit that surveys and sees all things. The eye, in this view, among the Egyptians was an emblem of the Deity. By the "Seven Spirits" here the same thing is doubtless intended as in Re 1:4; and if, as there supposed, the reference is to the Holy Spirit considered with respect to his manifold operations, the meaning here is, that the operations of that Spirit are to be regarded as connected with the work of the Redeemer. Thus, all the operations of the Spirit are connected with, and are a part of, the work of redemption. The expression "sent forth into all the earth," refers to the fact that that Spirit pervades all things. The Spirit of God is often represented as sent or poured out; and the meaning here is, that his operations are as if he was sent out to survey all things and to operate everywhere. Compare 1 Corinthians 12:6-11. "seven eyes" Zechariah 4:10​


But I think there's still so much more to it. Zechariah 4 is particularily interesting.

The verses of Revelation 1:4 has an identification to the 7 spirits. Revelation 1:12-13 explains that what is described as being there is Christ and 7 lampstands. What's that describing but the Menorah from the Holiest place which is always applied to the light of the Holy Spirit.

Revelation 1:4
John to the seven bchurches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is coming, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,
Rev 1:12-13a
And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me; and when I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands,
And in the midst of the lampstands One like the Son of Man....​

me·nor·ah
noun
a sacred candelabrum with seven branches used in the Temple in Jerusalem, originally that made by the craftsman Bezalel and placed in the sanctuary of the Tabernacle Exodus 37:17–24

The seven spirits are also described as being the eyes of the lamb, so the lamb and the light are included in one.

Revelation 21:23
And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
Revelation 22:3
And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face [which shines as the sun, Revelation 1:16]; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.​

Which brings us to Zechariah 4 where an angel is speaking yet does not identify that as being a part of it's order but identifies the Spirit

Zechariah 4
The Gold Lampstand and the Two Olive Trees

1 Then the angel who talked with me returned and woke me up, like someone awakened from
2 He asked me, “What do you see?”
I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps.
3 Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”
4 I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?”
5 He answered, “Do you not know what these are?”
“No, my lord,” I replied.
6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
7 “What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’”
8 Then the word of the Lord came to me:
9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you.
10 “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?”
11 Then I asked the angel, “What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?”
12 Again I asked him, “What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil?”
13 He replied, “Do you not know what these are?”
“No, my lord,” I said.
14 So he said, “These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.”​

The chosen capstone, the spirit of God and the 2 witnesses empowered by God. (The 2 witnesses are for another study)

An interesting commentary on Zechariah 3:9 about founts of living waters/eyes of God

Benson Commentary
Zechariah 3:9. For behold the stone, &c. — Or, as some render the former part of the verse, For this is the stone which I lay before Joshua; there are in the same stone seven eyes: I will engrave it with its engravings, saith the Lord — There seems to be an allusion in these words to the foundation, or chief corner stone of the temple, which probably was laid with great solemnity in the presence of Joshua. Christ is not only the rod out of the stem of Jesse, and the branch that should grow out of his roots, the fruit of which is excellent and comely for the remnant of Israel that escape the corruption which is in the world, but the foundation of the spiritual temple laid in Zion. And it is here foretold, that when he should be brought forth, seven, that is, many, eyes should be upon him. “The eye of the Father was upon him, to take care of him and protect him, especially in his sufferings. The eyes of all the prophets and Old Testament saints were upon this one stone: Abraham rejoiced to see Christ’s day, and he saw it and was glad. The eyes of all believers are upon him, as the eyes of the stung Israelites were upon the brazen serpent. They look unto him and are saved.” — Henry. Or, the seven eyes upon this stone may be explained, as the eyes upon the wheels in Ezekiel’s vision: they may signify the perfection and plenitude of knowledge and wisdom which were in Jesus Christ for the good of his church, and his ever watchful care of his people: or the various gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, with which he was endued: for he hath the seven spirits of God, as well as the seven stars, Revelation 3:1; and his eyes are as a flame of fire, piercing through all disguises, and searching the reins and the heart of every human creature, and especially of every one that professes to be his disciple. “The Branch and the Stone,” says Dr. Dodd, “are the same; which stone hath seven eyes, because the Messiah is the searcher of hearts, whom God engraved with his engraving; as in John the evangelist, him the Father sealed, endowed him with those gifts, virtues, and powers of the Spirit, which the prophets had foretold should be in the Messiah, by whom, dying on the cross, God removed the iniquity of that land in one day. In a day when every man (Zechariah 3:10) called his neighbour, &c., that is, when the whole world was in profound peace.” But, instead of, Upon one stone shall be seven eyes, Blayney reads, From one stone seven fountains, the word ???signifying a fountain as well as an eye. “It seems,” says he, “as if the prophet saw in his vision a stone or rock, set before Joshua, with seven fountains springing out of it, which God says were opened by himself.” There is, he thinks, here “a plain allusion to the rock which Moses smote in the wilderness, and brought waters out of it for the refreshment of the people of God; and that rock, St. Paul says, was Christ, 1 Corinthians 10:4. In speaking of which transaction, the psalmist says, He opened the rock and the waters gushed out, Psalm 105:41 :” in which passage the same verb, ???, is used, which in the next clause is translated, I will engrave, &c., which Blayney renders, Behold, I open the passage thereof; that is, the hole or orifice through which the fountains shall flow. Again, it is said, Isaiah 41:18, I will open rivers in the high places, where not only the same verb is used, but is followed by the same preposition as is here placed before the word rendered stone. And it is said chap. Zechariah 13:1, In that day shall there be opened a fountain (the same verb being again used) to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. For what purpose? for sin and for uncleanness. “This was spoken of the gospel times; and, in like manner, it is here said of the same, And I will remove, or take away, the iniquity of the land in one day, namely, that one day on which Christ died to put away sin by the offering of himself. There cannot, surely, remain a doubt of what is intended, nor that ?????must signify fountains of living waters, issuing from Christ. The living waters are the doctrines of the gospel, and the fountains, the dispensers of them, the apostles and evangelists, who are said to be fellow-workers with Christ, and therefore aptly represented by the companions of Joshua. The number seven is frequently used in Scripture to denote multitudes, 1 Samuel 2:5; Jeremiah 15:9, &c., &c.” It must be observed, however, that both the LXX. and the Vulgate read seven eyes, and not seven fountains.

Proverbs 24:3-4
Through Wisdom is a house builded; and by Understanding it is established: [But] by Knowledge shall all the chambers be filled.

Transformed by the renewing of your mind Romans 12:2 by putting off our own stinking thinking in exchange for showing forth Christ's life instead.
2 Corinthians 2:14-16
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?
Isaiah 11:1-2:
"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots [this is Jesus, of course]: and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, [that is] the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, the Spirit of Knowledge and the Fear of the Lord."

Many think of the 7-fold spirit of God like a tree trunk and the eyes of God as the branches or like the Manorrah of the Holy Place Lamp. Rooted in and edified by His Word while prayerfully submitting to Understanding.

Matthew 4:4
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Jeremiah 15:16
Thy Words were found, and I did eat them.
Psalms 119:27
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of Thy wondrous works.​
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
1 Timothy 3:15
if I’m delayed, you’ll know how you should behave in God’s household. It is the church of the living God and the backbone and support of the truth.​

Zao

Phonetic Spelling za-dzah'-o

Verb Definition
to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead)
to enjoy real life
to have true life and worthy of the name
active, blessed, endless in the kingdom of God
to live i.e. pass life, in the manner of the living and acting
of mortals or character
living water, having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul

metaph. to be in full vigour
to be fresh, strong, efficient,

as adj. active, powerful, efficacious

Translated Words KJV (26) - alive, 6; be alive, 9; live, 1; lively, 3; misc, 2; not tr, 1; quick, 4; NAS (137) - alive, 15; get their living, 1; holding, 1; life, 1; live, 53; lived, 3; lives, 19; living, 44;\\

Looking at 1 Timothy 3:15 is Tzao in action

Paul impresses the importance of correct conduct, responsibility and care to those within the House of God which is the church of the living God. The church/body is the pillar of the house of God. It's the house of God because it's within that He dwells.

What we do pertains to that honor and care of the church of the living God, our habitation of God through the Spirit. If we're not doing that then why are we here? We're living stones trying to fit together. The grinding shows that we're still in the quarrey of the world and not at the temple where no sound is heard out of reverence for His House.

God Zao's within. Because of that we Zao also. Living that works and moves together in the Spirit so that God can be manifested. God is the foundation of truth and as the pillar is supported by the base so the pillar holds the building.
Genesis 1:1 (KJV)

Matthew 7:12
In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you.
For this is the essence of the Law and the prophets.
Matthew 11:19
The Son of Man came eating and drinking; and they say,
Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, friend of tax collectors and sinners.
Yet wisdom is justified by her works.
James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving,
considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
The great duties to which the opened Sanctuary calls:

Let us draw near ~ in fullness of faith
Let us hold fast ~ to our profession of faith
Let us consider ~ one another to provoke unto love
Let us not forsake ~ the assembling of ourselves together

Hebrews 10:19 begins the practical application of the book of Hebrews whereas the previous was mainly doctrinal; the glory of Christ's person and priesthood, the heavenly sanctuary (can we conclude this is the New Jerusalem ?) opened and cleansed and taken possession of for us, the way of obedience and self-sacrifice that led Him to the throne, all has been unfolded and laid out for us. It's now the duty of every Christian to appropriate the great salvation summed up in one great thought

"HAVING BOLDNESS TO ENTER INTO THE HOLIEST; LET US DRAW NEAR"

We have the right and the power to make that our abode, our abiding dwelling-place because it's been provided in Christ. Sheep are not good at being bold but we must enter thru the door provided that leads to His care during the long night. To ignor His voice if you hear Him today is to harden the heart and shuns the confidence found in simple faith. The boldness, the confidence is in the power of His blood for every Christian to receive mercy and have the conscience cleansed from anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God 2 Corinthians 10:5
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
1 Timothy 3:15
if I’m delayed, you’ll know how you should behave in God’s household. It is the church of the living God and the backbone and support of the truth.​

Zao

Phonetic Spelling za-dzah'-o

Verb Definition
to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead)
to enjoy real life
to have true life and worthy of the name
active, blessed, endless in the kingdom of God
to live i.e. pass life, in the manner of the living and acting
of mortals or character
living water, having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul

metaph. to be in full vigour
to be fresh, strong, efficient,

as adj. active, powerful, efficacious

Translated Words KJV (26) - alive, 6; be alive, 9; live, 1; lively, 3; misc, 2; not tr, 1; quick, 4; NAS (137) - alive, 15; get their living, 1; holding, 1; life, 1; live, 53; lived, 3; lives, 19; living, 44;\\

Looking at 1 Timothy 3:15 is Tzao in action

Paul impresses the importance of correct conduct, responsibility and care to those within the House of God which is the church of the living God. The church/body is the pillar of the house of God. It's the house of God because it's within that He dwells.

What we do pertains to that honor and care of the church of the living God, our habitation of God through the Spirit. If we're not doing that then why are we here? We're living stones trying to fit together. The grinding shows that we're still in the quarrey of the world and not at the temple where no sound is heard out of reverence for His House.

God Zao's within. Because of that we Zao also. Living that works and moves together in the Spirit so that God can be manifested. God is the foundation of truth and as the pillar is supported by the base so the pillar holds the building.
Genesis 1:1 (KJV)

Matthew 7:12
In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you.
For this is the essence of the Law and the prophets.
Matthew 11:19
The Son of Man came eating and drinking; and they say,
Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, friend of tax collectors and sinners.
Yet wisdom is justified by her works.
James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving,
considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
John 10:10
The thief does not come except to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and may have it abundantly.

Gk. zoe. This word is used in the New Testament for the eternal, divine life.

John 10:11
I am the good Shepherd; the good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Gk. psuche, soul; i.e., soul-life
 
Upvote 0

yeshuaslavejeff

simple truth, martyr, disciple of Yahshua
Jan 6, 2005
39,944
11,098
okie
✟214,996.00
Faith
Anabaptist
In keeping within the guidelines of this forum: Following Jesus forum is a place for members to discuss what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and to encourage and help one another be His disciples. Keeping the postings within >>>>
Starting point:
When Jesus says: "Come, follow Me"
 
Upvote 0

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
Starting point:
When Jesus says: "Come, follow Me"
What is the finishing point? The end comes in stages too. Death is overcome but is there still more before eternity? Is eternity a finishing point. Before following Christ is still a part of me that needs death to survive. Like the grain of wheat that we are.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Citizen of the Kingdom

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jan 31, 2006
44,327
14,493
Vancouver
Visit site
✟303,748.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
2 Corinthians 5:14-21
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.​

Conformity to a standard. As such a balancing of the bankbooks to CONFORM to bank statements ...
(According to God the world is out of balance and does not conform to the standard which God has set)

1) God, Himself, is the standard by which He tests men.

2 Corinthians 5:19
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.​

Adam lost privileges for all, of face to face encounter with God.
Warfare exists on the part of man against God
Jesus Christ covered over sin, made propitiation for the world's sin
God could turn His face manward
God wasn't reconciled to the world, the WORLD was reconciled to God.

2) The individual reconciled to God

2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.​

Need of imitation of fellowship with God to others
Adjusting to his standards, conformed to Him thru Jesus Christ

3) Reconciliation accomplished thru Christ's death

Romans 5:10
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.​

4)Reconciled by the cross

Ephesians 2:16
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:​

5)Reconciled by blood (atonement)

only time in NT:
Romans 5:11
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.​

6) Based on Christ's Identification with sinners (in place of)

2 Corinthians 5:20-21
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.​

So ...

Hebrews 6:1
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,​

-the fuller and further blessing

Ephesians 2:13-14
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,​

Obtainable by all

Psalms 25:14
The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him,
And He will show them His covenant.
Psalms 34:2
My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Hebrews 11:40
God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
Psalms 145:15
The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.​

RECONCILIATION COMPLETE

Rev 21:5-6 (I am making all things new...It is done)
Phil 2:9-11 (every knee bow, every tongue confess)


SUMMARY

1 John 2:6
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
Hebrews 10:20
by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh​
 
Upvote 0