The 58th chapter of Isaiah is an extremely informative part of the bible regarding its description of a proper fast. How important is it that God’s people understand what a fast truly represents? Evidently very important, since the Almighty God gives an authoritative command directly to those who are seeking him in the very 1st verse!
“Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the house of Jacob their sins.”
This scripture is showing us that God emphatically wants his people informed about something they have totally misinterpreted and misused! His very distinct command comes forth because fasting has become one of the most twisted theories among men’s teachings in today’s religious world.
2nd Peter 2:1-3 should make us very skeptical about who and what we follow. “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them-bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.”
Another factor that presents us with the need for a truthful understanding of fasting is Jesus’ statement at (Matthew 9:15). When the religious leaders asked him why his disciples did not fast, he answered, “The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast.”
This gives us undeniable proof that footstep followers of Christ will indeed perform a fast during the time before his return. Let’s examine very closely, the exact type of fast that both the Father and the son deemed so very important for seekers of truth to properly understand.
The manner in which people in religions perform a fast today is described in Isaiah 58. In this similitude our God is showing great displeasure because men are performing a fast by undergoing a self denial of food. At (Isaiah 58:6) God’s aggravated response is related to us. “Is not this the kind of fast I have chosen: to loosen the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”
Is God’s description of the type of fast he chooses a deprivation of food, or something else entirely? Contrary to popular belief, a thorough study of fasting, from a biblical Hebraic standpoint, (www.ednelson.com) shows that the act of fasting has nothing to do with abstaining from food, nor is it about giving up something that brings enjoyment or pleasure. True fasting conveys the gripping conviction that something must be done to remedy an injustice, by removing an abusive situation, seeking for freedom, restoration and restitution.
So what is the abusive situation that confronts God’s future new covenant people? What must all of us fast from today? What stands between us and the freedom of truth? Very simply, the lies of men in leadership positions! (Isaiah 3:12)
(Romans 1:25) “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.”
This is the yoke God referred to in Isaiah 58:6 as He explained the fast of His choice. The definition of yoke is: a symbol of submission, forced subjection, a burden of slavery. Today, the falsehoods taught by our shepherds subject us all to a captivation that is very difficult to escape. (Ezekiel 34) The only thing that will set us free is…. truth. (John 8:31, 32)
To further understand this bondage of the yoke that God declared we must break when we fast, let’s examine the origin and root meanings of the word religion. Webster’s collegiate dictionary traces the word back to an old Latin word religio, meaning a restraint. A deeper study reveals religio comes from the 2 words Re and Ligare. Re is a prefix meaning “return” and ligare means “to bind.” Therefore the word religion, which men claim to be the only course that leads us to the pathway of salvation, actually means: “A return to Bondage!”
There are many scriptures that coincide with this fact, such as (Galatians 5:1 kjv) “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
The yoke of bondage that threatens entanglement for all of us are the falsehoods found in men’s religions. What are some of these false teachings that misrepresent God’s word? There are many, however let’s examine a few glaring ones. One of the most traditional ones began in the dark ages. The teaching of a literal burning hell was originally started in order to scare people into church attendance. Most men cannot understand that the lake of fire is used as a metaphor to symbolize an everlasting death rather than a literal place of eternal torture. What better word could be used to symbolize total destruction than fire? Revelation 20:14 kjv says that death and hell will be cast into the lake of fire. How can death literally burn forever? What would be on fire? If hell is the lake of fire, how can it be cast into itself? What’s being cast? The word “hell” was an old English word used to replace the Greek word “hades.” It simply means: a covering over; mankind’s common grave. This scripture is merely telling us that death and the grave will be completely done away with. (Revelation 21:4) It stands to reason that if death no longer occurs, there will be no need for graves.
The ones who continue to spread this horrendous lie, many times use the parable of the rich man and Lazarus to validate their teaching. A parable, according to Webster’s 3rd international dictionary, is a short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle. This parable was used to simply explain and help us to visualize the difference between the 1st death and the 2nd death. In the 1st death there is the hope of a resurrection, hence it is depicted as being in the bosom of Abraham, the father of our salvation. The 2nd death represents an eternal or everlasting death, without the hope of a resurrection. That is why the metaphoric phrase, “the lake of fire” is always followed with; “this means the 2nd death.” (Revelation 20:14) (Revelation 21:8) The thought of never being alive again is symbolized through the rich man’s despair as being torturous and tormenting. Jesus always spoke in parables, challenging real seekers to discern his true meanings, while totally confusing the apathetic ones. (Mathew 13:13 kjv) “Therefore, speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing hear not, neither do they understand.”
The saddening result of this handed down doctrine is that many of the future new covenant people have been led to believe that our loving Creator is a malicious God who performs meaningless torture. This is shown to be an undeserving and blatant false accusation at (Jeremiah 7:31 kjv).
“And they have built the high places of Topeth, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart.”
We can clearly see in this scripture that God has been accused of something he would never even think of doing! Literally burning forever is in stark contrast to the many scriptures and similes that clearly show us…. wicked people will be simply cutoff! (Psalms 37:9, 10) Their punishment will be everlasting destruction…. never to exist again. (2nd Thessalonians 1:9 kjv) “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” (A punishment of everlasting destruction does not equate to everlasting torture in a burning fire!)
Men’s teaching that the soul never dies has been confused with the memory of one’s life being in the bosom position of Abraham, awaiting a resurrection at the last day. (John 6:40) Our souls do not float around after death. We do not have a soul, we are a soul. (Genesis 2:7) “The soul that is sinning will die!” (Ezekiel 18:4)
When a soul or a person dies, the spirit is stated at Ecclesiastes 12:7 “to return unto God who gave it.” Let’s thoroughly examine what this scripture really means, because men have used it to conjure up the very misleading belief that some sort of spirit within us floats off to heaven or burns in hell. Webster’s 3rd New International dictionary actually clears up this worldwide lie, by giving us the proper definition of spirit in this context! The word Spirit means: The Breath of Life; the animating or vital principle giving life to physical organisms.
We should now read (Genesis 2:7 kjv) very closely. “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
Our God and Creator is the only source that can give us the breath of life. When we take our last breath, or when we die, the only thing that leaves us is the breath of life! The capability and option to restore it is His alone. That’s why it’s depicted as returning to God who gave it! Until He restores the breath of life, we will remain exactly as (Ecclesiastes 9:5) says; “as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all.”
His restoration of the breath of life will occur during the resurrection time period as described in (Ezekiel 37:5 kjv.) “Thus saith the LORD God unto these bones; I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live.” At (John 6:39, 40, 44) Jesus confirms that resurrections will take place at the last day. “No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him, and I will resurrect him in the last day.”
The apostle Paul also made it clear when resurrections will actually take place at 1st Corinthians 15:52. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised.”
These scriptures absolutely expose the lie we hear every day that all the altars of men have taught…. “Our loved ones have gone to heaven and are now looking down on us.” The fact is; as Jesus said, they are awaiting the resurrection time period that will occur in the last days! Until then, they will remain asleep in the 1st death…. in the symbolic bosom of Abraham.
For the many who still want to follow men’s ear-tickling fables, ask yourself this question. If we have a soul that never dies, and departs from us at death to be forever with God…. why would the promised resurrections be necessary? (2nd Timothy 2:16-18)
Another lie we should discuss, may be the most widespread of all. All of men’s religions decide for themselves exactly who will go to heaven. Some even decide when, how, and who will not. Is it men’s choice? At (Romans 9:11, 16) the bible leaves no doubt as to whose choice it is! “In order that the purpose of God respecting the choosing might continue dependent, not upon works, but upon the one who calls.” “So then, it depends not upon the one wishing nor upon the one running, but upon God, who has mercy.”
It further states at (Romans 10:6) “But the righteousness resulting from faith speaks in this manner: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven’ that is to bring Christ down.”
It’s evident that faith determines the destiny of all men. True faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld. Faith is an attribute found in the heart, which only God can judge. Even though the bible does teach that some people will rule with Christ Jesus in heaven, proclaiming we have been chosen for that position in front of other men is not a righteous act. (Matthew 6:1) “Take good care not to practice your righteousness in front of men in order to be observed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”
Most religious people are very boastful and quite indignant concerning their heavenly rewards. Challenging their assumed heaven bound future can certainly unleash their wrath! God shows His complete disgust with this type of self-righteous attitude that is a direct result of men’s teachings…. at Isaiah 65:5. “Those which say, stand by thyself, come not near me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nostrils, a fire burning all the day.”
Remember this statement made at 2nd Corinthians 10:18 kjv “For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the LORD commendeth.”
As regards to properly understanding the bible’s prophecies, this next lie is incredibly blinding! Who is the real Israel today? Answering this question according to men’s teachings challenges the eternal purpose which God purposed in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:5, 6, 11) It denies the fact that our Lord and savior gave his life to make salvation an equal opportunity for all people. This lie actually builds back the wall of separation that Jesus tore down! (Ephesians 2:12-18)
Today’s religious leaders who lack discernment, have caused most people to believe that every person today, who descends from people who came out of Egypt 3500 years ago, are still set apart as God’s chosen people. This ridiculous lie prevents proper understanding of the promised new covenant. The old covenant is dead! Read all about it at (Hebrews 8:6-13). Does this mean that people of natural Jewish lineage have been rejected? NO! As Paul said many times, “Never may that happen!” (Romans 11:1)
The new covenant that was made possible by the blood of Christ will provide ALL people, regardless of nationality, current religion, race, age, gender, or ancestry, an equal opportunity to be among God’s chosen people. The promised new covenant will be a covenant of the heart…. period! (Hebrews 8:10)
After Christ’s death, Galatians 3:28, 29 explains: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one person in union with Christ Jesus. Moreover, if you belong to Christ, you are really Abraham’s seed, heirs with reference to a promise.”
What’s the promise?…..The virgin, or God’s new creature of Israel will inherit the promised new covenant. Israel will, at a future time, be born again! (Isaiah 66:8) This is why Jesus said at (John 3:3) “Unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Because Jesus made this statement, we constantly hear people say; “I have now become born again!” Does it make sense that Jesus meant this re-birth would be based merely on a sudden inner feeling or a personal whim? Presently unknown to the altars of men, the re-birth Jesus was referring to, will be an actual event that has not as yet taken place. (Galatians 4:27) How God’s Israel will be born again, will be explained in the 4th thunder! This future re-birth of Israel will activate the new covenant that is intended specifically for the final salvation of mankind. Jesus shed his blood in order for this to become possible! (Hebrews 9:15)
The 31st chapter of Jeremiah describes the events that will occur when the currently captivated ones of Jacob (the seed of Israel) becomes the new creation of Israel and the new covenant begins. The last verse in chapter 30 of Jeremiah explains the time period of these events and when they will be properly understood…. “In the final part of the days you people will give your consideration to it with understanding.”
The word Israel means: a soldier of God, one who perseveres with God. It was a name given to a man to represent a people that would become as numerous as the sands, (Genesis 35:10-12) and eventually make up the earth’s entire population! (Genesis 22:17, 18) The Israel of prophecy has nothing to do with the little country men have named Israel. The final salvation of Israel is the theme of the entire bible. It would be preposterous to think the bible’s prophecies should be applied to only a few million people! Many of today’s Jewish people, as in all nationalities, are not even interested in learning God’s ways. God’s entitlement of a Jew symbolizes a person whose heart He approves! (Romans 2:28, 29)
The ancient event of God’s choosing a people out of the world for Himself, and calling them Israel, (Isaiah 44:5) was a pattern established for what will occur immediately preceding the rule of His promised Kingdom. (1st Corinthians 10:11)
If you are one of the many millions who continue to listen and believe the men who claim that descendants of ancient Israel are still God’s chosen people under the old law covenant, you are shoving aside the loving kindness of God’s salvation plan through the new covenant! You are saying Christ died for nothing!
(Galatians 2:21) “I do not shove aside the undeserved kindness of God, for if righteousness is through law, Christ died for nothing.”
It cannot be stated too strongly that anyone who has not yet understood that the Israel of the scriptures is totally distinct from today’s Jewish people, is yet in the very infancy of biblical study! The true meanings of the bible’s prophecies for our day are shut to his understanding!
There is no doubt, the exposing of these lies have offended many people. However, the most offensive thing about a lie is continuing to believe and follow it. (Revelation 22:15) That’s exactly why we must understand that the fast God chooses for us in Isaiah 58 is not a fast from eating, but a fast from false teachings! As the chapter reiterates; if we will remove from our midst the yoke bar, (Isa. 58:6) our darkness would turn into light, (Isa. 58:8) and we would become like a well-watered garden, the source of the waters, would be waters which do not lie. (Isaiah 58:11)
Practically all members of religions are continually complaining about all the things wrong with other religions. They are quick to cast judgment and point fingers at anyone who belongs to a denomination that has doctrines different from those handed down to them. Is this constant bickering back and forth prophesied? How can anyone love the Father and the son, if they don’t have love for people? Could it be that none of men’s religions have complete truth?
(1st Corinthians 13:8-10) “Love never fails. But whether there are gifts of prophesying, they will be done away with; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will be done away with. For we have partial knowledge and we prophesy partially, but when that which is complete arrives, that which is partial will be done away with.” John 16:13 thoroughly explains what these scriptures are really referring to.
There is a prophecy for our day in the bible; that has been totally misconstrued or completely ignored by every religion that has ever existed! Its true meaning challenges this world’s concept of righteousness like no other prophecy! Even though this prophecy is very clear, it has never been accepted. Practically every member of men’s religions will find its truth to be totally absurd, and completely preposterous! Open your mind and listen carefully.
The prophet Habakkuk had a very troubling and alarming vision that allowed him to see an unbelievable situation that would take place in the midst of the years. (Hab. 3:2) In this vision Habakkuk saw quarreling and strife, wicked ones surrounding righteous ones, and justice going forth crooked. Before describing what was taking place, he made a very intriguing statement.
(Habakkuk 1:5) “See, you people, among the nations, and look on, stare in amazement at one another. Be amazed; for there is an activity that one is carrying on in your days, which you people will not believe although it is related.”
Habakkuk saw something that has been going on, and gathering momentum in this world for the past 2000 years! It has established its own justice, (Hab. 1:7) it’s been swifter than a leopard and has proved fiercer than evening wolves (Hab.1:8) and has gathered up captives just like the sand! (Hab. 1:9) It drags its captives away in its fishing net and rejoices, (Hab.1:15) for by them its portion is well oiled. (Hab. 1:16) God has set it for a judging and a reproving (Hab. 1:12) but until then He allows the wicked to swallow up the righteous. (Hab.1:13)
Even though this vision is now being written down and explained in detail, (Habakkuk 2:2) it’s a guarantee that very few will believe it! The activity that is being carried on in our day that no one will accept…. is this fact: The entire inhabited earth has been overtaken with false worship!
It has taken place exactly as Habakkuk’s vision foretold! The bitter and impetuous nation of Babylon, (the symbolic Chaldeans) has marched through the earth in order to take possession of residences not belonging to it. (Hab. 1:6) Their wine [teachings] has dealt treacherously. (Hab. 2:5) Woe to the one giving his companion something to drink, [false teachings] in order to make them drunk. (Hab. 2:15) Woe to the one that is making evil gain, in order to set his nest on high. (Hab. 2:9) Woe to the instructor in falsehoods who say the piece of wood and the dumb stone sheathed in gold and silver will give instruction. (Hab. 2: 18, 19) They have kept gathering to themselves all the nations and collecting to themselves all the peoples. (Hab. 2:5) The vision will keep panting on to the end, and it will not tell a lie. (Hab. 2:3)
For the many who still refuse to believe this prophecy, the apostle Paul repeated it in Acts 13: 41. At that time, he was teaching the very same thing that the end-time voice in the wilderness will teach. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is The Father’s chosen method for our salvation. We must remember that Jesus is The Word of God! (Revelation 19:13)
Accepting Jesus means much more than just saying it or attending worship services with your hands in the air. Truly accepting Jesus means taking accurate knowledge of God’s Word into your heart, while being in the midst of our prophesied famine of knowledge. (Amos 8:11) Today, God is with us through his Word, hence the meaning of one of Jesus’ given names, Immanuel. (Matthew 1:23) We definitely need to discern the bible’s constant play on the word…..Word! (Read about today’s problems at Isaiah 5:11-13)
Paul was teaching the people real truth about Jesus, while at the same time, striving to abolish their many false perceptions about him. In doing so, he applied Habakkuk’s prophecy at (Acts 13:40, 41) “Therefore see to it that what is said in the prophets does not come upon you.” “Behold it, you scorners, and vanish away, because I am working a work in your days, a work that you will by no means believe even if anyone relates it to you in detail.”
Whether we want to accept it or not, Paul’s warning has in fact, come upon us. Everywhere we turn today, we see the work of Habakkuk’s prophecy in action. Throughout the 59th chapter of Isaiah this activity of a complete covering of false teaching is re-emphasized. “A conceiving and a muttering of falsehoods from the heart” has taken place. “For truth has stumbled in the public square.” “Truth proves to be missing.” (Isaiah 59:13, 14)
Yes, this gross darkness over all people will keep panting on to the end, until; as the 60th chapter of Isaiah explains, a light to the nations will shine forth. The emergence of this light will be explained in detail, in the 6th thunder! The currently confused teachings concerning Israel, Zion and Jerusalem will no longer hide what our God has in store for all who love Him. Look! Your salvation is coming! (Isaiah 62:11)
We will all eventually come to understand that our God has designed a method of salvation through the promised new covenant that will be perfectly just and fair to all people. The good news of this sacred secret, or musterion, is described page after page all through the prophets. (Revelation 10:7) The intricate details of this perfect plan have been hidden by God under the pretense of ancient places, ancient peoples and ancient events. Before you say, “I don’t believe that…. that’s not possible”…. consider the story of John the Baptist’s father Zechariah. (Luke 1:17-20) He did not believe the birth of the one who would become the voice crying out from the wilderness was possible…. He was struck dumb until it happened!
Everyone who ignores the end-time voice from the wilderness will be ignorant of the coming events that will bring in God’s promised new covenant. By continuing to listen to the voice of men’s altars, the darkness will continue. (Jeremiah 51:54, 55)
Remember the scriptures in the 43rd chapter of Isaiah. “Let them hear and say, ‘It is the truth!’ “I shall get active, and who can turn it back?” “For your sake I will send to Babylon and cause the bars of the prison to come down.”“Look! I am doing something new! You people will know it, will you not?” “I shall have given water in the wilderness, to cause my people, my chosen one to drink.”
Some ridiculously teach this prophecy took place 100 years ago. Others just choose to ignore it or refuse to accept or investigate what the wilderness truly represents.
The water given in the wilderness will become the new wine of truth. Jesus’1st miracle of turning water into wine illustrated his Father’s 1st step in preparing His people for His salvation plan. The new wine (truthful teachings) will give light to those sitting in darkness (Isaiah 49:6) and direct them to God’s salvation plan immediately following the downfall of Ariel in Isaiah chapter 29. Knowledge of Ariel’s cryptic identity and its purpose for destruction will put His people in a position to take possession of the pasture grounds of the wilderness. (Jeremiah 9:10, 11) (Isaiah 27:10) Ariel’s devastation will occur in an instant, suddenly!! (Isaiah 29:5) At that time, God’s hidden plan will be activated. The answer to the mysterious question posed at Jeremiah 9:12 will then be known.
As you keep reading, all of these strange sounding events will be explained…. for the time being, a clue concerning these statements is given to those who have wisdom and good sense at (Ephesians 1:8, 9, 10) “In that he made known to us the sacred secret of his will. It is according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself, for an administration at the full limit of the appointed times, namely, to gather all things together again in the Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on earth, yes, in him.”
All the steps of how our God will accomplish His gathering of all things together will be explained through scriptures in the 7 Thunders. This knowledge, or food at the proper time, will lead God’s choices of people straight to their salvation! (Zephaniah 1:7)
Since we now have a proper understanding of the fast which we all must be partakers, let’s examine what must come after the fast…. the feast.
1st Corinthians 5:7, 8 not only further defines the fast, but also indicates a meal of unleavened bread will follow that will require sincerity and truth. “Clear away the old leaven that you may be a new lump, according as you are free from ferment. [the fast] For indeed, Christ our Passover has been sacrificed.” “Consequently let us keep the festival, not with old leaven, neither with leaven of badness and wickedness, but with unfermented cakes of sincerity and truth.”
Why is Christ said to be our Passover? The pattern established by the original Passover meal the night before the exodus must be properly understood in order to answer that question. Jesus, likewise, partook of the Passover meal immediately preceding his departure through death. While doing so he proclaimed that his followers should continue the meal in remembrance of him. He explained how the unleavened bread symbolized his flesh and the wine symbolized the new covenant by virtue of his blood. While they were eating, he said, “He that dips his hand with me in the bowl is the one that will betray me.” (Matthew 26:23) He also made a very enigmatic statement at (Matthew 26:31). “All of you will be stumbled in connection with me on this night.” (The Greek word originally used in this scripture was skandalizo, which means: I cause to stumble)
What do these things mean? Use intense discernment and listen very closely…. The deceptive powers of men have caused a worldwide catastrophic error and a very strong false precedent concerning our Lord’s Passover meal! All man-made religions that profess Christianity…. because they do not understand what the symbolic meal actually stood for, have turned it into a ritualistic ceremony that accomplishes nothing! Are we really different after eating a cracker and taking a sip of wine? To the contrary, if we carry out the task the meal really symbolized, our lives are changed forever! At John 6:27 Jesus begins to explain the enigma that confused men at that time…..and in our day. “Work, not for the food that perishes, but for the food that remains for life everlasting, which the son of man will give you.”
He continues his metaphoric explanations throughout this chapter. “I am the bread of life, he that comes to me will not get hungry.” “It is written in the prophets, ‘and they will all be taught by God. Everyone that has heard from the Father and has learned comes to me.’ “Most truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves.” “He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life.”
The men listening began to murmur, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”…. Should we remain as unwitting as those men? Should we really believe Jesus meant that eating the bread and drinking the wine that ends up in a sewer, (Mark 7:19) would give us everlasting life? What did eating his flesh and drinking his blood truly represent? What did Jesus really intend for us to do in remembrance of him?
We all know that Jesus is referred to many times, as “The Word” or “The Word of God.” (John 1:1) (Revelation 19:13) The original Passover meal was consumed in order to provide God’s chosen people proper nutrition and strength for their upcoming journey. This was a pattern for an event that will be explained in the 4th thunder. This presently unknown monumental event will be accomplished through Christ Jesus, The Word. In order to be properly prepared we must eat his flesh and drink his blood. The true and real meaning of this statement is in accord with (John 17:3)
“This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.”
We must constantly study and digest the Word of God. This is what his evening meal really symbolized! This is what he meant for us to do in remembrance of him! Knowledge in harmony with the spirit of truth will arm God’s choices of people with the proper understanding of the things coming and put them in a position to be a part of His salvation plan! We should now understand exactly why Jesus said, “All of you will be stumbled in connection with me on this night.” And “He that dips his hand with me in the bowl is the one who will betray me.”
If you still persist in dipping your hand in the bowl… like the betrayer… or continue to just repeat the ceremony, as all men do, maybe we should read these scriptures.
(Hosea 9:4, 5) “They will not continue pouring out wine to The LORD. And their sacrifices will not be gratifying to him; they are like the bread of times of mourning to them; all those eating it will defile themselves. For their bread is for their own soul; it will not come into the house of The LORD.”
(Isaiah 30:1) “Woe to the stubborn sons,” is the utterance of The LORD, “Those disposed to carry out counsel, but not that from me, and to pour out a libation, but not with my spirit, in order to add sin to sin.”
Many of today’s translations have complicated the real meaning of this scripture. They have replaced the original Hebrew word “nacak” with words and phrases that do not pinpoint the original intended meaning, such as; “alliance” or “cover with a covering”…. However “nacak” literally means: “to pour out a libation!”
The word libation means: to pour out wine to a god. Pouring out a libation is performed in every church, and every religious organization in our world today. Their ritualistic ceremonies are universally accepted as proper and holy. It’s also much easier than dedicating your life to taking in and digesting The Word.
The true church or ecclesia….(God’s called out ones)…. will soon eat this meal of truth! Their being called out of men designed religions, or breaking through the gates of false teachings (Micah 2:13) began approximately around the turn of the past century. They will not need men’s organizations for their motivation or mediator. (1st John 2:27) They will follow the lamb wherever he goes. (Revelation 14:4) Their constant feature will be the daily feast on the flesh and blood of the Word. This is the true Passover meal!
Who are they? (John 16:13, 14) At present they are known only by the One who chose them. Their numbers will greatly increase as they digest the 7 Thunders…. Are you of that number? (Jeremiah 3:15) (Daniel 12:3, 4) Their common bond will be their genuine love for the Father, His son the Word, and their fellowman. Their presentation of the latter day rain will prepare the way to our God… and will not cost one penny. (Isaiah 40:3) (Isaiah 45:13) Their knowledge will be attained in the wilderness setting of the midbar, without a price tag…. they have received free and will give free…. for all who are thirsty…. life’s water is indeed…. free! (Revelation 22:17)
Many statements about John the Baptist patterns this end-time forerunner (Matthew 17:11) that God promised in Malachi 4:5.
(Luke 1:76-80) “And child, you will be called a prophet of the most High, for you will go before the Lord, to prepare His ways, to give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins.” “Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
“The child grew up and became spiritually strong, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.”
Are you ready for a feast on the flesh and blood of Jesus? For he has once again, turned the water into wine. (Isaiah 62:8, 9) Are you ready to fast from the traditions of men? It’s your choice!
(Joel 2:11, 12) “The LORD thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty are those who obey his command. The day of the LORD is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?”” Even now, declares the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
(Mark 7:6-9) “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. “They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.” You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” “And he said to them: You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!”
We must fast on the traditions of men before we feast on the Word of God! This is exactly what Jesus meant at (Luke 5:35-39). “We must not put new wine into old wineskins!” Truth and lies will not mix!
The very 1st thing a seeker of truth must recognize is this hard to imagine reality: This world’s worship has been completely saturated with lying vanities! (Jonah 2:8) (1st John 5:19-21) Just as in the days of Jesus’ first appearance, all people today must recognize this fact and repent. (Acts 17:30) Did John the Baptist admonish people to just feel sorry, or only have regret and remorse because they missed the mark? NO! He wanted them to actually do something! He wanted them to make changes in their lives! The immersion in water symbolized a change from the darkness of their previous teachings, to the acceptance of the light and truth of Jesus.
Today, seekers of truth will once again, rise out of their immersion in the darkness of the watery deep. (Jonah 2) The only sign of the last days…. the sign of Jonah will take place! (Matthew 16:4)
We must recognize our need to repent! The biblical meaning of repent is: Change your thinking! Turn completely around! Turn your back to the lies of this world, and seek first the coming Kingdom. For the ruler in that Kingdom will be the Word of God.
LISTEN……..There’s Thunder in the Wilderness!!!
“Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?” (Song of Solomon 8:5)
“And it will be said: Build up, build up; prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.” (Isaiah 57:14)