OPENING THE SCROLLS

SOME KEYS TO THE SCRIPTURES

Begun September 6, 2013; Finished October 29, 2013

Pastor Bobby Norton, New Life Christian Fellowship

All Scripture references are from the KJV

Words in bold, italicized and underlined type are made so for emphasis

It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter (Prov 25:2).

The following is not intended to be primarily a study of the Bible, but rather
a teaching on the use of some keys which I believe
will help in our opening the Scriptures.  Some of the keys I received from other ministers.  Others were given me of our Teacher, the Holy Ghost, as I have applied myself to personal prayer and Bible study

WHAT WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT WE CANNOT APPROPRIATE

IF WE DO NOT APPROPRIATE WHAT WE KNOW, WE WASTED OUR TIME LEARNING

Can we agree that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16)?  If not, then we have no common ground upon which we can commune and study together.  If we do agree that the Bible is God’s Word of Truth, then let us reason together out of the scriptures (Acts 17:2).

All commentary I offer in this study I fully believe to be firmly founded in Bible Truth.  Nothing herein do I intend to establish or refute anyone’s denominational doctrine or personal belief.  If you disagree with my position on any scripture passage or any subject discussed, don’t just walk away and leave me in my possible error.  Please love me enough in Christ to correct me….scripturally, of course: with the Bible.

My translations of high school Latin were most always weak.  I knew that I was more capable, but I was not willing to lend full effort to the task.  One evening I had just finished another half-hearted attempt at my homework when something inside me served notice on my slothfulness.  I returned to my Latin and the next day, and every day thereafter, I was rewarded for my diligence with good classroom translations, a deep feeling of satisfaction and some very flattering comments from my classmates, not to mention an applied knowledge of Latin that helps me to this day.

If you are not going to put time and real effort into your personal study of the Bible, you are wasting your time in this class.  If you do not actively apply what you learn here, nothing you learn here will change your ability to open the Scriptures. 

2 Tim 2:15  Study [Strongs: make haste; give diligence] to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

A study of the Scriptures is a search for eternal Truth, which Truth sets the believer apart unto the purposes of God, the Author of the Bible:

John 17:17

17          Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

The Scriptures reveal the universal Kingdom of God, the Melchizedek order of Priesthood that is to occupy it, and the generational mission of that Kingdom and its Priesthood in the earth.  The keys of religion (good works earning righteousness) will never open the Scriptures, nor will the keys of religious interpretation of the Scriptures ever reveal in them the Kingdom of God, its Melchizedek Priesthood order, or the mission of either in the earth

The Scriptures are divinely inspired (God-breathed) and, therefore, must be divinely interpreted: the Bible interprets the Bible and is explained, expanded and applied to the relevant now by the Holy Ghost: 

2 Pet 1:20-21

20          Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

21      For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The divinely inspired Scriptures make us wise unto salvation and equip us unto good works:

2 Tim 3:14-17

14      But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15      And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16      All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17      That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

There is an anointing abiding in the believer which is his teacher within: 

I Jn 2:27-28

27      But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

28      And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Note: for a more perfect understanding of the above passage it is necessary to read this whole chapter.  Also, please understand that this passage does not negate the validity and necessity of the ascension gifts ministry of Ephesians 4:11, especially the gift of Pastor-Teacher.

RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH

Twenty Four Keys to the Scriptures

1          TURN FROM SIN UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS    

To come to the knowledge of the truth of the Scriptures we must turn away from our sinful life and our sinful associations.  This applies to the “sinner” but even more so to “sinning saints.”  Let not the “sinning saint” think that the Scriptures will accurately open to him 

2 Tim 3:1-7

1        This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2        For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3          Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4          Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5          Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6        For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7        Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2        WE MUST BE SCRIPTURALLY BORN AGAIN      

We cannot in our own strength do what is demanded of us in the previous key (#1).  We must be born from above (Jn 3:3) if we are to “turn away” from ungodliness.  And, except we turn from ungodliness, the Bible will remain a closed Book, we will continue in blindness to the Kingdom of God and, though we will ever be learning, we will never come to the knowledge of the truth. 

Our “seeing” the Kingdom of God is first evidence of our being born from above (Jn 3:3).  The Bible formula of the rebirth experience is found in its first NT mention in Acts 2:37-42 (see key #7 below).  Note that the content of Peter’s preaching of the Word which preceded those three thousand conversions was not hell fire everlasting, but it was a proof of Jesus’ resurrection and Lordship, a conviction of corporate and personal sin and a revelation of sin’s remedy.

3          RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST     

When we are scripturally born from above we “receive the gift of  the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38), who is:

1        Given exclusively into the life of the believer (Jn 14:17) 

2        The seal of God upon us (Eph 1:13; Eph 4:30)

3        The earnest of our full inheritance (2 Cor 5:1-5; Eph 1:13-14)

4        Our Comforter (Jn 16:7; Jn 14:15-16; Jn 14:26; Jn 15:26-27)

5        Our Guide into all Truth (Jn 16:13-14)

6        The very Spirit of Truth within us (Jn16:13)

7        The prophetic Spirit within us, the revealer of things to come (Jn 16:13)

4        THE CONDENSED EDITION  

We must realize that the Bible is the most condensed Book in all of Creation:

John 21:25  And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

5        THE EXHAUSTIVE EDITION  

The Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth, is the exhaustive, full-volume version of the Word of God. He lives within us as our guide into “all truth” (Jn 14:15-18; Jn 15:26-27; Jn 16:12-13).  This very fact makes the Spirit of Truth, this Holy Ghost inside of us, the most important gift God has given for understanding the Scriptures.  Have you noticed reading a passage with greater understanding than with the previous times you read it?  All the knowledge of God is inside you in the person of the Holy Spirit.  He will, as we give ourselves to learning, take the Scriptures from their condensed form (the Bible) and write them out fully on the tables of our heart (Heb 8:10-11) as we are able to receive

6          PRAY AND READ; READ AND PRAY

Matt 6:6

6        But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

1 Tim 4:13

13      Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Prayerfully reading the Word bring together the Holy Ghost and the Bible, the two most important witnesses of God to the believer.  These two witnesses will always agree together as one.  If there is disagreement between the Spirit and the Bible, either we have listened to “another spirit” or we have misinterpreted the Bible

7          NATURE

Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Everything around us, the created world and the situations that develop in it, can teach us of our God if we will apply scripture to each thing seen and all things experienced, whether pleasant or unpleasant, good or evil.  If we will allow it to be so, we can learn from everything, thereby allowing the Word of God to turn even an unpleasant and evil thing to our good for learning 

Note: I personally try to apply scripture to everything I see and experience.  I learned from “Star Wars” and “Avatar.”  I recently learned some great scripture lessons at the Willy Nelson event at the Williamson Auditorium.  Again, all things we see and experience are good for our learning the scriptures if we will see scripture in them and apply scripture to them.  Don’t waste a single experience, good or bad. 

8        OLD WINDOWS

The windows of heaven are ministries that open the truth of the heavens to us.  Find a window that is more clear than your own and sit by it a while (sit down with people who can open the scriptures better than yourself).  If you can find an old window, respect and prefer it.  Go and sit in its light.  Open the sash.  Enjoy the breeze.  It will change your life.

9          BIBLE STUDY HELPS

There are many good study Bibles available along with a myriad of commentaries.  If you are using a physical book library, an Exhaustive Concordance is essential.  Along with it use an Englishman’s concordance, for our English Bible translates some words of varied meaning into the same English word 

Example: Hell is a word used in our English New Testament to translate three different Greek words, each of which has a different meaning.  

1          Strongs # 1067 - Hades (Rev 1:18) – the grave

2          Strong’s # 86 - Gehenna (Matt 5:22) – valley of the son of Hinnom near Jerusalem used for burning trash

3          Strong’s # 5020 - Tartaroo (2Peter 2:4) – The deepest abyss of Hades.  Used one time of the place into which God cast the angels that sinned, there to be reserved for judgment

The same situation is with the word heaven - one English word defining three different concepts:  Without reading NT Greek or using an Englishman’s concordance we would wonder long at this passage written by Paul of his own experience:

2 Cor 12:1-5

1        It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2        I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

3        And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

4        How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

5        Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

Note: If there is a third heaven, is there not a first and second?  We would not know from our English Bible for each of the following words defining the three heavens are all translated “heaven”

1          Strongs #3772  ouranos (oo-ran-os'); perhaps from the same as 3735 (through the idea of elevation); the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specifically, the Gospel (Christianity):

2          Strongs #2032  epouranios (ep-oo-ran'-ee-os); from 1909 and 3772; above the sky:

3          Strongs #2362  thronos (thron'-os); from thrao (to sit); a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate: (Translated as “heaven” in Rev 21:3.  Translated in all other occurrences as “throne” when referring to God and “seat” when referring to lesser beings)

For more powerful Bible Study there are many Bible study programs available for computer.  I use “PC Study Bible” from Bible Soft.  The online site “E-Sword” offers free Bible study helps.

10          PERSONAL VERIFICATION        

Acts 17:10-11

10      And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

11      These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Be more noble than those at Thessalonica (Acts 17:10-11 above): don’t take another person’s word for anything concerning the Scriptures.  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good (1Thes 5:21).  Even “old windows” can hold to traditions of men rather than truth: “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye” (Mark 7:13).  Commentaries are just that: someone’s comments on scripture, - and they quite often disagree with one another.  Do your own reading, word studies, thematic searches, and principles application before opening a commentary. 

11      THE CONCEPT OF CHRISTIANITY         

The Bible is not written as a “heaven” concept, but rather a “Kingdom” concept

Concept – 1. a general notion or idea; conception.  2. an idea of something formed by mentally combining all its characteristics or particulars; a construct.  (The Random House College Dictionary)

A concept is like a cardboard box, but it is purely immaterial: it is my “idea of something formed by mentally combining all its characteristics or particulars.”   It is definitely invisible and intangible, but it is just as real and just as limited as any natural box as to what it can contain.  The amount and the nature of information a concept might receive into its “box” is determined by the size of its established parameters of definition. 

All that I know of anything and every fact that I accept as truth about a thing must fit within the boundaries of my concept of it.  My concept of a chair, for example, has a boundary which may be defined in a concept statement.  Within that concept statement must fit everything I know about a chair, its form, and its function.  Let’s make my concept statement of a chair “that wooden thing I sit in only when I eat and only when I eat may I use a chair.”  Now I can no longer snack on the couch or rest in the recliner

For the most part, in America our “concept” of Christianity may be summed up in the statement, “Get saved and you will go to heaven when you die; but, if you don’t, you will go to hell.”  If this statement defines our concept of Christianity, then all acceptable Bible truth about Christianity must fit into this concept.  As we study the Bible, any passage which won’t fit into this “heaven/hell” concept (the greater weight of Scripture will not) must then be either disregarded or modified to “make it fit.”  Therefore, some passages we just ignore or else we modify them into religious traditions which will fit our “box”

The Biblical concept of Christianity is not “heaven” but “Kingdom.”   For a biblical look at the Kingdom concept see the last document in this study: “The Now Kingdom”

12          STUDY THE OT AND THE NT TOGETHER      

The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.  The entire Old Testament, every Book, every chapter, every Word, contains within itself the revelation of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, which revelation is clarified in the New Testament.  When I read the OT I am looking for types and shadows of Jesus and His Kingdom in every situation, character, name, and number.  When I read the NT I am recalling OT examples (situations, characters, names, and numbers) which will contain, and, therefore, further clarify the NT truth I am searching.  Examples: Gal 4:21-26; I Cor 15:41-47)

13          SHADOWS AND TYPES

Example: The first Adam was a shadow and type of the Last Adam (Jesus); Abraham’s offering Isaac on Mt. Moriah was a shadow and type of God’s offering His Son Jesus on Mt. Calvary

Caution: An OT shadow or type must be seen in clear NT reality else we give permission to potential error, for the description of a shadow may be suggested by our mind to accommodate our circumstance

14      THE PRINCIPLE OF FIRST MENTION

The principle of first mention: The first appearance of a word, a character, a situation, etc. reveals a foundation of understanding and sets a precedent for subsequent uses of that same word, character, situation, etc.

Examples:

Gen 22:5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

This first mention of the word “worship” is found here in Abraham’s offering Isaac to God.  A precedent is set.  Ever after when men in Scripture will worship, it will involve offering to God the most precious thing they have.  When we study worship in later passages we remember Abraham’s act of sacrifice and the circumstances around it.  In fact we have in the past referred to our worship as “offering our Isaac”

Gen 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

This first mention of the word “rule” applied to human relationship appears after the fall.  A study of this passage will yield a wealth of revelation about later appearances of civil government: the order of the home, the Church, and the Kingdom of God

15          CONTEXT        

Study every passage in context.  Neglecting this principle has given place to much religious tradition.  Such neglect may offer us “exciting preaching” and some “great songs,” but all in gross error scripturally speaking

Example:

1 Cor 2:9

9        But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

The above verse has birthed some of that “exciting preaching” and some “great songs,” but a reading of the next verse obliterates most of the preaching and singing

1 Cor 2:10

10      But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

16          BIBLE TERMS

Think and speak in Bible terms and use exact Bible terminology.  Wrong terminology closes revelation beyond the point of its adoption and fouls Bible communication with others.

Example: Jesus is never referred to in Scripture as the “second Adam” (He is the last Adam).  To use the term “second Adam” is to close the door on myriad life-giving truths, among which is the truth that there were many “Adams”, many “progenitors” given among mankind, as God brought forth a people out of a people, but Jesus is the last of them.  No more progenitors, no more people out of a people, for in Jesus Christ you are the people of God

1 Pet 2:9-10

9        But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

10          Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

17          ALLEGORIES

Allegory (The Random House College Dictionary) – a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms

Gal 4:22-26

22      For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

23      But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

24          Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

25      For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

26      But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Some other allegorical subjects used in Scripture

1          Farming

2          Shepherd/sheep

3          Warfare

4          House

5          Fishing

Note: Not every passage of Scripture may be illustrated in a single allegory (thus the need for many)  

18      THE LION, THE OX, THE MAN AND THE EAGLE

Man is searching every reason to disqualify the Bible as the Word of God.  One disqualifier I occasionally hear is that the Gospels disagree with one another.  The following thoughts concerning the perspectives of the Gospel writers might help us to understand many of those things we read as contradictions.  Also, these thoughts may enable us to get more from the Gospels that in the past

Ezek 1:5-10

5        Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.

6        And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.

7        And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.

8        And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.

9        Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.

10      As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

THE ORDER OF THE FACES CHANGES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Rev 4:6-7

6        And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

7        And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

THE FOUR FACES OF JESUS IN THE GOSPELS

1        Matthew   The Lion  

2        Mark         The Ox    

3        Luke         The Man  

4        John          The Eagle  

THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE GOSPEL WRITERS AS THEY LOOKED AT JESUS

1        Matthew saw Jesus the Sovereign King

2        Mark saw Jesus the Suffering Servant 

3        Luke saw Jesus the Sacrifice Man

4        John saw Jesus the Son of God

THE PROGRESSION OF THE FOUR GOSPELS REVEALS THE PROGRESSION OF JESUS’ LIFE FROM THE WORD OF GOD TO THE SON OF GOD / SON OF MAN

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

1        The Word was made the Lion in Matthew

2        The Word of the Lion in Matthew, became the Word of the Ox in Mark

3        The Word of the Ox in Mark became the Word of the Man in Luke

4        The Word of the Man in Luke became the Word of the Eagle in John

THE ANCESTRY OF JESUS CONSIDERED IN EACH GOSPEL

          WRITER  FACE                    REVELATION          ANCESTRY

1        Matthew  The Lion   The Sovereign    The Seed of David

2        Mark        The Ox     The Servant        The Seed of Abraham

3        Luke        The Man   The Sacrifice      The Seed of the woman

4        John         The Eagle The Son              The Seed of God

The Pattern Son went before us.  This progression of the Gospels also reveals the progressive growth of a Christian from the sovereign self to the servant of God and His people to the man of God giving his life to God and for his people to becoming one with God (many sons to glory)

Heb 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

19          DIVISION OF THE TESTAMENTS

The Synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke actually bring a conclusion to the Old Testament: they are accounts of how Jesus satisfied every demand of the Law of Sin and Death, that is, the law of the First Covenant.  The Sovereign God became flesh in Jesus the King (Matthew).  Jesus the King took on Himself the form of a Servant (Mark; Philippians 2:7).  Jesus the Servant became the Man of Sacrifice (Luke).  This perfect Sacrifice fulfilled every demand of the Old Covenant.  Therefore, we could conclude that the synoptic Gospels are actually part of the Old Covenant, for only after their fullness was finished, was now the “kairos” time for the New Covenant come with the book of John (Jer 31:31).

The book of John is the “Genesis” of the New Testament: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).  In John Jesus is the Eagle, the Exalted Son.  From the Eagle (the Son, the Beginning Word) flow the other books of the New Testament 

This understanding also changes the number of books in the Old Testament (39 as we formerly counted them: the biblical number of “disease”) to 42 (the biblical number of the “Lord’s Advent”).  The number of New Testament books now changes from 27 (Gospel of Christ) to 24 (Priesthood).  This change lends further definition to Key #11 (The Concept of Christianity).  The Gospel of Christ unto salvation is a genuine Bible concept, but it is only a part of the Kingdom (Priesthood) concept:

The Old Testament Kingdom of Priests:

Exod 19:5-6

5        Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

6        And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

The New Testament Kingdom of Priests:

1 Pet 2:9-10

9        But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

10          Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

20          INDISPUTABLE DOCTRINE      

An indisputable Bible doctrine of sacrament or action is established by a clear Bible commandment to do and a clear Bible example of its having been done so.  Any doctrine not defined by this marriage of Bible commandment and Bible action needs to be considered with utmost caution before adoption and application to our individual lives or to a Church family

Example:

Matt 28:19-20

19      Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20          Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Acts 2:38

38      Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

There are no Bible examples of anyone’s having been water baptized with the formula in Matt. 28:19.  There are at least three examples of believers being water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 8:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5).  We must conclude that if the Apostles and the early Church were not baptizing in gross error (and I firmly believe they were not), then they did, at the time of its writing, understand the passage in Matt 28:19 to mean some baptism other than with water.  We might consider the possibility that Jesus was commissioning the Church to teach (baptize; immerse) all nations of the world in the understanding of the name (nature; identity) of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”  We might also consider this passage:

Rom 6:3-4

3        Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4          Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Note: The way we are “buried with Him [Jesus] by baptism into death” is that we are baptized (buried) into His Name

21          NAMES

A person’s name in Scripture reveals his nature and may reveal his purpose in life (search the meaning of the name).  The surrounding verses of a person’s birth account often reveals why he was named as he was as well as his nature and his life’s work 

1 Chr 22:9

9          Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.

 Solomon - 8010  Shelomoh (shel-o-mo'); from 7965; peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor: (Strongs)

Gen 5:28-29

28      And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son:

29      And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.

Noah - 5146  Noach (no'-akh); the same as 5118; rest; Noach, the patriarch of the flood: (Strongs)

A change of name is accompanied by a change of nature and lifestyle

Gen 32:28

28      And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Jacob - 3290  Ya` aqob (yah-ak-obe'); from 6117; heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch: (Strongs)

Israel - 3478  Yisra'el (yis-raw-ale'); from 8280 and 410; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity: -Israel. (Strongs)

22          NUMBERS

Numbers have meanings that can be applied to the study of a person, place or situation.  See the page of numbers and their scriptural meaning in the “Helps” below.  The meaning of numbers remains the same throughout both Testaments and will often reveal much about the context in which they are used. 

Matt 12:45

45      Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

The seven spirits accompanying the one unclean spirit go back into the man.  Now there are eight spirits.  The number eight is the Bible number of a “new beginning.”  Therefore the last state of the man was a new beginning of evil residence within him at eight times the level it was before.  And, yes, that is worse.  Much worse

23      THE THREES

God reveals Himself in three persons.  Watch for truths revealed in threes such as: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; Way, Truth and Life; Righteous, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost; Spirit, Soul and Body (See the table of “Threes” below).  These “trinities” do very revelatory overlays in the Tabernacle of Moses, its dimensions and furniture

24      THE MASTER KEY 

The master key to the scriptures is The Tabernacle

Understand the use of this teaching model and Scripture will open to you as in no other method of study, for it truly is the master key to the Bible

TABERNACLE HELPS

THE TABERNACLE OF MOSES

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them (Exod 25:8)

FOURTEEN COMPONENTS OF THE FREEWILL OFFERING

COMPONENT                                             SIGNIFICANCE

1          GOLD                                               DIVINE NATURE

2          SILVER                                            REDEMPTION

3          BRASS                                             JUDGMENT

4          BLUE                                               HEAVENLY

5          PURPLE                                          ROYALTY

6          SCARLET                                       SACRIFICE; OF THE EARTH

7          FINE LINEN                                   RIGHTEOUSNESS

8          GOATS HAIR                                  FAITHFUL WITNESS; SIMPLICITY

9          RAM’S SKINS DYED RED           PROTECTION

10        BADGERS’ SKINS                         SEPARATION

11        ACACIA (SHITTIM) WOOD         HUMANITY

12        OIL                                                   HOLY SPIRIT

13        SPICES                                             JOY

14        PRECIOUS STONES                       SONS OF GOD

BUILDING OVERSEERS

FROM THE TRIBE OF JUDAH       BEZELEEL (IN THE SHADOW, OR PROTECTION, OF                                                                      GOD

FROM THE TRIBE OF DAN            AHOLIAB (FATHER’S TENT)

THREE DIVISIONS

1          OUTER COURT

2          HOLY PLACE

3          HOLY OF HOLIES

FURNITURE AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL

OUTER COURT

1            BRAZEN ALTAR                                 WOOD OVERLAID WITH                                                                                         BRASS

2            BRAZEN ALTAR                                 WOMEN'S LOOKING                                                                                                GLASSES)

HOLY PLACE

1          TABLE OF SHOWBREAD                    WOOD OVERLAID WITH                                                                                        GOLD

2           CANDLESTICK                                    SOLID GOLD

3           ALTAR OF INCENSE                           WOOD OVERLAID WITH                                                                                         GOLD

HOLY OF HOLIES

1          ARK OF THE COVENANT                   WOOD OVERLAID WITH                                                                                         GOLD

2           MERCY SEAT AND CHERUBIM        SOLID GOLD

MEASUREMENTS IN CUBITS

 (1 CUBIT EQUALS 18 INCHES)

TABERNACLE

1          OUTER COURT                    50 X 100

2          HOLY PLACE                       10 X 20 X 10

3          HOLY OF HOLIES                10 X 10 X 10

FURNITURE

1            BRAZEN ALTAR                                     5 X 5 X 3                                                                             

2            BRAZEN LAVER                                    NONE

3          TABLE OF SHOWBREAD                       1 X 2 X 1.5                          

4            CANDLESTICK                                      NONE                                    

5            ALTAR OF INCENSE                             1 X 1 X 2

6          ARK OF THE COVENANT                      1.5 X 2.5 X 1.5

7            MERCY SEAT AND CHERUBIM          NO THICKNESS MEASUREMENT

ENTRANCES

OUTER COURT GATE             20 X 5

HOLY PLACE DOOR               10 X 10

HOLY OF HOLIES VAIL          10 X 10

LIGHTS

OUTER COURT             NATURAL

HOLY PLACE                 ARTIFICIAL

HOLY OF HOLIES         DIVINE

DIMENSIONS OVERLAYS (NOT NEARLY EXHAUSTIVE)

                       

OUTER COURT                  HOLY PLACE            HOLY OF HOLIES

FATHER                              SON                              HOLY SPIRIT

BODY                                  SOUL                           SPIRIT

ABRAHAM                        ISAAC                          JACOB                                 

RIGHTEOUSNESS            PEACE                         JOY                                   
WAY                                   TRUTH                         LIFE

GOLD                                 SILVER                        PRECIOUS STONES

PASSOVER                        PENTECOST               TABERNACLES

KNOWLEDGE                  WISDOM                      UNDERSTANDING

30 FOLD                            60 FOLD                       100 FOLD (FRUIT)

THANKSGIVING             PRAISE                         WORSHIP

NATURAL LIGHT           ARTIFICIAL LIGHT     DIVINE LIGHT

GOOD                               ACCEPTABLE              PERFECT

LITTLE CHILDREN        YOUNG MEN               FATHERS (1JN 1:12-14)

LAW                                  GRACE                          KINGDOM

REST GIVEN                    REST FOUND               REST ACQUIRED

FAITH                                HOPE                             CHARITY

FLOWER                           KNOP                             ALMOND

DEATH                               BURIAL                        RESURRECTION

BLOOD                              WATER                          SPIRIT

DUNAMIS                         EXOUSIA                      ARCHE (LEVELS OF POWER)

1^ST                                      2^ND                                3^RD (HEAVENS)

RELIGION                        RITUAL                          RELATIONSHIP

NUMBERS AND THEIR MEANINGS

1        Unity

2        Union; Division; Witness

3        Resurrection; Divine completeness or perfection

4        Creation; World

5        Grace; God’s goodness

6        Weakness of man

7        Completeness; Spiritual perfection

8        New birth

9        Fruit of the Spirit; Divine completeness from the Lord

10      Testimony; Law; Responsibility

11       Judgment; Disorder

12       Government of perfection

13       Depravity; Rebellion

14       Deliverance; Salvation

15       Rest

16       Love

17       Victory

18       Bondage

19       Faith

20       Redemption

21       Holy City

22       Light

23       Death

24       Priesthood

25      The forgiveness of sins

26       Preaching the gospel

27       Gospel of Christ

28       Eternal life

29       Departure

30       Blood of Christ; Dedication

31       Offspring

32       Covenant

33       Promise

34       Naming of a Son

35       Hope

36       Enemy

37      Word of God

38       Slavery

39       Disease

40      Trials; Probation; Testing

42       Lord’s advent

45       Preservation

50       Holy Spirit

60       Pride

66       Idol worship

70       Universality Israel; Restoration

100     God’s election of grace; Children of promise

119      Resurrection day; Lord’s day

120      Divine period of probation

144      Spirit-guided life

153      Fruit bearing

200      Insufficiency

600      Warfare

666      Number of beast; Antichrist

888      First resurrection of saints

1000  Divine completeness; Glory of God

TWO BIBLICAL STUDIES

THE TABERNACLE

(Message ministered by Pastor Bobby Norton at Seaside Christian Fellowship for Pastor Dwight Reaves on January 8 and 15, 2012)

This is an outline using the Tabernacle to study the life of Jesus as He fulfilled the Old Testament demand for a blood sacrifice to satisfy the law of sin and death.  Also, the outline begins the believer’s life right where Jesus’ ended, ministers to him the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus and then brings him step by step on a scriptural path back out of the Tabernacle and into a life of service in this New Testament world

Exod 25:1-9

1        And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2        Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.

3        And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,

4        And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,

5        And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,

6        Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,

7        Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.

8        And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

9          According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

1        Jesus was made of a woman (Gal 4:4; vs 8 above) and in Him God dwelt among us

          A          A study of the Tabernacle is a study of Jesus the Word of God

2        We prepare ourselves as the Temple of the Lord: the Tabernacle is a study of our experience

3          Jesus’ experience of the Tabernacle was from outside in (Outer Court to Holiest); our experience of the Tabernacle is from the inside out (Holiest to Outer Court)

THE MIRRORS

1 Cor 13:11-13

11      When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12      For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13      And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

2 Cor 3:18

18      But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

James 1:22-25

22      But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23      For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24      For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25      But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

National Israel never succeeded in approaching God through the sequentially progressive offerings of the Tabernacle to the cleansing of their conscience (Heb 9:4-9).  In true fact, this “Outer Court inward” approach is humanly impossible.  Only Jesus, the Son of Man/Son of God could accomplish such and through the offering of His own blood secure the right for us to begin where He finished.  He purchased for those of faith the privilege of a “Holiest outward” walk with God our Father

Jesus fulfilled the Word of the Tabernacle from the outside in, from the Outer Court into the Holy of Holies

Outer Court

Brazen Altar, Brazen Laver (mirror of promise; 1 Cor 13:11-13 above): Religion (two cleansings of the fleshly man)

Holy Place

Candlestick (mirror of change; II Cor 3:18 above), Showbread Table, Golden Altar: Ritual (three repetitious acts unto the metamorphosis of the soul of man)

Holy of Holies: Mercy Seat (mirror of beginning; James 1:22-25 above), Ark of the Covenant, Golden Pot of Manna, Aaron’s Rod that budded, Tables of the Law – Relationship: (six regenerative laws of life to the spirit of man)

Again, our experience of the Tabernacle begins where Jesus’ finished.  We move from the Holiest outward, for we, as Israel of old, would never get past the Brazen Altar experience in the Outer Court on our own merit

THE TABERNACLE II

SEASIDE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: PASTOR DWIGHT REEVES

JANUARY 15, 2012

THE SON OF GOD BECAME THE SON OF MAN THAT ANY SON OF MAN MIGHT BECOME A SON OF GOD

JESUS DIED GOING INTO THE TABERNACLE SO THAT WE MIGHT LIVE COMING OUT

JESUS’ JOURNEY: OUTSIDE – IN

JESUS BY HIS OWN DEATH FULFILLED THE RELIGION OF THE OUTER COURT, KEPT THE RITUAL OF THE HOLY PLACE AND SECURED THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE HOLY OF HOLIES SO THAT WE CAN BEGIN OUR LIFE IN THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE HOLY OF HOLIES, KEEP OUR LIFE IN THE RITUAL OF THE HOLY PLACE AND IN REAL LIFE WE MIGHT PRACTICE THE SACRIFICIAL, CLEANSIING RELIGION OF THE OUTER COURT

THE DIMENSIONAL ENTRANCES OF THE TABERNACLE WERE DEATH TO JESUS THAT THEY MIGHT BE LIFE TO US

Outer Court Gate

1        Jesus died at the Gate of the Outer Court as He submitted to natural authority

2        We live at the Gate of the Outer Court as we submit to natural authority

Holy Place Door

1        Jesus died at the Door of the Holy Place as He submitted Himself to spiritual authority

2        We live at the Door of the Holy Place as we submit to spiritual authority

Holy of Holies Veil

1        Jesus died at the Veil of the Holy of Holies as He submitted Himself to the Cross

2        We live at the Veil of the Holy of Holies as we submit to our own personal cross

THE FURNITURE OF EACH DIMENSION THE TABERNACLE WAS DEATH TO JESUS THAT THEY MIGHT BE LIFE TO US

Brazen Altar  

1        Jesus offered His body a sacrifice through dying

2        We offer our body a sacrifice through living

Brazen Laver (mirror; 1Cor 13:11-13)

1        Jesus was baptized into the river of death (Jordan)

2        We are baptized into the river of life 

Table of Showbread

1        Jesus tasted the bread and wine (cup) of death for every man

2        We taste the bread and wine of life, which is offered to every man

Candlestick; (mirror; 2Cor 3:18)

1        Jesus was the light of the world but would die and leave the world

2        We are the light of the world and we will live and remain in the world

Altar of Incense

1        Jesus prayed the prayer of death

2        We pray the prayer of life

Mercy Seat (mirror; James 1:22-25)

1        Jesus looked upon God and saw the face of death (Cherubim on the Mercy Seat)

2        We look upon God and see the face of life (Cherubim on the Mercy Seat)

Ark of the Covenant

1        Jesus died under the Old Covenant and the Ark was a tomb to Him

2        We live under the New Covenant and the Ark is a womb to us

THE DIMENSIONAL ENTRANCES OF THE TABERNACLE WERE DEATH TO JESUS

THE FURNITURE OF EACH DIMENSION THE TABERNACLE WAS DEATH TO JESUS

OUTER COURT GATE

Jesus died at the Gate of the Outer Court at the age of twelve years (Luke 2:42-52; twelve is the number of government; Jesus submitted his will to natural authority and essentially died in the process)

Brazen Altar  

Jesus offered His body a sacrifice through death

1 Cor 5:7b For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

Brazen Laver (mirror; 1Cor 13:11-13)

Jesus was baptized into the river of death (Jordan)

Luke 12:50

50      But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

HOLY PLACE DOOR

Jesus died at the door of the Holy Place at the age of thirty years (the Bible number of dedication; Jesus submitted Himself to the spiritual authority of His Heavenly Father and essentially died in the process; water baptism is typical of death)

Matt 3:14-17

14      But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

15      And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

16      And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

17      And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Table of Showbread

1        Jesus tasted the bread and wine (cup) of death for every man

Matt 26:26-28

26      And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

27      And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

28      For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Candlestick (mirror; 2Cor 3:18)

1        Jesus was the light of the world but would die and leave the world

John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

Altar of Incense

1        Jesus prayed the prayer of death

Matt 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

HOLY OF HOLIES VEIL

1        Jesus died at the Veil of the Holy of Holies at the age of thirty three and one half years (the three and one half being the death portion of the full seven, being the Bible number of divine perfection.  The other three and one half years are accomplished in our dedication as we are born again and begin our journey out of the Tabernacle)

Mark 15:37-38

37      And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

38      And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

Ark of the Covenant

1        Jesus died under the old covenant (three articles in the Ark) and the Ark became His tomb

THE THREE ARTICLES WITHIN THE ARK (HEB 9:4)

1        The golden pot that had manna

2        Aaron's rod that budded

3        The tables of the covenant

THESE ARTICLES ARE SYMBOLIC OF THREE LAWS OF THE COVENANT WHICH WERE DEATH TO JESUS

The golden pot that had manna: The law of Provision

John 6:53-58

53      Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

54          Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

55      For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

56      He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

57      As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

58      This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

Aaron's rod that budded: The law of Priesthood

Heb 10:11-13

11      And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

12      But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

13      From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

The tables of the covenant: The laws of Kingdom Protocol (Kingdom behavior)

Gal 3:13

13      Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that HANGETH ON A TREE

HERE IN THE HOLIEST WE MEET JESUS, AND, BECAUSE OF HIS JOURNEY OF DEATH COMING INTO THE TABERNACLE, WE MAY BEGIN OUR JOURNEY OF LIFE COMING OUT OF THE TABERNACLE.   AS WE JOURNEY OUTWARD WE MEET HIM IN EACH OF THESE THREE LAWS, EACH OF THE THREE ENTRANCES AND IN EACH OF THE SEVEN PIECES OF FURNITURE.  IN HIS DEATH HE EARNED A CHANGE OF ATTITUDE IN EACH LAW, EACH ENTRANCE AND IN EACH PIECE OF FURNITURE OF EACH DIMENSION OF THE TABERNACLE.  IN EACH STEP

HIS DEATH PURCHASES OUR LIFE:

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

THE BELIEVER’S JOURNEY: INSIDE – OUT

NOW BECAUSE OF WHAT JESUS HAS DONE FOR US, THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH NO LONGER THREATENS US WITH DEATH FOR ITS BREAKING, BUT THOSE SAME COMMANDMENTS, HAVING NOW THE ATTITUDE OF LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS, OFFER US LIFE FOR THEIR KEEPING, AND HE HAS GIVEN US GRACE TILL WE ARE FINALLY ABLE TO DO SO, WORKING THEREBY IN US A “WANT TO” REPLACING THE FORMER “HAVE TO.”  NO LONGER DO WE WORK THE WORKS OF THE LAW THAT WE MIGHT HAVE FAITH IN OUR SALVATION; BUT NOW THE WORKS OF THE LAW FLOW FROM OUR FAITH IN OUR SALVATION

Heb 10:11-14

11      And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

12      But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

13      From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

14      For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Rom 7:4

4          Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

THE DIMENSIONAL ENTRANCES OF THE TABERNACLE WERE DEATH TO JESUS

THE DIMENSIONAL ENTRANCES OF THE TABERNACLE ARE LIFE TO US   

THE FURNITURE OF EACH DIMENSION THE TABERNACLE IS LIFE TO US    

THE VEIL

(Entrance to the Holy of Holies)

IS LIFE TO US

Heb 10:19-23

19          Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

20      By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

21      And having an high priest over the house of God;

22      Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

23      Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT

(The womb of the Church, our Mother Gal 4:16)

IS LIFE TO US

We live under the New Covenant and the Ark is a womb to us

Heb 8:10-12

10      For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

11      And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

12      For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

THE THREE ARTICLES WITHIN THE ARK (HEB 9:4)

1        The golden pot that had manna: The Law of Provision

2         Aaron's rod that budded: The Law of Priesthood

3        The tables of the covenant: The Law of Protocol

THESE ARTICLES WITHIN THE ARK ARE THREE LAWS OF THE COVENANT WHICH ARE LIFE TO US, AND OUR NEW LIFE, OUR CONCEPTION, BEGINS HERE, NOT WITH A THREAT OF DEATH FOR BREAKING THE LAW, BUT  WITH A PROMISE OF LIFE FOR THE KEEPING OF THE LAW, WHICH LAW HAS BEEN SUMMED UP IN TWO PROMISES OF LIFE TO THE BELEIVER.  THEY ARE THE VERY BEGINNING SEED OF THE WORD OF GOD BY WHICH WE ARE CONCEIVED:

Mark 12:30-31

30      And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

31      And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

THE TABLES OF THE COVENANT:

The laws of Kingdom Protocol (Active Kingdom behavior and operation)

are life to us

Gal 3:13

13      Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

This is our right response to the Tables of the Covenant:

The laws of Kingdom Protocol (Kingdom behavior):

Matt 5:18-20

18      For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

19          Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20      For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

AARON’S ROD THAT BUDDED

The law of Priesthood (Order of Melchizedec) is life to us

Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

1 Pet 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Heb 7:14-17

14      For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

15      And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

16      Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

17      For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Note: We are made Priests unto our God (Rev 1:6; Rev 5:10 above).  We are a Royal Priesthood, a holy nation: a King-Priest ministry.  We are flesh and bone of Jesus Christ, one with Him who is a Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.  As such, we have endless life (Heb 7:16 above)

This is our right response to Aaron’s Rod that Budded

(Law of Kingdom Priesthood)

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

THE GOLDEN POT THAT HAD MANNA (The law of Provision)

IS LIFE TO US

John 6:56-58

56      He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

57      As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

58      This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

This is our right response to the Golden Pot of Manna

(Law of  Kingdom Provision)

Matt 6:31-34

31          Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32      (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33      But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34      Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

THE MERCY SEAT (mirror; James 1:22-25)

IS LIFE TO US

We look upon God and see the face of life (Cherubim on the Mercy Seat)

Rev 22:3-4

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:

4        And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

Mirror: Cherubim face to face

James 1:22-24

22      But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23      For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24      For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

THE DOOR (ENTRANCE TO THE HOLY PLACE)

IS LIFE TO US

John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

THE ALTAR OF INCENSE

IS LIFE TO US

In offering incense we pray the prayer of life

Matt 6:9b-13

9b      Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10      Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11      Give us this day our daily bread.

12      And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13      And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

In offering incense we lift the praise of life

Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

THE CANDLESTICK (Mirror; 2Cor 3:18)

IS LIFE TO US

We are the light of the world and will remain so

Matt 5:14-16

14      Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid [put on a veil; 2^nd mirror].

15          Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel [put on a veil; 2^nd mirror], but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16      Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Mirror: three lamps on each side of the central branch mirroring one another

2 Cor 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

THE TABLE OF SHOWBREAD

IS LIFE TO US

We taste the bread and wine of life which is offered to every man

1 Cor 11:24-26

24      And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25      After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26      For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

THE GATE OF THE OUTER COURT

IS LIFE TO US

Matt 7:13-14

13      Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

14          Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

THE BRAZEN LAVER (Mirror; 1Cor 13:12)

IS LIFE TO US

We are baptized into the river of life

1 Pet 3:18-21

18      For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

19      By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

20          Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

21      The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Mirror: women’s looking glasses; reflection in water

1 Cor 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

THE BRAZEN ALTAR

IS LIFE TO US

We offer our body a sacrifice through living

Rom 12:1-2

1        I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2        And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

FINAL EXHORTATION

Heb 13:8-21

8        Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

9        Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

10      We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

11      For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

12          Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

13      Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

14      For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

15      By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

16      But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

17      Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

18      Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

19      But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

20      Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

21      Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

THE NOW KINGDOM (9-10-13)

Writing for the Scrolls

Bobby Norton, New Life Christian Fellowship

(Scripture references are from KJV except otherwise indicated)

The Kingdom of Heaven (Kingdom of God) is not an earthly physical Kingdom that is open to normal, visual observation, but is rather an ever-present, all-superseding order of heavenly government (Matt 6:10 below) to which those of faith presently submit, individually and corporately, no matter the earthly physical kingdom (nation) and its order of civil government they are under.  The “Kingdom Hope” is that this heavenly government will increase in its earthly scope till “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” (Rev 11:15).  Except one be born from above he cannot “see” this ever-present, all-superseding and ever-increasing Kingdom.

Matt 6:10

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Luke 17:20-21

20      And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

21          Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

John 18:33-36

33      Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

34      Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

35      Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

36      Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Isa 9:6-7

6        For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7        Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

The Gospel of the Kingdom may be defined as “good news.”  Over time our preaching of that “good news” of the Kingdom of God and its generational operations has been reduced to “Get saved and you will go to heaven when you die.  If you don’t, you’ll go to hell.”   

Matt 3:1-2

1        In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

2        And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matt 4:17

17      From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matt 24:14

14      And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world  for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Rom 14:17-18

17      For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

18      For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

          The Kingdom of our God is made visible through men and women living in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost: a present righteousness which is a gift; a present peace which is moment by moment actively won; a present joy manifested in the prophetic vision of those things always set before us.  These three attributes are the outworking of an inner work of the Holy Ghost.  These three attributes make us acceptable to our God: we are reconciled by them to our heavenly Father.  They also bring us into favor with men: we can be trusted.  This is the beginning of the Kingdom of God in everyone who will believe the gospel.  But there is more, much more.

2 Cor 5:14-20

14      For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

15      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.

16          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.

17          Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

18      And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

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.

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.

Our God, through Jesus Christ, is the “Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe” (1 Tim 4:10).  All were dead in sin, but all have been made alive in Christ.  Those that believe experience a completed salvation and have their eyes opened to the Kingdom of God (Jn 3:3).  Those that prefer to remain in sin are self-condemned (Jn 3:17-19).  The believer enters the Kingdom of God as a new creature.  For him old things – everything in the creation of which he was a part – is passed away: as he is a new creature, so is his view of everything around him.  He sees only the Kingdom of God and everything around him is now a part of that Kingdom: God owns it all; God rules it all; God has made it all to the believer’s benefit.  God through Christ has reconciled the world and all in it to Himself.  He is at peace with all men.  We through Christ have responded to His initiative toward us, being ourselves reconciled to God and now beseech others to do the same, for if man does not his part, his salvation is incomplete, the Kingdom is hidden to him, and he is yet a part of an old, condemned creation.  He is yet dead and will remain so.

          The children of the Kingdom belong to Christ and are counted now as Abraham’s seed (Gal 3:29).  They are the very heirs of the Kingdom which had its beginning in the promise made to Abraham when he first met the King of the Kingdom in the foreshadowing person of Melchizedek (King of Righteousness and King of Salem, which is by interpretation, Peace

Gen 14:18-20; Heb 7:1-17).  As such, the children of the Kingdom are a blessing to the earth and also receive the protection of the promise made to Abraham and to his seed:

Gen 12:1-3

1        Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

2        And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

3        And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

          The great nation of Abraham is ultimately the New Testament Kingdom of God, the Israel of God (Gal 6:15-16), the chosen generation, the Royal Priesthood (King-Priest ministry after the order of Melchizedek), the Holy Nation, the peculiar people of God (1 Pe 2:9-10).  As such they are a blessing to all nations of the earth.  God will bless those that bless the children of the Kingdom (Matt 5:44-48).  However, if anyone or any nation chooses to curse those of Abraham’s seed, God promises to them a curse in return.  The curse may come in many forms, but generally it is manifest in the simple removal of the blessing which the children of God are to a sin-cursed world.  It may be felt in an increased manifestation of unsaved human depravity or it may be seen in earth’s own upheaval when the controls of Christian dominion over her are removed, but it will certainly be felt and seen.

          This Kingdom of God is an ever present now Kingdom and its Royal Priesthood (King-Priest ministry after the order of Melchizedek), both in its civil (Royal; Kingly) and in its spiritual (Priestly) manifestations, although it is yet imperfect in both.  Because of the imperfections of men in the positions, the Kingdom is generally relegated to the future.  However, the positions of authority, both civil and spiritual, of the Kingdom are just as real and valid in this moment as they will ever be.  Upon the consummation of the Kingdom, when the King shall have put down all rule and authority and all tares are removed from His Kingdom, tares from both spiritual and civil positions of authority, these positions will be filled with men made perfect (Matt 13:36-43).  However, if we who see the Kingdom do not move in its present reality, we will never see the Kingdom consummate in its perfection.  It is essential that we not only understand these statements, but that we live in their reality now.

          Now we might readily accept the spiritual side of this Royal Priesthood, this King-Priest ministry, but the civil side does offer some difficulty if I am suggesting that the natural governments of nations are reckoned a part of the Kingdom of God.  Politicians are just plain “dirty.”  So are Priests, or, haven’t you noticed.  In fact, Political corruption has its root in Priestly corruption.  If the Priest is holy, he will charge the civil servant in holiness and challenge him with a godly demeanor.  But if the Priest is unrighteous, who can be charged or challenged to godliness?  But, wait a minute, maybe you are not at all scripturally informed, much less convinced, that civil government in the now is a part of the Kingdom of God.

          We have already spoken scripturally of the Lordship of Jesus over the whole earth.  He bought the old creation, paid for it, judged it, destroyed it and recreated it all at the cross:

John 12:31-33

31      Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

32      And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

33      This he said, signifying what death he should die.

NOTE:  The “world” that Jesus judged is kosmos: this world’s order of operation. The new world order after the cross is the Kindom of God.  God is owner of the planet, not the devil. Jesus created a new world order, not a new planet. Jesus is now head of EVERY principality and power

         

The world system has already been judged, found guilty and condemned to die.  The prince of this world has already been cast out of the throne of his dominion.  The word “men” of verse 32 does not appear in the scripture, “men” being a word added by the translators.  But surely all men are included in the “all,” which “all” is certainly the entire old creation world’s system.  The very Creator-Word which was used in the creation of Genesis was now drawing all the old world system with all its sin, depravity and curse unto Himself, into His very flesh, blood and bone.  He judged it all, condemned it all, and, in His own death destroyed it all.  In His resurrection He recreated it all.  A new World Order was set.  It was, and yet is, the Kingdom of God.  You say, I just cannot see that!  Then you are not born again (Jn 3:3).  However, for those that are born again, all things are become new (2 Cor 5:17): it is a new world with a new world order. 

          It follows that if we believers live in a new world order, then we must understand that order and we must practice the principles governing it, not continuing to live by the precepts of the old order of which we were once a part.  Unbelievers, although Jesus is also their Savior, prefer darkness, and in that darkness they can see no difference: they cannot see the Kingdom of God.  And, in their preference of darkness, they condemn themselves to continuing in an old world order, an order already judged worthy of destruction and themselves with it.  Grace for a season and for the sake of believers (2 Pe 3:9-10) delays their sentence of eternal death.

          For the present purposes of the Kingdom of God all men are under the authority of the Savior King, Jesus Christ.  God can use them all, even for the purposes of the Kingdom of which they know nothing.  And, He will use all men for the benefit of His Kingdom children, even men in positions of authority in civil government.  Yes, God reckons civil government a part of His Kingdom for His children’s benefit:

         

Rom 13:1-7

1        Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

2          Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

3        For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.

4        For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

5          Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.

6        For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing.

7          Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor (NKJ).

Jesus judged the old world order and created a new one.  He destroyed the devil’s authority over the kingdoms of the earth and took upon Himself all authority as the King of Kings now.  But, you must be born again to see these truths!

The New Testament Genesis is the Gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).  John 1:1-14 defines the born again experience, but it also defines Jesus’ creation of a New World Order: The Kingdom of God.  Paul, in Colossians chapter one, details that creation:

Col 1:12-18

12          Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13      Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14      In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

15      Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

16      For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

17      And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

18      And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

The natural heavens and earth were not destroyed and created again, but the order of each of them was.  New things were created in heaven and in earth, namely “thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers.  They were created by Him, for Him and by Him they consist”: they are sustained.  And, He has done all this for the benefit of His own corporate flesh and bone body in the earth, the Church.

          This Church, this visible representation of the present tense Kingdom of God to those whose eyes are opened, is at once the embassy of Heaven to the men of earth yet in darkness.  The Church is the “beautiful situation” described in Psalms 48:1-3 and also described in the book of Ephesians as “heavenly places.” 

Eph 1:3

3          Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  

Eph 1:20

20          Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,  

Eph 2:6

6        And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  

Eph 3:10

10      To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,  

Eph 6:12

12      For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places [high: same Greek word as heavenly].  

One coming into the embassy of Heaven (the Church gathering) should have the same experience as he would if he were to go to the earthly embassy of another nation in his own homeland: he has just stepped out of his nation of residence and into that very foreign land.  In fact, the embassy is in a very real way a manifestation of its home nation within the borders of its host nation. 

If we know who we are and what we are, we may ask what we will (because His will is our will) and it will be done.  The Priesthood needs prayer unto accountability.  The civil authorities need prayer unto accountability.  We of faith can call each into that accountability, for each is under the direct authority of our King. 

          On September 10, 2001 our Church came together for prayer.  The purpose of the meeting was to call all leadership into accountability under the authority of the Kingdom of God.  The next morning events unfolded that began a global answer to that prayer; and it is still being answered.  Many leaders, spiritual and civil, have fallen in shame and have been replaced.  Many more will meet the same fate before the Kingdom of God consummates.  Keep praying, saints of the Most High God.  Remember who you are.  Remember your purpose.  Ask in informed faith: Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.

1 Pet 3:22

22      Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Eph 1:18-23

18      The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19      And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20          Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21      Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

22      And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

23          Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Phil 2:9-11

9          Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10      That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11      And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Col 2:10

10      And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Matt 28:18

18      And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

1 Pet 2:12-17

12          Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

13          Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

14      Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

15      For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

16      As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

17          Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Matt 22:21

21      They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

1 Tim 2:1-4

1        I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2        For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3        For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4        Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Titus 3:1          Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

2 Cor 5:14-21

14      For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

15      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.

16          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.

17          Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

18      And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

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.

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.

21      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.

We have said much now about the Kingdom of God which is a now Kingdom.  For us all, but especially for those who doubt this truth, I have these questions about this final scripture (2Cor 5:14-21 above):

Verse 14

1        Did Jesus die for “all” or just the chosen few of us?

2        If Jesus died for us all, did we not all die with Him?

Verse 15

1        If Jesus died for me and I continue to live, do I not owe Him the life I am now living?

Verse 16     

1        If I died with Jesus and I am risen unto newness of life with Him (Rom 6), then what does this, henceforth know we no man after the flesh mean to me? 

2        What is this henceforth know we him no more?

Verse 17

1        What does “in Christ” mean?

2        How am I a new creature?

3        What does the scripture mean, “old things are passed away?”

4        How are all things, I repeat ALL THINGS, to me become new?

Verse 18

1        Does this verse actually mean that now to the “new creature” I am declared to be, all things to me are of God?

Verse 19

1        Has God really reconciled in Jesus Christ all of us, sinner and saint, to Himself despite all our separating differences (1 Tim 4:10)?

2        Has God actually intended a ministry and a responsibility to and for other lives upon us?

Verse 20

1        Are we in any real sense “ambassadors” and can our gathering place rightly be called “Heaven’s embassy?

2        Is the whole of our message to our world not “you’re going to hell if you don’t change” but “God was in Christ, reconciling the world [including you] unto himself” and now we beseech you “be ye reconciled to God?” 

3        Are we as ambassadors prepared to scripturally outline what is required of anyone desiring this “be ye reconciled to God?” (Acts 2:37-41)

Verse 21

1        Can it really be true that, because of these thing Jesus has done, we are actually now the “righteousness of God in him?”

To all of this we may answer “uh huh.”  The Kingdom of God is a now Kingdom and quite visible to those who are born from above.

John 3:3

3        Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.