Thanksgiving, by Arno Froese - Part 2

Thanksgiving - Part II 

Written by  Arno Froese

Thanksgiving of the Future. Acknowledging that God is the Creator and Sustainer of life is a fundamental principle.

“And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field” (Exodus 23:16).

Three times we read in 1 Samuel 17 why David fought and won against Goliath.  “…Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” “Seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God….” And directly addressed to Goliath, “I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied” (verses 26, 36, 45).

Goliath Defied God
Another great example of faith is revealed when David challenged Goliath the Philistine: “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). The issue was not the nation of Israel and their potential defeat. Goliath defied the God of Israel. That was the reason for his defeat. Three times we read in that chapter why David fought and won against Goliath. “…Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” “Seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God….” And directly addressed to Goliath, “I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied” (verses 26, 36, 45).

There are many other examples in Scripture, clearly documenting that the people in ancient times totally, absolutely, and unconditionally believed in the divine, albeit idols. These few examples should suffice to show that faith in the supernatural was as common as drinking water and eating bread.

In biblical times, the result of faith was often visibly demonstrated, particularly for the people of Israel. Think of the ten plagues in Egypt; the parting of the waters to escape from Pharaoh’s army; seeing water come out of the rock in the desert; manna from heaven; and many other important events throughout Israel’s history. They believed God, but they never broke through to a living faith. They saw the work of God but did not recognize His plan. Psalm 103:7 reveals the difference between Moses and Israel: “He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.”

Decrease of Faith
What about today? Faith in God is definitely decreasing, and faith in man’s ability to solve all his problems is increasing. This is not surprising for Bible believers, for Jesus Himself stated, “…when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).

What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 reads, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” That is one important reason why faith is decreasing—because our faith is “the evidence of things not seen.” Modern science, however, exhibits its products and inventions to the entire world. Seeing is believing, they proudly exclaim.

Biblical Thanksgiving
Contrary to the Christian world, where one or two days are set aside to give thanks for a bountiful harvest, the original Thanksgiving was quite different.

The word Thanksgiving appears 20 times in the Old Testament and 8 times in the New Testament. Of particular interest is the fact that a ministry was created within the Temple service for the very purpose of Thanksgiving. Thus, we read in Nehemiah 12:8, “Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.” Based on our understanding, these Levites’ task was to speak and sing thanksgiving songs in honor to God for His everlasting and eternal grace to His people Israel.

Giving thanks in all circumstances is a clear mark of the born-again person. Colossians 2:7 reads, “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

Thanksgiving is realizing one’s dependence on the God of Heaven, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. In doing so, our reliance on Him grows day-by-day, of whom we read in Revelation 7:12, “Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.” In the midst of this seven-fold glorification of God, we find the word thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving, therefore, is not a day set apart, but Thanksgiving means being thankful 365 days a year. That is what real Thanksgiving is all about.

The Three Feasts
We already read at the beginning of this article the original instruction in the book of Exodus. We note in chapter 23:17, “Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord God.” It speaks of three special feasts. The first is the Feast of Passover, the second the Feast of Pentecost, and the third, the Feast of Tabernacles. These three important feasts are aimed at the God of Israel. He is the reason for Thanksgiving.

1. Feast of Passover
We should all be familiar with the Feast of Passover, giving thanks to God for the redemption of Israel from the slavery of Egypt.

To get a better picture of Thanksgiving, let us read the instruction God gave to the people of Israel after they came out of Egypt, “In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein” (Leviticus 23:5-8).

We immediately recognize the stark difference between our Thanksgiving and the Passover Thanksgiving. No work was to be done. In modern language, all shopping centers would be closed. Objectively speaking, this was not good for the economy. But here we are dealing with God’s instruction. It shows with clarity that the center of all celebrations, of all holidays should be the Lord God, the Creator of heaven and earth. Israel was ordered to totally concentrate on God, the Redeemer who brought them out of slavery in Egypt.

The Passover was not without blood. That was the very substance by which Israel was saved from the angel of judgment, which destroyed all firstborn males throughout the land of Egypt; the only exception were those who had the blood of the Lamb applied on the doorpost and lintels.

What a tremendous prophetic picture of our Lord. It is the blood of the Lamb of God who finalized this prophetic event, as we can read in Revelation 5:9, “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”

2. Feast of Pentecost
The Feast of Pentecost is an agricultural feast, known in Hebrew as Shavu’ot or the Festival of Weeks. Let us read from Leviticus 23:10, 15, and 17, “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest…And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete…Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.”

This order was given before Israel entered the Promised Land.

Such feasts or celebrations would again be out of the question in our modern age; it would be called economically unfeasible. This seems like a contradiction, because today we have our modern machinery and time-saving devices. We should have plenty of time to dedicate ourselves to the things of God, but in actual fact, we don’t. That again shows our own technology is creating a manmade god. Ultimately, all mankind will worship it, according to Revelation 17:13.

Furthermore, Pentecost is actually the Church’s birthday. We read of it in Acts 2:1-4, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

This sign of the “cloven tongues like as of fire” is a one-time event, not to be repeated; it’s part of the foundation of the Church. Pentecost illustrates the new birth, the change from the old to the new, from dying of self to the rebirth.

Here we must mention that the rebirth does not include our flesh and blood birth; it’s the spirit that is new. The flesh and blood remains sinful and is condemned to die. However, this flesh and blood serves as the temple of the Holy Spirit and should be sanctified by the believer.   

3. Feast of Tabernacles
Let us read about this festival from Jewish perspectives:

“Sukkot (Feast of Booths, Feast of Tabernacles) is a biblical Jewish holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei (varies from late September to late October). It is one of the three biblically mandated festivals (shalosh regalim) on which Hebrews were commanded to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem.

“The holiday lasts seven days (eight in the diaspora). The first day (and second in the diaspora) is a sabbath-like yom tov (holiday) when work is forbidden, followed by the intermediate Chol Hamoed and Shemini Atzeret. The Hebrew word sukkot is the plural of sukkah, ‘booth or tabernacle,’ which is a walled structure covered with s’chach (plant material such as leafy tree overgrowth or palm leaves).”
-Wikipedia

It is a feast of joy and gladness to God for causing the Israelites to harvest bountifully, so their food supply would be assured, as well as that of their livestock.

When we read the Scripture, we immediately notice that Thanksgiving is to be throughout the year. It’s not a one-day event. Thanksgiving, as already mentioned, is part of being a Christian. Literally, we are eternally thankful.

The Law of the Feast of Tabernacles
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.  On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.  Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein” (Leviticus 23:33-36).

When reading these instructions given by God, one notices that work is not to be our most important occupation, as it is in our days. Taking time to recognize the Life-giver was a priority for the people of Israel.

Remaining Thankful
When we analyze this both objectively and subjectively, we immediately realize that the worship of God, concentrating on Him and His blessings, should be priority number one. Everything else is secondary.

Here we are reminded of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 6:33, “…seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  That is what Thanksgiving is all about.

The children of Israel were commanded to observe these feast days to celebrate and always remember that liberty comes from God. That is Thanksgiving.   

Unfortunately, most of the world’s “Thanksgiving” has little to no relationship to Biblical truth. Often, it is just gimmick or tradition, powered by commercialism. Some of this applies to America’s Pilgrim Thanksgiving, which has been ordered as a national holiday. But in reality, it has no relationship to biblically-based Thanksgiving.

Our modern Thanksgiving, no matter where it is celebrated and in what country, is centered on self—on our amazing technology that is able to supply food in abundance to the majority of the 7 billion people on planet Earth.

Thanksgiving of the Future
Acknowledging that God is the Creator and Sustainer of life is a fundamental principle. For that reason, we read in Zechariah 14:16-17 that the nations will be required to keep the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, “And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.”

This almost sounds too simple, too primitive. Yet with all the technology and our proud slogan, “The sky is the limit,” the real limit is “shall be no rain.”

During the last few decades, much is being spoken about the environment, global warming, depletion of fresh water and endangered species, but in reality, all depends on whether the Creator gives rain.

Also, there is political, economic, and financial turmoil, plus various local wars, trouble, confusion, and danger the world over. Yet all that is secondary. When rain fails, life fails; the end has come. The Creator has the last word. It will not be global warming or anything else but “upon them shall be no rain.” Such a simple statement would cause shortage of food, hunger, starvation, the end of life.

For the world, there is no hope outside the God of Creation. In light of that fact, politically active Christians should realize that all of their work is in vain. The world in which we live will not be saved, nor will America return to God, as some urge us to fight for. The world, all of it, is destined for destruction, for judgment, because sin requires judgment. Again, Scripture says, “He that sins is of the devil”; and since all have sinned, there is no hope.

Yet—and this is extremely important— there is one escape and that is the sin-bearer, the sin-forgiver, the Lamb of God who poured out His life in His blood on Calvary’s Cross. Faith in the eternally accomplished work of redemption by Jesus Christ our Lord guarantees eternal blessings, even spiritual blessings here and now on earth. Let us follow the instruction given in Holy Scripture, “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:24-26).
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Midnight Call - 11/2014

We recommend:
Thanksgiving
by Arno Froese
#3274 - CD

Thanksgiving by Arno Froese - Part 1

Thanksgiving - Part I 

Written by  Arno Froese

From Dependence on God to Dependence on Man. Thanksgiving for the people of Israel involved much more than a one-day celebration.

“And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field” (Exodus 23:16).

Thanksgiving for the people of Israel involved much more than a one-day celebration. Thanksgiving, in plain words, means acknowledging God for granting crops to grow and harvest.

Ancient Thanksgiving
It is not our intention to research ancient festivals related to giving thanks to a deity for a bountiful harvest. However, we will point to a few to show that it is quite normal for man to thank God for food.

An amazing volume of information is available on the internet relating to ancient Thanksgiving feasts:

First Thanksgiving in Ancient Greece
The Greeks held this festival over three days in the month of Pyanopsion, or October. Many of the rituals of this festival were kept secret, but scholars know some of the customs. A good part of the Thesmophoria was conducted in torchlight…While the Greeks gave thanks that Demeter gave a good harvest so they would not starve in the winter during this time, it is in large part a fertility festival carried out by free, married women to ensure the fertility of the earth as well as of humans and animals. However, it seems that during the Thesmophoria the people also gave their wishes that Demeter would bring a good harvest again.

The Roman Thanksgiving Celebration
The Romans held a similar festival to the Greeks. In Rome, the goddess of grain was named Ceres and her festival was called Cerelia. This holiday was also held in early October, possible a bit earlier than the Greek Thesmophoria. The first fruits of the harvest were offered to Ceres in honor and thanks. Unlike the Greeks, the Romans included music, parades, games, and a big feast in their celebration.

God Gives Food
All celebrations relating to Thanksgiving for food originate with the realization that God gives food. That is why believers, even today, give thanks to God before they eat their meal.

At the very beginning, God provided food for man, “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat”  (Genesis 1:29). Needless to say, man before he fell into sin was designed by God to be a vegetarian. However, thereafter God said, “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things” (Genesis 9:3).

It is God who gives life and it is God who sustains life. That fact today is virtually ignored in the scientific world. Man has achieved so many marvelous things and produces so much food that there is an overabundance available in most countries of the world. Nevertheless, that does not change the fact that man totally depends on God’s grace to send rain so vegetation can grow to feed man and animals. But in general, man does not acknowledge that simple fact.

It matters not what part of the world, or what type of religious belief; most publicly and openly confess that life depends on a good harvest and that God (or in most cases, idols) is responsible for granting us sustenance for life.

God or Science?
Belief in the supernatural, belief in the divine—regardless of whether pagan or believing in the living God who created heaven and earth—this inherent belief was fundamental but is now being replaced by so-called scientific facts and technology.

Take, for example, the English naturalist Charles Robert Darwin, born 12 February 1809, died 19 April 1882, educated at Christ College, Cambridge (1828-1831). He is credited to be one of the most famous originators of a theory called evolution. No scientist since that time has presented a foolproof scientific case proving that evolution is a science. Yet, without exception, the whole academic world teaches evolution as a scientific fact, while in reality it is based primarily on faith.

We acknowledge the many achievements of science, its understanding of the intricate functions of life in plants, animals, and man. But the more man learns how God created things, the more he becomes independent from God. That is today’s natural process; away from God, closer to self. The better we can explain our world geologically and topographically, and understand the multi-functioning and interconnected operations of planet Earth, the less we need the Bible and the Author of Holy Scripture, the Creator of all things. That is the sad fact.

Nebuchadnezzar Example
Let us now take a closer look at FAITH in the Bible.

In Daniel chapter 2, we find world history recorded in 49 verses. The king had a dream. No one could interpret that dream because the king had forgotten what he dreamed. Then came Daniel on the scene; he prayed to God and verse 19 says, “Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.” This rather peculiar dream consisted of an image made out of gold, silver, brass, and iron.

King Nebuchadnezzar is special. He is the gold medalist of Gentile rulership; thus, we read, “Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory” (verse 37).

This statement is strange because in our time we look down on the primitive nations which were ruled by rude dictators. True from human perspectives, but not from heavenly because Nebuchadnezzar is the superior leader of the Gentile world, “Thou art this head of gold.” We must keep that in mind even when analyzing our world today.

Nebuchadnezzar Believed
Daniel’s interpretation, which he had received from God and passed on to the king, must have touched the soul of Nebuchadnezzar, “The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret” (Daniel 2:47). What a tremendous statement by the first Gentile world leader, “your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings.” Nebuchadnezzar converted, but not to a living faith.

The next chapter begins with Nebuchadnezzar building an image, not according to the dream, but according to his own imagination, “Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon” (Daniel 3:1). Nebuchadnezzar is the recipient of the blessing of God: he is the “head of gold.” He even recognized the God of heaven, yet that was apparently not enough; he needed more, so he created his own image of gold. The purpose—all had to worship the image.

Most of us are familiar with the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown in the fiery furnace but came out untouched. Again, the king recognizes God, “Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God”  (Daniel 3:28). For the second time, Nebuchadnezzar recognized God—but did not KNOW Him.

God Must Know Me
It is not sufficient to know God, but God must know you. This fact is particularly fitting for our days, when multiple millions follow the Christian religion, praise Jesus, do great works, even miracles. But that is not sufficient. We find the record in Matthew 7, where believers in the Lord Jesus do many wonderful works, cast out devils, prophesy in the name of Jesus, yet they have never attempted to really know this Jesus. Subsequently, Jesus did not know them. We read this shocking verse, “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:23). The words, “I never knew you” clearly show that Jesus must know me personally after I have known Him.
In Nebuchadnezzar’s case, it was obvious that he only recognized God based on his experience, but went no further.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Conversion
His downfall began when he gave credit to himself instead of to the God of heaven; thus, we read, “The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30).

That is precisely what is happening today in our modern world. It’s “I,” “me,”  “my.” In other words, we have achieved great things; we have become independent from God.

Nebuchadnezzar had to be debased to the level of an animal. Finally, his testimony concluded, “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase” (Daniel 4:37). That is the reason Nebuchadnezzar is the greatest Gentile leader—the head of gold.

Sailors Believed
From the Book of Jonah, we learn of the faith of the pagan sailors. When Jonah went aboard the ship on his way to Tarshish, instead of Nineveh, God sent a great storm. We read, “Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.  So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not” (Jonah 1:5-6). The shipmaster surely believed that this storm was subject to a higher power; thus, he challenged Jonah, “What meanest thou, O sleeper? Arise, call upon thy God.”

Many tens of thousands of ships sail the oceans every day; all rely upon the technology created by man. When there is a storm, they are relatively sure in which area and, in most cases, they will avoid it. But no captain would tell the passengers to call upon God. When the ship is in trouble, the “shipmaster” calls the Coast Guard.

Also, it is interesting that Jonah “was fast asleep.” In the midst of this mighty storm, Jonah is resting, sleeping. We realize Jonah’s absolute faith in the Living God. He certainly knew God personally.

Nineveh Believed God
Jonah got a second chance; thus we read in Jonah 3:1, “And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time….”

What happens next is absolutely amazing. Jonah comes to Nineveh and begins to proclaim a simple message, “yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” Surely no one in their right mind would take seriously a person proclaiming imminent destruction. But the people of Nineveh did.

How did the people know that Jonah was sent by God? They were idol worshiping pagans. We do not know how he looked after having spent three days and three nights in a fish, which spit him out on the land. He certainly must have appeared strange to the people of Nineveh. There is no record as to how long he traveled. We do know that he arrived in Nineveh and preached.

What was their reaction?

“So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them” (Jonah 3:5). There is no second guessing here; the people believed God. They believed the prophet who spoke in the name of God. They did not consult any of their idols, prognosticators, or soothsayers, but they simply “believed God,” the Bible says.

Man Depends on Technology
That would be out of the question today. Most religions are segregated, and one would definitely not listen to the others. Besides, today we have sophisticated systems, being able to communicate instantaneously around planet Earth at any time. Religion, faith in the Living God, or even faith in idols, is no longer decisive because we have technology to inform us about anything happening the world over. At this point in time, there are thousands of scientists working on ways to forecast earthquakes. Man in his quest for more knowledge will continue to eagerly investigate details about God’s creation, but without acknowledging Him.

Politicians Believe
Here in Nineveh, it’s not only the people but also the political authorities as well. Jonah did not need to go to the palace asking for permission to speak, or request an audience with the king. The people of Nineveh told the king the things Jonah proclaimed: “For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes” (Jonah 3:6).

Believing in a higher power was as natural as eating bread and drinking water. Atheists apparently had not come on the scene yet.

Philistines Believed
Another example in the Bible showing faith in the divine is recorded in Judges 16. It was during the time Samson judged Israel. A man with supernatural strength, but in the end, he was deceived by a woman and captured by his enemies the Philistines. Here is what we read in verses 23-24, “Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.  And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, which slew many of us.” The Philistines gave credit to “Dagon their god” for capturing Samson the Israelite.

The Philistines believed in a higher power.  

Syrians Believed
Another event that needs to be mentioned relates to the king of Syria, the enemy of Israel. Benhadad had gathered a mighty army with 32 kings allied to him. The destruction of Samaria was all but assured.

Then comes the prophet and makes this announcement to King Ahab, “Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD”  (1 Kings 20:13). King Ahab was rightfully frightened and discouraged, therefore he astonishingly asked, “By whom?” The prophet answered, “Thus saith the Lord, even by the young men of the princes of the provinces.” How many were there? “Then he numbered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty two: and after them he numbered all the people, even all the children of Israel, being seven thousand” (1 Kings 20:15). A great multitude against a handful of only 7,232 men. There was no hope for Israel to win against the Syrians’ superiority. But verses 20-21 record a different story: “And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen. And the king of Israel went out, and smote the horses and chariots, and slew the Syrians with a great slaughter.”

After Syria was defeated, we read the following: “And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they” (verse 23).

The Syrians most certainly believed in a higher power and the power of their gods.

There is no doubt whatsoever the servants, advisers, princes, counselors, priests and kings, all believed that Israel’s “gods are gods of the hills.” They were fully convinced that the ultimate authority was to be found in the invisible world. In this case, they gave the “gods of the hills” the credit.

One year later, Benhadad was ready to fight Israel again. The unequal challenge is documented in verse 27, “And the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country.” And the outcome? “And they pitched one over against the other seven days. And so it was, that in the seventh day the battle was joined: and the children of Israel slew of the Syrians an hundred thousand footmen in one day” (verse 29).

We must take note of the reason for the defeat of the Syrians, “…Because the Syrians have said, The Lord is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys” (verse 28).

While King Ahab and Israel deserved just punishment, victory is recorded nevertheless. The reason? The Syrians insulted the God of Israel.

Collective Judgment
This should be a lesson to each of us, regardless of what your fellow man does or does not do, particularly your fellow Christians. Be very cautious when using judgment against anyone in the family of God you dislike—you are touching God. He has saved that person, cleansed him with the blood of His Son, and called him His own. Whenever we blanketly judge a group of people, we are also judging His children, who are among the ones we may call our enemies.

It has become popular lately to blanketly condemn all Arab and Islamic people, but by doing so, we are condemning His children as well. We must not forget there are many Christians in the Muslim world. Here the words apply, “For he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye” (Zechariah 2:8). The honor of God is at stake. When we blanketly denounce a group of people, we touch the apple of His eye.                                            
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Midnight Call - 10/2014

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Thanksgiving
by Arno Froese
#3274 - CD
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We Are The Stones For The House God Is Building

This is a profound article by Arno Froese, publisher of Midnight Call, a magazine to which our family has subscribed for many years.  I received this today in his email newsletter and thought my readers might be interested in this fresh view. Enjoy. CMR

Prophetic Shadows Of The Rapture

Written by  Arno Froese

 

 

While no signs are directly connected to the Rapture, we do know that the regathering of the nation of Israel is a visible sign that the time is close at hand.

The apostle Peter makes a profound statement in 1st Peter 2:5, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”  Peter is describing the believers as “lively stones:” stones used to build a spiritual house.

To build a house you need stones, bricks, blocks, lumber, steel, and concrete. The ultimate destiny of all these materials is to be used in putting the house together so that it can be occupied.

As the work progresses, the day comes when the last stone is placed into the walls of the house and it is finished. What happens then? The owner comes and occupies the house!

Solomon’s Temple Made By Gentiles

 

 

We already have used Solomon’s temple as the spiritual temple, but it seems necessary to take a second look at the building of the temple. Unlike the tabernacle in the wilderness that was built by the Israelites, the glorious temple that stood on Mt. Moriah in Jerusalem was prefabricated by Gentiles. We find the record of this project in 2nd Chronicles 2:17-18, “…Solomon numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father had numbered them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred. And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people awork.”  The miracle of this prefabricated temple never ceases to amaze me because it was a perfect masterpiece.

Today’s modern machinery manufactures all kinds of goods for average people to put together. Most of us have bought furniture such as a shelf or a cabinet that needed to be assembled. Excitedly we brought it home, took it out of the box, unwrapped it, and looked at all the parts. After carefully reading the instructions, we assembled it. Yet, often we were disappointed because the parts did not fit together perfectly. We might have had to drill an extra hole or enlarge an existing one. If that has been your experience, you are not alone. This kind of thing happens every day.

During my time in the construction business, I saw many building components that had to be realigned. Sometimes concrete had to be broken up in order to allow certain pipes or cables to pass through; walls had to be removed because they were not in the right place, or prefabricated door frames did not fit.

Yet, when we read about the assembling of the temple in Jerusalem, we notice it was absolutely perfect, “…the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building” (1st Kings 6:7). For all practical purposes, we can say that the temple built of stone in Jerusalem was a technological miracle.
  
The Spiritual Temple Will Be Finished

After the temple was finished, it was dedicated. We read of this in the fifth and sixth chapters of 2nd Chronicles. Solomon prayed extensively and in very precise detail, then followed God’s answer in chapter 7, “Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’s house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever” (verses 1-3). God took possession of His house. Even the service of the priests became insignificant; the holiness of the Lord had filled the temple.

Church And World Look Alike

This is a wonderful picture of the Church of Jesus Christ. Right now, we are insignificant “stones” in our earthly tabernacle, yet nothing is apparent of the glory of God which already dwells within us.

In an airport, a shopping center, or a large city, thousands of people walk by, none of whom have any visible characteristics that would identify them as Christians. That is because we are still in our “old tabernacles” which have no promise. However, within these old tabernacles are the perfect “stones” that will fit perfectly into this new glorious spiritual temple, but will remain hidden from all natural eyes.

Silently, without any spectacles, and neither depending on nor disregarding the organizational structure of the local church, Christian ministries and denominations, the Lord is building His Church, adding to it daily such as should be saved. The moment the last “stone” is added to the temple, “fire will come down from heaven,”  that is, Jesus will appear in the clouds of Heaven and our old, natural body will be consumed and translated in a split-second. In the twinkling of an eye, we will suddenly be transformed into the likeness of His glorious body. In that instant, we will recognize the perfect, glorious, spiritual habitation of God!

Prophetic Necessities Of The Rapture

 

While no signs are directly connected to the Rapture, we do know that the regathering of the nation of Israel is a visible sign that the time is close at hand. At this moment, Israel is still blind and remains an enemy of the Gospel for our sake. But we know that God will fulfill every promise He has given His people. In the near future, they will recognize Him whom they have pierced.

The fact that this time grows closer every day, and that at least seven years must lie between the Rapture of the Church and Israel’s salvation, we realize that time is indeed running out. Are you ready?
  
Another Gospel=Another Church

The apostle Paul’s great concern was the building of the body of Christ. Read his words, “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ”  (2nd Corinthians 11:2). Paul’s concern was justified because many were preaching another Jesus. “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted” (2nd Corinthians 11:4). False doctrine produces a false gospel, a false Jesus, false apostles, a false angel of light, and false ministers of unrighteousness. Let’s read this important statement, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (verses 13-15).

This warning exposes the fact that Satan, with his cunning devices, is imitating the Church of Jesus Christ. What is his reason? So that people will not be able to distinguish between the counterfeit and the genuine! Jesus is building His Church based on election and segregation; only those who believe can become genuine members. The devil builds his global church through integration; all become one in his religion.

When Will The Church Be Complete?

The fact that the Lord used a building as an example of the Church helps us to understand that the work of laying the foundation was completed almost 2,000 years ago. The building has been under construction ever since, and it is my personal conviction that it is almost finished. I believe the roof is on the house, the painters are inside and the furniture is being delivered. Therefore, the attempt to raise a Church in the likeness of the original one in Jerusalem is not only destined to fail, but the great imitator is the major driving force behind such ideas. Satan is building another church, but it is a false one!

We have already seen how the Old Testament temple of Solomon was built; it was perfect. The Church of Jesus Christ is perfect. We must not permit ourselves to become ensnared by the imitation being offered today. In the same way that the presence of the glory of God filled the house, God intends His presence to fill His Church. That, however, cannot take place while we remain in our old nature of flesh and blood. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that the Rapture take place, and at that time we shall receive our glorified bodies. The Church simultaneously constitutes the Bride of Christ and the perfect habitation of God in the Spirit.

Replacement Theology

It is significant that we repeat our admonition to make a distinction between the Church and Israel. In the April 1995 edition of Pre-Trib Perspectives, Thomas Ice quoted the following from Arnold Fruchtenbaum’s, Issues in Dispensationalism:

Six reasons supporting the notion that the Church is a distinct work in God’s household from His people Israel.

    1) The first evidence is the fact that the Church was born at Pentecost, whereas Israel had existed for many centuries. This is supported by “the use of the future tense in Matthew 16:18 which shows that it did not exist in gospel history.”  Since the Church born at Pentecost is called the “Body of Christ” (Colossians 1:18), and entrance into the body is through “Spirit baptism” (1st Corinthians 12:13), Jew and Gentile are united through the Church. It is evident that the Church began on the Day of Pentecost since Acts 1:5 views Spirit baptism as future, while Acts 10 links it to the past, specifically to Pentecost.

    2) The second evidence is that certain events in the ministry of the Messiah were essential to the establishment of the Church—the Church does not come into being until certain events have taken place. These events include the resurrection and ascension of Jesus to become head of the Church (Ephesians 1:20-23). “The Church, with believers as the body and Christ as the head, did not exist until after Christ ascended to become its head. And it could not become a functioning entity until after the Holy Spirit provided the necessary spiritual gifts” (Ephesians 4:7-11).

    3) The third evidence is the mystery character of the Church. A mystery in the Bible is a hidden truth not revealed until the New Testament (Ephesians 3:3-5, 9; Colossians 1:26-27). Fruchtenbaum lists “four defining characteristics of the Church [that] are described as a mystery.
(a) The body concept of Jewish and Gentile believers united into one body is designated as a mystery in Ephesians 3:1-12.
(b) The doctrine of Christ indwelling every believer,  the Christ-in-you concept, is called a mystery in Colossians 1:24-27.
(c) The Church as the Bride of Christ is called a mystery in Ephesians 5:22-32.
(d) The Rapture is called a mystery in 1st Corinthians 15:50-58. These four mysteries describe qualities that distinguish the Church from Israel.

    4) The fourth evidence that the Church is distinct from Israel is the unique relationship between Jews and the Gentiles, called one new man in Ephesians 2:15.”  During the current church age, God is saving a remnant from the two previous entities (Israel and Gentiles) and combining them into a third new object-the Church. This unity of Jews and Gentiles into one new man covers only the church age, from Pentecost until the Rapture, after which time God will restore Israel and complete her destiny (Acts 15:14-18). 1st Corinthians 10:32 reflects just such a division when it says, “Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the Church of God.”

    5) The fifth evidence for the distinction between Israel and the Church is found in Galatians 6:16. It appears logical to view `the house of God’ (Galatians 6:16) as believing Jews in contrast to unbelieving Jews called ‘Israel after the flesh’ (1st Corinthians 10:18). This passage does not support the false claim of replacement theologians who claim that Israel is supplanted by the Church. Instead, the Bible teaches that a remnant of Israel is combined with elect Gentiles during this age to make up a whole new entity the New Testament calls the Church (Ephesians 2).
    Replacement theology tries to teach that because Gentile believers are described as the “seed of Abraham” (Galatians 3:29) that this is equivalent to saying that they are Israel. This is clearly not the case. Paul’s description of Gentile believers in Galatians 3:29 simply means that they participate in the spiritual (salvation) blessings, i.e., that come through Israel (Romans 15:27; 1st Corinthians 9:11, 14). “Those who are the spiritual seed are partakers of Jewish spiritual blessings but are never said to become partakers of the physical, material, or national promises.”  Therefore, Israel’s national promises are left intact awaiting a yet future fulfillment.

    6) In the book of Acts, both Israel and the Church exist simultaneously. The term Israel is used twenty times and ekklesia (church) nineteen times, yet the two groups are always kept distinct.”  
    Thus, the replacement theologian has no actual biblical basis for his claim that Israel and the Church have become one, or that the Church has replaced Israel as the fountain of God’s blessing and the Jews are cursed forever for rejecting Christ.

The Significance Of The Distinction

If Israel and the Church are not distinguished between, then there is no basis for seeing a future for Israel or for the Church as a new and unique people of God. If Israel and the Church are merged into a single entity, the Old Testament promises for Israel will never be fulfilled. These promises are usually seen by replacement theologians as spiritually fulfilled by the Church. The merging of Israel’s destiny into the Church’s not only molds into one what the Scriptures understand as two, but it also removes the need for the future restoration of God’s original elect in order to literally fulfill His promise that they will one day be the head and not the tail, “…the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them” (Deuteronomy 28:13).

The more the believer sees the distinct plan for Israel and the Church, the more he realizes the two separate callings.

A distinction between Israel and the Church, as taught in the Bible, provides a basis of support for the Pre-Trib Rapture. Those who merge these two entities, or replace Israel with the Church, cannot logically support the biblical arguments for the Pre-Trib position.

Before The Foundation Of The World

 

We do well to understand that the act expressed by our Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary’s cross with the words, “…It is finished” was an accomplished fact from eternity and for all eternity. But it had to be fulfilled in “…the fulness of time.”  Jesus was before the foundation of the world because He is from eternity. In John 17:24, we read, “…for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”  And Ephesians 1:4 makes this statement, “…he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world….”  Peter confirms, “Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you”  (1st Peter 1:20).

Jesus came in the fullness of time and demonstrated His status as Messiah with great power, accompanied by signs and wonders. He defeated the devil on Calvary’s cross, died, was buried, arose on the third day and ascended into Heaven. He was Raptured! With His Rapture, He became the firstfruit from among the dead.
  
Victory Over Death

While victory over death has already been accomplished, it is not a visible reality as far as the body is concerned.

Every day, countless believers in the Lord Jesus Christ die and are buried, fulfilling the Scripture, “…absent from the body, and…present with the Lord” (2nd Corinthians 5:8). However, the visible final victory over the last enemy, which is death, has not been fulfilled so the Rapture is absolutely necessary.

First Corinthians 15:25-26 reads, “For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”

In order to solve this problem, the apostle Paul begins verse 51 with these words, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1st Corinthians 15:51-53). The mystery is beginning to be revealed to us; we shall be changed. Our mortal body will be translated into a glorious body of immortality.

Verse 54 explains why this is necessary, “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”  Only at the Rapture will death finally be defeated for the Church! Triumphantly, the next verse exclaims, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”  (verse 55).

In view of this wonderful prophetic fulfillment that is yet to come, the apostle Paul cautions believers, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (verse 58).

Message excerpt from the Book:

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Arno Froese

Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.

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