The King - the Messiah - the Christ

As foretold by the Prophet to Israel...behold, thy King cometh unto thee

Zechariah 9:9...Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: : he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Luke 19:38...Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest

Much to be said in the above verse that Luke recorded about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. The main point? Luke recognized Jesus as the Messiah and King of Israel. So did a few of the people in Israel!

Traditional Palm Sunday was derived from this event of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey... but the point was, "Christ was the promised Messiah and King of Israel".  Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey was the fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy! The earthly King had come! Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord. The Kingdom was offered. The King had come. The King entered the city as promised...but the nation of Israel as a whole rejected their promised Messiah.

Jesus wept over the city and stated according to Luke...

Luke 19: 41-44...when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Israel as a whole didn't recognize the King - the Messiah - the Christ. Israel was backslidden. Israel was not keeping the Torah or obeying the Law of God. Their hearts were unholy and as a whole they were unable to recognize the King - the Messiah - the Christ. They rejected the Christ.

John 1:11...He came unto his own, and his own received him not

The King came but the earthly Kingdom was not restored! The earthly King went to the cross only to become a heavenly King. Thy promised Kingdom will come when the Heavenly King comes a second time. At that visitation He will have all His saints with Him. This writer will be there.

1 Thessalonians 3:13... To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

We advocate the distinction between the two Kingdoms. Why? It helps you to rightly divide God's Word.

Within this Blog (that is now going around the globe) there are labels placed on the left side of the Home page for future study and research of many Biblical subjects. These labels contain years of accumulated Biblical knowledge to help people to further their Biblical studies. Labels are used as a guide toward certain subjects. At the Churches on Trial we advocate making the distinction between the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God. The reason? It opens up the Scriptures by giving more depth and understanding about the Bible. If you care to further your knowledge of the Bible and build a better faith in Christ, perhaps you'd like to examine some of the topics contained in the labels concerning the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven.

We encourage people to study God's Word. We encourage people to learn to rightly divide the Word of Truth. We encourage you to learn the difference between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. It will bless your life in Christ. It will help you to develop a better relationship with Christ in the Spirit. You can learn the Bible the way it is written.

Brother Lindsey wrote a set of books called the Kingdom Series that also advocated this great teaching. These books are still available. Another brother in the Lord by the name of William E. Blackstone also advocated this great teaching. This teaching about two Kingdoms -  requires study and research to find confirmation. If you'd like to further your Biblical knowledge learn about the difference between the two Kingdoms. Learn the depth of God's Word and let it be your standard for living. Get back to the Bible. Use it. Meditate its truth. Memorize the scriptures.

It is our desire to help people to get rooted and grounded in God's Word. If you have any Biblical questions write me. I'll give you what I'm able to give. This stuff needs to be scattered around the world. God bless all of you around the world. We love you!

Here's a link to an excellent website that has the entire book published by W.E.Blackstone titled, Jesus is Coming". http://www.raptureready.com/resource/web/web.html This book is used as a textbook in many Theological Seminaries across our nation.

The earthly ministry/priesthood of our Lord began at John's Baptism

At John's Baptism the man Jesus was:

• Consecrated (Legal Age of 30 according to Law - could minister in Temple)
• Cleansed (purification of the body according to Law - John the Baptist was a Levite)
• Anointed with the Holy Spirit under Law (God's ownership to begin the 3 1/2 year earthly ministry preaching the Kingdom as the Messiah) Acts 10:38

After John's Baptism Jesus entered into the earthly priesthood which was appointed by God - to be after the order of Melchizedek. Psalm 110: , Hebrews 7: , Melchizedek had an earthly priesthood and was King of Salem. In similitude Jesus had an earthly priesthood and was King of Jerusalem. During His earthly priesthood Jesus performed:

• Earthly service for the nation of Israel - meeting needs
• Earthly ministry for the nation of Israel - Preaching Kingdom
• Human ministry in obedience to Law for the people
• Ministered 27 times in the Temple
• Ministered in synagogues
• Ministered in the open air
• Duties as a priests who were responsible for teaching the Jewish people the law of God
• Duties as a priest to offer divine sacrifice unto God (the crucifixion)

Josephus  a Jewish historian stated about John's Baptism: and so to come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness

God spoke audibly when the man Jesus was baptized of John. God spoke out loud about Christ after He received the waters of purification, "This is my beloved son  in whom I am well pleased". Matthew 3: Jesus was inaugurated into the priesthood, anointed with God's ownership, and sent out to present the Kingdom Message to Israel. This earthly priesthood and ministry lasted 3 1/2 years until the Kingdom Message was rejected and Jesus went to the cross at Calvary.
 

A vast number of Old Testament prophecies unfolded and were confirmed at John's Baptism. Only more evidence of Bible Truth that makes the substance and meaning of God's Word so real and alive. This kind of truth is a faith builder. Faith is the heart of our Salvation by Grace. Faith is fortified by truth and evidence.

Jesus (Yeshua) - chief cornerstone in Israel

As promised by God...Jesus came to present His Kingdom on Earth...according to the will of the Father. For 3 1/2 years Jesus presented the Promised Kingdom to Israel according to the Father's will. Jesus and the message of the promised Kingdom were "rejected" by Israel. Scriptures teach Jesus was the stone the builders would reject. The King was rejected. The Kingdom message was rejected. As a result of Israel's rejection of the Messiah - Jews were dispersed and scattered around the globe.

As a result of Israel's rejection and Judgment from the Father... Jesus became the monumental cornerstone of Israel to be recognized around the globe. The crucifixion of Christ was God's cornerstone set into place. Jesus the cornerstone of God's great structure and foundation...will always be noticed and recognized. More importantly... all other stones will be set in reference to this initial corner stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure. The Gospel message of Christ's death burial, and resurrection has since became the vehicle God uses to reflect the chief cornerstone in Israel. Christ the head of the body and structure is God's plan for humanity. The great commission about Christ! How precious are those who carry the Gospel message throughout the highways of the earth! Jesus made reference to these highways in accordance to the Jews scatted around the globe.

Matt 22:9-10... Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 

Making Christ known around the globe is God's vehicle. Preparing people from every nation for the Rapture. Preparing for the marriage. Preparing for the Bride and Bridegroom. The Church and Israel uniting! Christ with all the raptured saints returning to Israel to set up the Kingdom! Israel rejected their Messiah. Jews were dispersed around the globe but the cornerstone was set! The Gentiles who were no people...became the vehicle God used to reach out to His elect Israel. Dispersed and scattered God still reaches out with mercy and love... to gather the Jew from the four corners of the Earth. He uses people to proclaim Christ. Therefore the Gospel according to the Scriptures...makes Christ known.

1 Peter 2:6-8...Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Jesus is coming...William E. Blackstone

William E. Blackstone (1841-1935) would be the first to disclaim credit for any of his achievements. Blackstone wrote one of the most popular books on prophecy, simply entitled: Jesus Is Coming. Over 1 million copies have been printed since the book was first published, and it has been translated into at least 47 languages. Because of his humble nature, Blackstone would only use his initials W.E.B. as the author.

This book was referred to the writer of this Blog by Brother Lindsey in 1989. Contains a wealth of knowledge for the Bible student; and coincides with everything Brother Lindsey teaches.

Must read!

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Jesus is Coming

Chapter  1 - Jesus is Coming Again

Chapter  2 - Literal Interpretation

Chapter  3 - His Coming Does Not Mean Death

Chapter  4 - The Three Appearings

Chapter  5 - The Millennium

Chapter  6 - Post-Millennialism

Chapter  7 - Pre-Millennial Arguments.

Chapter  8 - Diagram of Events

Chapter  9 - Rapture and Revelation

Chapter 10 - The Church and the Millennial Kingdom

Chapter 11 - The Tribulation

Chapter 12 - The Antichrist

Chapter 13 - The Principal Event

Chapter 14 - Some Objections Considered

Chapter 15 - Israel To Be Restored

Chapter 16 - The Study of Prophecy

Chapter 17 - A Practical Doctrine

Chapter 18 - Outline Of The Order Of Events

Chapter 19 - Anathema or Comfort

Chapter 20 - The Time

Chapter 21 - Signs of Christ's Speedy Coming

Jesus at the age of 30 – Anointed with the Holy Spirit – Inaugurated into the Priesthood

Many things happened during John’s baptism - all have great merit. For instance; Jesus was baptized by John when He turned 30 years old, Luke 3:23. Reason? Mosaic Law required all ministers in the Temple to be thirty years of age according to Numbers 4:30.

In comparison to the order of Melchizedek, Hebrews 7…Neither Christ nor Melchizedek had natural bloodline or prior human descent. Both men were Eternally existent and descended to humanity according to the will of God.

As a man Jesus was brought into humanity by the Spirit of God and taken from among men to become a minister for the people. All High Priests are taken from among men and ordained for men pertaining to the things of God, Hebrews 5:1.

The Bible teaches Melchizedek was also Eternal and descended to humanity to become a High Priest for the needs of man.  Melchizedek existed before Abraham and the Levitical Priesthood. Jesus who was first Eternal descended into humanity. Jesus when compared to Melchizedek thus became a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, Hebrews 5:1, Psalm 110:4. Christ did not glorify Himself to become a High Priest, nor was he elected by man. The Priesthood of Christ after the order of Melchizedek was ordained by an oath from God, Hebrew 8:21.

The Priesthood of Melchizedek was God ordained and later would birth the Levitical Priesthood. The Levitical Priesthood was the order of things that kept Israel holy and thus birthed the Promised Messiah. John’s baptism under Levitical order was simply Christ’s inauguration into the Earthly Priesthood according to the Law of Moses. Christ’s heavenly Priesthood (who suffered once for the sins of humanity) was according to Grace which came after the Law of Moses and after the Levitical Priesthood had ended. John the Baptist was the last Levite Priest recorded in the Bible.

Christ was baptized of John to be made known unto Israel as “the anointed one” or the “Messiah” spoken of by the Prophets, John 1:31. The Greek word Christ translated from Hebrew text means “anointed one”. John’s baptism of Christ at the age of 30 years old, made Christ eligible to minister the truth about God’s Promised Kingdom in the Jewish Temple.

When Christ’s ministry began He ministered in the public, in the Temple, and in Jewish synagogues. John’s baptism allowed the Holy Spirit to anoint Christ and begin His public ministry at 30 years of age. John’s baptism of Christ became the inauguration of Christ’s Earthly Priesthood. All High Priests are called from men and anointed for God’s Divine Purpose.

Anointing signifies God’s ownership and consecrates men and Priests as vessels of honor and servant-hood to God. Christ became a High Priest after being ”anointed by God’s Holy Spirit” according to Scripture. Acts 10:37-38 tells us that God anointed Christ with the Holy Ghost and with power. When that event took place at John’s Baptism of Christ the Holy Ghost descended on Christ like a dove, Matthew 3:16.

All Righteousness was fulfilled as Christ was obedient to the Law of Moses and thus baptized by John the Baptist at the age of 30. After John baptized Christ, Christ’s public ministry began. In Luke 4:17-20 Christ declared how the Holy Spirit anointed Him to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom. This anointing Christ spoke of was a fulfillment of Prophecy first given in Isaiah 61:1 and thus fulfilled by Christ in person , Luke 4:17-20. Psalm 2:2 teaches us that Christ was “God’s Anointed”. Many people today (including Jews) fail to realize this great truth about Christ’s anointing from God’s Holy Spirit, and His inauguration into the Priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.

In Matthew 3:15…Christ stated, ”Suffer it to be so now for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness”. John’s Baptism allowed Christ who was without sin to obey the Law of God according to the letter, Numbers 4:30. Righteousness was fulfilled when Christ kept the Law and obeyed John’s Baptism. God’s ministry of presenting the promised King and Kingdom to Israel had begun. John the Baptist had prepared the way before Christ and came to Christ according to God’s timing. Backslidden Israel was thus able to receive John’s Baptism which made them eligible repent from a backslidden state of not keeping the Torah, receive remission for their sins, and worship Christ as the Promised Messiah and King of the Earth. John and His baptism prepared the way for the Messiah, Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1-3. The Messiah, the Christ, and the Anointed One were the central objects of this ministry. Christ admitted to the Elders that He was the Christ, the Son of the most blessed, Mark 14:61-62. God (the Father) audibly spoke from Heaven and declared that Christ was His Son saying, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased”. God audibly made this declaration from Heaven twice in the four Gospels: Once at the beginning of Christ’s Earthly ministry at John’s Baptism; and once at the end of Christ’s Earthly ministry on the Mount of Transfiguration when Christ told the disciples He must suffer and die. Christ’s Kingdom ministry and first commission to the lost sheep of Israel lasted only 3 years. Christ died at 33 years of age.

At the end of three years…Christ’s ministry of the Kingdom Message presented to Israel ceased. In Matthew 16:21 Christ began telling how He must suffer, be killed of the Elders, and thus go to the cross to die and raise from the grave on the third day. The Priesthood of Christ would no longer be an Earthly Priesthood after the death of Christ. The heavenly Priesthood would begin in body resurrection and Christ’s ascension and exaltation to Heaven. Christ would become a Heavenly High Priest where He resides today in the Holy of Holies in Heaven, Hebrews 9: 11, 24. John’s baptism was only an inauguration for Christ to enter the Priesthood. John’s Baptism allowed Christ to be anointed by the Spirit of God as prophesied in Old Testament records. John witnessed and stated that the Holy Ghost descended on Christ like a dove, John 1:33. This anointing from the Holy Ghost allowed Christ to become a baptizer or purifier according to God’s Will, John 1:33. This anointing from the Holy Spirit enabled Christ to be introduced into the Priesthood . This anointing upon Christ (who was actually from birth filled with the Spirit without measure and led of the Spirit into a temptation by the Devil) allowed Christ to operate as an Earthly High Priest like Melchizedek; to become a Prophet according to Duet. 18:18; and to be an Apostle or one sent by God, Hebrews 3:1. Christ operated in all these earthly offices between the ages of 30 and 33…until His Earthly ministry ceased and His Heavenly Priesthood began. In His Heavenly Priesthood today…Christ is the baptizer with the Holy Ghost as John said Christ would be, Matthew 3:11,12.

Much happened according to the Law of Moses when Jesus became 30 years old. It all began with John’s Baptism of Christ at the age of 30. Truth about the Inauguration of Christ into the priesthood was confirmed. Prophecies were fulfilled. The Anointed One promised by the Prophets had come in the flesh to Israel. The Messiah and His inauguration into the Priesthood took place! Jesus the Christ, and Son of the most high God was anointed by God’s Holy Spirit! Many witnessed such event! Glory! As King, Christ offered His Kingdom to Israel and was thus rejected! As Savior Christ suffered, died and rose from the grave. As High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, Christ is alive today in the heavenlies appearing in the presence God for “us”, Hebrews 9:11-28.

The way of God more perfectly

Acts 18:25...This man (Apollos) was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him "the way of God more perfectly"

Apollos was an Apostle sent by Christ like the Apostle Paul. Apollos was an Apostle but knew Christ only by the Baptism of John. Apollos was a Christ fearing man, recognized Christ as the earthly Messiah, and fervent in the Spirit. Apollos was limited in knowledge concerning the Grace of God because he knew only the Kingdom message that was presented to Israel during the ministry of our Lord.

Aquila and Priscilla were a Jewish couple under the ministry of the Apostle Paul...who were enlightened to power of God's Grace that came after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Aquila and Priscilla were living under Grace and the preaching the power of a resurrected Christ... rather than the man Christ who came to restore Israel with the promised Kingdom on Earth.

Acts 18:26...whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him "the way of God more perfectly"

To understand the way of God more perfectly one must first understand the ministry of John the Baptist which is what Apollos was enlightened to...19 years prior to Acts 18. John the Baptist baptized with water and preached the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand as he prepared the way for the Messiah. John's preaching and baptism ministered repentance and remission of sins to backslidden Israel. John's baptism allowed backslidden Israel to repent and be forgiven for erring from the laws of the Torah. The keeping of Law made the heart clean and holy. The holiness of keeping Law allowed faithful Israel to recognize the Messiahship of Christ. Divine Law was God's way of ministering holiness to Israel . John's baptism allowed penitent Israel to worship Christ as the Promised Messiah. The Kingdom of Heaven preached by John, Jesus, the 12 disciples, and the 70 disciples... related directly to an earthly and physical Kingdom that was promised to be established in Jerusalem. John's ministry pointed to Israel and how the Messiah, Jesus Christ would rule on the throne of His father David according to Old Testament prophecy. The Kingdom message was presented to Israel...and thus was tragically rejected by Israel in the 3 1/2 years of John's and Christ's ministry.

Apollos was only enlightened to the Kingdom Message...not the message of the Gospel of the Grace of God we preach today. The Gospel of the Grace of God is based on the power of a resurrected Christ...not the earthly ministry of Christ. This unlimited Gospel commissioned by a resurrected Christ to both Jew and Gentile was one of power from Heaven. It was a Gospel that came after the death of a Savior. It was a Gospel that offers the power of Salvation from a crucified, resurrected, and exalted Christ. It is a Gospel where the Holy Ghost flows from Heaven and unites with the hearts of believing men and women. It is a Gospel where the Holy Ghost forgives sins because of what Christ did not sacrifice made to a priest. It is a Gospel where the Holy Ghost makes man a new creation in Christ. It is a Gospel that allows Christ to baptize the hearts of saved men from the Throneroom. It was a Gospel that offered Apollos the way of God more perfectly. A greater blessing than the blessing of John's Baptism. A blessing where Christ is exalted in Heaven today and baptizing men with the Holy Ghost and fire...as spoken by John the Baptist.

Matthew 3:11...I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

The way to God more perfectly was revealed to Apollos who convinced Jews that Jesus was Christ. The way of God more perfectly came from making distinction between the ministry of Christ on Earth, and the ministry of the Spirit from a resurrected Christ. A distinction was made between perfect Law given to Israel, and more perfect Grace given to both Jews and Gentiles in the Church, the body of Christ. The way of God more perfectly took Apollos beyond the 4 Gospels which taught basically the Law... to and exalted Christ in power "now" in the Throneroom. More perfectly relates to the power that flows from the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Christ in the Throneroom. It's perfect work offers saving power and holiness to the believing heart. It is power revealed...it is power accepted...it is power recognized in the person of Christ today. Glory! A new covenant greater than the covenant of Law. Something more perfect that comes from a perfect Christ...exalted in the Throneroom...NOW!

Divine Grace was taught in the Acts of the Apostles chapter 18, 19... 19 years after John's baptism and the death of Christ. Grace touched Apollos who found the way of God more perfectly, 19 years after John's Baptism. Grace was also the Apostle Paul's life and ministry who tutored Aquila and Priscilla who in turn expounded to Apollos the way of God more perfectly.

Acts 18:25...This man (Apollos) was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him "the way of God more perfectly"

Rightly dividing the Word of Truth

The Kingdom of Heaven message preached before the death of Christ must not be confused with the dispensation of Grace inaugurated after Christ's death.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were inspired by the Holy Spirit to record the historical account of Jesus' life and ministry. Their records reveal that Christ kept every precept of the Law of Moses. He was called a "Rabbi" because He taught the Law; He was without sin and He kept the Law perfectly. Therefore, we understand these events occurred during the dispensation of the first covenant.

Everything Christ did was according to the Law of Moses.

Made of a woman, made under Law...Gal 4:4...God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law

Circumcised according to the Law...Luke 2:21...And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS,

Mary offer sacrifice according to the Law...Luke 2:22-24...And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

Jesus lived under Law, and taught the Law

Jesus preached Judaism, not Christianity!

Jesus dealt with the Law of Moses and the Kingdom promise to the Hebrew nation.

All of Jesus' sermons were preached to the Jew only, not the Gentile...John 4:22...for salvation is of the Jews.

Here's Matthew's record of Jesus' command to the 12,

Matt 10:5-7...These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Christ reconciled both Jew and Gentile into one body on the cross.

Eph 2:11-16...Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

The Church came into existence after Christ purchased it with His own blood and sat down at the right hand of the Father,

Acts 20:28...to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood

Your utmost attention is called to these facts so that you won't confuse the purpose of the authority given to the disciples to confirm the Messianic message. Misunderstanding this will lead to deception in your life. You may perhaps go out into the world commanding the Devil to step aside, taking a useless claim of authority over the Devil when he has no authority on earth. You may perhaps claim authority over the Devil and every problem of life that you face. Some never recognize the fact that the problems of life actually stem from the sin of Adam.

Remember, Adam lost power and authority to rule in earth, and since then, man has not regained complete dominion. Regardless of man's right standing with God he is unable to control the affairs of the world. Unpleasant things are going to happen to man and he will have no explanation for them. Man is unable to know why these things happen. If a man goes around attempting to exercise authority without having any authority; he is not only claiming something fictitious and contrary to the Word but also ignoring the true authority.

Many people ask, "What about the passage in Mark 16 that says?"

Mark 16:15-17...Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe

Here the language of the Bible says that signs will follow the believer. Nothing is said about the believer having authority! It is the Gospel they believe that produces the signs, casting out Devils, healing the sick, and speaking with new tongues. These signs and wonders are produced when the Gospel is preached and believed. All these signs are going to follow if you are a believer, not because you commanded it saying, "In the name of Jesus".

In Mark we read about the fullness of our Lord's ascension as He works and confirms the Word with signs. Note how these signs follow the believer,

Mark 16:19-20...So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.

The doctrine of "positive confession" which claims that every time a man confesses something he will receive it, is contrary to the Word of God! It is only during the future Kingdom that you can say to a mountain, "Be thou removed" and it shall come to pass.

Matt 21:21...ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

For believers today "to confess gain" is contrary to the Word of God. James states that rejoicing in this type of boasting is sinful. Why? It's a form of arrogance:

James 4:13-17...Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

For those who refuse to admit, or confess sickness, "This is not faith but foolishness". Read James where he states,

James 5:14...Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

It is true that during the Millennium, one can say to a mountain, "Be thou removed" and it will be, but we are not in the Millennium yet! Therefore to "confess" or "claim" things such as wealth or authority is wrong. In fact, any boasting of what we will do, have, or obtain is declared to be sinful in James 4:13-17.

Some even teach that merely to admit you have a problem is a "negative confession", a sign of weak faith. Ironically in truth, if we do not confess our need or weakness, we cannot Biblically receive the help and healing we do need.

James 5:16...Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.

Once again, mountains can only be removed through speaking, after man regains control of the earth in the millennial reign of Christ. During that period of time, all man has to do is speak, and it will happen. People are going around today confessing various things without assurance and without certainty. Paul said,

2 Cor 4:13...as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

Notice you first have to believe before you speak. The problem with many people is that they think they are going to "build their faith up" by speaking and confessing, and confessing and confessing. They go around confessing everything under the sun and still don't have one ounce of faith. Faith does not come by confession according to Romans.

Rom 10:17...So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

A believer does not receive things by confession. If he hasn't received it by faith, or in reality - he should not confess it. We only confess what we believe. You must believe first.

Since Romans 10:17 states that faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God; it means that you don't confess Christ as your Savior, until He has saved you. If you have not been saved, then you don't go around confessing Jesus in order to believe. This is contrary to the language of the Bible. The modern day confession in order to have faith is contrary to the Scriptures!

It's important to know that when people claim "to take authority over the Devil", they miss Jesus. Man does not need any authority if he believes and knows Jesus has all authority. To accept any other authority is to focus faith on something, or someone else. This is dangerous. A believer must totally rely on the authority of Christ.

Christ, our deliverer

Man's dominion over earth is to be restored at the second coming of Christ. All power of the enemy was defeated through the death of the son of God on the cross. Yes, Christ made an open show of the enemy and the powers of darkness. How, through His resurrection from the grave?

Col 2:15...And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

When the Messiah came He came to deliver Israel from Roman oppression. The Roman legions had made prisoners their servants. The people were led captive by the power of Rome. They once were slaves outside the Roman Empire. Now, they had become slaves to the Roman Empire. Likewise, Christ takes people that are slaves to sin and He leads them forth to become His sons. These believers now come under Christ's control, His authority, and His power.

Jesus Christ delivers us from the power of the enemy. He delivers us from the power of Satan, demons, and demonic forces of the world. The Holy Scripture does not say Christ is going to deliver us to the point where we will never get sick and never die. Christ's deliverance will not keep the wind from blowing or a tornado from destroying our home. Nor does this mean that our businesses cannot collapse; or the economic, political, and social structure of the world of which we live cannot fall apart. The Bible does not teach that. It does teach that Christ delivers us from the power of Satan and demonic forces that try to influence us to live selfishly, greedily, and with unholy hearts.

On the other hand, the doctrine that says that Satan is without power is unscriptural. The language of the Bible says:

1 Peter 5:8-9...Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Believers in Christ are to resist the Devil. The Bible goes on to say that the child of God wrestles with the power of darkness.

Eph 6:12...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

Why should we wrestle someone who cannot put up any resistance? Understand, Satan still has access to earth. He can use everything. If the Devil tempted the Son of God during his earthly ministry, he can tempt you. If he tried Jesus, he can try you. If Christ suffered, you are going to suffer.

The Apostles, among them Paul, did not deny Satan's ability. Paul said he was five times beaten with forty stripes save one. He was three times beaten with rods, once stoned, and three times shipwrecked. These are just a few of the many hardships he endured for the cause of Christ.

2 Cor 11:24-33...Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

Paul suffered and did not say the battle was won at Calvary. Remember this - the obstacles of life are going to continue to come against us because Satan has the wicked under his control. He is the God of this age. He is the prince of the power of the air. He can use the things man lost control over. The child of God however, by faith in Christ, can defeat the Devil every day of his life.

1 John 4:4...greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Christ by His death on the cross established His right to rule and reign the earth in righteousness. When Christ comes back, He is going to establish an earthly, visible Kingdom. So many times people go around the country claiming to possess authority. This perhaps reflects a big ego. There are two things that are wrong with the religious teachers today.

1. They are giving the Devil more authority than he has.
2. They are claiming authority they don't have.

Jesus said in Matthew:

Matt 28:18...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

This should be accepted. Jesus has authority over every angel, archangel, seraphim, and over the countless beings God created in heaven. All these are subject to the King of Kings, and He has control over them all.

1 Peter 3:21-22...by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

God has control over all things on the earth. He controls the political, social, and economic affairs of life. The weather is even under His control. Any time he wants to use anything on earth, He can use it.

The weather...Matt 5:45...for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

God opened the bowels of the earth...Num 16:32-34...And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.

God used David and one stone to render Goliath...1 Sam 17:50...So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.

The Old Testament is full of accounts where God the Creator used His control of creation to bring both blessing and judgment.


In the Throne Room

All the power of Satan must submit to the authority of Christ because of His death, burial, resurrection, and exaltation. When we as believers trust Christ's authority, we have victory over all circumstances and conditions of life that Satan would use against us. When we come to the realization that through Christ's exaltation we can exercise His authority by faith, we indeed understand our position at the right hand of the Father.

Eph 2:4-6...But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

By His death on the cross, Christ has put under His feet all principalities, powers, and dominions. Everything is now under Christ's authority.

1 Cor 15:25...For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

Christ now has all power in heaven and in earth but remember, Satan can still use the curse of the fall to torment us. Satan is like an "illegal alien" who has no authority to use on earth. For this reason, we should recognize our position in Jesus Christ who was not only crucified, and rose from the grave but, is alive with all authority over all things!

When we accept Christ's authority over all things, we have personal victory in our lives. If Christ has all authority in heaven and in earth - we do not need any authority. For example, if a man comes to my home that stands about six-foot seven inches tall and is trying to knock the door down; do you think I'm going to go out there and exercise my authority? Never! All that needs to be done is to call the police department. They in turn send a couple of policemen over, and take the man away. He is an intruder. The Devil is an intruder. Demons are also intruders. What should I do when they try to use anything on earth to torment me? By faith, I acknowledge my seat in the throne room and ask King Jesus to exercise authority over them! By the authority of Christ, they must go.

All Christ ever had to say to demons was "Go" and they left. According to James:

James 4:7...Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

So, when demons attempt to try or test the child of God all you have to do is say, "Go". You do not even have to speak a verbal command to Satan. A lot of people get the impression they must chant certain prayers in order to have the power of God. That is not true. Others believe they must pray ten hours to have God exercise His authority on their behalf. This is not true. They say, "If I pray and pray and pray, I will drive God Almighty to exercise His power in my life". Of course no man can bribe God, nor make Him do anything.

If you want more power of God in your life, recognize what the Scripture says about the omnipresence of the Holy Spirit and; about your being seated in the Throne Room, raised to sit in heavenly places with Him. Realize that your position is in the Throne Room with Jesus where He has all power and authority. If you don't know that the Holy Spirit is omnipresent, all the prayers on earth are not going to make you more spiritual.

The idea of people going around the country claiming authority and at the same time trying to regiment people to pray, pray, pray, is resented by this writer. In an attempt to teach people how to pray, what to pray, how to testify, how to fast, when to fast, and how to cast out devils is all contrary to Scripture. The Bible clarifies how all this is Holy Spirit's work, in heart of a believer:

John 15:26-27...But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness

The Holy Spirit will cause you to pray if you live with a consciousness of the presence of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit will cause you to fast if you live with a consciousness of the presence of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit will even take you to the Throne Room where Christ is seated with all power and authority if you live in a consciousness of His presence. The Holy Spirit is here to take care of you for time and eternity if you know His presence, and that He is God. He is able to minister to any believer, all the power and authority that Christ has at the right hand of the Father, over heaven and earth.

The Bible says in Ephesians:

Eph 2:18...For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

By one Spirit, both Jew and Gentile have access to the Father. By the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, we have a right to go into the Throne Room where Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father. The Holy Spirit is the privilege we have, to exercise Christ's authority over all the problems of life. Hallelujah!

All because of Adam

By deception, Satan caused the moral catastrophe called, "The Fall." The Fall infected all mankind with total moral depravity of which there is no cure outside of the blood of Jesus.

All tragic results of man losing the power to rule can be traced to the fall. It was the curse of the fall that brought sickness, sorrow, heartache, trouble, wars, famines, and earthquakes. All disasters of history are a result of the sin of Adam.

The sin of Adam has brought the curse upon the entire human family. The Bible states:

Rom 5:12...Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

In the Corinthian letter we read,

1 Cor 15:22...For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

As a result of Adam's sin, the earth is cursed with physical death. All the disasters and all the heartaches and all the trouble you have from the cradle to the grave are the result of Adam's transgression. The overflowing hospitals and insane asylums, the millions of people born crippled and deformed are all a result of the sin of Adam. Much of this tragedy has been incorrectly attributed to a direct attack of Satan and not to his, "past work" that caused the fall of man.

As a preacher, I did not understand why disasters occur, why wars occur, why so many people suffer in hospital beds, or why thousands of people are born deformed. Why would God allow that? "Without understanding the fall and without understanding the result of man's loss of dominion over the earth, I would have no answer." If you mistakenly attribute all suffering to the direct work of Satan in the present hour, you have concluded that Satan has complete "authority" over trouble, every disaster, and all evil problems that men face. You are automatically concluding these circumstances to be a direct attack of Satan and not a result of the curse of the fall.


The realm of Satan's authority

If you make the assumption that Satan stole man's authority and dominion "in the fall", you could also presume Christ came to "snatch" that authority from Satan and restore it to the believer.

If this were true, as some have claimed, then it would only take one believer exercising his "authority" to restore the entire planet to its former state of perfection.

The false doctrine of the "authority of the believer" has infiltrated the church world and been taught tirelessly, much to Satan's glee, as it has eventually overthrown the faith of countless zealous believers. When they were deceived, they lost sight of Him who has all authority and power in heaven and earth and their faith failed them.

The Scripture clearly teaches that the believer will not have this type of authority and dominion until Christ the Messiah reigns in Jerusalem during the Millennial Age.

Today we have a high priest, Jesus the Son of God, who has by Himself purged our sins and sat down at the right hand of Majesty on high where angels, authorities, and powers have been made subject to Him.

Heb 8:1...We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

1 Peter 3:22...who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

God the Father has made us partakers of the divine nature and delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of His dear son.

2 Peter 1:4...that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Col 1:13...Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

When the true Gospel is preached, God will bear witness with signs, and wonders, and with divers miracles, and with gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will:

Heb 2:4...God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

There is no biblical account that tells us that Satan has ever had any "authority" on earth. He was trespassing in the Garden of Eden.

Many students believe the devil was an angel, but actually he was higher than an angel. Others have thought he was an archangel, but he was higher than an archangel. Some have thought he was a seraphim, but he was higher than a seraphim. Actually he was the highest order of created beings€the anointed Cherub.

Ezek 28:14...Thou art the anointed cherub

Man is not the greatest being ever created. In Psalms and Hebrews we read:

Heb 2:6-7...What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels;

Ps 8:4-5...what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

Therefore, man does not have the power the angels have. He does not have the power archangels and the seraphim have. He certainly does not have the power that Satan has.*

*Take note! Although Satan has considerable power, it does not extend to ruling the visible earth.

Satan has more power than human beings by the nature of his order of creation. He has no God-given authority to use his power against man. He works through ignorance or deception. Satan's sphere of activity and power is expressed in Ephesians as being in the spiritual realm.

Eph 6:12...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.

Remember that Satan can accuse the brethren before the throne of God and was allowed to bring disaster upon Job. Satan had to ask God's specific permission to bring disaster upon Job and his household because he, himself, had no authority on earth. So where did this erroneous concept originate that Satan has "authority" and controls the "keys" of all the things on earth? This is a Biblical error that grew out of 14th century mythology. There is no record that Satan has ever been in hell or had the keys to anything on earth. Jesus Christ has always had the keys of hell and death and always will have those keys.

Rev 1:18...I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

In the Scriptures, keys are use metaphorically to indicate authority. In this case we know Christ alone has authority over death and hell and the bodies and souls of men.

Christ raised three people from the dead as recorded:

1. Matt 9:23-26...and when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.
2. Luke 7:12-16...there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all:
3. John 11:38-44...Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Jesus arose from the dead:

Rom 1:4...And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead

Jesus will destroy death in time:

1 Cor 15:26...The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

God is sovereign over all life, sovereign over death, and sovereign over hell. There is nothing that is not under His control. All evil that occurs is not the direct attack of Satan. More often, man's problems are the result of the curse of the fall. In the fullness of time, both the curse of the fall and the direct attack of Satan on the believer will cease to exist. If I did not believe that, I would get very discouraged in life. The God I serve has control over everything in time and in eternity and I believe that. Blessed be His name forever! He is sovereign over all of life Hallelujah!

The earth belongs to God

If you study the book of Genesis, you will find that God the Creator has authority over all things. He created man in His divine image. He created man to have authority on the earth. Man was given authority over all the affairs of earth. Man exercised that authority under God before the fall, but even then, the Creator retained ownership of the earth.

Gen 1:27-28...So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth

The word "dominion" shows they were to rule the affairs of this life. This beautiful picture of dominion shows the ability of the creature that God created. God gave man the power to name every creature and every animal on earth. Adam even named Eve.

The record of the Bible proves that God turned earth over to man's dominion. Man had authority but it was delegated authority under God. This is exactly what is taught in Genesis:

Gen 1:26...and let them have dominion

This authority was lost when man sinned. The Scripture does not imply that man "surrendered" his authority to the Devil. Let's examine this often-misunderstood subject closely. *

*Does Satan have authority? How much authority does Satan have? What is Satan doing in the book of Genesis? What is he doing in the Garden of Eden? This mystery has not been fully revealed, but we do learn from the Holy Scriptures that Satan went up before the throne of God with the sons of God. This proves that Satan still had access to heaven and to the very presence of God.

Job 1:6...Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

We learn from the language of the Bible that Christ is our Advocate; that is our defender, or an attorney to plead our cause. Isaiah the Prophet and; the writer of the Hebrew letter both teach that Christ makes intercession for the sinner and saint.

Isa 53:12...because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Heb 7:25...Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

According to both records Christ ever lives to make intercession for humanity. In other words, the Devil is the prosecuting attorney, Jesus is my lawyer, and God the father is the judge. I have a good lawyer - He has never lost a case!

Satan's present-day position is one in which he is making accusations against us in the Throne Room just as he did in the day of Job. However, in the Revelation, which God gave to John, we read:

Rev 12:9-10...And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

This passage indicates that Satan's future position is to be cast out of Heaven to earth by God's Divine Judgment. During that Great tribulation period Satan no longer remains the accuser of the brethren. Take note that during that time Satan's authority on earth is still limited as the child of God overcomes him by faith in Christ and the word of their testimony:

Rev 12:11...And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

There are people today that contend that Satan is called, "the god of this world".

2 Cor 4:3-4...But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
The Greek translation of "world" in this passage is: AION, an age. The Greek language implies an age or period of time characterized by certain moral and spiritual characteristics.

Another frequently misunderstood passage is:

1 John 5:19...And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

The Greek language for world in the above passage is: KOSMOS, an evil world system. Unless the Greek is consulted, verses such as these may give another impression. The word world or kosmos is not physical earth... but an evil or corrupt system within the world we live in.

For those that advocate that Satan controls visible earth and that the earth is now under Satan's dominion since Adam surrendered it by the transgression in the Garden, this is a grave error! It has overtaken some and even perverted the faith of many!

Although this age or dispensation is subject to the influence of Satan and suffers from the curse of the fall: Scriptures clearly reveal the earth has never, and will never belong to Satan.

In the transgression, Adam rebelled against God. This brought spiritual death and loss of the divine nature. As a result, Adam lost authority and power to rule creation. God's power and authority was not diminished in the least bit. Nor, is there any scriptural evidence to support the idea that Satan assumed Adam's dominion. After all, the earth never belonged to Adam. Even though the earth was created for man, God retains ownership.

Ps 24:1...The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

When we search the Scriptures, we find that time and time again, the earth has been under the direct control of the Lord. God used the laws of nature to bring judgment upon godless men and women. Since the fall, earth has been the scene of tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Without divine intervention, man cannot be delivered from the effects of the fall. The fact that God has continued to intervene in the affairs of men and the earth prove He has not relinquished ownership or lost any power. For example look at the;

1. The flood
2. His Covenants with the Patriarchs
3. The plagues which fell on Egypt
4. Israel's deliverance by the Red Sea
5. The giving of Law
6. The word given to the Prophets
7. The redemptive work of Christ

All these only prove that the Almighty God is still on the throne. Amen! Glory!

Satan only controls the wicked and unholy spiritual influences of the world that we live in. The corrupt world system is under his control, not physical or visible earth.

1 John 5:19...And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

Jesus possesses "all" authority

When Jesus appeared in the sea of time, He could give the Apostles authority because He possessed all authority in heaven and earth. Being very God and very man, He had all authority. He had authority in heaven and earth at the same time. He could have called 10,000 angels to come and deliver Him from soldiers leading Him to Pontius Pilate. He had authority to do so. He also exercised His authority on earth by commanding the winds to obey His voice. The sea then became calm. What a beautiful lesson! All He did was speak to the wind and storm and they obeyed him. He had control over all the natural laws of life. Not only did Jesus have authority over the laws of nature, He likewise could delegate His authority.

God permitted Satan to use laws of nature to bring a curse upon Job and his family. Jesus gave the Apostles power and authority over nature during His earthly ministry. The Scripture reveals that God allows Satan to manifest himself through earthly elements that are under the curse of the fall; only to the extent that we allow him to operate, whether through ignorance or deception.

Regardless of what tragedy befalls us, whether by a direct attack of Satan as in Job's case or as a result of the fall, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us:

Rom 8:37...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

The material things of earth are not demonic in themselves but demonic forces can use them. If the Devil can get your mind focused on earthly things, they will drive you mad. A diamond ring or a Rolls Royce can be just as demonic as a Ouija board or a crystal ball. The Devil and the demons can use these things if they can get your attention. A crystal ball is only demonic when you believe that demons can work through it. A Ouija board is only demonic when you believe it has amazing power within itself. When you believe the superstitious idea that the sun, the moon, and the stars govern your life, astrology becomes demonic. Satan and demons use everything on this material earth against humanity. Not because they have authority in their own right, but through deception.

Jesus Christ has authority over everything on earth. Jesus commanded the demons to leave and they left. Please note that all He had to do was speak to them and they went. In Matthew 8:32, Jesus simply told the devils that possessed two demoniacs coming out of the tombs, "Go" and they went. Why? Jesus possesses "all" authority!

Matt 8:29-32...And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.That was all He needed to say.

Jesus was God! Jesus is God now! Jesus has authority over every affliction and disease. Here's an example of Jesus' authority when He told blind Bartimeaus:

Mark 10:52...and Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

Here's another example of Jesus' authority as He told the woman with an issue of blood who touched the hem of His garment:

Matt 9:22...and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Jesus possesses all authority! This is all that was necessary for Jesus who is and was very God.

In another account we find:

John 4:46-53...And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

That son began to amend the very moment that Christ spoke because Christ has authority over disease. Jesus said to the Pharisee:

Matt 9:6-7...But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house.

This is the undeniable record of God's Word. Jesus possesses "all" authority.

Give because you have received

The doctrine of sowing and reaping is a principle of the Old Testament Law, which the Church is not under. In the Old Covenant you had to do something in order to receive something.

In order to be healed, you had to walk in all God's statutes and commandments.

Ex 15:26...If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

To prosper, you had to walk in all the commandments.

Josh 1:8...This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

To be blessed financially, you had to pay a tithe.

Mal 3:10...Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Under the Law, you had to pay a tithe for God to open the windows of heaven and bless you and to rebuke the devourer. The devourer is not the Devil or demons. The devourer is insect's that destroy the crops. If man pays a tithe just to be blessed by God, he is a selfish person. He is giving to God's work just because he wants to receive something back. There is a big difference between giving simply out of the love you have for God and giving because you expect God to pay you something in return. In reality you are only worshipping God when you give out of an unselfish love for Him.

The same tithe system teaches a doctrine of fear-that you will have devourers attacking your crops unless you pay the tithe. You should never give out of fear of the consequences if you don't give. It is said by some that Abraham "paid" a tithe, but the Scripture says he "gave" a tithe. Abraham gave the tithe out of love. Jacob gave the tithe out of love.

Heb 7:2-4...To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

Under the economy of the Old Testament Law, you paid a tithe because you had to. Under the New Covenant, God blesses you so much that you give more than a tithe. Teach the believer to legalistically pay the tithe and he will limit his giving to the tithe. Teach him the limitless sacrifice of Christ and he will cheerfully and willingly give more than a tithe. The early church did not teach the tithe system, yet there is no record of the early Church ever being in want of anything. They had so much left over; they took care of the poor saints at Jerusalem. If those that name the name of Christ today did what they should, we could do away with Social Security in this country!

The first-century Jewish Christians sold all their possessions and laid them at the Apostles' feet. They could trust the Apostles with all their money.

Acts 4:35...And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

The Church today can no longer trust the minister with all their money because preachers are always begging "pay, pay, pay; money, money, money."

At this point you're probably asking, "What about Luke 6:38?"

Luke 6:38...Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

If you apply the above verse to giving money to the Church so that this giving will be multiplied; you are misapplying a Law from Genesis. You are also saying that the seed you've sown has within itself the ability to multiply. Luke 6:38 does no talk about tithing or giving to the Church. It is under the Covenant of Law, and it deals with the prophetic message concerning the restoration of the Kingdom to Israel.

The first portion of Luke 6:38 addresses's the moral condition of Israel at that time. *

Luke 6:38...Give, and it shall be given unto you;

*They were to have been so liberal that they would freely give to any Israelite on need. By becoming liberal in giving to each other, they would begin to recognize that the Kingdom was at hand. This would create a climactic condition proving that the Kingdom Age would soon begin. Christ would rule on the throne of His father David. The wheat fields would flourish and the vine and fig tree would give forth their strength. The wolf would lie down with the lamb and the lion would eat straw like an ox. The glory of the Lord would cover the earth, and all the Hebrew nation would be gathered out of the nations where they had been scattered.

This portion of Luke 6:38 deals with the prophetic truth of the Gentiles giving their wealth to Israel in the Kingdom of Heaven. *

Luke 6:38...good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

*The Gentiles would take notice of Israel's giving and liberality to one another. They would give their wealth and money to the Jewish people. This part of the verse points out how Gentiles will give unto the bosom of Israel, their wealth and riches. This is prophetically spoken.

Zech 14:14...And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.

Many Scriptures such as Luke 6:38 have been taken out of context, twisted, and perverted. This has caused many people to fall from the faith.

Imagine a man who is running a factory. He has been taught prosperity based upon what he does and gives. As a result, he gives away all of his necessary capital for running his business, and his company begins to fail. He is so nervous and torn up that he quarrels with his wife. Because his business is a failure, he begins to take things out on the godly Christian woman who has brought his children into the world and gone through the trials of life with him. Discouraged, he takes off with his secretary and divorces his wife. His home is broken up and he no longer attends church. He is no longer interested in the things of God. He has departed from the faith.

Now picture a widow who has husband's savings in a bank to supplement the Social Security she receives. Because of false teaching, she believes she is going to prosper according to what she gives and does. Hoping for a "100-fold return," she gives all of her husband's savings to the Church. When the money does not come in, when her "seed" is not multiplied, she drops out of the Church. Now she spends her time looking at the television set every night without God. She has lost her faith.

When I hear the "seed faith" teachings across this country, I feel like saying with Paul,

2 Tim 2:17-18...And their word will eat as doth a canker, who concerning the truth have erred, and overthrow the faith of some.

The faith of a seed and the parables of our Lord

In spite of all this miraculous power being manifested, the Nation of Israel still rejected the King. When the disciples returned from their first missionary journey, they boasted that even demons were subject to them. In Matthew 17, the disciples accompanied Jesus to a mountain where they witnessed His transfiguration. Yet immediately after coming down from the mount, they could not cast the demon out of the father's lunatic son because of their unbelief. Shortly after this, Jesus proclaimed judgment upon Israel. From then on, His message was not that He was to establish their Kingdom but, that He was to die.

After the message of the Kingdom was rejected and no longer preached, the sowing of a seed is only mentioned once. It deals with a mustard seed and it is not to praise the disciples for having "seed faith" but rather to reprove them for not having the faith of a seed.

Let us get the true picture in context. Jesus said that if you had the faith of a mustard seed, you could say to the mountain "remove hence" and it would happen.

Matt 17:20...if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove;

Two days before He made this statement, Jesus wept over Jerusalem. He pronounced judgment upon the city, then judgment upon the temple, and then judgment upon the disciples' lack of faith. If they had exercised the faith of a mustard seed, they could have said to the mountain ..."Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you." Jesus is reproving them for not having faith as a mustard seed. A mustard seed, though the tiniest of seeds, grows to become the greatest of herbs; a great tree with spreading branches. If they had this kind of faith, they would have spread the message through all Judea, Jesus would have ruled the earth, the millennial Kingdom would have begun, and every mountain and all of nature would have been subject to the disciples!

When Christ sent the disciples out two by two into the cities of Judea, the authority and power He gave them was to establish and confirm one message only, that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. This message was to be given to Israel only. It was for this very reason they were to have no sandals on their feet. Their feet must touch the ground promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. If in any city they entered into the people rejected their message of the restoration of the Kingdom to Israel, they were to shake the dust off their feet. The dust on their feet represented the land God promised to restore. When a Jew left the land of promise and re-entered, he would take his sandals off and shake the dust off his feet to signify that he did not want even the dust of the heathen's land but only the land God promised Abraham.

This message and the parables of the Kingdom, which were rejected by Israel, also reveal the rejection of the Messiahship of Jesus. The reason that Israel did not accept this message is proved by the following facts:

Jesus placed judgment upon the disciples for not having the faith of a mustard seed. As we have stated, the mustard seed, which is the tiniest of seeds, when sown, becomes a great tree with branches spread. If the disciples would've had the faith of a mustard seed, the Messiahship of Jesus would have been spread throughout Judea, Christ would have reigned over earth, and every mountain would have been subject to any one of the people of Israel. Any Jew would have said to the mountain "Move" and it would have moved.



The Parables

The parables of the Kingdom were not given to the Gentiles but only to the Nation of Israel because Israel was the subject of the parables. Israel was blinded to the Messiahship of Jesus Christ. Jesus' reason for speaking in parables is given in Matthew 13:14 where He quotes from Isaiah,

Matt 13:14...And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

The parables of the Kingdom show Israel's rejection of the Messiahship of Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven. The parable of the sower in Matthew 13 is an example. The people are likened to the different types of soil. The message of the Kingdom is sown on four different types of soil. Only one€the good ground, produced a crop, teaching that the majority of Israel was going to reject the Kingdom.

Matt 13:3-13...And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables:

In the parable of the vineyard in Matthew 21:33-41, the lord of the vineyard sent his servants to collect his share. The wicked tenants beat his servant's and stoned them to death. Finally the owner said, "Then will I send my son". When the son arrived, the people said, "He's the heir. Let's put him to death." So they killed him. Likewise, Jesus Christ the Son was rejected and put to death. The Lord will come and bring vengeance on the caretakers of the vineyard.

Matt 21:33-39...Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.

Throughout the parables, we see object lessons of good fish and bad fish, wheat and tares, foolish virgins and wise virgins, all part of the message being given to Israel. But these parables do not teach the mystery of the Church. There is a vast difference between the church and the message of the Kingdom of Heaven. *

Some teachers in our generation have misapplied the parables to the Church and taught "sowing" money as seed, expecting to get 30, 60, or 100-fold as a return. The 30, 60, and 100-fold increase was to the Israelites that received the message of the Kingdom and had no reference to the Church or to money. There is no "sowing of money" in the parables of the Kingdom to Israel. Also, they could not sow the message of the Kingdom to the Gentiles for it was given to Israel only.

Sowing and Reaping

By studying the Law of Moses, we find that every six years, Jewish farmers were to allow the land to rest for one full year. Likewise, they could do no sowing in their fields on the seventh day or weekly Sabbath.

Ex 23:10-11...And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof: But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still;

Lev 25:3-4...Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

Unfortunately, Judah violated this law for 490 years. Because of this violation, God took the land away from them for exactly 70 years during the Babylonian captivity!

2 Chron 36:21...To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

While this particular obligation of the Law dealt strictly with agriculture, "sowing" under the Old Testament covenant is also used metaphorically as in,

*Sowing righteous works and in due course...reaping a blessing.

*Sowing wicked works and in due course...reaping the curse.

The sowing of works and reaping the blessing or the curse is a principle of the Law (Deuteronomy 28) and not found in the New Covenant. Please read the entire chapter of Deuteronomy 28.

After Christ appeared in the fullness of time the concept of "sowing and reaping" took on a different meaning. In the teachings of Christ, what was "sown" was a message, and what was "reaped" was the result of that message. Likewise, in the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles to the churches, we find numerous examples where a message is sown and the results are reaped. This New Covenant reaping is not the same as in the agricultural life. In farming, you only reap one plant from each seed you sow, but in sowing the message of the Kingdom, as in Matthew 13, you can reap 100, 60, or 30 people who receive that message!

Matt 13:18-19...Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side

Christ concludes this parable by saying:

Matt 13:23...But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Herein is the real 100-fold return: "Preaching the message of the Kingdom and reaping 100 souls who receive that message!"

In 2 Corinthians chapter 9, the "sowing of the message" about the needs of the poor saints at Jerusalem is a good example. The message is sown but money is reaped. By sowing throughout Asia Minor bountifully, they would reap alms more bountifully to give to the poor saints. Conversely, by sowing the message sparingly, they would reap sparingly. Again, it was the message sown.

2 Cor 9:5-13...Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

Be careful to note three things:

1. The message was not the financial needs of the local Church, but the financial needs of the poor saints at Jerusalem.
2. The message could be sown either bountifully or sparingly.
3. The reaping was the money received- not the "money sown".

We shall see that there is no reference to the "sowing of money" in the entire Bible. This reference of sowing the message for the poor saints at Jerusalem was mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 16. Here Paul asks them in advance to start collecting a special offering on the first day of each week. Upon Paul's arrival, this entire collection was sent for the relief of the poor saints at Jerusalem.

1 Cor 16:1-3...Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

Paul's letter to the Galatians is another example of a message being sown. The "sowing and reaping" in Galatians 6 was sowing a message to the flesh or to the Spirit. Sowing to the flesh is teaching human works. Sowing to the Spirit is teaching who Christ is and the work He does within the human soul.

Gal 6:7-8...Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

The four Gospels teach...a Kingdom message sown in Israel

The sowing of the message of the Kingdom of Heaven cannot be the same message Paul preached because it was given under the dispensation of the Law. It was a message given exclusively to the people of Israel. It was a message given before the death of a testator, under the Old Covenant and under the Law. The following verses all indicate that Christ was born, lived, and started His ministry under the Law of Moses.

Born under Law...Gal 4:4...God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law

Circumcised under Law...Luke 2:21-24...And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

Appeared in the Temple...Luke 2:42-52...And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Ministry started under the Law at a lawful age...Num 4:23...From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation

Christ taught the Law. He told the rich ruler that if he would enter into eternal life, he must keep the commandments.

Matt 19:16-17...And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

He told the lepers that were cleansed to offer the sacrifices Moses had commanded.

Luke 5:14...And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Luke 17:13-14...And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

The teachings of Christ during His earthly ministry were not Christianity but Judaism.

Matt 15:24...I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel

John 1:11...He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Jesus preached the message of the Kingdom of Heaven. John the Baptist preached the message of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus sent His disciples to preach the message of the Kingdom of Heaven, saying,

Matt 10:5-8...Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

The record is clear in this matter; Jesus did not preach a single sermon to the Gentile world. His earthly ministry was to the Hebrew nation only. His message was Judaism, not Christianity. If this message had been received, two Kingdoms would have been restored to Israel...the spiritual Kingdom and the visible Kingdom.

1. The Spiritual Kingdom...the Kingdom of God
2. The visible Kingdom...the Kingdom of Heaven

The message dealing with sowing is the message of the earthly reign of Christ and was preached only to the Hebrew nation. If His disciples had preached the message of sowing and reaping recorded in Matthew 13 to the Gentiles, they would have been openly defying Jesus' instructions in Matthew 10:5-8.

All the teachings of Christ concerning the Kingdom of Heaven prove if Israel had received Christ as Messiah, they would have received the divine nature, the Kingdom of God, and Christ would have begun to reign on the earthly throne of His father David. They would have had both Kingdoms restored which were lost in the fall. All Israel would have been in the divine image and had dominion over all the earth, over the fish of the sea, the fowl of the air, and every creeping thing. Everything that moved on earth would have been subject to them.

When Christ sent the disciples out with His message, it was only to the nation of Israel and the cities of Judea. They were not to take any purse or silver or gold. They were not to wear sandals, yet they were to trod scorpions underfoot and not be harmed! They were to cast out demons and not be harmed. They had authority over all diseases and were to heal the sick. This power was given to them to prove that Jesus was the Messiah that had come to Israel to establish the Kingdom.