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Last in this series let us look what it is to be 'That God may be all in all.' So the superscription refers to the day of regeneration. "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power."(v.24). St Paul refers to the saying of Jesus and rounding off the Spirit of truth in his ministry. "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."( John 14:2-23)
Jesus refers to it as 'In that day'. Remember the body aspect of Trinity as a memorial? It covers the heaven the earth and the lower parts. Here we read how all enemies to Christ have been finally disposed off. "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works./And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death./And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."(Re.20:13-15) The sea giving up the dead is fulfillment of this verse, "The Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever."(Ps.29:10)The term forever refers to the Son. "that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.in" This is what God 'be all in all' signifies.
Before that to happen we have this verse in the Book of Isaiah to consider. "And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."(Is.2:4)
"And the nations of the which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."(Re.21:24)
If I may add a little information here, the word worship in the New Testament, also found here in John 4:24 has absolutely nothing to do with external activities, including singing. The word literally means to bow down and kiss the ring of somebody.
In other words, if you are coming into the presence of the king, you bow down, you get on your knee, and you kiss his ring. And then he will lift the scepter and you'll be able to talk. But you cannot talk until you express your submission and reverence.
You see, true worship is submission. It is obedience. It doesn't mean we can't sing, but that in the Bible is called singing. True worshipers worship, and remember what it means, to bow down, to submit. True worshipers worship God in spirit and in truth. Submitting to His truth and reverencing His truth is the highest form of worship.
Jesus quoted from Isaiah in one place and said, "Well did Isaiah say of you that you honor me with your lips but your heart is far from me." He says I get tired of you going and performing your religious vows and all your singing and whatever when your heart is not even lined up with what you're doing.
God looks on the heart, and man looks on the outward appearance. It is unacceptable to Him. God is Spirit. Everybody that gives genuine worship to God worships Him in Spirit. We are to surrender to His Spirit and surrender to His truth. That is the highest form of worship!
Blessings!
26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off (crucified), but not for Himself: and the people of the prince that shall come (the esoteric and kabbalistic false messiah- John 5:43-47 combined with Revelation 13:11) shall DESTROY the CITY (Jerusalem) and the SANCTUARY-> Revelation 13:2->the dragon, the esoteric false messiah of Judaism- Revelation 13:11 gave(will give) him (will give to the Beast of sea-ruler of Catholicism) his Power, and his Throne, and great Authority.; and the END thereof shall be with a flood( Luke 21:24; Revelation 11:2; Revelation 12:15?), and unto the END of the WAR ( Revelation 16:13-15) desolations are determined.
27 And he (the profane prince of Israel that shall come- Ezekiel 21:25, John 5:43-47; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13:11) shall confirm the covenant with many for one week(covenant with the whole religious structures of the RCC-Judaism and Catholicism- Revelation 13:2): and in the midst of the week( Revelation 13:5) he- the profane wicked prince of Israel, the false messiah- shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease ( 2Thessalonians 2:6-9), and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation ( Revelation 16:13-15), and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
GOD bless and get ready
In John 4:20 the Samaritan woman at the well said "Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
She is referring to centrality of the temple in worship where the ceremonies were performed.
Jesus is saying the day has come where worshiping the Lord in spirit and truth is that worship of God is not to be confined to a single geographical location or necessarily regulated by the of Old Testament law.
Worship became a matter of the heart, not external actions, and directed by truth rather than ceremony.
Our worship of God is directed by our love for Him, Not by Command and rituals.
Ti worship in spirit this way was prophesied in Ezekiel 36:27.
"And I will put my spirit within you, AND CAUSE YOU TO WALK IN MY STATUTES, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
This is the work of the Holyspirit.
God bless.
As stated in some comments some months ago; we should still be able to trust God in regard to His Word; and that indeed He can and will prosper people financially. In this world we should adhere to 1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Some are born into riches; others earn it through hard work and God's Providence of resulting financial success. Money is uncertain and we can't put our trust in things that "moth and rust" corrupt ( Matt. 6:19).
Certainly it isn't Pastors who should be cornering the market or seeking "filthy lucre" ( Titus 1:11 AND 1 Peter 5:2). The best they can hope for is making it into heaven as through the fire; but there is probably a much better chance they aren't saved at all. Only God knows but why make that lifestyle your legacy?
What we see today is more of these so called "Apostles" dying; while others making half hearted "repentance" statements then continuing on with the sin of covetousness; much like the parable of a dog returning to its own vomit ( Proverbs 26:11). We certainly bring nothing into this world and we aren't taking anything out ( 1 Timothy 6:7). What we can do is gain heavenly treasure by harvesting souls ( Matt. 6:19).
He who covers or conceals his sin is not doing themselves any favors. ( Proverbs 28:13). It actually says the man will not prosper. There are enough warnings in scripture including to the Pharisees as to the spiritual ramifications of continuing in such behaviors and many others in the Old Testament as well.
Ultimately; the desire for fame and popularity is tied into those with this narcissistic mindset and lifestyle. All will be lost after this life; which is as a vapor has passed. Let us live lives in strict obedience and holiness not due to compulsion but love and gratitude for what Christ did for us.
Starting with the age of TV evangelists; and now advancing further with internet sermons and so called "crusades"; we often have no real basis for determining what is really happening on the ground in regard to how the money is spent; except of course for promotionals that a church produces to promote its own ministry when it comes to prosperity preachers in particular. Discipleship is often lacking. There are some Pentecostals that no doubt have very strict regulations; but as with many of the fundamental megachurches; a double standard often exists for leadership. Let's face it; it is rare anywhere to get anyone in leadership roles to admit they struggle with sin or any wrongdoing; unless of course they are caught in the act of misappropriating funds; or some other immoral act. Damage control; no doubt is steeped in the training of staff (again a tactic of dictators) to keep loyal supporters. Anything but greed is given as an excuse for out of control spending. This; of course leads to what I would call "self fulfilling prophecies" where anything untoward or scandalous is turned to the Pastor or "Apostle" or Prophet being a victim of circumstances; things we hear often from politicians. When justification is given for another spending spree of course it is some dream or vision of great "revival" which of course no one else is qualified to initiate that demands money.
I want to stop at this point and acknowledge that the irony here is that if such megapastors TRULY wanted people to prosper they would feel threatened; they would rather make some inane proclamation of return 100 fold than say invest in precious metals; save; invest with a long term goal rather than short term benefits. They of course don't know how to wait on God; and make the fatal error often that only God can give financial success rather than the evil one.
I can see murdurers truly repenting rather than some of these crooks.
HEALTH
Having discussed briefly the desires of the flesh for money that convince people (supposedly) that they too can have mountains of cash or at least a foothill or two if they sow generously to the megachurch we turn our attention to the other major appeal; that is of healings. As long as botox and plastic surgery keep the preacher (or "Apostle" or "prophet") from looking as crooked as their heart is they can hold some leverage; to those foolish enough to believe them to the concept that somehow they have locked into some sort of "healing ministry" that they can attach to their official title. It reminds me of the Jethro Tull song "Wind up" where he says "he's not the kind you have to wind up on Sundays" as one of his lines describing God. The same could be said for his song "My God" where the hypocricy of those who use a "plastic crucifix" is mocked. Sometimes we can find more wisdom with secular music than so called "Christian."
At any "road" as they say in England; if they can't sell you the concept of healing they will also often promote products that are; of course overpriced that are organic or something to that effect to keep your appearance younger. It appears almost always the evidence of so called healings have no factual backup; such as names; places or verifiable witnesses. Emotional healings of course aren't as easily verified and spiritual change is more than hype and drama. I am not a "cessationist" in principle; but would venture to say that any true miracle isn't something which should be made a spectacle; just as any true conversion has lasting power as based on John 15:5 about remaining in Him. If there is a true miracle of God it certainly isn't to promote a particular ministry but to give glory to God. It also; no doubt will bring the same sort of persecution that happened during the time of Christ. The same could be said about tongues; another thing these churches tend to emphasize.
Much as with the conspiracy theorists; prosperity teachers like to prey on people who want to obtain wealth the easy way; because they largely grew up with a lack of a work ethic of previous generations. This is why an atheist with worldly wisdom can see the hypocrisy right away when the "religious" folk have to ponder things further. As to the teachers themselves; we can see patterns in their youth and upbringing that are common to dictators; often spoiled as children and getting much attention; or struggling to some extent but finding a way to dominate and control others through various means and methods (that would perhaps be more true with women who get into this vocation; again I'll leave names out; do your own research).
Of course; all we need to do is look at Paul in scripture who sarcastically pointed out that they were "kings" in the Corinthian church. ( 1 Cor. 4:8). He spends much time describing his sufferings for their sake as a necessity; not that he wishes to boast about anything of himself. They were; basically spoiled brats; but thankfully got straightened up right quick. Paul of course was the antithesis of a prosperity preacher; living in want and need and providing for himself and other churches at his own expense.
Of course another appeal in our country is the whole concept of pride about our independence; and the ability to "live out your dreams" in regard to having a big building as an indication of a thriving ministry. That; at least was the fashion up until say the beginning of the 21st century. Today; we see churches branching out to the aforementioned African Megachurches in particular where excesses of the rich are more of a novelty for those who have never seen it before; and sadly many view this type of "Christianity" as typifying the American church. Those with sense run like the plague. Sadly also there is the promise of health along with wealth.
Sounds like it is going a little slow, tell your construction guy to drink black cherry juice, it will help with gout, he can ask his doctor if he wants to confirm it if his doctor will. Just make it fun, a summer of cookouts and picnics. GiGi, I think it is clear we both love Jesus, and our faith is in Him and by Him is our salvation. We have discussed this before, I know your understanding and how you feel about mine unless that has changed, I hope your repairs go well and you can put things back in order.
God bless,
RLW
How do we worship God in spirit and truth? God Bless :)
Our upstairs is nearly finished. Our construction guy had another bout of knee trouble due to newly diagnosed gout, so he was out 3 days last week. If he had worked, he would have finished the bath upstairs and the trim-work on the other bedroom. But I am glad he took time off and has this weekend to recover. He went to the doctor this time, so hopefully they prescribed the usual medication for gout-colchicine.
Anyway, the downstairs will begin demoing in a week and a half. So we are hoping he can finish the upstairs and possible begin and complete the downstair bathroom, remove the popcorn ceiling and sand it before he begins the demo of the kitchen, which is a total gut job.
I predict that things may be completed by end of Sept. Going to be cooking and eating outside most of the summer and using paper plates and such. But we will do fine. We have plenty of campwear to use.
I was thinking last night about how much Jesus humbled Himself by coming from the Father to enter into humanity. Sometimes we tend to think of how similar He is to us, like a "good buddy" as I have heard some say. But He really is unlike us in His perfection and holiness, far different. Something for me to study and give much thought to.
Have a good Memorial Day weekend. Remembering all of those who fought for our country and our freedom and being grateful to the fruits of their sacrifice. And remembering loved ones who have died.
Makes me thing of the great cloud of witnesses spoken of in Hebrews 11.
Proverbs 3:9-10 may be a favorite verse of prosperity preachers. It states:
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
It is too bad they don't go on to the next verse which says: My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights. (verses 11 and 12-so next TWO verses).
This concept of correction also makes Job 21:13 a frightening perspective because it describes them thriving until the moment of death; then the wrath of God afterwards (see rest of chapter and other parts of the book of Job as well).
Malachi 3:10 also discusses putting tithes in the storehouse and God's blessings; as well as pointing out their stinginess earlier in the book where they offer lame and sick animals ( Malachi 1:8). Naturally; if the first appeal doesn't work guilt trips like this are also utilized; any trick in the book to get the coffers filled.
The blessings of God are conditional on obedience to the Lord to His statutes and commandments; and of course that deals with matters of the heart as this verse in Malachi and similar references in Isaiah 1; for example. One can surmise that when one sin (covetousness which breaks the 10th Commandment) there is another; and that often is adulteries and adulterous remarriages that this type of celebrity pastor commonly is involved in. Since the church rarely stands up as they should to these matters with other members they sometimes can seemingly get by; but sometimes this does cost them a significant number of members.
In my next post I am going to explore factors in society that make such con artists thrive that exist today; as well as that form the personality types of individuals that tend to start on these ventures.
Thank you for the time and thought you have put into your comment. I'm afraid I'm of a more simple mind. For example; a lie is a lie, using any kind of profanity whether the culture accepts it or not: "Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks." Ephesian 5:4 These are not suggestions these are commandments. So I'd like to say in my simple way, that the Law of God was given to the Jews in written form excursively but the teachings of the commandments were already written on the hearts of mankind as a conscience. All sin are covered by the commandments including pride: A proud person isn't going to put God first in the things they do. A proud person probably won't honor anyone including their parents. Also #9 and #10 fit the bill. Anything given from God is for all mankind so that all mankind can know Him and follow Him if they surrender to Him. This is all simple but true.
God Bless :)
With the many traits; which left us with a rather bitter taste in our mouths in regard to less than desirable characteristics of Pentacostals and many fundamentalists at least one thing they often get right; that is emphasizing the cost of serving Christ. At least for the layperson whose status is often viewed as being either as a base servant or useless idiots to amass cash for the "fearless leaders" they usually are given strong messages about living a life of "Holiness"; or how important service and sacrifice is for the cause of the Lord. With this mindset; perhaps some good can be accomplished for the Kingdom in the fields of harvest for those who serve in these churches in missions or other services to the down and out in society. That of course would be despite excesses and other garbage from the leaders who are often referred to as "the Lord's anointed." If some of this sounds sarcastic; yes indeed it is. I may not be a worthy vessel but somebody has to say this; if to see just one more person freed from this tyranny.
Before going on here; I should also say that many fundamentalists do have those even in leadership who truly care for their congregation and are NOT in the category of prosperity preachers. Same could be said for the evangelical crowd; although they have in recent years departed from Orthodoxy so that you can't count on the former foundations or pillars to mean that the current state of any denomination is sound without careful inspection. Sometimes today the rotton stench doesn't take very long to sniff out; if you get my drift.
Anyway my point in this posting is how come none of these Prosperity gospel preachers are being persecuted? I thought that all who were Godly in Christ Jesus would be persecuted. ( 2 Tim. 3:12-13). We better take heed and read all of 1 and 2 Timothy; it seems because a lot of these issues are well covered there as to what is happening today.
9Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her.e 10In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out:
"Woe, woe to the great city,
the mighty city of Babylon!
For in a single hour
your judgment has come."
11And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo- 12cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and chariots; of slaves and souls of men. 14And they will say:f
"The fruit of your soul's desire
has departed from you;
all your luxury and splendor have vanished,
never to be seen again."
Whether America is Babylon in it's final form or not; it is certainly undeniable that a lot of filth from this nation has been distributed around the world; particularly starting in the second half of the twentieth century. The licentiousness of film; from the suggestive genre of the 50's to the smut of the later decades; along with the music industry and of course all the collateral damage from all the sex and violence with today's internet constantly being spread throughout the earth is one facet of the rot of our society but of course the megachurch is also something that has spread its ugly tentacles outward. From one report a year or two ago it was said that 4 of the top 10 salaried pastors in the world were from Africa. This certainly explains some of the "outreaches" that some of these televangelists were involved with (along with the use of their personal jets that used church money for purchase). They groomed these Pastors; and fleeced the poor. Great business.
After analyzing what seem to be the two types of churches that began this whole "prosperity" movement in our nation and later throughout the world we could probably look at some elemental psychology involved in their tactics. The ultimate issue as with all things is what is really going down in the spiritual realms; but nonetheless certain common actions are done by men who doubtless are mentored by demons who have their own agenda. Needless to say that explains the verse that people are "deceiving and being deceived" ( 2 Tim. 3:13).
On the surface; it may seem that a correct Gospel is preached as to the terms of salvific faith in many of these compromised churches. And as the previous scripture also indicates in Timothy; things go from bad to worse over time. We see this often with sons of doctrinally sound preachers of good reputation who go out and begin later to preach a false gospel; but often are able to glean some of the congregation that attended their parent's church.
Anyway; mind games are the usual means to an end with disingenuous preachers. The pressure to live a life worthy of His calling is manipulated to assigning guilt to those who do not contribute what usually becomes a more and more egregious goal over time as the spending habits of the top hierarchy of the church always seem to outpace the mountain of revenue coming in.
If guilt doesn't work of course puffing up man's vain aspirations for greed will cause one outrageous promise after another of "blessings" coming to those who give and give big. As with any cult; deprivation is used to control the masses and when necessary there can be physical abuse as well to gain control. OF course the love of money is the root of all evil. ( 1 Tim. 6:10).
This close knit group of megachurch pastors and leaders often have; therefore strange "bedfellows". Hobnobbing with the rich is necessary; and strangely they don't need to hear the Gospel.
I am going to explore fundamentalism and legalism as well as the Pentacostal churches who developed largely after the Azuza Street Revival in California. Let us do a bullet point analysis.
FUNDAMENTALIST CHURCHES
1. Emphasize "Holy living" which is further categorized by
-Frequent church attendance
-Many rules and regulations as to recreational activities
-FOCUS ON TITHING
-Emphasis on formal dress
-Focus on doctrinal issues; often more "Arminian" than not (emphasizing "free will" rather than the Calvinist approach
of Predestination; Election etal.
-Usually strong on evangelism
-Fairly strong stance for preaching against "sign and wonders" gifts today
PENTACOSTAL CHURCHES
=Frequent church attendance
-Many rules and regulations as to recreational activities
FOCUS ON TITHING
-Emphasis on formal dress
-Wildly varying focus on doctrines; often more "Armonian (and rest of characteristics listed for fundamentalists).
Main difference is hyperfocus on "signs and wonders"; and speaking in tongues in particular
-Also wildly varying as to evangelism; seemingly often obsessed with big revivals and today involved with many
international outreaches
A cursory examination here shows there indeed seem to be many similarities between these two types of churches; even though they would normally be less than enthusiastic about any joint fellowship; if not totally ambivalent to it.
The Pentacostal church sort of broke out of the Assembly of God Charismatic church in the early 20th Century following the 1906 Azuza Street revival. I am no expert as I stated before; but it seems the Charismatic church is different than the other two groups in that they were less focused on rules and such.
As per my usual process; I am deliberately NOT including names of individuals; although famous preachers with particular peculiarities aren't that hard to surmise. It is the characteristics of the tactics used which I am attempting to explore; but I am certainly no expert on the matter.
We are reminded of 2 Peter 2:3 which reads
"And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not."
The classic method; it seems for prioritizing regular giving is putting people under a "tithe" approach; something which from my study isn't emphasized in the New Testament. Considering this discipline for weekly offerings or better said "collections" ( 1 Cor. 16:1 and other scriptures) gleaning from a working income certainly is reasonable if we have basic needs already met with our income. Most don't consider how hypocritical it is to rob from widows and orphans in order to build "seed money" to borrow a common phrase used by these charlatans for the "cause of Christ" and to enrich others who probably would do better giving directly to the poor rather than these "ministries" whose accounting is questionable to say the least. We have indeed progressed from the old "shell game" to more sophisticated tactics today; I'll probably explore common tactics later on. But I digress...
We can't ignore either the Catholic church and the large wealth amassed in the Vatican after centuries of acquisitions; or the machinations involved with the Protestants; at least King Henry VIII but also encompassing all the grandiose cathedrals and opulence we see especially in European history. At that time the money was fairly locked up with the aristocracy or establishment; and it would have been illogical to preach a prosperity message to the masses living in squalor.
Next I will explore what I consider the two primary origins of this phenomenon.
That is so true, as in Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. We can't do it without Him, hope your house is finished or close to it.
God bless you Gramma GiGi, and your family and the new baby in the family.
RLW
A very beautiful poem by your grandfather. Thanks for sharing it.
Yes, we have a hope in Christ that He will make all things new for us when He returns. In the meantime, we have the promise of the indwelling Spirit and the cleansing and regeneration He brings. How good it is that God has provided for us who are in Him all that is necessary for life and godliness, strength and courage in times of hardships, and always His unending love and Presence with us. I appreciate the encouragement in your post. God bless.
When the stormy winds are raging, and disasters take their toll
When the mighty waves of trouble overwhelm your stricken soul
Look to God who reigns above, never doubt Him He is Love
Are you filled with eager longing for the earth's night to turn to day
God will soon dispel all sorrow, He will wipe all tears away
For His Kingdom will soon come and His will on earth be done
No matter what we are facing, the tribulations we are in, and those things that we have yet to face. If we are in Christ and He in us, we must remember this life we are living is not our own. Our hope is in the life to come that is given by the grace of God by the sacrifice of His Son and His resurrection. We are to walk with Him daily, if we do, we have been given a promise, that Jesus will return with the gift of immortality to those who are His.
Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God bless,
RLW
The saints redeemed from the earth are preserved till the new heaven and new earth are being ready for them. These are the first fruits. "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads."(Re.14:1) Daniel gives us a clue. He touches upon the great tribulation and gives us two numbers, "There shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days./ Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days."(Dan.12:11-12) Blessed refers to the first fruits. ("A thousand two hundred and threescore days'-Re.12:6 is another way of saying time, times and a half the tag on the period of the earthly ministry of Jesus).
The Millennial reign (Is.11:6-9)is from the holy mountain of Zion while we have the nations enjoying a lull from the terrible times. "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid" Rome (the wolf) the leopard (Greece) are merely labels for many nations. "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain."
Notice the expression, "in that day"? Is.11:10-12. He shall recover a remnant 'The second time" And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people."
Re.20:7-8 "And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,/And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, " This millennial period is between the breaking of the sixth and the seventh seal.
" And he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked." Prophet Isaiah is referring to the events in Re.19:15 "And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God." The inaugural vision presented us the Omega aspect of Jesus Christ.(Re.1:18) The same sword mentioned in the earlier verse prepares us to anticipate judgement. "and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength." Ps.2 corroborates it,"It is a conspiracy of nations' "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed,"(Ps.2:2) His wrath is not kindled but is in full blaze now."Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother."(Is.9:19)The breaking the sixth seal prepares us for the wrath of the Lord of hosts, "and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair."
Between the sixth and seventh seal there shall be many calamitous events taking place for the nations while the holy city of God is being prepared.
In the Re.15 we find reference to the consequences of great battle we touched upon in Re.19:15. "for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest." So there is a white throne judgment ahead. "And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled." This is a parenthesis to indicate the change in government below and the inauguration of the holy city. No man was able to enter into the temple. So the saints redeemed from the earth are found on Mount Sion.
Introduction: Jesus was said to be a "man of sorrows; despised and rejected" as Isaiah 53 aptly demonstrates His sufferings; death and eventual exaltation into glory after His Resurrection. Not starting as a man of wealth with a vocation helping His father as a carpenter (which in reality could have involved other related work to that vocation); He gave up all to preach the Word; and expected the same from His Disciples. Despite this; of course we see how Paul had the vocation of tentmaking to help provide financial needs while being an Apostle and spreading the Gospel and starting churches far and wide. ( Acts 18).
We don't need to limit ourselves to the New Testament to see numerous examples of those who gave up their inheritance from pagan origins to follow God; we only need to look at Abraham; Moses and Joseph to see this principle. The argument can be made; of course that except for Moses the other two individuals ended up with great wealth and or authority. Job is also an example of someone stripped of wealth and eventually gaining even more than he started with. It is clear with all of these individuals that wealth didn't deter them from the mission God sent them for. Abraham; for instance with all his wealth lived in tents; albeit he hadn't yet been given the territory that his descendants would eventually inhabit. Joseph accrued great supplies of food and ruled with great authority under the Pharoah; but perhaps it would be more accurate to say that his family and descendants were able to eventually prosper themselves because of his efforts and earlier struggles that his own brothers forced him into.
To look into the origin of this aberration of Christianity we are forced to look at how error crept in initially when such overt antics such as demanding money for a corporate jet and other excesses would never "fly" so to speak. Abuse of power and status is one root cause.