FATHER is totally precise in HIS Word and HIS Divine Intent. There are those who believe they need to seek out “methodologies” in order to entice believers into following them.  Demons will use “lying wonders” to confirm the pursuit of various intellectual endeavors.  Does FATHER need help in providing revelation of HIS Word?  Not in the least.  Beware!

The following is shared by a Beloved Sister.

For a long time, the enemy and his minions have tried to make me stop speaking in tongues. This has been my conclusion. First, it was through fear that I wouldn’t be speaking something right or could have been influenced by a false spirit while praying. Then later, by listening to teachings contrary to the speaking in tongues, but even though this time I didn’t fear that it could be from the devil, I’d just stop it out of fear of the Lord Himself since I wanted to obey Him. Then, in a more recent past, as their tactics get more sophisticated, I got a bit into teachings involving  ‘quantum prayer’, which even though I wasn’t really able to fully embrace it, it affected my prayer life.

There were erroneous teachings or views mingled in it (‘based’ on the Bible) that even though I was aware of, caught myself off-guard to be listening to things that would affect other very important aspects. During that time, interestingly enough, my hunger for reading and meditating on the Word was strangely gone, and I felt like more prone to carnal thought and behavior (I had a proof of that two or three times). But some brighter red flags went up, while in this period of contemplating all that, one day I felt an urge to pray in tongues, though it wasn’t for too long, only a few words (remembering that I hadn’t been praying in tongues or praying normally). Then, a very short time after, I heard something regarding the blood of Jesus on the cross that I knew it was not right, but when I heard that I stopped listening to the video I was watching.

Regarding that time, the enemy used my curiosity, I think. It felt like, “Look, there’s something here that will make you free or see the real deal” or something like deep inside. Whispering. It’s all very subtle since he knows where we are lacking. Anyway, I am almost sure that in the night of the same day when I had watched that video and heard what I did about the blood and the cross this took place: I had fallen asleep. It was like a dream, there were ‘people’ in the dark all next to each other in a corner (of a room), then one of them came up (I couldn’t see their faces neither this one because they were like dark figures) and was going to sit on my bed (next to me) where I was sleeping. I don’t know if he or it was going to put his hand on me or what. I then woke up. (My spiritual dreams usually happen between 1 and 3 am, and that was the case. It wasn’t too long after I went to bed).

The strange thing is that it felt like the Lord actually showed me what was going on in the spirit realm rather than being just a dream, you know? Because it was like I was in that position in bed and seeing those things. My view started in the group in corner, and then from a position of being lying down and seeing this ‘person’ coming toward my bed. When I woke up, I didn’t feel afraid. I just said, ‘the angel(s) of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him.’ I never had a ‘dream’ like that before. After saying this, I went back to sleep. The next day, I thought to myself (or it was the Holy Spirit showing me), that I had been exposed to something that was diminishing the power of blood of Christ (evil spirits hate the power of His blood, they wanted to remove my power too, maybe? I think so.) and also that I was being enticed with false spiritual food (through wrong teaching) into a trap. Of course,

I repented but I believe the Lord allowed me to go through this deception so I could see how crafty the enemy is and become more mature. Then, I also think that that short prayer in tongues I did out of nowhere (since I was not in the prayer mode at all), might have been important for me to be showed what was being plotted behind the scenes. And to be honest, I haven’t been praying in tongues as I used to, Brother.

My response:

Men will use knowledge and skill to draw us away from the true Spiritual area where the Holy Spirit resides.  I myself have been unknowingly drawn away in the past only to find myself lacking and susceptible to the wiles of the devil.  I will not let that happen again… ever!  People who are highly intelligent will use that to convince others who are impressed with their intelligence.  I would rather hear from an unlearned person who speaks from the Spirit of Truth than a thousand words of a highly intelligent person.

You cannot redeem yourself through self-effort.  Only Jesus Christ can redeem you.  Spending hours meditating will not advance one’s spiritual maturity.  However, spending hours praying in The Holy Spirit moves you closer to an intimate relationship with Our Heavenly Father.

FATHER is totally precise in HIS Word and HIS Divine Intent.  Deviations from HIS Word are where the problems lie.  As we yield totally to The Holy Spirit, we will walk in the fullness of our calling.

Our opinion doesn’t count or matter in Heaven.  FATHER wants us to know HIS Perfect Will and when we fully walk in HIS Will, we don’t need an opinion thus we will not speak idle, powerless words.  Angels acts on FATHER’S Word, not our opinions so if we want angels acting on our behalf, the solution is simple, act and speak FATHER’S Word.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Romans chapter 8:

5 Those who are motivated by the flesh only pursue what benefits themselves. But those who live by the impulses of the Holy Spirit are motivated to pursue spiritual realities. 6 For the sense and reason of the flesh is death, but the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace.

7 In fact, the mind-set focused on the flesh fights God’s plan and refuses to submit to HIS direction, because it cannot! 8 For no matter how hard they try, God finds no pleasure with those who are controlled by the flesh. 9 But when the Spirit of Christ empowers your life, you are not dominated by the flesh but by the Spirit. And if you are not joined to the Spirit of the Anointed One, you are not of Him.

10 Now Christ lives His life in you! And even though your body may be dead because of the effects of sin, His life-giving Spirit imparts life to you because you are fully accepted by God. 11 Yes, God raised Jesus to life! And since God’s Spirit of Resurrection lives in you, HE will also raise your dying body to life by the same Spirit that breathes life into you!

The reason why we don’t fully walk in THE SPIRIT is because we have alternate plans if relying on The Word doesn’t work in our life.  This is an indication of compromise and unbelief that still exists.

There is a certain man I know who was tested in the financial area back in the mid-1990’s.  He was a small business owner and suddenly his revenue dried up.  When he asked FATHER about his situation, FATHER said, “you are going through the wilderness (of testing).”  The man knew it would be for 18 months.  During that period he generated no revenue and it looked like he and his wife would file bankruptcy.  His wife cried and he told her “If we have to file bankruptcy, I will give GOD the credit!”  He was not swayed by the situation but continued to get up early and pray without ceasing.  At the end of the 18 month period, he landed his largest customer and revenue flowed once again.  He had no plan B and was rewarded for his faith in FATHER’S Word.  Since then, he never suffered from a lack of income thus he passed his faith test in that area.

FATHER intends for you and me to walk a crucified life and allow HIS power to rise up in us to full activation, without exception.  2022 is the year for us to walk in this power.  Don’t allow your mind, will, or emotions to talk you out of this walk.  Don’t allow your past to be brought up against you for the Blood of Jesus was and still is sufficient to keep your past totally wiped out.  Yes, the case is closed on your past.

Judge everything by The Word of God and allow the Wisdom from The Holy Spirit to guide you through the situation.  Wait and do nothing until The Holy Spirit directs you to action.  Resist man’s opinions and allow the preciseness of The Holy Spirit to guide you into all Truth.

FATHER desires us to be totally fruitful in all areas without exception.  Healing, miracles, deliverance, and prosperity are all included in our Jubilee if we will accept and FULLY submit to The Holy Spirit in all of these areas.  Jesus gave us the Key.  This is critical for this day and time in history.  Let us revisit the importance of praying in Tongues, the source of our power to deal with the challenges we face.

Jesus spoke in John chapter 14:

25 I am telling you this while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Spirit of Holiness, the One like Me who sets you free, He will teach you all things in My Name. And He will inspire you to remember every Word that I’ve told you.

And Jesus spoke to the disciples after His resurrection in Acts chapter 1:

2 Just before He ascended into Heaven, Jesus left instructions through the Holy Spirit for the apostles He had chosen. 3 After the sufferings of His cross, Jesus appeared alive many times to these same apostles over a forty-day period, proving to them with many convincing signs that He had been resurrected. During these encounters, He taught them the Truths of God’s Kingdom.

4 Jesus instructed them, “Don’t leave Jerusalem, but wait here until you receive the Gift I told you about, the Gift the Father has promised. 5 For John baptized you in water, but in a few days from now you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit!”

It is critical that you understand the above passage.  Jesus spent forty days teaching His disciples about the Kingdom of GOD and then He instructed them to wait.  You can be assured that they wanted to immediately go out and share what they just learned over that forty day period of time from the resurrected Jesus Christ.  What an encounter!  Instead, Jesus said to keep separated and wait.

6 Every time they were gathered together, they asked Jesus, “Lord, is it now the time for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

7 He answered, “The Father is the One who sets the fixed dates and the times of their fulfillment. You are not permitted to know the timing of all that HE has prepared by HIS own authority.

Isn’t just like the disciples (and us) to want to know when the full restoration is coming?  Jesus wanted them to focus on spreading the Gospel:

8 But I promise you this—the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and you will be seized with power. You will be My messengers to Jerusalem, throughout Judea, the distant provinces—even to the remotest places on earth!”

The mandate has not changed but first we must be endued or seized with the power of The Holy Spirit.  This is the power needed to accomplish what Jesus expected of the disciples and expects of us today.  In many churches today, The Holy Spirit is relegated to some secondary place in the building or is not even in the building so to speak.  Jesus made it quite clear where the power lies with ministry today- The Holy Spirit in operation!

12 The disciples left the Mount of Olives and returned to Jerusalem, which was less than a mile away. 13–14 Arriving there, they went into a large second-floor room to pray. Those present were Peter, John, Jacob, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, Jacob (the son of Alpheus), Simon (the zealot), Judas (the son of Jacob), and a number of women, including Mary, Jesus’ mother. His brothers were there as well. All of them were united in prayer, gripped with one passion, interceding night and day.

As I said, they did not go out and preach but instead were united in prayer WITH PASSION, interceding night and day.  They were instructed to pray for the baptism of The Holy Spirit with power.  Jesus spent forty days preparing them to intercede for He knew these prayers would be fulfilled by the power in the tongue of proclaiming FATHER’S Will on the earth.  Their unity was needed.

It is written by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 2:

2 On the day Pentecost was being fulfilled, all the disciples were gathered in one place. 2 Suddenly they heard the sound of a violent blast of wind rushing into the house from out of the Heavenly realm. The roar of the wind was so overpowering it was all anyone could bear! 3 Then all at once a pillar of fire appeared before their eyes. It separated into tongues of fire that engulfed each one of them. 4 They were all filled and equipped with the Holy Spirit and were inspired to speak in tongues—empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned!

This is the most critical aspect of maturing into a Son or Daughter who FATHER can and will use in ministry to the multitudes yet most churches no longer emphasize this vital aspect of being true believers.  Isn’t this why the churches were caught off guard over the last two years when they were instructed to close their doors and stay separated?  Where was the boldness of standing up for the Word of GOD?

After the disciples received the Baptism of The Holy Spirit with the undisputable evidence of speaking in Tongues, boldness came upon them as they preached.  The religious leaders saw this change in Acts chapter 4:

1–2 The teaching and preaching of Peter and John angered the priests, the captain of the temple police, and representatives of the Jewish sect of the Sadducees. They were furious that the people were being taught that in Jesus there is a resurrection from the dead. So while Peter and John were still speaking, the Jewish authorities came to the temple courts to oppose them. 3 They had them arrested, and since it was already evening they kept them in custody until the next day. 4 Yet there were many in the crowd who believed the message, bringing the total number of men who believed to nearly five thousand!

Peter and John had no reluctance in openly teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  In a short period of time 5,000 men became believers.  When in recent times have you seen this occur, especially in the U.S.?

What was the response of the religious leaders who were losing control?  They had them arrested and then confronted them.

13 The council members were astonished as they witnessed the bold courage of Peter and John, especially when they discovered that they were just ordinary men who had never had religious training. Then they began to understand the effect Jesus had on them simply by spending time with Him. 14 Standing there with them was the healed man, and there was nothing further they could say.

It is vital that you and I spend quality time praying in Tongues, especially in 2022.  The adversary’s seducing spirit has been active among believers who have not realized they have been seduced into acting out against The Gospel.  Many have fallen into sin.  The spirit of deception has focused on those who are weak in their spiritual walk.  How do you gain power and authority that overcomes weakness?  It is by praying in The Holy Spirit Who gives us power to overcome the enemy.

Praying in Tongues is stepping over into the Supernatural realm with a perfect prayer to FATHER.  The adversary and his minions have no idea what your prayer entails thus they are not able to manipulate, seduce, or deceive you.  Your prayer is one of power to defeat them in all areas.  Do you want to spend your day being entertained by the world or do you want to actively walk as a mature Son or Daughter of THE MOST HIGH and make a difference in other people’s lives?

This is where the hidden Wisdom of GOD resides!  It is your decision and your time. 

Our Jubilee is multi-faceted.  FATHER desires us to be totally fruitful in all areas without exception.  Healing, miracles, deliverance, and prosperity are all included in our Jubilee if we will accept and submit to The Holy Spirit in all of these areas.

What caused past moves of GOD in the 20^th century to wane?  When healings and miracles occurred in meetings, a number of ministries would use the situation to make money by taking an offering.  Some of those who participated in this method of gain died early.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Corinthians chapter 12:

8 For example:

The Spirit gives to one the gift of the word of Wisdom.

To another, the same Spirit gives the gift of the word of Revelation Knowledge.

9 And to another, the same Spirit gives the gift of faith.

    And to another, the same Spirit gives gifts of healing.

10 And to another the power to work miracles.

    And to another the gift of prophecy.

    And to another the gift to discern what the Spirit is speaking.

    And to another the gift of speaking different kinds of tongues.

    And to another the gift of interpretation of tongues.

11 Remember, it is the same Holy Spirit who distributes, activates, and operates these different gifts as He chooses for each believer.

To summarize, God the Father, the Son, and the Spirit delights to give spiritual gifts to his people, the bride of Christ. These gifts are imparted by God to every believer upon conversion as the Holy Spirit chooses. They will confirm the Word of God and expand the kingdom of God. Spiritual gifts can be neglected and misused, but they remain the divine power source for Christ’s body on the earth. Through teaching, evangelizing, prophesying, and demonstrating the miraculous, God uses his people to expand his kingdom and to establish righteousness on the earth through the proper use of the gifts he has given. There is no place in Scripture or church history where these gifts were taken away or removed from the body of Christ. The church moves forward through these divine gifts. Spiritual gifts do not replace the Word of God, but the Word of God will spread and flourish as the fully equipped body of Christ operates in the wise use of God’s enabling power.

The gifts of healing and miracles are not for sale!  When a man who has been used in these areas and has reverted to soulishness, he is judged for his soulish actions.  These gifts of The Holy Spirit are not to be taken lightly for they are Holy and we are to treat them with solemn respect and Holy fear. 

This is exactly why I am unwilling to accept funds from your giving.  I expect FATHER to bless me in other areas and HE does.  My wife and I won’t disburse money out of Servias to family members in need but instead give them out of our abundance.  I stay away from compromise for I have seen what judgment can do in other people’s lives, including early death.  FATHER is not lacking in taking care of HIS Sons and Daughters once they have the revelation of blessing and prosperity.

We need to unify as a body of believers in order to complete the mandate set before us.  We have the opportunity to spread the Gospel throughout the earth like never before.  It takes financial resources to do this and Servias has been given the mandate by FATHER to be a conduit by FATHER to collect and deploy funds for this very purpose and without compromise.  The seeds we are planting with the local Kids in need project are a prerequisite for being stewards over greater resources. 

I don’t see the future impact of our stewardship being limited to one square mile in the middle of the U.S.  It is simply a beginning point to spread outward.  FATHER is preparing our hearts for full Spiritual maturity as Sons and Daughters in HIS Image.

In this one square mile, there is also the Children’s Rehabilitation Center (a Christian Hospital) where about 30,000 kids come each year for various medical reasons.  I believe that there will be a ministry of Divine Healing and full restoration soon.  When?  That is above my pay grade.  FATHER knows and I am satisfied to continue preparation until HE deems my level of maturity is sufficient. 

You too should expect to operate in those gifts listed above… without restriction, including healing and miracles.  Jesus had no restrictions placed on Him and neither should we.  We are in the midst of a Great Awakening and we should participate in it rather than just observe it!  Some will not even see it.  Let us be in the first group who participate.

When people hear the testimonies associated with this Move of GOD, they will be drawn in to the True Gospel and will give their life to GOD through Jesus Christ.  They will see the fruit and look at their own lack of good fruit.  Jesus confirmed His Word with signs and wonders and this is what drew many people to Him.  It will be no different in this Great Awakening which is currently taking place.

One aspect of Jubilee is eliminating waste in all areas of our life.  In Heaven, there is no waste, spoilage. or decay.  FATHER is totally fruitful in all areas.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Titus 3:

3 For it wasn’t that long ago that we behaved foolishly in our stubborn disobedience. We were easily led astray as slaves to worldly passions and pleasures. We wasted our lives in doing evil, and with hateful jealousy we hated others.

This Truth also applies to those who continue to resist the True Gospel of Jubilee.

9 But avoid useless controversies, genealogies, pointless quarrels, and arguments over the law, which will get you nowhere. 10 After a first and second warning, have nothing more to do with a divisive person who refuses to be corrected. 11 For you know that such a one is entwined with his sin and stands self-condemned.

Goats resist authority whereas sheep are led by a shepherd for they submit to His Voice.  In these last days, the division is at hand.  Those who submit to the voices of the adversary and his minions will reap their reward of judgment.  The same is true for the unwise virgins who forsook their opportunity to be led by The Holy Spirit and allowed their oil to be used up.  The tares are simply blind and enjoy doing evil.  These groups will be full of sorrow when their judgment is fully manifested.  It has always been FATHER’S Intent that none should perish but indeed have everlasting life, along with its abundance!  It has been our decision on what path to take.

Instead of wasting time, FATHER blesses time in my life.  After all, all time is HIS and I own no time.  HE has given me revelation of how to better deal with business affairs which have been time savers.  This has been true on my personal affairs as well, but I have not always been listening that good.

Back in 1990-92, my father-in-law suffered a de-habilitating heart event which caused him to have dementia.  He could no longer function on his own.  My wife and I started looking for a house with a “mother-in-law” plan so that we could lighten the burden on her mother as she was taking care of him. 

Being the problem solver I am, I began looking at houses in a north suburb close to where I was working and close to the church we were attending.  Nearly every weekend, we would check the newspaper and look at houses in that area… to no avail.  I am sure that we looked at over 200 houses.  I knew that when we entered the house we were suppose to buy, The Holy Spirit would give both of us a sure witness.  However, none on those houses met this reality.

Then one day FATHER spoke to me and told me to look at a specific house in Bethany, on the west side of the city (30 minutes from the north side of the city).  I wasn’t particularly interested but drove by on Saturday morning.  The owner was in the garage, he saw me, and said, “Hey, do you want to come in and look at the house?”  I agreed, went in and The Holy Spirit said “This is the house”.  It had everything we needed… and at the right price.  My wife went over as well and had the witness by The Holy Spirit.  It was one of total peace.  Unknowingly and unexpectedly at the time, we took early possession on the 1^st day of Tabernacles.

I wasted much time and gas money over a two year period when I should have waited on FATHER to show me which house was meant for us.  I learned  a valuable lesson and I only share this to encourage you to learn from my lesson as well.  We don’t need to waste time, money, or other resources by doing things “our way”, I repented.

The rest of the story:  FATHER later removed us from that church we had been attending for the pastor had rejected the Sons of GOD revelation.  My business was no longer convenient in that part of town as well.  I traveled for business in the coming years and our current house is at least 30 minutes closer to the airport.  How convenient!  Little did I know what the future held but FATHER did.  HE always makes the most efficient use of resources on our behalf.  This is one important aspect of Jubilee.

Paul further wrote:

14 Encourage the believers to be passionately devoted to beautiful works of righteousness by meeting the urgent needs of others and not be unfruitful.

If you know someone with a dire need and you have the ability to assist, don’t be reluctant to help for FATHER will see that your assistance is rewarded and it shows that person what Love is all about.  A certain man I know has given away five or more cars to others in desperate need and FATHER has more than blessed him financially.  Some of them conveniently forgot his assistance as time passed but FATHER was faithful to provide him with rewards both on earth and in Heaven.  He is walking in Jubilee!

MAGI FIND JESUS IN NAZARETH

Matt 2:9-12   And when they heard the king they departed, and lo, the star which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary, His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him, and when they opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

The wise men, as they are departing from Herod, see the star they had, “saw in the east.” And “when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”   The wise men are rejoicing, “with exceeding great joy,” since they had not seen the star since it had originally been seen by them in Babylon. They had journeyed to Jerusalem in faith and when they arrived in Jerusalem they had to ask ,”Where Is He that is born King of the Jews? They did not follow the star from Babylon to Jerusalem which probably took them well over six months since the distance was 1700 miles, since the star only reappeared after they departed from Herod.

The wise men are now able to follow the star which now, “went before them.”  And the star leads them to the house where, “the young child was.”Matthew tells us “the young child.”(a pais) is no longer a “baby”(a brephos) nor is He lying in a manger. Mary and Joseph had brought Jesus home from Jerusalem to Nazareth. The Magi now presented “unto Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Jesus was no longer poor. He was wealthy. One can only imagine the value of the gifts that the Magi had travelled over 1700 miles to deliver to Jesus.

In verse twelve we are told that the Magi were warned by God, ^“in a dream, not to return to Herod,” hence they left Nazareth, and returned to Babylon without returning to Jerusalem or Herod. But why did our Heavenly Father’s Perfect Plan require the Magi to travel from Babylon to Jerusalem, to present Jesus with “gifts”? Matthew provides us with the answer to that question in his next few verses.

                        JOSEPH, MARY AND JESUS FLEE TO EGYPT

Matt 2:13-15 And when they were departed, behold the angel of the lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the young child and His mother, and flee into Egypt and be thou there until I bring thee word. For Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him. When he arose, he took the young child and His mother by night and departed into Egypt. And was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt have I called My Son.”

No sooner have the Magi departed, than an Angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, telling him to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt. We now understand why God had the Magi bring, “gifts of gold, frankincense and Myrrh”. Herod “will seek the young child to destroy Him”. Joseph is directed to take Mary and our Lord and “flee into Egypt”. Joseph and family were to remain in Egypt until, “the angel of the Lord bring thee word.” That trip had to be financed. Mary and Joseph, were poor. The Magi provided the financial wherewith all for the journey to and residence in Egypt.

Jesus was conceived in Mary’s womb at Christ-mass time. Although tradition has Him being birthed on December 25th, He entered into Mary’s womb at that time. This IS the cause for great celebration. Life begins at conception, not nine months later. Selah!

JOHN ANNOUNCES JESUS’COMING INTO THE WORLD

John 1:10-14   He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.   He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.   But as many as received Him, to them gave  He power to become the Sons of God, to them that believe in His name.  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.

Although John does not detail the actual birth of our Lord, he does bless us with incredible rhetoric regarding the spiritual significance of Jesus coming into the world and its impact on God’s creation. John is telling us that God, the “Word”, was now physically, “In the world”. He was in the world that “was made by Him,” but “the world knew Him not.” “He came unto His own,” – primarily the tribe of Judah – “and His own received Him not.”  Other than Matthew and Judas Escariot (who betrayed Him) the other ten disciples were of the tribe of Benjamin and were from Galilee.    Those who would receive Jesus, “gave He power to become Sons of God. ”John tells us that those who would “believe in His name”, who would believe that He was “the only begotten of the Father”, that would believe that He was God, “the word made flesh” – they would be “born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. “One of the most revealing and profound scriptural statements in the Bible.

THE BABY JESUS IS CIRCUMCISED AND IS PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE

Luke 2:21-24And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcision 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 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 turtle doves, or two young pigeons.

Our Lord was born without sin. It was Mary and Joseph’s responsibility to ensure that our Lord, complied with the law. His circumcision was no exception.  The law states that, “In the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.” (Lev:12:3)and the child is named at the same time the male was circumcised, as we noted at the circumcision of John the Baptist. Our Lord was also “Called Jesus,”  the day of His circumcision.

Many Biblical Scholars believe our Lord was born on the first day of Tabernacles and circumcised on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, commonly referred to in Scripture as the “Great Eighth Day.”Jesus was born in Bethlehem which is 6 miles from Jerusalem and to be lawful Joseph and Mary had to attend the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem,  It would be very much in keeping with the Perfect Plan of our Heavenly Father, to have His Only Begotten Son, circumcised on the “Great Eighth Day”, at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.  .

The law Luke is referring to, regarding Mary’s “purification,” is found In Leviticus, Chapter 12, verses 2 through 8, which states, “If a woman has born a man child, she shall be unclean seven days, and shall continue in the blood of her purifying, three and thirty days, (a total of forty days) and when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, she shall bring a Iamb of the first year for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or turtle dove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the Tabernacle (Temple). If she be not able to bring a Iamb, then she shall bring two turtle doves or two pigeons, and the priest shall make an atonement for her and she shall be clean.”

By law, Mary’s days of purification have been completed and Jesus must be presented to the Lord, in the Temple, together with the requisite sacrifice. The reason the law states, “If she be not able to bring a Iamb, then she shall bring two turtle doves,”  is to allow those who could not afford a lamb, to offer two turtle doves in place of the Iamb, which would have been a fraction of the cost, and still comply with the law, and be declared clean and have her male child found acceptable when presented to God, as per the law of the firstborn.

Luke is telling us that Mary and Joseph were poor. They were complying with the law, but were clearly showing that their financial state was such, that they could only afford the minimal sacrifice. Luke, by telling us their “sacrifice” was ^“a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons”, also provides us with the understanding that the “Wise Men”, who were bringing presents of Frankincense, Myrrh and Gold, had not yet arrived, for if they had, Mary and Joseph would never have offered the minimum sacrifice, for the Son of God.

SIMEON’S REVELATION AND PROPHESY OVER JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

Luke 2:25-35   And behold there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Ghost was upon him.  And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  And he came by the spirit into the Temple, and when the parents brought In the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law,  Then he took Him up into his arms, and blessed God, and said,  Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word, For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.  Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all the people.  A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary His mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against. (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

The Holy Ghost had told Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah.  Simeon is then led to the Temple, by the Holy Ghost, to bear witness that Jesus has been presented in the Temple, ^“after the custom of the law.” It is not generally understood by readers of God’s Holy Word, how critically important it is in God’s eyes, that “in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established.”  Simeon Is clearly one of the witnesses.  God has preserved him and the Holy Spirit has brought Simeon to the Temple to witness that Jesus has been circumcised, Mary has completed her purification, the sacrifice has been made and Jesus is presented to God.

Simeon now prophesy’s that not only will Jesus be the “Glory of the people, Israel,” but He will also be “a light to lighten the Gentiles”. This statement is directly in keeping with the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah, but was not disclosed by our Lord to His disciples until the very latter part of His Ministry. Simeon’s prophecy over our Lord was profoundly accurate. The Greek word translated, “set”, is “kelmai^” which means “destined”.  Jesus is destined, ^t‘for the fall and rising again of many in Israel.”Simeon is prophesying specifically to not only our Lord’s death and resurrection, but to the death and resurrection of many true believers In Israel.

Simeon, also tells Mary that “a sword shall pierce,” Jesus, but it will also pierce (the Greek word translated as “sword shall pierce” is “rhomphiai” which actually means “extreme anguish”),”through” her “own soul also”. The impact on Mary of that prophecy must have been heart rending. Mary would of course visually see that prophecy fulfilled when the Roman soldier “pierced” our Lord, following His death on the cross.

ANNA PROPHECY’S OVER BABY JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

Luke 2:36-39And there was now Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe ofAsher. She was of great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity.  And she a widow of about four score and four years, which departed not from the Temple, but served with fasting and prayers, night and day. And she coming in that instant, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.  And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.

The Holy Spirit now brings a second witness to view and vouches of our Lord ^t s compliance to the Mosaic laws. Anna was a prophetess, who was, “of the tribe of Asher,” and was well over 100 years old.  That statement is very significant, and its importance very rarely understood. Anna was of the tribe of Asher and as such was an Israelite. Simeon on the other hand was a Judahite. Therefore, Jesus’ presentation In the Temple was witnessed by members of both the House of Israel and the House of Judah. Having “performed all things according to the law,” and having them witnessed by Simeon and Anna, Mary, Joseph and Jesus return from Bethlehem to their home in Nazareth.

THE WISE MEN SEEK OUR LORD Matt 2:1-8   Now when Jesus was born In Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.  Saying, ”Where Is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.  When Herod the king heard, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.  And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of then where Christ should be born.  And they said unto him, “In Bethlehem of Judea.”  For thus it is written by the prophet. And thou Bethlehem, In the land of Judah, art not least among the princes of Judah, for out of thee shall come a governor that shall rule my people Israel.”  Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently, what time the star appeared.  And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child, and when you have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also.

Matthew is the only Gospel writer to provide us with Scripture regarding the, “wise men from the east.” However, Matthew does not provide us with the number of ^“Wise Men,” involved nor does he tell us they went to or found “the young child,” in Bethlehem.

Matthew does tell us that the wise men have “seen His star in the east”. Matthew does not tell us they followed the “star in the east,” to Jerusalem. Who were these, “Wise Men from the east?” The Greek word translated wise men is “Magi,” which refers specifically to astrologers, primarily from Babylon. Without doubt, these “Magi” were descendants of the Israelites who were taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar, over 500 years earlier, and had maintained the Jewish religion and traditions of the prophet Daniel. These Magi knew and studied the Old Testament Scriptures and looked for “His star,” the star that heralded the birth of Jesus. That’s why they came to Jerusalem, believing that the “Jews” would know where the “Christ” was – He that was born, ^“King of the Jews.”

There Is no mention in Scripture as to the number of “Magi’ that came to Jerusalem, but since they were coming to “worship^” their new born king, and were bringing extremely expensive gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, we can rest assured that there were substantially more than three “wise men,” in their entourage. These Magi were travelling from Babylon, one of the major cities in the Parthian Empire, to Jerusalem, a distance of over 1700 miles.

From an historical perspective, the Roman and Parthian Empires were at peace with each other at the time of the birth of our Lord.  However, for emissaries from either empire to travel in small groups in the other’s territory was unheard of. The Magi had to be accompanied by a very large contingent of supporting personnel including a significant number of armed men. Otherwise, why would Herod, “and all Jerusalem with him, be troubled,” How could a few wise men from the east be granted an audience with Herod himself, if their only credentials were the fact that they were looking for, “He who was born King of the Jews”?

Matthew, in verses 4 and 5 tells us that Herod did not know where the “Christ” was to be born, and had to call upon, “the chief priests and scribes.”From them Herod learned that our Lord was to be born In Bethlehem. Once Herod had that piece of information, he then called the wise men to him, ^“privily^”– in other words, Herod had a private audience with the “Magi”, because he wanted to glean one very important piece of information from them –”what time did the star appear.”Herod knew the appearance of the star heralded the birth of Jesus. Therefore, with this piece of information, Herod would have been able to establish the current age of Jesus.

Herod then told the Magi to go to Bethlehem, “he sent them to Bethlehem” and asked the Magi, ^“when they found Him^”, to bring him, Herod, word in order that he could, “worship Him also.” With that, the Magi departed from Herod.

Joe from Northern Ireland blessed us with this song:

          MARY’S SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD

Luke 1:46-56   And Mary said, ^“My soul doth magnify the Lord.” And my spirit hath rejoiced in God, my Savior. For he hath regarded the low estate of this handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done me great things, and Holy is His Name. And His mercy Is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. He hath shewed great strength with His arm. He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put the almighty down from their seats and exalted them of low degree.  He hath filled the hungry with good things and the rich He hath sent empty away.  He hath helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy.  As He spake to our fathers, to Abraham and his seed forever.  And Mary abode with her (Elizabeth), about three months, and returned to her own house.

Mary recognizes that her very ”soul,” is being used as the vessel in which the “Spirit”, the very essence of our Heavenly Father, is being, ^“magnified,” and manifested In her womb, and as a result her “spirit” is rejoicing in ”God”.

Luke also tells us that Mary remained with Elizabeth, ”about three months,” and then returned to her own house. Scripture makes it clear that Mary left Elizabeth’s house prior to the birth of John and returned to her home in Nazareth. Mary and Joseph were not as yet living together, and of course, when Mary left her home to go and visit Elizabeth it would not have been known that she was with child. Now, three months later, the fact that she was pregnant, would have become rather more obvious.

JOHN IS BORN AND NAMED AND ZACHARIAS’ SPEECH RETURNS

Luke 1:57-66   Now Elizabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered, and she brought forth a son.  And her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.  And his mother answered and said, “Not so, but he shall be called John.”  And they said unto her, “There is none of thy kindred that Is called by this name.”  And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.  And he asked for a writing table, and wrote saying, “His name is John.”And they marveled all.  And his mouth was opened Immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.  And fear came upon all that dwelt round about them, and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What manner of child this be!” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

John the Baptist is born and on the day he Is circumcised, they called him, “Zacharias, after the name of his father.” Clearly, this was not the name Gabriel had told Zacharias he was to be called. Zacharias, John’s father, knew full well that he had been directed to name the child, John. The instant he complied, and wrote, “saying, His name is John”, his ability to speak returned.   As a result, everyone knew that “John” was a very special child.

                                 THE PROPHECY OF ZACHARIAS

Luke 1:67-80   And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied, saying, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and redeemed his people. ^“And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David. As He spake by the mouth of His Holy prophets which have been since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us. To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His Holy Covenant. The oath which He sware to our father Abraham. That He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear. In holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life. And thou child shall be called the prophet of the Highest for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways. To give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins. Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us. To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.  And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of His shewing unto Israel.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit, Zacharias begins to prophesy about the plan that God has for both our Lord and John the Baptist. These fourteen verses in the Gospel of Luke provide us with an underlying understanding of why God is bringing about the births of Our Lord and John the Baptist. First of all, God will “visit and redeem His people.”God will do it in the form of His Only Begotten Son, as He becomes the “horn” or power of “salvation,” in the lineage of the “house of His servant David”.

John the Baptist “shall be called the prophet of the Highest“, and John’s responsibility will be to go in advance ^“of the Lord to prepare His ways.” John will lead the people to understand that they may have “salvation” by “the remission of their sins”. In order to accomplish this, they must repent and be baptized, in the name of He who is to come, Jesus Christ. In so doing, John would prepare the way for Jesus, who would, ^“give light” to those who “sit in darkness and in the shadow of death”, with no hope of salvation, and life eternal. Finally, in verse eighty, Luke tells us that John “grew and waxed strong in spirit”, obviously in the Incredibly powerful “spirit of Elijah,” and he lived in the deserts and the wilderness until God called him to prepare the way for Jesus.

THE ANGEL OF THE LORD TELLS JOSEPH OF MARY’S “IMMACULATE CONCEPTION”

Matt 1:18-25  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was in this wise. When His mother, Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph, her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee, Mary for thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.”Now, all this was done, that It might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophets, saying, Behold a virgin shall bear a child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which, being interpreted, Is God with us.Then Joseph, being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden and took unto him his wife. And knew her not until she had brought forth her firstborn son and he called his name Jesus

In order to keep the sequence of events In the Bible in chronological order, we now move to the Gospel of Matthew. Mary has returned home to Nazareth and Joseph, much to his dismay, discovers that Mary is with child. The Angel of the Lord comes to Joseph in a dream, explains that what Mary is carrying in her womb is not of man, but is of God, through the Holy Spirit, that It was prophesied that ^“Emmanuel”(God with us) would be born of a virgin, and as a result, Joseph took Mary as his wife,” but knew her not.”  He did not consummate the marriage “until” after Jesus was born.

                            THE ACTUAL BIRTH OF OUR LORD

Luke 2:1-7   And It came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and the lineage of David.)  To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.  And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him In a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 

Luke Is telling us that Caesar Augustus, the adopted son and successor of Julius Caesar, who came to power in 29 B.C. and reigned for 43 years – until 14 A.D. – had ordered every person living In the Roman Empire, to be taxed.   Caesar’s order demanded that each person be registered for the tax, in the city where they were born. In Joseph’s case, since he was born In Bethlehem, “his own city,” both he and Mary had to travel over 80 miles – from Nazareth to Bethlehem -in the final days of Mary’s pregnancy – an arduous journey.  Moreover, prophecy had to be fulfilled which mandated that our Lord be born In Bethlehem.

By telling us that Jesus was “laid in a manger,” uke speaks volumes, since the Greek word translated ^“manger,” is “phatne” which means ,^“ a feeding trough.”  The fact that Jesus was lying in a feeding trough, is stated by Luke three times, in this chapter.  Its spiritual meaning is clearly evident. The “Word” has now been made flesh.  The “Word” is the “Bread of Life.”  Jesus tells us In the Gospel of John, Chapter six, verse fifty four, “Whoso eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood hath eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day, for My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink Indeed.” Right from the beginning, the Holy Spirit sees to it, through the Gospel of Luke, that our Lord is Introduced to us as “lying in a manger,” in order that we have, from the outset, the understanding, that our Lord Is the food that we are to eat, for, “he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me, and shall live forever. “We can rest assured that our Heavenly Father made certain that ”there was no room for them at the inn”, for if our Lord had been born at the ”Inn”, He would not have been, “laid in a manger”.

THE LORD’S ANGEL ANNOUNCES JESUS’BIRTH TO THE SHEPHERDS

Luke 2:8-14   And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And lo the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, ^“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy for all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which Is Christ the Lord.  For this is a sign unto you.   You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying In a manger.”  And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth, peace, good will toward men.”

Once again, Luke witnesses in his Gospel that the Angel of the Lord told the shepherds that they would find our Lord “lying in a manger.”In addition, we learn that the shepherds were watching over their flocks, “in the field, by night”. In so doing Luke Is telling us that our Lord was definitely not born in December. Shepherds never kept flocks in the open, in the winter. Hebrew custom was to only put the sheep out to pasture, with shepherds tending them, from the middle of March, until the middle of October.

Bethlehem itself is 6 miles south of Jerusalem, sitting atop the same ridge of the mountains that Jerusalem Is built upon, at approximately 2500 feet above sea level. As a result, it gets quite cold, and in our Lord’s time, quite wet, in the winter time. It is highly doubtful that our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, would have subjected either Mary or His infant Son, to the inclement weather of Bethlehem in December.

                             THE SHEPHERDS BEAR WITNESS TO THE BABY JESUS

Luke 2:15-20   And it came to pass as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which Is come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us.  And they came in haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen, they made known abroad the saying which was told than concerning this child.  And all they that heard, wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

No sooner has the Heavenly host departed, than the shepherds leave their flocks and go Into Bethlehem and find Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.  The shepherds have born witness to the birth of the Lord and make, “known abroad,” what the Angel of the Lord and the Heavenly host have told them “concerning this child.”They are bearing witness that our Lord was born, as prophesied, in Bethlehem of Judea.  Luke also tells us that Mary ^“kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”Mary knew, from the Arch Angel Gabriel, that her firstborn was the Son of God. However, she finds herself, giving birth to the Son of God, in a stable. Has she misunderstood the words of Gabriel?  Has God forgotten her?  Suddenly the shepherds appear, telling Mary of the visitation of the Angel of the Lord and the Heavenly host.  Is it any wonder that Mary,” pondered these things in her heart?”

Generally, it is all about the love of money, thus follow the money and you will see what the adversary is up to. FATHER knows where the “skeletons” are and HE will continue to expose them. The following article is simply another example of what the god of this world is doing. However, we need to move on toward our Spiritual maturity and not be moved by such articles. They are secondary and not meant to become our primary focus. These articles are intended to open the eyes of those people who have previously trusted in and relied on man’s alternatives to the Kingdom of GOD. We stand on The Truth!

https://www.theepochtimes.com/harvard-professor-charles-lieber-convicted-of-lying-about-china-ties_4171382.html?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=ZeroHedge