Showing posts sorted by date for query trumpets. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query trumpets. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Zechariah's Vision

(The information contained below is for advanced readers who have already learned from scripture the basic concepts that this post assumes are known. For those who are new to this blog, please use the search box for those fundamentals. Please use the contact form on this page if a question remains.)

Addition to the post ( two-witnesses-lampstands.html ) as follows:

In the picture above, the two trees are Moses and Elijah. Moses and Elijah are also represented by the flames of spirit that alight each of the two lamp-stands/congregations that support them. 
The two lamp-stands in the picture above, represent the congregation that supports the spirit of Moses and the congregation that supports the spirit of Elijah.


Let's look at this through the lens of the prophetic vision of Zechariah.....
(Zech.4:1,2,3,11,12,14; Rev.11:3,4).
In the second picture above which depicts Zechariah's vision, we will see how the spirit of both prophets/trees, pours into one bowl, so that the two spirits/flames/oil become blended into one, inside the bowl. This can also be symbolized by the flame of two separate lamps being brought together and becoming one flame. 

It is the same with the supporting two congregations. They blend into one congregation that supports both prophets/spirits, by supporting the one prophet/flame/bowl that has resulted by blending both the spirit of Moses and the spirit of Elijah.
Just as those two spirits of Moses and Elijah combine as one in the bowl, the two congregations that support those two flames, combine into one congregation which supports the one bowl.
To summarize,
Just as the spirits of Moses and Elijah (the oil from each of the two olive trees) are combined into one bowlthe two supporting congregations of the two witnesses, combine into oneto support the one bowl that contains both spirits (Rev.11:3). 
The single congregation in the time of the end that supports the one bowl, represents two congregations, just as the one bowl represents two prophets/spirits/flames. The single congregation simultaneously supports both spirits/lamps/trees/ of both Moses & Elijah.

There is more to the vision of Zechariah.

The two olive trees represent Moses (one tree) and Elijah (the second tree). Both trees pour forth the golden oil (holy spirit of prophecy - 2Pet.1:21; Rev.19:10;  1Cor.14:32) into the one bowl (heart). 
That one bowl containing both spirits, pours forth the spirit of both Moses and Elijah, into the lamp-stand containing 7 lamps beneath the bowl. (Zech.4:1,2,3,4,13,14; Rev.11:4,3) (Rev.15:7; 8:2; 10:7,3)

The lamp-stand that contains seven flames represents all the prophets and the spirit/flame given to each of them, along with those who have supported the seven flames/lamps upon them. Those seven flames are symbolic, and they represent all God's prophets. 

Therefore, when the "Two witnesses" arise in God's Day of Judgment... 
       (Matt.17:1,2,3; Rev.11:3,4; Zech.4:11,14); 
...the one bowl/heart will fuel and re-alight the spirit of all God's former prophets. By the divine light preserved within the recorded words of the prophets; their voices/trumpets will once again be heard (Isa.58:1 (NIV version); Rev.19:10; 8:1). 
The recorded words of the prophets and the divine light/spirit/inspiration that they contain will burn again, illuminating God's mysteries contained in the book of Revelation.

As we see in the picture that depicts Zechariah's vision; 
the bowl is filled with the oil/spirit from Moses and Elijah (the two trees). That bowl in turn is fueling the seven lamps/prophets/spirits and their light/flame. 
The prophet that possesses that bowl/heart, is the last prophet... the seventh (Rev.10:7,3). That prophet is given the spirit that God gave Moses and Elijah, the "two witnesses" of Rev.11:3 
(Matt.17:3; 16:27,28; 17:1,2,3,5;  2Pet.1:18).
The meaning of Revelation's symbols is locked behind seven seals. (who-is-worthy.html)
The divine light contained within the spirit/flame of God's seven prophets, will be employed by the last prophet to open those seals and bring to light Revelation's interpretation (Rev.10:7,3,4; Dan.12:4,9). 
The words of the prophets within scripture will provide the keys to open the interpretation of Revelation's symbolism. Through the endowment of spirit given to the last prophet; the lamps of former prophets will once again provide illumination. The last prophet will revive their recorded words, so that the light and truth they contain will once again be heard, and applied as keys to open the seals of Revelation. 

Monday, October 16, 2023

144,000 -literal? [] Why so Long? [] 24 Elders

QUESTION RECEIVED:

I have a question regarding the 144k. The 2000 odd years since Jesus's death has been a fairly long time and evidentially Jws are scrambling to justify increases to the number of partakers and the fact that (by their statistics) the number should have been made up long ago.

I dont believe we can trust their numbers to give us any indication of the amount of people who have actually been annointed. I think it's probably only a matter of time until the GB announces that the annointed number is symbolic and not a literal 144k as they've been teaching for decades.

I wanted to get some insight on this topic as its hard to grasp sometimes what has literal or symbolic application when it comes to revelations. Rev 7:5-8 says that the sealed make up a portion of the 12 tribes. I'm confused about the tribes' meaning and whether or not the numbers are exact and physical...? Either way, why is it necessary for the number (whether symbolic or not) to be made up? There have already been thousands of sealed, and as you have said, the harvest is nearly done. I'm just not sure why humanity has had to wait/endure/suffer in existence for so long when God already has so many Chosen from the first century. Once again, thank you for your insight
Also who are the 24 elders in white robes or what do they represent?
-  -  -  -  -  -  -

MY REPLY:
I hope you are reading all the cited scriptures as you come to them. That is where holy spirit will open the understanding of these things up to you.

The book of Revelation is symbolic. If you look at the Greek for Rev.1:1, it contains a word that is rarely brought over into English when translated. I'll give you a link to the Greek so you can find it yourself.

Here is the word:
eshmanen
esEmanen
G4591
vi Aor Act 3 Sg
He-SIGNifiES
he-signifies-it

-- If you look at the capital letters (I did not change anything), you will see " SIGN ifiES ".
That's because the book is given to us in SIGNs. The seals are in place to prevent an open understanding of those signs. Understanding is exclusively for Christ's faithful servants
(Matt.13:34-35,11-13; Rev.22:16,6; 1:1). 
The seals are finally opened, in the time of the end (Rev.20:12; 22:10; Dan.12:4,9-10).

The symbols (and what is about to happen as depicted in them) can then be understood in the time of the end, 
through spirit (John16:12-13; Rev.22:6).

The seals are opened and deciphered, through the trumpets of the 7 angels (Rev.15:7; 8:2; 10:7; Isa.58:1NIV ).

144000 is a symbolic number. It is based upon the numeral 12, which represents truth because it is the sum of two witnesses (6+6=12). 144000 is the result of 12x12x1000. That's why there are 12 tribes, and 12,000 in each tribe. Those tribes are not headed by the sons of Jacob, but by the 12 apostles (Matt.19:28). The tribes are comprised of symbolic Jews (Rom.2:28-29; Gal.3:29; Rom.9:6).

The thousand,
     (as we observe in the numeral 1,000 that symbolizes Christ's reign over the 144000) 
...represents a receiving of a kingdom due to faithfulness.
  To briefly explain this, we see the faithful anointed as having traversed the path of Christ to the end, as Paul said, to finish the race (Matt.16:24-26; John14:6; 2Tim.4:7-8).
Rev.17:14 displays that progression as "called, chosen, faithful". 
First we are called/drawn by the Father to Christ (John6:44; 17:6; 1Cor.1:26). 
Second (if that is successful) we are chosen 
(1Cor.1:27-29; 1Pet.2:9; 1:2; Mark 13:20; Luke18:7; John15:19; Acts 9:15; 10:41; Rom.8:33; Eph.1:11; Col.3:12; 1Thess.1:4; James 2:5; Isa.43:10). 
After being chosen, we face the fork in the road of being faithful or unfaithful to God's choosing of us 
(1Cor.4:2; Heb.10:38; Matt.24:45; 25:21; Eph.1:1; 1Tim.2:7; Col.1:2; 1Pet.4:10; 3John1:3; Rev.2:10; 14:12; 17:14).

You can see "called" as 10. "Chosen" as 100. "Faithful" and as receiving your kingdom with Christ, as 1000. It is the same with first, second/mid-heaven, and third heaven 
  (Rev.14:6ASV ; Rev.8:13ASV ; 2Cor.12:2; Neh.9:6; Luke2:14NIV ).
The 144000 have attained their kingdom of truth with Christ, by being victorious over the world (Rev.3:21; Eph.2:6).

666 represents 3 liars... the Devil, the false prophet, and the sea beast.
Those who worship the beast's image, are under compulsion to serve and obey it. This is symbolized by having their thoughts, faith, and actions, directed by that Beast (Rev.16:13-14; 1Tim.4:1; Rev.13:16-18)
Two witnesses (12) represent truth.
(John8:17; Rev.11:3,12; Matt.17:3,5; Heb.12:1; Rev.1:7; Jude 1:14).
God's slaves are not the beasts slaves. 
Instead of being marked by the false teachings of demons and of the Beast, they are marked as slaves of God, and marked by the truthful teachings of God which they serve and obey (Deut.11:18; Rev.14:1; 7:3)

-
You said; "Rev 7:5-8 says that the sealed make up a portion of the 12 tribes."
I don't understand what you are saying. I see those verses as showing that all members of the 144000 are sealed. Can you clarify?
-
Your question about suffering and why God has waiting so long, I'll give you a link for.
As regards your thought about God being satisfied with a past number of sealed anointed...
remember that God considers the anointed, His sons (Gal.3:26; 4:6).

If Jesus describes his love as a shepherd who leaves his 99 sheep to find one of his lambs, why would he abandon the harvest of the full number of anointed faithful? (Matt.18:12)
To illustrate; 
If you had 12 sons who fell into a well, would you be satisfied after rescuing a few, abandoning the rest?
Well you may think that the other 9 do not yet exist, so you're not really abandoning them. 
  In God's mind of seeing the end from the beginning (Isa.46:9-10), all those who love Him and died, are living to him (Luke 20:38) as are all those whom He knows will love him, and have not yet been born (Ps.139:15-16; Eph.2:10; 2Thess.2:13-14; 1Cor.2:7) but who are written in the Lamb's book of life from the foundation (Rev.13:8). 
Jesus was not yet born when all the prophecies were written about him. 
Like Jesus, God has a purpose for each anointed one, whether they presently exist, have already died, or have not yet been born. We are not His counselor in such matters (Rom.11:34-36; Isa.40:13).

Now, as regards the 24 elders...
As previously mentioned, 6 represents a testimony. 12 represents 2 witnesses, a testimony of truth. In this case, we have 4 witnesses or testimonies (6x4=24).  
The 24 elders represent a unified, harmonious testimony given by this group throughout the 4 corners of the earth (N.S.E.W.). They are the teachers in the Body of Christ (1Cor.12:28; Eph.4:11; Matt.23:34; Acts 13:1; James 3:1).

 Rev.4:10-11

In fact, all those surrounding the thrones of God and Christ in heaven, are members of the body of Christ... members of Christ's bride and God's kingdom administration.
As we learn in 1Cor.12; Eph.2 and Eph.4, etc., there are many differing assignments in that Body... apostle, prophet, teacher, evangelists, healers, etc. There are also the watchmen, which are symbolized as the 4 living creatures (Mark 13:34NIV Mark13:35; John10:3 > LINK ).
The 24 elders are dressed in white robes, which is defined at Rev.19:8. 
The means of attaining that robe, is defined at Rev.6:9-11; 7:13-14.

Monday, March 7, 2022

Seven Trumpets

Question Received:
Could you please explain to me about the seven trumpets?

My reply:
If you read Isaiah 58:1NIV and Revelation 1:10, you will see that a trumpet is a symbol for a voice. 
The 7 trumpets are 7 voices. Read Revelation 8:2,6,13. Those verses show us that the 7 trumpets are the voices of the 7 angels. 
The Greek word " angel ", means " messenger ". These are messengers sent by God, to His people. 
If you read Revelation 1:20 and Matthew 5:15-16 you can see that Jesus sends the messengers to his congregations/churches/houses of faith.


Who do God and Jesus, send to God's people, to bring a message from God? 
God gives the assignment to be a messenger ("angel") ...to His prophets. 
Read 2Kings 17:13;  2Chronicles 24:19; Jeremiah 7:25; 26:5; 44:4; Zechariah 7:12; Luke 13:34; Revelation 22:6. 
The prophets, are God's messengers. Angel means messenger (see links above). 
The numeral 7 is a symbol for prophetic spirit, either true or false. 
The prophets are symbolized as the 7 spirits in front of God's throne, because they prophesy by means of God's spirit. 
( Revelation 3:1; 1:20,4; Luke 1:67; Acts 2:18; 28:25;  1Corinthians 14:32;  2Peter 1:21; Revelation 19:10). 
They are also depicted as 7 lamps/torches ( Revelation 4:5 ), 7 stars (Revelation 1:20; 2:1; 3:1), and as 7 horns with eyes, upon the head of the Lamb, which is Jesus ( Revelation 5:6 ). 
    [ HORNS, mean kings ( as in Revelation 17:12; Dan.7:24,8,20; 8:20-22) Jesus has kings/horns (Revelation 5:6; 1:5; 17:14; 19:16; 21:24)]
These symbolic seven of those anointed kings/horns, are prophets, through which, 
Jesus extends his reign within his congregations (Rev.1:20; Matt.5:15; Eph.1:20-21; 2:6,20-21).

Prophets are given holy spirit, to bring a message from God, to His people. 
They are a lamp, because they bring spiritual light from God ( Luke 11:33; John 5:32-33,35; Revelation 4:5 NIV ). 
They are the eye, in the body of Christ 
(Matthew 6:22;  1Corinthians 12:27,12,16-17,21; Luke 11:34,36), 
who are assigned to keep on the watch ( Mark 13:34 NIV ; Luke 12:36; Revelation 3:20; 2:17 ). 

The eye can see. God's spirit gives the prophets His spirit, so that they can understand and perceive, divine truth. This truth is sometimes about the future, or about sins that others do not see. 
They must tell God's people His message, and give warning (Isaiah 58:1; Jeremiah 35:15; 44:4; Joel 2:1).
I hope you now understand, learning from the scriptures, what the 7 trumpets are. They are the voices of God's prophets.

Prophets are a part of the body of Christ (1Corinthians 12:27,7-8,10,28-29; Eph.4:11,7-8; 2:6; 1:3)
(Eph.4:8 NIV ; Heb.4:14 NIV ; Heb.2:4;  1Cor. 14:1;  2Cor. 10:5; Eph.4:8 NIV ).
That body is also depicted as the spiritual temple, consisting of God's priesthood (John 2:19,21;  1Corinthians 12:27; 3:16;  1Peter 2:5). 
The former priesthood, has also been depicted as having seven trumpet blowers (Joshua 6:8), 
which foreshadowed the heavenly reality (Heb.8:5; 9:11; Ephesians 2:6; Revelation 19:14; 17:14). 

Joshua 6:6,8

The prophets, share in comprising the foundation of that spiritual temple, along with the apostles 
(Ephesians 2:20-21; Revelation 21:14) (Acts 17:24; Hebrews 9:11).

Jesus said that what we speak with our voice, is coming from our heart (Luke 6:45; Matthew 15:18). 
When God puts His spirit in the heart of His prophet, that prophet then speaks 
(Galatians 4:6;  2Peter 1:21; Jeremiah 1:9; Matthew 10:20). 
When we speak or teach, we are pouring out our heart (Luke 6:45; Psalm 94:4)(Deuteronomy 11:18-19). 
The heart is symbolized by a cup or bowl (Matthew 15:18-19; Jeremiah 6:7; Matthew 23:25-26)(Lamentations 2:11 NIV ; Lam.2:19)
God's prophets, pour out the spirit in their heart when they declare the message of God (Matt.10:20).
That is symbolized by the pouring out of a bowl (or cup) (Revelation 15:7; 16:1,17; 17:1; 21:9; 15:7). 
The "bowl" (or "cup" in some translations) is a symbol for the heart (Zechariah 4:2; Psalm 23:5; Luke 6:45). 
When God's messenger prophet (angel) pours out God's spirit from his heart (bowl/cup), 
he prophesies with his voice (trumpet) (Luke 6:45; Isaiah 58:1). 
That is symbolized as an angel, blowing a trumpet (Matt.24:31; Rev.8:6).

  For more information about Trumpets, please consult the following link, which is this blog's search result for "trumpets". You can ignore the first post, because it is this one. You will find multiple posts as you scroll down the page of the link to follow:

Friday, September 24, 2021

Body of Christ -- Paula

What follows, is the work of another anointed one. Body members of Christ work together to accomplish God's will, under the direction of their Head, Jesus Christ.
At times, I will post on this Main Page, the work of other of God's priests (Mal.2:7; Rev.5:10; 1Cor.12:7). When I do this, the posts will be titled "Body of Christ", and then I will add the name of the priest, so that readers will know which anointed one is the contributor. I have added within the post, supplemental links for the topics being touched upon. The post is lengthy. In order to derive the greatest benefit; please examine the content in sections, reading the scriptures as you come to them.

Her contribution is as follows:

This comment may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The material has been made available for teaching purposes only, as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.

JWs frequently compare the organization to the days of Moses leading the nation of Israel in the wilderness. They tie these time periods together by saying they are both ‘theocratic organizations’. However, do they acknowledge that Moses, was an inspired prophet leading God’s people; and simply, their leaders are not by their own admittance? When making this comparison, do they acknowledge that God installed His priests, anointing them with holy oil, and giving them the assignment to teach the people His laws? 
(Ex.28:41; 29:7-9; Mal.2:7) 

The priesthood in Moses’ day was separated from the people to carry out this special work as ministers of God on behalf of the people. (Num.18:7,20; 3:10; Deut.17:9; 31:9)
In the early 1950’s it was stated in a JW magazine that the members of the “royal priesthood” were to be “teachers and guardians of the law of God”, providing evidence from Mal.2:7; Lev.10:11; Deut.33:10; 17:9-11. It said that the anointed priests had a ‘tremendous responsibility which God held them to’. They were to keep the people “on the right path”. (Num.18:7,20; Isa.43:10; 1Pet.2:9; Heb.13:15; Ezek.44:23; Jer.23:22) 
Isa.30:21; Prov.4:27; 1Pet.2:21

Are any of these words from the past magazine recognizable in “Jehovah’s organization” today? Like a chameleon blending into a wall unnoticed, the leadership of pathological liars has changed any bits of truth into untruths so gradually, that nothing seems amiss to present day JWs. 
(Ezek.13:3,6-7,14; Matt.24:24-25; Acts 13:9-10; Gal.1:6-7,11-12; 2Pet.2:1-3; 1Tim.4:1-2; Heb.12:15; 2Pet.3:17; Rev.8:10-11; 16:13-16) 
These changes have aided in the development, and capability of two “Beasts” to dominate and trample God’s priesthood into the dust, into an unclean state before God. (2Thess.2:3-4; Rev.9:1-3,4-6; 13:1-2,5-7,11-12,15-17) (Isa.29:2-4; Dan.7:23; Luke 21:20,24; 19:43,44; Ec.3:20; 12:7; Rev.3:1,18) 

We have an incomparable situation from that of Moses’ day, where the spirit-anointed priesthood has been shoved out of the position as active priests. Their value spoken of in the 1950’s has been dismissed by a large army’s power siege, under the guidance of a “wicked slave”. 
(Ezek.34:21; Jer.4:16-21,27-28; Joel 2:2,17; Dan.7:19; 8:9-11; Matt.24:48-49,50-51)

The Levitical priesthood is under an eternal covenant with God, but His anointed priests have broken this promise God held them to, and have allowed the elder body said to “represent” God’s priests, to teach men’s laws founded on the principles of an earthly organization. 
(Jer.33:18-19,20-21; Num.18:1,5,19; Heb.4:14-15; 8:10; 13:15) 
(Mal.2:8; Lam.2:9; Joel 2:17; Jer.5:3,11,30-31; 2Chron.15:3; Luke 11:52; 2Thess.2:3-4) 

But now, an earthly organization is proclaimed as the dwelling of God’s spirit. (Rom.1:25).
This image of a “spirit-directed organization” is reflected through the representation of the elder body. These men are said to have received Holy Spirit and authority to teach and judge, by the misapplication of scriptures, which rightfully apply to God’s holy priesthood. 
(1Kings12:28-30; 13:33-34; Rev.13:11-12,15; 19:20) 
(John20:23; 1Cor.6:2-3; 12:4-6,27; Eph.4:4,7-8,12-13; Rev.20:4) 

Replacing and silencing these “living stones" of God’s spiritual dwelling, is an “abomination” according to God...
(Num.3:10,38; 2Chron.13:9-10; Ezek.8:6; 44:6-9; Matt.24:15-16; 1Cor.3:16-17; Rev.11:1-2; 1Pet.2:5,9; 1Cor.4:1; Heb.9:11; Eph.2:20-22) Mark 13:14
(https://pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com)
...And that does lead to a few apt comparisons to the time of Israel in the wilderness. 
Besides the persistent tendency to neglect the Word of the Holy One, there are two major correlations we can make. 
The first was Korah’s attempt to usurp the priesthood.
The organization comments, 
“When Korah and his associates in the wilderness wanted to exalt themselves to the priesthood and charged Moses and Aaron with taking too much on themselves, they proved that they did not appreciate theocratic organization.” (w 1952/2/1 pp. 76-85)
Today, it is clearly evident that there is no appreciation for ‘theocratic organization’ of the anointed priesthood of God’s Temple under Jesus Christ. By the orders of the evil slave and her massive army, they are denied the ability to direct the people in truth. 
(Zech.8:16; Prov.8:7; 12:17; 2Cor.4:1-2; 1Tim.4:1; Dan.8:12) 
This equates to removal of their “daily sacrifices” of praise and truth in Jesus, to the Father. 
(Dan.7:23; 8:10-11,13; 11:31; John15:4-6) 

All that has taken place in the organization, was prophesied to affect the remaining anointed ones in the last days – Christ’s “kings of the earth”. 
(Rev.12:17,15; Dan.11:10; Rev.16:13-14,15-16; 20:7-9; Luke 21:20; 13:10,7; Col.2:8) 
(Rev.1:5-6; 5:9,10)
SEE: - Daniel Chapter Eleven, verses 31-45 - 

The other major comparison to Israel’s years in the wilderness, was the idolatry that broke out among them. (Ex.32:1) Their uprising, which led to fabricating a golden calf to “go before” the people, is seen through the fabrication that one must “keep in step with” – “moving ahead with Jehovah’s organization”. JWs have been stumbled by their leaders’ vision of their own minds, to “go before” them, thoroughly convinced that this idol will lead them into salvation. 
(Deut.7:26; Jer.14:14; Matt.16:23; 2Pet.2:1-3; Rev.2:14,20; Isa.57:14) 
Idols do come in all sizes and forms, and it has been said from their own mouths…
"As Christians, we face up to similar challenges today. We cannot take part in any modern version of idolatry—be it worshipful gestures toward an image or symbol or the imputing of salvation to a person or an organization." Wt 1990/11/1 p. 26

It was an act of physical and spiritual thievery to ask the people of Israel to contribute their gold for the making of the golden calf idol, even if they willingly handed it over. Aaron succumbed to the pressure of the crowd’s fleshly desires. But how Aaron approached God in repentance concerning His failure to prevent idolatry, is not known. Moses begged God for forgiveness on his behalf, and on behalf of the people. 
(Ex.32:2-4,26,30-31; Deut.9:18-20) 
Not so with the governing leaders. They continue on their path of growing greed and support of the abomination present in the elder body. 
(Mark 13:14; Matt.24:48-49,50-51; Dan.2:33,43; Rev.13:11-12; 17:3) 

Every willing or begrudging contribution that is now mandatory to preserve and to build up the idol, is pure thievery. 
(Ex.20:3-4; Deut.4:23; Rom.16:17-18; Rom.1:25; 8:5; Mark 10:19; John 10:10)
Every JW who submits to such pressure becomes the victim of spiritual abuse. They are slaves to men and those men's earthly treasures. 
(1Cor.7:23; Gal.1:10; Col.3:24; 2:8; Jude 1:4; Rev.13:10)
Both of these major comparisons to Israel's unfaithfulness in the past, are linked to the present. 
The gradual removal of the holy priesthood, has led to the solid installation of the idol/organization through the exaltation of the "man of lawlessness"/elder body. This “body” that produces ‘stinging’ judgments against God’s holy people, stands “where it doesn’t belong”. 
(Mark 13:14; Rev.9:7-8,9-10; 11:1-2; 13:5-7; Ezek.2:6) 

In his prayer during the dedication of the temple he built for the name of God, King Solomon stressed the sovereignty of God, and the necessity of his servants to “walk in all His ways”, keeping His commandments “with all their hearts”. (1Kings 8:23,57-58) (Deut.11:18; Ps.119:105)
We do not “walk” in the statutes of men or those of an organization whose needs are no different than another earthly entity. We “keep in step” with the statutes of God through His Son, Jesus Christ. We observe only, the decrees Jesus fulfilled in his coming, and in his teachings. 
(Matt.15:9; 1Tim.6:3-5) 
(1Kings 2:3; 6:12; Micah 6:8; John 8:12; Matt.22:36-37,38-40; 5:17-18; 24:35; Rom.13:10; 2Thess.3:6) 

The temple that Solomon built, was not to be worshiped. (1Kings 8:27). 
It was a house of prayer and sacrifices made for the atonement of sins; and where God graciously filled the temple with His glory and radiance. Still, Solomon repeatedly stated that one’s prayers from the temple would be heard by God “in heaven, the place of your dwelling” 
(1Kings 8:30,32,34,36; Gen.28:16-17)
(Isa.66:1; Ps.99:5; Acts 17:24; John4:20-21,24; 1Cor.3:16; 6:19; 2Cor.6:16; Eph.2:6; Heb.12:22-23).  

Although God allowed His name to be on the temple as long as Israel was faithful, it was still the Almighty God who directed the nation of Israel, and not the temple where God’s Spirit rested. (Ex.15:2; 20:2; Isa.43:11) 
In contrast, it is the organization which bears the name “Jehovah” (and its non-anointed elders), that is continually stressed as the guiding authority over the lives of JWs. 
(Ex.23:13; Eph.5:15-16; Judges 10:13-14; Isa.46:5-7,8-9)

One of the hypocritical governing leaders who lives behind locked gates where men in a kiosk scrutinize all visitors arriving at their highly protected compound, stated to his listeners that God expects money to be given to the organization. Through these donations received, the satisfaction of his fleshly desires is preserved and secure; his prominence and power over the Elect and all JWs, remains intact. 
(Luke 4:5-7; Rom.8:5; Gal.5:16-17,24; Eph.4:20-22,23-24; 1John2:16; Col.3:5; 2Tim.3:2; Jude 1:17-18)

---[[[[[ I (Pearl Doxsey) am inserting the following two videos: 
--------(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9jFShBnr0E) (Matt.5:20; Luke 12:1) ]]]]]---

(Paula continuing):
He stated, “Now, the fact is we never beg for money, but that’s not to say we can’t talk about money in Jehovah’s organization, the earthly part”.
Never beg for money? 
When speaking of the future project on the gospels of Jesus, one governing partner said, “In view of the large scope of this project we encourage you to make it a matter of prayer and  ...please... (said with lengthy emphasis), support it according to your circumstances”.
God has no need for an earthly organization, when Zion is built on the Body of Jesus Christ and God’s chosen “living stones” of His priestly kings. They are the “organization” that God has sanctioned since the first century. They are the temple/dwelling of God’s spirit....
(1Pet.2:5; 1Cor.3:16; Eph.2:20-22,10; Rev.5:9-10; 1Cor.12:27; 14:1) 
.....not the foretold counterfeit, of Isa.2:2-3. 
(Zech.4:7; Rev.8:8; Matt.21:21).

So, why is this leader talking about money? The idol requires it, just as the idol in Moses’ day required people’s gold to create it. (1Cor.10:7) It can only exist if money is poured into it. The leader admits, “Money has to be discussed in the last day, this system, meets a response in all things.” We must ask then, what sets this organization apart from any other? Where is God’s power and spirit in this apparently unusual “spirit-directed organization”? Where does the faith in God’s ability to provide for their needs, lay? Their faith and trust is in the idol, and all idols need to be fed by the men who create them. So the lie is fostered that God and the Father will love JWs, because they give their material possessions…to the idol. He used two scriptures to support this.

The first was Deut.16:16-17 
What were the blessings brought before the Lord? They were the “firstfruits” of the barley and wheat harvest, and of the olive and grape. God blessed their plantings throughout the year leading to abundant harvests, because of their obedience to His commandments. (Deut.16:13,15; 26:3-5; 30:9,10) These feasts all held spiritual significance, which we find in Jesus’ presence on earth, his teachings and God’s provision for redemption through his atoning sacrifice. 
(Matt.1:23; 7:17-18; Rom.8:2; 1Cor.5:7; 15:20; Heb.4:15; Col.2:16-17; Mark 2:22)
Money holds no spiritual significance to God, and cannot preserve one’s good standing before Him, or prove our love for Him (Haggai 2:8; Eze.7:19; Zeph.1:18). We are judged on our love and obedience to His Word in Jesus Christ. (John12:48-50; Deut.7:11-13; Ec.7:12; Hosea 6:6; Matt.6:19-20,24; Col.3:1-2,5-7; 1Tim.6:6-8,9-10) 

He also cited 2Cor.9:7 
Paul's words, urged Christians to practice an uninhibited, generous spread of the seed of truth, and the generous giving to those who were poor and suffering. (2Cor.9:10,8) Please read 2Cor.8:13-15. 
Neither the sharing of and need for truth, nor physical provisions for the poor, are met in or by, the organization. There is no fairness or equality with Bible truth in either regard, as men who live a worry-free, comfortable life, breathe and propagate lying doctrines (Matt.23:4). 
(Prov.5:3-4,7-9,10-12,13-14; Heb.12:14-15; Rev.8:10-11; 18:7-8)

A comment from Pearl Doxsey:
"We learn from God's own Word, about the sacrifices that He is pleased with.
Three scriptures come to mind... 2Cor.9:7-9,10-11,12-13; 8:11-12; Philemon 1:14.
They contain the lesson that our gift is decided in our own heart, between us and God alone. No compulsion should be felt, but our gift is rooted in love and joy. God then blesses our charitable work, by supplying all we need to continue in it, while we also reap abundant blessing for ourselves. Through such a relationship with God's truth and the life that results, all, are refreshed, sustained, and built up. There is no sense of burden, comparison, shame, competition, or failure. Such things come from the wicked one, and those who assist Satan to shackle men with a bondage to Idols.
Rules, standards, human expectations, and counting, do not serve the will, truth, or purpose of God (Matt.15:9; Mark7:13).
Those things only serve the unlawful, worldly power and desires, of men, and the purpose of Satan.
'You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' (John8:32)"

The poor and needy among JWs must provide not only for their own needs, but donate to the desires of the leaders, and to the needs of their idol. Using the example of the widow’s contribution to the temple in Jesus’ day, the speaker had the impudence to tell the poor, “So even when we’re poor we’re expected to give monetarily, it’s because we love Jehovah, love Jesus” (Mark 12:41-42,43-44).
The Watchtower Corporation is laden with stock holdings and investments. The money they receive, have, spend, and invest, is of primary interest to its governors (Matt.6:21). 
The NMB version of the Bible states; "No man who wars, entangles himself with worldly business, because he wants to please him who has chosen him to be a soldier." (2Tim.2:4). 
Jesus has chosen the members of his Elect, to battle with him against religious falsehood 
(2Tim.2:3-4; 2Cor.10:3-5; Rev.17:14; Eph.6:11-12; 5:11). 
His faithful anointed will not prioritize or focus on, materialism (Matt.6:19-21,24,25-26,28-30,31-32).

The GB speaker's comparison to the early temple in Jerusalem where God removed His Spirit for rejecting his Son, should certainly clue us in to the true identity of today’s idol/”temple”, as “Jehovah’s spirit-directed organization”. The first-century Jewish system was also corrupt; the Pharisees had added their own laws to the laws of God, which Jesus referenced as burdens put upon the people. (Matt.11:28; 23:4; 16:11-12). The division between the rich and the poor was widened under the Roman Gentile domination. The widow dropped her coins into one of 13 chests marked for the donation’s use, (sound familiar?) whether it was for sacrifices, voluntary contributions for the poor, or mandatory obligations. These chests were shaped like trumpets, with large funnels playing back the sound of the money dropping in. Knowing this, brings more clarity to Jesus’ words in Matt.6:2. There was no balance stressed by Paul in 2Cor.8:13-15. If the widow dropped in “all she had to live on”, was she a recipient as a poor one, from the temple’s treasury? For a certainty, the poor in the organization are not the recipients of its “treasury”. 
(Isa.58:1,6-7; 2Thess.3:7-9; 1Thess.2:9; James 2:1-3,4-5,6-7) 

Jesus said, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matt.22:21) This nonprofit organization (and he called it such) follows strict guidelines and codes when building their “Bethels”. They seek tax exempt status, which requires registration with the government. They are in essence, under the management of the government by following certain regulations. This is the crux of the GB’s statement that “money has to be discussed” and “meets a response in all things” in this system. Solomon’s temple and its building was not influenced by a government, yet when God’s people sinned, outside nations obtained dominion and power over His people, Jerusalem, and the temple.

Within this idolized, nonprofit, so-called “spirit-directed organization”; the living stones of God’s genuine spiritual Temple have been dominated by a foreign nation – a “Gentile” take-over. (1Cor.3:16-17; Rev.11:1-2; Rev.13:4,7). Under compulsion to remain silent; God’s priests are chained and branded by an organization of false doctrines, spiritual famine is pervasive; and a plague of corruption, disease and affliction of the heart, has come upon them and those in their company. 
(1Kings 8:37-38,39-40; Ezek.14:3; Prov.23:6-8; Isa.29:7-8; Zech.10:2; Amos 8:11-13; Rev.2:9; 9:20; 13:7,16,17; 16:2; 2Thess.2:7-8,9-10) 
The congregations suffer in the spiritual sense; and in many areas of the world, the constant burden to give out from the few resources one has, is expected by the idol.
The citing of John 14:23 by the GB member, was a very desperate choice to give credence to the leader’s decrees, because Jesus’ words in general, condemned accumulating worldly riches and storing up treasures on earth.

Satan had offered Jesus earthly power, riches and authority over the “kingdoms of the world/earth”, but he rejected all of it. (Luke 4:5-7) He stated, “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), so why would Jesus approve of his disciple's desires, to establish his kingdom based upon the resources of this world (1John2:16,15,17; 5:19; James 4:4), ...and then attempt to put God’s name on it? (Jer.25:29; Rev.17:3)
The Kingdom reign of Jesus Christ, is one of “grace and truth” (John18:36-37; 1:14), far superior than any power, riches, advantage, or authority this world has to offer. 
(Prov.11:28; Matt.19:23; John 1:14,17; Eph.1:19-21) 

Please consider the Bible's understanding of today’s spiritual Temple, as being the anointed priesthood, where God’s spirit truly dwells (Eph.2:22; 1Cor.3:16; 1Pet.2:5,9-10). Only His decrees are written on the hearts of the faithful. 
(Deut.6:4-6,7-8; 2Cor.6:16; John 14:23; Rom.5:5; 2Cor.3:3; Heb.10:16)
The anointed over the years have been taken captive by this Beast/organization. 
(Luke 22:31; 21:24; 1Pet.5:8; Col.2:8; Rev.13:10; 12:17) 
Those who have confronted it with truth in imitation of their Head, Jesus Christ, have faced persecution for their testimony of Jesus. 
(John 15:20; 16:2; 1Pet.4:12-13; Rev.12:17; 13:15; 6:9,11) 
The faithful “living stones”, made in the ‘image and likeness of God’, will bear the name of God and Jesus Christ in the Kingdom. (Rev.3:12). 
They and those who gather with them under Jesus' guidance and protection, will worship the Almighty Father in “spirit and truth”. 
(Gen.1:27; Matt.5:48; Col.3:10; Eph.5:7-8,9-10; Eph.4:24) (John 4:22-24) 
SEE: "Mankind" / "Son of Man" / "Man' of Lawlessness">> https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/04/mankind-man-of-lawlessness.html


Sunday, January 24, 2021

The Last Enemy, Death

 QUESTION ASKED:

What did Apostle Paul mean by saying, the last enemy to be destroy is "death''?

REPLY:

We find the emergence of the last enemy, Death, at Rev.6:7-8. 
"His" forces... (Heb.2:14; John10:10; Rev.9:11; Isa.33:1) (Eph.2:2; Rev.16:13-16; 20:7-9; 12:15,17; 13:4,7,10; Col.2:8; Luke 21:24) ...arise in the time of the 4th living creature/watchman (Rev.6:7-8), during the great tribulation (Eze.14:21-22,5; Rev.13:14-15; 19:20; 2:20). This "Death" is not speaking of physical death, which has existed since Eden (Rom.5:12), but the power to bring spiritual death, to those who were born again as spirit 
(Rom.8:9; 1Pet.1:23) (John3:6; 6:63; 2Cor.11:4; 1Tim.4:1; Rev.3:11 > James 1:12) (Rev.3:1-2).

It is that 4th "living creature", who gives voice to the "7 angels" (Rev.15:7; 16:1; 8:2; Isa.58:1), through which, God's wrath against His enemies, is dispensed (Rev.16:1; 15:1). The "trumpets"/voices of the seven "angels">(Greek:messengers) symbolizes, the recorded words of the prophets, who were sent by Jesus to his congregations/churches (Rev.1:20; Phil.2:15; Dan.12:3,10,4; Rev.22:10,16; 10:7). They manifest the spirit of prophecy into the earth (Rev.19:10; 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6; 1Cor.14:32).

Death is one of the enemies of Christ, that needs to be subdued by him through the power of God (Ps.110:1-2; 1Cor.15:25), in order for God's kingdom to arrive (1Cor.15:24-26; Rev.20:14; 21:4; Isa.25:7-8). 
It is conquered through the remnant of Zion/Christ's brothers (Ps.110:2; Rev.17:14; 19:11,14; Eph.2:6; 2Cor.10:3-5)-(Mark 14:62; Heb.12:1; Rev.11:3,5; Jer.5:14) - (1Cor.15:53-55; Rev.2:7,10-11,28; 3:5; Mark 8:35; Rev.12:10-11) when they face and conquer the forces that bear the sting of Death (Rev.9:3,10; 1Cor.15:55,57).

Friday, November 13, 2020

Addition to TRUMPETS

 Addition to "Trumpets" (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2020/11/a-question-i-received-had-question.html)

as follows:

Josh.6: " March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets." 

Seven reminds us of the seven spirits of God, sent out into the earth (Rev.5:6), represented on the head of Christ, as 7 horns (kings), each having an eye (lamp Matt.6:22; Rev.4:5) (spiritual sight/Matt.13:16; 2Cor.4:18; 1John1:1). Those 7, are sent out by Jesus, into God's land, the 7 congregations (Rev.1:20; Matt.5:15; 10:23). 

 If each day that the priests with the seven trumpets (Rev.8:2), marched around Jericho's wall, represent the testimony each prophet gave, during his own day; then it is worth considering the seventh day. - That last day was different. On the 7th day, the wall was to be encircled, 7 times... repeating the previous days, plus 1, for the last day. It was then on the 7th day, encircled 7 times, while all 7 priests are blowing their trumpets, that the wall collapses. - We see that the 7th prophet differs from the previous 6. The 7th prophet, possesses the message/voices/spirit/bowls, of all seven prophets (Rev.10:7,3; 21:9; 17:1; Zech.3:9). When those bowls are finished being poured out (Rev.16:1; 21:9; 15:1; 11:15),  the end has come! (Rev.10:7)

Thursday, November 12, 2020

TRUMPETS

A QUESTION I RECEIVED:

 I had a question about the trumpets. I’ve always been kinda confused about them. Are these verses all referring to the same trumpet?

“in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.” 1 Cor 15:52

“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16

“He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.” Matthew 24:31

“The seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying, The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

MY REPLY:

First, we learn what a trumpet is, at Isa.58:1 "Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins." -- A "trumpet" is a voice that announces a warning to repent/battle alongside God. I suggest re-reading all your verses, replacing "trumpet", with "voice", to gain initial understanding.

1Cor.15:52;  1Thess.4:16; Matt.24:31; Rev.11:15

The last trumpet, is that of the 7th angel. To learn about that, read Rev. ch.10. 

Rev.10


- That chapter is about the 7th angel/star and his trumpet/voice. Verse 7 (Rev.10:7) shows us, that God announces to the seventh angel, the accomplishment (and understanding) of all His mysteries (Rev.1:1; 2:17; 3:12; Prov.9:1; Rev.17:9; 22:6). We see at verse 3 (Rev.10:3) that the voice of that one, "shouts like that of a lion" and when he cries out, that all "seven thunders raise their voices" (Matt.10:20). That one has the voice (trumpet) of Christ (the "lion of Judah") (Rev.5:5-6,10; 3:21; 11:3,5; Prov.19:12; Jer.17:25; Rev.22:16) AND, the voice of all God's prophets (7 trumpets/7 thunders/7 lamps/7 spirits of God/7 pillars) (Rev.10:3; 21:9). God's prophets, speak His words (and Jesus' message) (Matt.10:20;  Eze.3:4; Rev.11:3; 22:6). This one (7th angel), whose voice causes the seven thunders to utter their own voices (Rev.10:3) (his voice contains the message of all the prophets who thunder God's voice -Job 37:5; Ps.29:3; Rev.4:5; Matt.10:20). He is also the 4th living creature, who gives the past prophets (seven lamps/spirits before God's throne - 1Cor.14:32; Rev.5:6; 4:5; Matt.5:15), a voice once again (Rev.15:7; 21:9; 17:1). As you see from the last verses, that 4th living creature, is also one of the 7 angels... the seventh one described in Rev.ch.10.

The last enemy, is death (1Cor.15:26). When that enemy is conquered during Armageddon, the dead rise. 1Thess.4:16  is describing the return of Christ (John 11:25-26). Yet he told us that he is "coming on/with the clouds" (Rev.1:7; Dan.7:13; Matt.16:27; 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27;  1Thess.4:17; Rev.11:3,12)... his two witnesses (Rev.11:3,12;  1Thess.4:17; Heb.12:1). 

That 7th angel is in the role of Moses and Elijah ("two witnesses" -Matt.17:3), for obvious reasons [God's people are captive (Luke 21:24; Rev.13:10; Col.2:8) (Moses) and Idolatry reigns (Rev.2:20; 17:2; 13:7-8;  1Cor.6:15) (Elijah)]. This is why the seventh angel, is robed with a cloud (Rev.10:1), because he is 'enrobed' with the identity of Jesus' two witnesses/cloud, and has received that assignment (Isa.61:10; Rev.19:7). 

Those with the seventh angel/two witnesses, are the "two lampstands"/congregations/churches of support (Rev.1:20; Matt.5:15; 11:3-4; 1:20; John 8:17).

Your citation of Matt.24:31 states that "angelS" will be sent out, with one "loud trumpet". That is because, once again, the 7th angel has the voice of all 7 angels (Rev.10:3). At Rev.11:15, again we see that "loud voiceS in heaven" are heard when the 7th angel blows his single trumpet. 

How might this take place in the physical realm? This last prophet (7th) and watchman (4th), opens the scroll of Revelation to the seven congregations (Rev.1:11; Matt.10:23). He is enabled to do so, through the interpretations provided by the voices/trumpets of his preceding prophets, who spoke for God (Gen.40:8; Rom.15:4;  1Cor.10:11;  2Tim.3:16)... once again, giving them voice, through that one's own declaration.

Here is Rev.10 -- https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rev10&version=CSB

Suggested posts: https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/11/resurrectionjudgmentlife-and-death.html

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2017/03/messenger-of-covenant.html

ADDITION:

Josh.6: " March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets." 

Seven reminds us of the seven spirits of God, sent out into the earth (Rev.5:6), represented on the head of Christ, as 7 horns (kings), each having an eye (lamp Matt.6:22; Rev.4:5) (spiritual sight/Matt.13:16;  2Cor.4:18;  1John 1:1). Those 7, are sent out by Jesus, into God's land, the 7 congregations (Rev.1:20; Matt.5:15; 10:23). 

 If each day that the priests with the seven trumpets (Rev.8:2), marched around Jericho's wall, represent the testimony each prophet gave, during his own day; then it is worth considering the seventh day. - That last day was different. On the 7th day, the wall was to be encircled, 7 times... repeating the previous days, plus 1, for the last day. It was then on the 7th day, encircled 7 times, while all 7 priests are blowing their trumpets, that the wall collapses. - We see that the 7th prophet differs from the previous 6. The 7th prophet, possesses the message/voices/spirit/bowls, of all seven prophets (Rev.10:7,3; 21:9; 17:1; Zech.3:9). When those bowls are finished being poured out (Rev.16:1; 21:9; 15:1; 11:15),  the end has come! (Rev.10:7)

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

What are, the Seven Spirits of God ?

God's "seven spirits" are from Him, but are not Him. The seven spirits, are "before the throne" of God (Rev.1:4). 
The Bible tells us, that they are the same as the "seven lamps" (Rev.4:5 (see NIV); Ps.18:28) who "burn and shine" (John 5:35; Matt.5:14-15). 
Such lamps can prove faithful, or unfaithful (Rev.8:10-11). 
-- Jesus also equates those blazing lamps/torches/flames, to "stars" (Rev.3:1; Phil.2:15; Dan.12:3), "horns", and "eyes" (Rev.5:6). "Eyes", are also "lamps" (Matt.6:22), because it is our ability to perceive, and the means by which our understanding, is enlightened.
"Horns", are kings under Christ (Rev.17:12; 1:5; Rev.5:9,10).
Each of these "seven", are also called "angels" (=Greek:"messengers"), sent into the earth, to enlighten their own "congregation" (Rev.1:20) by means of their divine wisdom (Prov.9:1; Rev.3:12).
They are messengers of God's enlightening spirit (Mal.2:7; Matt.10:20; Heb.1:14)... prophets, to God's people. God sends His "light"/truth, into that dark "world", through such light-bearers (John 13:20)... to give light to those in God's "house" 
(Matt.5:14-15; Eph.2:19;  1Tim.3:15; Heb.3:6; Titus 1:7;  1Pet.4:17).

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Seven spirits work with Jesus as his messengers sent by him to his congregations, and they stand approved before his throne 
(Eph.6:13; Heb.1:7; 2:5,16; Rev.1:4,16; Luke 21:15; Mark 13:13; Matt.5:11,12)
Stars / lamps, are sent to congregations on earth (Heb.1:14; Rev.1:20; Matt.5:15; Phil.2:15)
Spirits =stars (Rev.3:1)
Spirits = lamps (Rev.4:5)
Spirits = horns with eyes upon Jesus' head. Horns are the strength for conflict (2Cor.10:3,4,5; Eph.6:12,17 -"sword *of spirit"). They are the kings directed by their head, each with insight/eye/lamp (Heb.3:1,14; 4:14). 
(Col.1:18; Dan.7:24;  1Sam.2:10; Rev.5:6)

Seven angels ("messengers" -Mal.2:7) are prophets sent to congregations who blow 
7 trumpets, which is their voice that speaks the 7 spirits of God (Matt.10:20; Rev.8:2; Isa.58:1; Heb.1:1; Josh.6:4) 
God's voice through them, are the 
7 thunders (2Sam.22:14; Job 37:5; 40:9; Ps.68:33; Rev.10:3) which again, is God's message coming through the prophets 
(1Cor.14:32; Heb.1:1;  2Pet.1:21; Jer.35:15).

 Josh.6:4; Heb.8:5; 9:11

7 bowls/cups are hearts (Ps.62:8; Lam.2:11,19; Rev.5:8; Job 11:13; Rom.10:1)
When the heart is poured out (bowl/cup), the voice speaks (trumpet) (Luke 6:45; Matt.12:34; Eph.1:7-8,9-10)
All the prophets speak again, through the seventh angel and fourth living creature 
(Rev.10:3,7; 15:6,7;  1Cor.13:9-10,11-12;  1John 3:2).
The past testimonies of the prophets are heard again through the seventh angel/fourth living creature in the time of the end 
(Rev.11:15; 16:17) (Rev.10:4; Dan.12:4,9)(Rev.22:10). 
Because the 7 seals of Revelation are opened in the time of the end, the seventh angel and last prophet is able to reveal the prostitute's identity (Rev.17:1) and the identity of the Lamb's wife (Rev.21:9). Revelation makes clear God's Judgment in His great day, showing up the distinction between those who serve God and those who don't (Mal.3:18; Rev.22:10,11,19,12).

The seventh angel is the last prophet, and the last one to testify to the judgment message of God's wrath, through the recorded, past testimonies of God's prophets (Heb.2:1,2; Rev.16:7; 11:15). He does so by reviving the divine spirit/light/lamp given in the words of the former prophets, and the spirit of prophecy given to himself (Rev.15:1; 10:7,3).

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Two witnesses -- "Lampstands" [] Zechariah's Vision

This post has been refined, to accommodate the additional details provided by Zechariah, chapter 4.

QUESTION:
Dear Pearl,
I prayed about the "two witnesses" and all of the remaining ones of the woman's seed to come out of the org; how surely there must be more anointed ones to join us. When asking for direction, I turned to Acts 12 and read about Barnabas and Saul.
..."the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." (Acts 13:2). I started equating these scriptures to the two witnesses, the whole account.  We speak firstly to the chosen ones, then to the spiritual Gentiles; the Gentiles who listened to Paul and Barnabas became great in number.   Acts 13:46,47
Is this the way it will be now?  It is the spiritual Gentiles that are more willing to listen than the chosen because of the heart condition?  This also makes me think of the invitation to the wedding feast (Matt.22:8-9).

MY REPLY:
I hope your own consideration of these scriptures, afford insight for you, as they afforded to me. The answers can be right before us within a scripture. But without spirit, we can't yet see it.
I thank God for the merciful illumination of His Light!

Rev.11:3,4 "And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 They are “the two olive trees” (Ps.52:8; Zech.4:3,11)/("stars"), with/and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth."

Rev.1:20 "The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels (olive trees -Ps.52:8; 92:13,14) of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches."

Each congregation has over it, a "star"/messenger/angel/steward/prophet
[Rev.1:20; Luke 12:42-43; 21:25,26; (Amos 9:9,8,11,14,15); Rev.12:4 <"third"; Zech.13:9;  1Pet. 2:10,9]
to provide provisions ("food"/"light"/"springs of water"), to his contemporary congregation.

Now this should be seen in one's minds eye.
Imagine a lampstand (congregation).
It is useless without a flame being lit at it's top.
When a flame is added to the stand (Heb.1:7,14), the lamp-stand supports that flame.
By doing so, all in the house, receive light (Matt.5:14,15) by the representatives of New Jerusalem (Rev.3:12), the "city" (Rev.20:9; Matt.5:14).
*******

In the picture above, the two trees are Moses and Elijah. Moses and Elijah are also represented by the flames of spirit that alight each of the two lamp-stands/congregations that support them. 
The two lamp-stands in the picture above, represent the congregation that supports the spirit of Moses and the congregation that supports the spirit of Elijah.


Let's look at this through the lens of the prophetic vision of Zechariah.....
(Zech.4:1,2,3,11,12,14; Rev.11:3,4).
In the new picture above which depicts Zechariah's vision, we will see how the spirit of both prophets/trees, pours into one bowl, so that the two spirits/flames/oil become blended into one, inside the bowl. This can also be symbolized by the flame of two separate lamps being brought together and becoming one flame. 

It is the same with the supporting two congregations. They blend into one congregation that supports both prophets/spirits, by supporting the one prophet/flame/bowl that has resulted by blending both the spirit of Moses and the spirit of Elijah.
Just as those two spirits of Moses and Elijah combine as one in the bowl, the two congregations that support those two flames, combine into one congregation which supports the one bowl.
To summarize,
Just as the spirits of Moses and Elijah (the oil from each of the two olive trees) are combined into one bowlthe two supporting congregations of the two witnesses, combine into oneto support the one bowl that contains both spirits (Rev.11:3). 
The single congregation in the time of the end that supports the one bowl, represents two congregations, just as the one bowl represents two prophets/spirits/flames. The single congregation simultaneously supports both spirits/lamps/trees/ of both Moses & Elijah.

There is more to the vision of Zechariah.

The two olive trees represent Moses (one tree) and Elijah (the second tree). Both trees pour forth the golden oil (holy spirit of prophecy - 2Pet.1:21; Rev.19:10;  1Cor.14:32) into the one bowl (heart). 
That one bowl containing both spirits, pours forth the spirit of both Moses and Elijah, into the lamp-stand containing 7 lamps beneath the bowl. (Zech.4:1,2,3,4,13,14; Rev.11:4,3) (Rev.15:7; 8:2; 10:7,3)

The lamp-stand that contains seven flames represents all the prophets and the spirit/flame given to each of them, along with those who have supported the seven flames/lamps upon them. Those seven flames are symbolic, and they represent all God's prophets. 

Therefore, when the "Two witnesses" arise in God's Day of Judgment... 
       (Matt.17:1,2,3; Rev.11:3,4; Zech.4:11,14); 
...the one bowl/heart will fuel and re-alight the spirit of all God's former prophets. By the divine light preserved within the recorded words of the prophets; their voices/trumpets will once again be heard (Isa.58:1 (NIV version); Rev.19:10; 8:1). 
The recorded words of the prophets and the divine light/spirit/inspiration that they contain will burn again, illuminating God's mysteries contained in the book of Revelation.

As we see in the picture that depicts Zechariah's vision; 
the bowl is filled with the oil/spirit from Moses and Elijah (the two trees). That bowl in turn is fueling the seven lamps/prophets/spirits and their light/flame. 
The prophet that possesses that bowl/heart, is the last prophet... the seventh (Rev.10:7,3). That prophet is given the spirit that God gave Moses and Elijah, the "two witnesses" of Rev.11:3 
(Matt.17:3; 16:27,28; 17:1,2,3,5;  2Pet.1:18).
The meaning of Revelation's symbols is locked behind seven seals. (who-is-worthy.html)
The divine light contained within the spirit/flame of God's seven prophets, will be employed by the last prophet to open those seals and bring to light Revelation's interpretation (Rev.10:7,3,4; Dan.12:4,9). 
The words of the prophets within scripture will provide the keys to open the interpretation of Revelation's symbolism. Through the endowment of spirit given to the last prophet; the lamps of former prophets will once again provide illumination. The last prophet will revive their recorded words, so that the light and truth they contain will once again be heard, and applied as keys to open the seals of Revelation. (for more information: is-jesus-capstone-of-zechariah-chapter-4?.html)


*******

Jesus says that to each lampstand/congregation, a *trumpeting "star"/prophet* is given 
(Rev.1:20; 8:2; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6; 10:7; 22:6;  1Cor.14:32) (Isa.58:1)>> (NIV version)
from his "right hand" [Ex.15:6,12; Judges 5:26; (Jer.23:29; Rom.16:20) Rev.22:16] (Ps.110:1;  1Cor.15:25) 
(Ps.17:7; 18:35; 45:4; Rev.19:11,14; 17:14; John 14:12; 7:39).
Does not a star give off burning light?
(Phil.2:15; Dan.12:3)
-  -  -  -  -  -  -
Is the "flame"/spirit, of each "lampstand"/congregation, it's "star"/messenger/angel?
Is the "spirit of the prophets"/"fire" of God's Word from their mouths, and is the light/spirit in their perception/eye/lamp...
        (Jer.1:9; 23:29; Rev.11:5; Heb.1:7) (2Pet. 1:21; Rev.22:6),
...the spirit/"flame" each faithful congregation of holy ones, supports?

I think an answer to this lies at Rev.8:10,11.
Firstly, we know that a false prophet exists (Rev.19:20; 13:11,15; Luke 16:1,2).
I believe that this false prophet/unfaithful steward/fallen "star", is spoken of at Rev.8:10,11, and that these verses describe for us, how that wicked steward, appeared onto the scene. What it says, will help with understanding the equivalence between "star" and "flame"...

"10 The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— 11 the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter."
 ( See: The-Fallen-Star )



In my own mind, this confirms, that the flame upon the "lampstand", is it's "star"/prophet.
In the case of "Wormwood", that steward became wicked/false, and as a result of it's "fall" (Rev.2:5; Isa.14:1213,14,15;  2Pet. 2:1,2,3; 3:17;  2Cor. 11:14,15;  1Cor. 10:12),
it's "springs of waters"/"wine" became the venom of vipers (Deut.29:18; 32:32,33) (winepress) (Rev.20:7; Job 3:8,9).

That "eye"/prophet/steward/flame, of Christ's Body/Congregation/lampstand, (1Cor. 12:21,27),
became darkened/"bad"/"sick" (Matt.6:23; Rom.1:21; Eph.4:18; John 12:40),
so that the "whole body"/congregation under that steward,
became "full of darkness"
(Luke 11:34,35,36; Rev.3:17,18; Matt.15:14; Isa.9:16; Eze.14:10)
(eye-salve) (pluck-out-eye) (walking-in-darkness-blind-leading-blind.html.)
[scriptures to show that the Body of Christ, is the congregation of holy ones/the church (Eph.5:23; Col.1:24).]



[See Rev.11:4 ( https://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/NTpdf/rev11.pdf )]
Rev.22:17; Matt.22:8,9,10; Isa.66:19,20,21,22,23

The "two witnesses" are all those gleaned from the last "two congregations", who accept the light granted to those last "two" prophets,
by hearing what the spirit of the prophets says to the congregation under/beside  it...
 (Rev.2:29; Matt.11:15,16,17; Mark 4:8,9,11)(Rev.1:20; 2:29; 22:6;  1Cor. 14:32,33; Rev.2:29)
...and who support that spirit of prophecy. How? By inviting all to share in the marriage feast (Matt.22:9; Rev.22:17)

So while primarily, the truth being expounded and declared is being accomplished by those congregations/lampstands;
the light they carry forth is coming from their "olive trees"/"stars"/flames/tongues of "fire" (Rev.11:5),
which those able to "hear", are supporting (Rev.22:17; Heb.6:10).



Therefore, anyone "hearing" and preaching truth in the time of the end, belongs to the "Two lampstands" / "Two Congregations" of holy ones, and any Gentiles who "hear" and choose to support the last "two" prophets/"stars"/"olive trees".

As a result, the work of the two prophets..."Moses and Elijah" (Matt.17:3),
is being carried forth throughout the earth, through those "two congregations"/"lampstands"
("two", meaning supports of truth -John 8:17).
~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The work of "Moses" preaches a release from captivity to "Egypt" (Rev.11:8), a testing in the wilderness outside the City, and a sorting/sifting out of those fit for the coming land of inheritance (1Cor. 10:5,6,11; Rom.15:4). During Moses' time, there is an attack by serpents, manna from heaven is received (Rev.2:17), a rock is split to provide water (Eze.36:25,26,27; John 7:38,39; Zech.3:8,9; Jer.5:1), and a sea is parted by the wind of spirit (Ex.14:21; Rev.16:12) (Rev.12:15; John 20:22; Luke 10:19; 21:15; Isa.54:17; 58:11,12), so that those fleeing can cross over to safety.

 

The work of "Elijah" preaches a restoration of the bond between God's elect,
and their Fathers (Matt.17:11; Luke 1:16,17; Isa.61:3,4; Mal.3:1,3,5,6). (elijah-turns-hearts)
Without the restoration of those bonds...
demonic teachings, cloudy eyes, lying hands, darkness, wormwood waters, sin, and death,
(1Tim. 4:1; Rev.16:14,15,16; 2:20; 13:11,15; Amos 5:18,20; Matt.24:29; Rev.9:2,3; Joel 2:2; Matt.24:21)
will take away all the "earth"/homeland of God 
(Dan.7:23; Rev.13:8,7; 12:9* Rev.20:7,8,9; Luke 21:20; Rev.13:4,6; Dan. 8:12; Jer.5:31; Amos 5:18; Hosea 4:6; Rev.2:23; Mark 13:14) 
(FLEE-WHERE?)
 [NOTE: *Rev.12:9 above should read "inhabited earth" instead of "world" (G3625)
                There is a certain distinction between God's earthly habitation (Matt.5:35; Ps.99:5) 
                and Satan's worldly habitation (1John 5:19;  2Cor.4:4; Eph.2:2]

This is why Jesus causes these "two witnesses" to prophesy (Rev.11:3),
for the sake of a late crop/remnant
(Rev.20:5; Amos 7:1; Rev.7:9,13,14; Isa.1:9; 65:8; 37:32; Mal.4:6; Ezra 9:8; Eze.14:22; Luke 13:23,24; Matt.24:22; 19:25,26; Isa.37:32) (second-resurrection),
which still contains a blessing 
(John 15:5; Matt.7:21,22,23; 25:11; Rev.14:19; Jer.2:21; Deut.32:32,33; Isa.65:8; 17:6; Joel 2:14) 
(John 15:4,5; Luke 21:36; 12:37; Prov.1:23).


Regarding Acts 13:46,47;
As is clear in Revelation; the majority of God's people fail God's final inspection of His nation 
(Luke 19:41,42; Rom.9:27; Rev.13:7,8).
The "marriage feast" is then open to all those "leaving the City", who accept the invitation and show due honor to their hosts. That invitation is extended to spiritual Gentiles (Rev.18:4; Matt.22:8,9,10; Rev.22:17; 19:9; 22:6).
("Jew" / "Gentile")
 

I hope that the spirit granted us, addresses your question about both the identity of the "two witnesses" that prophesy (Rev.11:3), to the "two lampstands"/"two congregations" under the "two prophets" whose traits are embodied in Moses and Elijah. (Rev.11:4; 1:20; Matt.17:3),
and the next post to follow, about "plucking out the 'eye' ".
As with all truth, they are related.
Love in Christ,
Pearl

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