God's Forgiveness

AN EXCERPT FROM A LETTER I RECEIVED:

Dear Pearl,
I know sins are forgiven, but how can I ask God what his will is for me when I have sinned so in my past - a sin I can barely live with?  I read of the woman washing Christ's feet with her tears and I shed tears for her (Luke 7:37,38).  I know how she feels; as a girl I was so messed up and under such an influence that it was extremely overpowering in my actions. I feel afraid to approach God.
I remembered your article on sin and will read it once again. 
I also was hoping that you would tell the story Obadiah was talking about at the "4woman" forum, something about you and a birdfeeder."

MY REPLY:

Hello again,

good morning

You say...

"how can I ask God what his will is for me when I have sinned so in my past - a sin I can barely live with?"

I am not saying that my own sin which I am going to talk about to you, is similar to the sin you refer to here; but I'm sure it corresponds in some ways, including "I was so messed up and under such an influence that it was extremely overpowering in my actions.".

Also to be kept in mind, is that although this particular sin of mine may not well compare to yours, other sins of mine, which are not a part of this story, likely do.

Coincidentally, the story you ask about is a good reply to your feelings about your past sin.

Here is the story Obadiah was referring to...

When I first aligned myself to the organization due to what I thought was God's direction, I still had foremost in my mind, the contact of Holy Spirit and the visions.
I had no idea how the two would fit together, but had a sense of patience. I figured that if God had both given me the visions, and had also directed me to the organization, that sooner or later, I would come to understand His will in His own time, and how both fit together.
I thought my only obligation, was to put faith in His direction, despite my ignorance.  
After about 35 years...I had as Jesus referred to, grown lukewarm. As a typical member of the Congregation, I had gotten used to the chasm between the endless stagnant routine, which was devoid of what I knew God's spirit to feel like. I had gotten used to waiting for it all to make sense, while I subjected myself to the elders and their injurious yoke. I had grown drowsy, and didn't realize that I had turned my back on spirit, despite the astonishing favor and grace it had shown me. I abandoned it, to learn from those who I knew was not the voice of my Lord.
But so much worse than all this....When I was rousing out of my stupor, I realized that I was an idolator!

Oh how long I had been estranged from my God! For me, it was most of my life. I still didn't know what the visions meant, but knew that whatever the wonderful purpose God had in mind when he gave me them,
I had betrayed it! I had in my ignorance, treated it with contempt. 
I thought about how the world and all life on it, is suffering while it waits for God's kingdom, and how the visions likely had significance in it's being accomplished.
How guilty I was, that I had cast aside God's will, and as a possible result, so many souls in the earth may have suffered and died unnecessarily.
How horrible to be called by God (due to my own begging for mercy and insight, along with a vow to give him my life),
and not keep my vow to serve only him!...after being shown such favor and grace...to just walk away and break my promise, in order to worship and obey, a loathsome abomination, set up as a counterfeit Temple! 
pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com

I know inside, that being shown those visions was not for nothing (Num.12:6; Eph.4:11,12).
(pearl-prophecycease.blogspot.com)
I knew it was all for a purpose, that I was shown them. Despite not yet understanding them, I knew that I had ignored that purpose,
and that this deserved death.
Was God done with me?
Had He chosen someone else more responsive and faithful, and entrusted them with what I had been given?
Did He still want me for anything at all? 

There was no scripture that I could turn to, which would tell me God's heart toward me personally! 

In my heart...I remembered back to that night of visions. I remembered how I had prayed just before they began. I remembered the grace of having God reply to me, and to even have spoken with Christ, and even to have been carried by him in flight, with my life completely in his hands, while he spoke his assurances in my ear.
Oh I wanted to rip my heart out. How could I have left him!?! 
I said a prayer. I lauded God for his past mercy toward me, that he should have heard the prayer of a sinner and responded with such treasures.
I asked him if he remembered my heart back then, and asked him to please look at it now.
Could he please see that I was blind and ignorant, and swept away in a deception more powerful than human discernment? 
If he answered so long ago, could he please answer again? 
I told him that if he was done with me, I certainly understand that, I deserved it. 
But I begged him to let me know if he was done. I thought, if he is done, then I know He will not forgive me of my lame sacrifices to Him. 

If he is not done, then I know I must return to seeking his guidance with all my soul, and I must get back on track and pick up where I left off so many years ago, and finally accomplish what I had been called for. 
I knew that the visions still had an unfulfilled purpose with me; and if God was not done with me...perhaps I could finally see their purpose through.
How would I know if God still wanted to use me?
How could I know if God still wanted me as His slave, after being an idolator? 

What then came to mind, was the account of Gideon and the fleece 

      (which Obadiah mentioned to Joe -         - http://4womaninthewildernessforum.yuku.com/topic/8/Possible-teaching-method#.UrRGtMRDuHg).

What also came to mind, was the doctrines of the org. which state that God does not answer prayers that way anymore.
Then I remembered God's statement, that He does not change. Why would he not answer? Certainly, he is able!
Why was that account of God answering Gideon in the Bible, if it is not to teach us?
And then I remembered John 16:23,24; 14:13,14;  1John 5:14. 

There Jesus promised, that anything we sincerely ask according to God's will, he will hear and give. 

Was it not God's will to discipline someone who asks for correction? I did not believe a loving God would not even reply to a heart sincerely asking for guidance regarding slaving for him (James 1:5,6).
So I decided, to ask in the same way outlined in the scriptures. I used Gideon's story as a guide. I knew I would have to choose a sign.
I would need to be cautious, because I knew that Satan could be close by, and watching.

Satan likely knew I had just woken up to the idolatry, because I spoke of it freely to Obadiah, even explaining my need for God's guidance.
I remembered how when Daniel prayed, the angelic messenger that bore his answer was restrained and delayed by Satanic forces.I didn't want anything to get in the way of a clear answer, so I took all this into consideration. I knew I needed to choose a sign carefully, so that Satan (being the masterful reader of human behavior), would not be able to guess it and manipulate it.
I decided it should involve something I did every day, because this would make it harder for Satan to identify.

Each day I would fill the bird feeder on my porch. As soon as I would open my front door each day, all the waiting birds would cause a great flurry as they took off.
Only after the feeder was full again, and I had gone back into the house, would they begin to gradually return. 
While I was praying about the details of the sign I sought, I felt a strong urge to have Obadiah witness what was about to happen. I think now, that perhaps our Father knew that Obadiah was on the fence (his daughters are the apple of his eye, and he knew the implications of where my faith was leading) and he needed to experience a testimony regarding truth. 

This was the sign I silently asked for:
When I go out on the porch, have all the birds remain where they are. Let them all stay put, until I choose one with my mind.
The moment I make up my mind about which bird I have chosen...have all the birds fly away, except that chosen one.
Then let me walk up to that bird and offer my open hand, and have the bird come to my hand. Let the bird stay in my hand at it's own will, until I pray that it fly away, and then let it fly away.
If you do this for me God, I will know that you still want me to be your slave. 

Well, I was nervous, because it was a tall order. What would I do if God didn't answer?
That thought was too horrible for me, imagining being so abandoned by God, that he refuses to hear your prayers!
Just before going out, I asked Obadiah to keep an eye on me through the window.

I opened the door quite tense, expecting the usual flurry.
Nothing. It felt quite odd, to have such timid creatures surround me without fear. I think I stopped breathing for the feeling of God's love.
Oh yes, I remembered, now I must choose one.
My mind scanned over so many, but as it did and moved on past the one I chose, I had chosen... one of the Goldfinches. 
Immediately, all flurried away except that one. My heart could hardly beat.
I walked up to the little bird and reached out my open palm. He immediately came and landed upon it.
Suddenly, a strong wind kicked up almost knocking me down, and yet to my surprise, the little bird grabbed my finger tightly instead of letting the wind startle him into flight. 
I was so touched by the lack of fear in this little soul, that I hunched over the railing and cupped my hands like a nest.
I petted the bird's head and talked to it, while it tilted its head and looked at me as if listening. I started to cry, and pray out loud to God, thanking him for his mercy and forgiveness. 
Well during this long prayer, that little bird just acted like my hand was his home. I did not hold him with any restriction. At all times he could freely move. 

Then I remembered Obadiah at the window. I turned to him to show him the bird in my hand. I could hear him say in a muffle...."What's wrong with the bird?"
I just smiled through my tears, and said, "Nothing!"
I went back to the railing and thanked the little bird, and I also thanked aloud any angel that might be nearby, though unseen, for helping me to receive our Father's message.
I said in my mind...."Okay Father, let him join the others now."
Immediately, and without prompting, the little bird fluttered out of my hand, and took off. 
I have no doubt in my heart that God once again answered my prayer.
Since then, I have had many such clear answers.
God will answer the prayers of the sincere, when they are genuinely seeking His will in their heart.
I have no doubt that our heavenly Father is so forgiving. And I have no doubt about what I have been called to do for Him. 
I hope these acts of God give you confidence in His Name,
and in His great forgiveness. 

Love in Christ,
Pearl

pearl-personalfile.blogspot.com

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The Muscle of the Beast

UPDATED

SOME QUESTIONS:

Hello Sister Pearl.

I hope this email finds you well. Before I get to my request, I just want to thank you so much for your continued posting on your web site. I refer to and look forward to your postings each day.

I suspect my tribulation within my congregation is heating up as I speak to more people and try to be mild and tactful as occasion or conversation requires me to respond to statements or question that I find not supported by scripture.

One such and ongoing issue which I was pulled into a meeting with 2 elders last night, is about a "publisher" application for someone I am conducting Bible studies with. He is currently employed by an charitable agency as a driver. He has a very strong desire to conduct door to door ministry. However, because they consider his employer an "interfaith" organization, he was informed a few months back that his choice of employment was an issue, and would essentially prevent him from being endorsed/authorized as worthy of preaching. He became disheartened and I have spent this time since to build back his spirit.

As a result of last night's discussion, I sense the focus has now shifted to me and ensuring I get "on the same page" which I myself question, given a number of scriptural examples that come to mind.

I can imagine how busy you must be and all the requests you likely receive so I would really appreciate a scriptural response, as to whether or not their objection is justified. 

They in no way question his zeal or motivation so to me seem to be "shutting up the Kindom" by their decision/commands of men. I would simply like to have a firmer scriptural footing one way or the other when I am next called on in this regard.

MY REPLY:

I see two needs in your first letter. The first is the need of your Bible student, who is new in association to scripture, and can easily be stumbled by the appearance of power and authority presented by the Organization. I will try to help you to deal with this. 

Second,

is the need of yourself. You are now entering a period of great test, and I want to be sure to be available to you if you feel the need. I will also try to help you to deal with your own tribulation.

With the help, mercy, and spirit of our God; both these needs will be addressed. I will take care of this second need, the next time I write to you.

It is my hope that you will use this reply to have a few Bible studies with this student, until the material (especially the scriptures) is covered.

To aid myself (My brain is mush), I will copy your original concern about your Bible study, just to help me to address it thoroughly. If you find anything confusing, or perhaps I made a typing error with a scripture, please let me know and ask.

I will color code the phrases and my responses below....

"One such and ongoing issue which I was pulled into a meeting with 2 elders last night about a "publisher" application for someone I am conducting Bible studies with. He is currently employed as a driver for a charitable agency. He has a very strong desire to conduct a door to door ministry. However, because they consider his employer an "interfaith" organization, he  was informed a few months back that his choice of employment was an issue, and would essentially prevent him from being endorsed/authorized as worthy of preaching. He became disheartened and I have spent this time since to build back his spirit. I would really appreciate your scripturally based feedback as to whether or not their objection is justified."

2 elders last night about a "publisher" application for someone

2Cor.1:24 reads,

"Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm."

Those who shepherd the flock, are told to do so by example (1Pet.5:3) so that if a lamb observes the beneficial spiritual results of such an example, they can choose themselves to imitate it (Heb.13:7). Note too at Heb.13:7, that these good examples who lead the flock, always guide by the Word of God, always teaching sheep that their faith must stand on the gospel of Christ (2Cor.4:5; 1Cor.15:1; 2Tim.1:13; John14:6; 6:63; Phil.2:16; 2Tim.3:16,17). The standing of our Faith and grace with God, is through obedience to Christ (Rom.5:1,2; Matt.7:24). This can not be replaced with obedience to any man (Rom.6:16; 1Cor.7:23; Gal.1:10; Col.3:24). A genuine under-shepherd of Christ will respect and teach this truth.

He is currently employed by a charitable agency as a driver

Since we have already established that we must be guided by scripture and the teachings of Christ when determining if this employment is acceptable to God, this is how we will proceed.

Of course we know that there is no scripture forbidding this, so we must look at the scriptures being presented by the elders that they are using to establish the principle they believe as applying to this situation. I assume that since they declare it "interfaith", they are pointing to 1Cor.10:21.

Verse 19 and 20 must also be considered, because the context clarifies that this is speaking of direct involvement with, and partaking of, spiritual provisions.

Much depends upon the conscience of the student. If he feels the work is spiritually defiled, then he should obey his weak conscience. By the same illustration of food at 1Cor.10:21, please consider Rom.14:14,20,22,23; and Titus1:15. The student must decide if his employment of supporting those who work for the poor (Luke11:41), is actually partaking in sacrifices to demons. 

Jesus made a good point, at John17:16...that a Christian should be no part of the world.

Does this command apply to your student's employment?

John17:15 reads;

"I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one."

Paul elaborated on what Jesus meant here, regarding our association with "the world" and how to deal with it, at 1Cor.5:9-12;

"9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges."

"not even to eat with such a person" which brings us full circle back to 1Cor.10:21.

Evidently "partaking of the table of demons" occurs among those who are "inside" the Congregation, who have known and tasted the salvation of God, but have betrayed that undeserved kindness (2Pet.2:20,21,22, Heb.6:4,6) by leaving the gospel of truth.

Clearly, we are not expected to cut all ties with the people of the world, despite their religious affiliation. As long as we are not participating with them in their worship, we hope that contact with us will draw them to God, just as Jesus preferred contact with sinners, even eating with them (Mark2:15,16,17). EVERY SINGLE PRODUCT AND SERVICE we receive in this world, involves "contact" with others who likely do not practice the one true faith. Clearly, according to John17:15 and 1Cor.5:10,12 we are not expected to remove ourselves from this association.

Is being a driver of a vehicle which delivers building materials or workers to a job site to help others have shelter a sharing in idolatry and a sacrifice to demons?
Consider Matt.22:36,37,38,39,40; Luke6:31; Rom.2:13,14,15.

In order to dedicate our life to God and be baptized as a symbol of repentance, we must desist from our own sin by means of obeying a good conscience

....not by means of desisting contact with sinners of the world.

In speaking of sins within the anointed congregation, Paul said,

"9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (1Cor.6:9-11)

In order to be "washed clean", we ourselves must desist from the sins listed here. These were their sins because these are the things they practiced. There is no mention here of having these sins, and being defiled by them, because someone else practiced them. (Eze.18:20; Jer.31:30; Rom.14:12; 2Cor.5:10). If we ourselves desist from sin, we are clean.

He has a very strong desire to conduct door to door ministry.

Although the Organization interprets Acts20:20 as meaning a public door-to-door witnessing to strangers, the context of Acts20:20 (as well as Rom.16:3,5; 1Cor.1:11; 16:19; Col.4:15; Phm1:2), proves otherwise. Those whom Paul is speaking to (about teaching them "house to house"), are the same ones he is speaking to in Acts20:18,19,20,28,34,36,37,38 and are those whom Paul knew well.

The "houses" where Paul went to teach, were Christian meeting places...Congregations...not the doorsteps of the public. They did not have church buildings or "Kingdom Halls" in the first Century. These Congregational groups met in the private homes of their fellow local members.

For those who were not yet associated with one of these groups, they could choose to listen when Paul and others taught "publicly" in market places, synagogues, etc.

OR

others would be directed to the "Living Stones" of the Holy Priesthood/God's Temple (Eph2:20,21,22; 1Pet.2:5,9) directly by Holy Spirit (Acts10:47,48) or the anointed would be sent by spirit to those of complete heart (2Chron.16:9; Acts8:26,29; Acts9:6,10,11).

This is not to say that a desire to preach and teach the truth is not required of anointed Christians and those who support them (Eze.33:6).

But that teaching must be truth, or else we stand condemned by God (James3:1; 1Tim.1:7; Matt.12:36,37). What is truth? Pontius Pilate asked Christ the same question (John18:38). Within that context, Jesus answered at John18:37...

"37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”

Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

Your student must carefully ask himself...
Is his desire is to preach the voice of Christ?
Or,
 the doctrines of the Organization? 
To preach Christ does not require the approval of men, nor may men forbid it (Acts4:20; 5:28,29; 1Tim.4:16). 
It is a command of Christ (Matt.28:19,20; 1Cor.9:16).

 they consider his employer an "interfaith" organization

The entire world is interfaith. The suit the elder is wearing (and that he paid them money for), the car he drives, the house he lives in, the food he eats, the doctor and hospital that care for him, the taxes he pays to support war...

it all involves interaction with those of other faiths, and even those who reject the very idea of God. (1Cor.5:9,10,12) 

To create laws and impose them on others, even when those laws are not in God's Word, violates 1Cor.4:6 and is in imitation of the Pharisees, whom God rejected (Matt.5:20; Luke11:46; 1John5:3; Matt.23:2,4,23,24,33,38).

It does not matter what "they consider". What matters is what God says, and seeking His approval. (Rom.2:29; John5:41,43,44; 12:43) 

Being "endorsed" or "authorized" by men, means nothing  (2Cor.3:1,5)

He was essentially disheartened 

Here it seems you have a man who desires to preach what he believes to be the truth he is learning. He likely knows the morality of the Bible and does not wish to be a hypocrite by practicing what he knows is wrong. And yet he has subjected himself to those who wish to enslave him to rules which are not in the Bible, and allow this proud but unfounded authority, to prevent him from obeying Christ (2Cor.11:20,3; Rom.1:25; Matt.23:13; Gal.1:10).

Why should he allow such wickedness to stumble and dishearten him, when his heart is being called by God due to his love of truth? God's blessing is within his reach. That is reason to rejoice! 

In the book of Revelation, we see a scenario described. 

At Rev.13:11, there is a false prophet, who endorses a collective "Beast" to control all provisions (spiritual) (Rev.13:15,16,17). No one may give (sell) or take (buy) anything (Rev.3:18; Isa.55:2; 2Cor.2:17; Matt.25:9), unless it is sanctioned by that Beast. That sanction is branded on the foreheads and hands of all those who are deceived into allowing their minds and actions to be controlled by the Beast. These are no longer slaves of God's laws (Deut.6:8; 11:18) but rather the Beast's doctrines (Rev.13:16; Matt.15:9; Rev.16:13,14,15). Christ tells us, that all these worshipers of the Beast (Rev.13:8), have become captives (Rev.13:10; Col.2:8), and are not written in his scroll of life (Rev.13:8).

We all must decide who we are going to be enslaved by.

Do we obey God as His slave? (Rom.6:16; Rev.7:3; 14:1),

Or, do we go along with the deceived (Rev.13:16,10), and obey empowered men?
Do not confuse the two. 

All those doing so, are going to perish (2Thess.2:3,4,8,9,10,11,12; Matt.24:15,16).

http://pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com/

To follow are three more links which I realize may not hit the bullseye exactly, but the info. is related to your question and the situation the Bible student is in.

http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/08/this-comment-was-given-by.html

http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/08/question-sister-pearl-nice-to-finally.html

http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-comment-was-left-hello-pearl-i-have.html

I also want to invite you to join us at the 4woman forum. It is for those who are awakening to the true identity of the Wild Beast today, and who are determined to be loyal to the God of our Salvation, even at the loss of the lives we knew. If you decide to join us, you will find a membership request at the site. The forum we are using is "Category One", "Public Forum".

http://4womaninthewildernessforum.yuku.com/forums/66/Public-Forum#.UrCnucRDuHg

If there is anything else I can do to help, please contact me.

Love,

Pearl

PS. I do realize that I only took care of your student this time.

I will respond to your own predicament when I write again...IF you (after reading this) still want me to. Please let me know...write to me, and tell me if you are interested in my continuing.

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"In God's Form"

UPDATED

A QUESTION:

Good day sister D
I was having a chat with a friend of mine about the trinity and he brought up Phil 2:6 and John 5:18. He said that he does not believe that the son and father are equal with authority but they are in form (deity).
How do you argue about the trinity doctrine with those scriptures in mind
Thanks,
Modise

MY REPLY:

Hello Modise,
It seems that your friend believes that although the father and son are equal in "form", they are not equal in authority.
It also seems (please correct me if I am wrong), that you believe that perhaps the father and son are not equal in "form".

It may help to define the Bible's definition of "form".
It seems reasonable to me, that I will first do a scriptural examination of the verses that come to mind in addition to the ones you site... and as a priority, come to an understanding of how the form of Christ compares to the form of God the Father.
Understanding these things is so that we are equipped to defend our scriptural faith when we are sincerely asked.
(1Pet.3:15)


First, John 5:18
It is important that we do not take John 5:18 out of context. If we do, it cannot be accurately understood.

John 5:17-19...
"17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”
18 Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner."

Lets start with verse 17...
"But Jesus answered them, 'My Father has been working until now, and I have been working'".

Here Jesus refers to God as his Father.
He stated the working of God and himself, in response to an objection to his working.
John 5:16 shows us that Jesus seemed to defy the law of the Sabbath. This undermined the authority of the religious leaders whom he was speaking to. As a result, "the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him".
When we "seek" something, we are eager to find it.
The Pharisees wanted to find a basis to kill Jesus.
They could not kill Jesus and make it appear just, simply because he defied the Sabbath, since Jesus accurately referred to David and the priests breaking such laws, and yet these were not condemned for it (Matt.12:2-3,4-5).

What did it mean to call God his Father? Did this mean that Jesus was himself claiming equality with God? Was this really a just and accurate basis to accuse Jesus of this claim? Did it make him guilty of blasphemy and deserving of death?
Well, consider what this same hypocritical group themselves said, at John 8:41 B...
"Then they said to Jesus, 'We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.'”.

Did this mean that the Pharisees were saying they were equal to God?
No, but rather they claimed they were obedient children of God who strove to imitate Him (1Pet.1:14-15,16; Eph.5:1; Luke 3:38).

It was the perverted justice of the Pharisees that twisted Christ's words at John 5:17, into two false charges of which they could accuse him (John 5:18)... that of breaking the sabbath, and of claiming equality with God. In fact, Jesus did neither. (Matt.12:2-3,4-5,6,8; John 14:28).
In fact, if we finish examining the context, Jesus himself tried to correct this misunderstanding which resulted from claiming God as his Father.
See the next verse...John 5:19...
"Then Jesus answered and said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.'"

Neither the scriptures nor Christ himself said that he was equal to God. In fact, he corrected their twisting of his words, by declaring that he was an obedient slave of God (just as they claimed to be)...unable to do anything without his Father's guidance. (John 5:19)
John 5:16,18 simply conveys the rationalizing of the Pharisees as they sought a way to kill Jesus, which rationalization, according to John 8:41 B, was complete hypocrisy on their part.

So when we read John 5:18, we should understand from the context, that Jesus was not declaring himself equal to God, but rather;
this verse conveys to us the fabrication of the Jews, as they sought a basis to accuse, charge, and kill Jesus.
John 5:18 is not a quote of Christ.

In claiming God as Father, the true meaning behind these words of Christ is only enforced by your other cited scripture and it's context....

Phil.2:5-8...
"5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not deem himself worthy of snatching equality with God, 7 but emptied Himself and took the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of humans. 8 And being found himself in human design, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of impalement."

What is "the form of God"?
John 4:24 tells us...
"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
Was the "Word" spirit (John 1:1)? Yes. It was not until he "became flesh" (John 1:14) and "took the form of men" that he "emptied himself" of being this great spirit being.

The Bible teaches us that all things were made according to their own kind. All seeds grow into the kind from which they came.(Gen.1:11-12,21,24-25).
When it came to the creation of Adam, (Gen.1:26-27; Luke 3:38) this man who was originally perfect and without sin, was declared to be created in the image of God.
This could not be a physical resemblance, because we know that God is a spirit. Perfect men therefore, are in God's spiritual image.
Does this mean that we must be equal to God?
No. So we see that spiritual resemblance is not necessarily spiritual equality.

A resemblance is a likeness, but the same form is the same substance.
Neither necessarily mean equality.
A half glass of water is the same substance as a lake.
A child can share a likeness with his father.

If we were Adam, and we knew we had been made in God's image,
would we assume we were equal to God?
Let's return to Phil.2:5,6...
"5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not deem himself worthy of snatching equality with God".

If we were to compare the various "forms" found in God's creation, we can illustrate this.
There was the form of plant-life, the form of birds, the form of fish, the form of animals, and the form of mankind.
Does a new-born child exists in the form of a plant, a bird, a fish, a cat or other animal?
No. He exists in the form of his father. Does this necessitate that he is in all ways, equal to his father?

The "Word" existed in God's form. Both are spirit. But of all spirits, the "Word" bore the closest resemblance to the Father, because he directly came from God as God's only-begotten son (John 3:16; 1:14,18). The rest of living creation came through this only-begotten Son (John 1:3,10; Col.1:16; Heb.1:2) at God's command (Heb.11:3; Gen.1:26).

This can compare to an only son of a man, who then takes the life his father gave him, and proceeds to have his own sons who are like grandchildren to the first father. The first son most closely resembles the first father. Yet the first son could not have children, if it were not for the power of life he received from his own father.
Naturally,
a son bears the form of his father. This is even true of faithful Chosen (Rom.8:14; Matt.5:44-45,48; Rom.8:14-15,16-17,18-19,23; 9:8,26; John 1:12; Gal.3:26) once they are sealed as sons of God, and unseen to human eyes, become born as spirit (Rom.8:9,11; 7:5; 5:24;  1Pet.1:23;  1Cor.15:50). If the faithful chosen who walk according to the spirit of God, are then considered His sons, does this also make them equal to God?
True,
once sealed, they will exist "in God's form" of spirit
(Rom.8:9; 6:5;  1Cor.15:39-40,41-42,43-44,45-46,47-48,49,53;  1John 3:2; Ps.82:6; John 10:34-35).
But they, like Christ, are obedient slaves of God (Heb.5:8; Rom.6:17-18; Rev.7:3-4; 22:3-4;  1Cor.15:27-28). Like Christ, they can possess flesh along with spirit (1Pet.3:18;  1Cor.15:4-5,6-7,8; Acts 1:3)
"A slave is not greater than his master" (Matt.10:24). We can only strive to learn to be like our Master (Luke 6:40; John 5:19). Even those who accomplish this (1Cor.2:16), will still be ruled over by that Master (Rev.19:16; 1:5-6; Phil.2:9-10,11).
So although Christ existed in both...
 the form of God, and the form of mankind,
this comparison has nothing to do with an actual equality with either.

God is eternally and unchangeably Almighty God (James 1:17; Psalm 90:2; Mal.3:6 A).
Not so with Christ (Phil.2:7).
So when your friend says that God and Christ are "equal in form"...
this is both right and wrong.
Yes, the "Word", and the glorified Christ share the same spirit form as God, but they are not equal spirits. But your friend is also correct...that this does not mean that they have the same authority, because even after all things are made subject to Christ, God is not made subject to Christ, but rather, Christ remains subject to God. (1Cor.15:27-28)
Even the perfect "Son of (perfect) man" Jesus (like Adam), resembled God (1Cor.15:45; Dan.7:13; Matt.12:8; Col.2:9-10), and yet, just as he himself stated, he was not equal to God (John 10:29; 14:28).

Just as a son can exist in his father's form
(as is the case with Christ and the 144000) (spirit)
this does not include equality.

Regarding the "deity" of Christ...
If you are thinking that Christ should not be worshiped, and therefore does not share this sort of deity with God, this link may prove of interest:
4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/11/hi-pearl-in-third-paragraph-of-this.html

I hope that both contexts...
that of the surrounding verses,
and that of the Bible,
helps to clarify the proper and accurate application of your two cited scriptures.
I also hope that it prepares you to reply to the question of your friend,
so that you can give him a scriptural basis for your faith.

Love in Christ,
Pearl

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The "Good News"

Question:
How can Matt.24:14 have a spiritual fulfillment?
How are these "nations" the same as Matt.24:6,7?

Reply:
First, let me state that I do not know this answer completely, but I will give you what I now have.

"All the inhabited earth"...
[literal Greek "being homed" (John14:23; Rom.8:9; Ps.27:4; 1Cor.3:16; 6:19; Ps.23:6; 26:8; Eph.2:19). Some translate as Matt.24:14 as "world" ("cosmos" in Greek) which is not the Greek word used there)]
The "inhabited home" refers to those who are unsealed, but are God's chosen people. Please read Jer.25:29,30. When God is referring to His whole People, He refers to them as His "filled home"/ translated, "all the inhabited earth". When He performs His will against this group, it is always His people...not Satan's entire "world" which are totally under Satan's control (1John5:19). When Jer.25:29,30 was fulfilled, it was fulfilled only with the Jews...not with the whole world.

A brief comparison of three scriptures also helps to show what is meant by Rev.14:3
"They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth."
If "earth" really is Revelation's symbol for the home of God....His spiritual Temple, then we can expect that there would be a scripture to tell us, that not only were the 144000 "redeemed"/bought/sealed from the "earth"...
there would also be a scripture to tell us that they were taken from God's chosen people specifically.
We find this comparison, at Rev.7:4
"And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed."

Regarding Matt.24:6,7;
When I read "nation against nation"; I think of 1Cor.1:12 and 1Cor.3:3,4,5.
False Prophets usually have a following, even if only within the thinking of those who are writing their opinions, and adding to all the chatter and confusion on all the forums.
Without judging true from false prophets...
The "nation" of Robert King, the GB, and "Perimeno" are very distinct. If their "following" is not based upon the scriptures and truth of Christ, their followers do not belong to Christ,
but rather they are a nation, under a king.
At least, this is the possible application I suspect.
Note again, that Matt.24:6 says that these "wars" "must take place".
Spiritual war, is necessary (1Cor.11:18,19; Matt.18:7)
(see pearl-sign.blogspot.com)

I also think about JW's as a spiritual "nation", contending with who they think is "Babylon the Great"...all other religions. All these creeds are not united into one, because their doctrines conflict ("nation against nation").
God's chosen and faithful priesthood, is even called a spiritual "nation" (1Pet.2:9; Phil.3:20).

I know from experience, that "kingdom against kingdom" may more aptly describe what occurs when two anointed of differing views contend directly with one another, such as happened multiple times with me. During such "discussions" there are those who are observing what transpires and what results. A sort of, "Who won?" sort of interest.

There is also the possibility, that "all the Nations" actually could refer to the physical nature of the Chosen, if Rev.5:9,10; 7:9,14; Gen.17:4; Gal.3:29 and Acts 10:35 are considered. I am sure that this good news, is primarily for the Chosen to hear, so that they can have their opportunity to repent and become sealed under the right Master (2Cor.11:2,3,4; Rom.7:23; 6:16; 1Cor.7:23; Gal.1:10; 1Pet.3:15; 2Pet.2:20). God has promised to give the captive Chosen ones this opportunity to be gathered and receive life, and that promise will be kept (Eze.36:24; 20:34; Jer.32:37,38; 24:7; Deut.30:3; Ps.106:47; Matt.24:31,28; Isa.1:9,26; 10:20; 62:1; 46:13; 26:2; Rev.22:14; Matt.7:14; Isa.52:10; 49:24,26,25; Rev.13:10,7; 9:13,14). This gathering is illustrated as the "harvest" (Matt.13:39). Although this harvest for life culminates at the end of the age, chosen "wheat" have been gathered into Christ's "storehouse" since the first century (John4:35,36).

I have observed repeatedly, that when the scriptures are teaching about the Chosen, their role as spiritual "Jews" (God's chosen nation) is always balanced with their physical source as being all nations (Acts 15:14,17; Gen.17:4; Gal.3:29). (Most obvious at Rev.7:4,9; Gal.3:28,29; Rom.2:28,29). This impresses upon us that God is no longer partial to a particular physical nationality (Acts 10:34,35,45).

Stating this trait of spiritual "Jew", as physical Gentile, serves to emphasize God's mercy to, and acceptance of all people as equal, and the opportunity of proving a faithful Chosen slave, to all...regardless of their fleshly nationality.

Yet at the same time, the distinction of spiritual nationality (Chosen Jew/priest, from spiritual Gentile/foreigner -Rev.11:2; Luke21:24) must be emphasized, because this distinguishes those who have God's calling, from those who don't.
This can be very confusing, because of the same groups having different meanings, depending upon whether they are being referred to physically, or spiritually.
(More info: http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-is-jew-what-is-gentile-answers-to.html)

Now to attempt to make my reply clear...

To clarify, God's people (1Pet.2:9,10; Jer.32:37,38; 31:33; Eze.37:27,23; 2Cor.6:16; Heb.8:10,12; Jer.31:10,11) are His priesthood. I believe that the "earth" are God's people (Jer.25:29,30)...the unsealed Chosen ones, the "inhabited earth"/Jew/Israel, according to many scriptures, including this previous list. The inhabited earth are the "tribes of Israel" mentioned at Rev.7:4, where God has made His earthly abode (John14:23).

"As a witness to all the nations" may mean that while "God's people" ("earth") are receiving the final witness, those in their company...
("all nations" See Rev.11:8,9,10 -Only JW's can fulfill this prophecy of "viewing" the disfellowshipped faithful and sharing in their condemnation)
...also are given this witness.
When all JW's know that there is a campaign to reach the Chosen inside; they will have received a witness that God indeed did do this, and that those invited were indeed warned and invited to repent and accept redemption.
This also gives "all the nations" in the company of "Jews" ("inhabited earth"), a choice;
once they understand the idea that there is an issue of unfaithfulness among the chosen, and that they must choose who to accept and learn from; according to all the many prophecies which describe the existence of both faithful and unfaithful slaves
(and the possibility of a faithful or wicked steward -Luke12:42,45,46).

"Inhabited" earth, means that the spiritual "earth" (2Pet.3:7; 1Pet.4:17) is then filled with inhabitants (Gen.1:28; 1Cor.15:45; 1Pet.1:23; 2Pet.3:13).
So the preaching is directed to the unsealed Chosen (filled earth -Eph.1:10); but as a result, all their companions (the nations -Zech.8:22,23; Zeph.3:19; 1Cor.14:24,25) will also be exposed to this testimony and opportunity.

The "Good news", is that God has made provision to finally establish the kingdom, through Christ's ransom redemption (Rev.18:4; Isa.48:20; 44:23; 43:1,2,4; Rev.12:15,16; Jer.31:11,12; 17:8; Rev.22:1,2,3; Isa.51:11; Jer.50:34; 15:21; Rev.9:5,6,10), and the forgiveness this provides those who were imprisoned in Satan's dark abyss of deception and death (Rev.2:10; 13:10,7; 9:2,3; Ps.18:16,17; 30:3; Isa.38:17; Ps.86:13,14; 2Thess.2:4; Isa.49:14,15,16,17,18,19,20; Rev.20:10), which scattered the Chosen to a foreign land among spiritual Gentiles (Jer.9:16; Eze.22:15; 5:12; Rev.9:18; Zech.13:9; Mal.3:3; Rev.3:18) and isolated them from their spirit brothers, and from their spirit fathers (Christ and YHWH -Isa.9:6; Mal.1:6; Phil.2:15). God demands that this breach be remedied (Mal.4:5,6; Luke1:17; Matt.17:11,3)

The good news that the remnant of conquered, trampled captives, are redeemed (Rev.13:7,10; Luke21:24; Col.2:8)(Isa.43:28,1; 48:20).

Link: the-good-news-What-is-it?-Who-is-it-for?

Due to the Great Tribulation of Satan's deceptions (via the false prophet and it's Gentile wild beast -Rev.13:11,14,7,8; 16:13,14,15; 1Tim.4:1; Matt.24:21,22,23,24,25,9; Luke13:23,24; Matt.7:14; Rom.9:27; Jer.44:14; Joel2:32; Isa.10:20; Rev.11:7; John16:2) "Jacob"/Israel has fallen into idolatry and spiritual fornication (Rev.1:20; 3:1,2; 2:14,20,21,22; 1:5; 17:2; 1Tim.4:1; Luke21:36; Matt.24:22,13). They need redemption, cleansing, discipline, and refinement. Only a few will accept redemption and be saved, because God will cut the days of deception short, for those who have found favor with Him (Isa.42:7,8; Rev.20:12; Isa.29:18; 49:9; Acts26:18; Isa.42:15,16,17; Luke1:78,79; 2Pet.1:19; Rev.22:16; Zech.4:9,7).

God will gather them again (rescuing them from the power of the Abyss), through this good news... which declares that God has made provision to forgive the repentant of their idolatry and spiritual fornication, if only they accept the provision to make their scarlet sins, as white as snow (Isa.1:18; Micah 4:3; Rev.17:3,4; 6:9,11).
Those who are beyond repentance and refuse, will be abandoned (Matt.24:40; 1Chron.28:9; Jer.3:3; 5:24; 6:15; 9:12; 23:10,16,22; Eze.16:29,30; Isa.3:9), just as the physical Temple in Jerusalem was (Matt.23:37,38; 1Cor.6:19,20,15,16; Rev.17:1,2; Rom.6:13). Symbolic "Sodom" exists in the time of the end also (Rev.11:8).

Satan's world does not have to be given a witness. They are not in association with the Christ or his chosen branches, nor do they care to be or care to know (John6:37,65; 3:27; 2Thess.1:8). They are already in the realm of the dead (Rom.5:12,17). God is judge of these (1Cor.5:12,13). Those who teeter on the boundary of life and death are the ones God is warning...those "leaving the City" (Matt.22:8,9,10; Rev.19:9)
            (For fuller understanding of Matt.22:9; see last comment below this post)
as well as those who claim dedication to YHWH in association with his chosen priests.

Should these heed the final herald, repent, choose and receive the faithful priests and true prophets, they will receive a reward (Matt.10:40,41,42; John13:20; Matt.10:16; John15:16; Matt.7:20). If they choose the wicked and false (Matt.7:15,16; 24:4,5,24,25; Jer.23:32,21), they will suffer the consequences, which the Bible defines as "perishing" (2Cor.4:2,3,4; 2Thess.2:10). We are forewarned in prophecy that few accept God's final provision of life.

So in conclusion, I think you are accurate to state that JW's are included in the "Nations" that receive a witness (Also included are those who witness this testimony to the Chosen, who have left JW's).
But the testimony is still primarily directed toward the unsealed Chosen (Matt.25:1,6) who are central to, if not completely, "the inhabited earth" (Jer.25:29,30).

Matt.24:14 [Not literally the "world" (Greek-kosmos), but "filled home" (Greek used -oikoumenē),
                    meaning as in Acts17:6; Rom.10:18; 8:9; John14:23; Rev.3:10; (Luke22:31)
                    Rev.6:10; 11:10; 13:8,14; 17:8]
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed in the whole inhabited earth for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." (DARBY; LEB; NWT)

 Isa.48:20; Rev.18:4; Isa.43:1; 44:22; Jer.51:6,45; Isa.52:11; 2Cor.6:17

( See: "'World', 'Earth', 'Home'" )

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Unseal the Scroll

A QUESTION

Please explain this comment within your blog Introduction...
"We live during a time of revelation. Unheard of things are newly becoming unveiled."

MY REPLY:

By saying, "We live during a time of revelation. Unheard of things are newly becoming unveiled.";
I am referring to the fulfillment of Rev.20:12. (Luke 24:32,44-45; Acts 16:14; Ps.119:18)

https://pearl-newscrolls.blogspot.com
All those alive in the time of the end will be judged according to the "opened" understanding of the scrolls. Those scrolls are the Bible and teaching of Jesus (Jer.23:29; Jer.5:14NIV ; Rev.11:5; John12:48). That time of opened scrolls, is also the time Paul referred to at 1Cor.13:10; Daniel refers to it at Dan.12:2,3,9,10; 2:34,44; and Isaiah, at Isa.2:2-3; Ps.119:18;
...only this time, "the mountain of the house of the Lord" will not be Satan's counterfeit "Mountain" (Zech.4:7; Mark11:23; Rev.8:8). It will be Zion... the genuine Kingdom administration of God.

(YHVHs-genuine-mountain)
--("Two Mountains")
----("Can the 'Watchtower' Crumble?")

That time of Revelation, which starts out gradually, with just one sealed "stone" (deeply consider the foregoing scriptures) along with (Zech.4:7; 1Pet.2:5; Eph.2:19,20,21,22; Zech.4:6,9,7,10,11,12,14; Rev.11:4,3,5; Jer.5:14NIV ; Jer.23:29; 2Pet.3:5,7,10,12; Rev.20:9,10,14; 5:6; Eze.29:21; Zech.4:9).
[seven stones/pillars, are horns, are kings (Rev.3:12; Prov.9:1; Rev.5:6; 17:12) etc.]
Your answer is within these scriptures, which I deeply hope you will consider carefully. Though their secret is deep, it is so precious and of great value.

When before was the accurate identity of "Babylon the Great" finally known as the "mother" "covenant with death" mentioned at Isa.28:15? (Rev.17:5)
When before were the harlot daughters of that "mother" truly identified?
When before was the prophetic role of "locust-scorpions" fulfilled and exposed?
When before was the "man of lawlessness" accurately "revealed" (2Thess.2:3,4,8) as the Gentile wild beast of Revelation, and at the same time, the individual members of that Beast...being the locust-scorpions of Rev.9:3?
When before was Jesus' illustration of "labor pains" (Mark13:4,8; Rev.12:2), accurately understood as not being a Satanic fabrication within Satan's world (1John5:19)? Or, the identity of the "Woman" in Rev.12:2, as a "mother" covenant with life (Gal.4:24,26), and upon earth, this being fulfilled in those who are already sealed (Promise fulfilled for/by them) into that covenant? (Gal.4:19; John16:20,21,33; Rev.12:6,14)

Even the connections between the above scriptures, has not been recognized until now.
This opens the door to understanding all the prophets of scripture accurately,
as well as how they all apply to the end of all things (1Pet.4:7; 1John2:17; 2Pet.3:11; 1Cor.10:11,12),
which is now,
and is the beginning of all things to come.
The visions I was shown, were not for nothing.
Our physical eyes see nothing.
To have our eyes opened to the spiritual realm, is to see everything.
Please let me know what you get out of all these previously cited scriptures.

John...the recorder of the scroll of Revelation, was told;
"Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near." (Rev.22:10).
Jesus himself opens the seven seals of this scroll (Rev.5:5) and gives that information to his final prophets (John15:15; Rev.1:1; 11:3; 19:10; Amos3:7; Num.12:6; Rev.10:7; 1Cor.12:28,29)

For background information of the assertions stated within this post...
please consider:
pearl-newscrolls.blogspot.com
-pearl-prophecycease.blogspot.com
--pearl-anillustration.blogspot.com
---pearl-thewoman.blogspot.com
----pearl-laborpains.blogspot.com
-----pearl-kingsofearth.blogspot.com

Here are helpful search results:

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/search?q=Babylon+the+Great

and

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/search?q=seven+seals

FOLLOW UP Question:

Something that dawned on me after reading your reply, is that when there is a sealed member of the kingdom on earth, then the Kingdom is on earth. I've never thought of it like that. It doesn't mean the Kingdom is FULLY established with all members born into it. But if someone is sealed/born into it, then they are true are representatives of it.
 Of course this ties in with Jesus mentioning "how we treat his brothers" because they represent the Kingdom. You are accepting the Kingdom or not via its members (John 13:20). "The kingdom of God is in your midst"..literally, if the chosen one is faithfully sealed.

REPLY:

That's what Jesus meant when he said "the kingdom of heaven is in your midst" (Luke17:21,20).

Heaven is not a physical place! It is impossible for people to understand that, unless the Father grants it, and I am so happy to see you perceive it!

The sealed members being on earth, is what Rev.12:13 is trying to tell us. This is why the "mother" of the "child"/"son", is seen BOTH in heaven (Rev.12:1) and on earth (after the "birth" Rev.12:13; John3:5). The "mother" of the chosen anointed, are the faithfully sealed anointed (The New Covenant). They become the covenant that was promised to them (Gal.4:28,26,24; Rom.9:8; Eph.2:6; John13:20).

Understanding the Bride of Christ, is very deep.

She represents the Covenant on earth, in each sealed one (her "daughters" -Zeph.3:14; Gal.4:26,24; Mal.2:5); 

just like the harlot daughters  (Ps.137:8) represent their mother covenant (Rev.17:5; Isa.28:15).

The kingdom of God will not be fully established, 

                       [which is the arrival of the "Kingdom of God"

                         ...not the kingdom of Christ and the sealed ones, 

                             which is now.] 

                       The kingdom of God (which Jesus taught us to pray for) 

                       does not come until all enemies of Christ are subdued. 

                       (Ps.110:1,2; 1Cor.15:25; Eph.1:10) by means of Christ and his sealed co-rulers.)

...until the Tent of God is completed, by the installation of the "capstone".

(Zech.4:7,9,11,12,13,14; Rev.11:4,3; 1Pet.2:5; Eph.2:20,21,22)

Do you know that Holy Spirit showed you that?

You are doing great, my friend (Matt.13:11; 19:11; Luke8:10; John6:65; 14:21,6).

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