A rare find

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=100 BGCOLOR="#CCCCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="04000640egdysm.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Arial" ><B>Church of God, In Truth</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><B>   |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church of God, In Truth"><U><B>home</B></U></A><B> | </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Edification Articles"><U><B>Up Level</B></U></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id294.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Called to be A Kingdom of Priests"><U>Called to be "A Kingdom of Priests"</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id293.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Sprit of Truth vs the Sprit of decep"><U>The Sprit of Truth vs the Sprit of deception</U></A>   |   A rare find   |   <A HREF="id289.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Focus on God"><U>Focus on God</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id288.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Nation must Honor God"><U>A Nation must Honor God</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id286.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What is Faith?"><U>What is Faith?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id285.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Abrahams family"><U>Abraham's family</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id284.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Women of the Bible"><U>Women of the Bible</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id279.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="How important are Gods Holy days to you?"><U>How important are God's Holy days to you??</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id278.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="I am the resurrection and the live"><U>I am the resurrection and the live</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id259.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Man made traditions have infirtrated God"><U>Man made traditions have infirtrated God's church</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id258.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="How to cope with todays realities"><U>How to cope with today's realities</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id257.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Trials and discouragement"><U>Trials and discouragement</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id256.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Love and defend Gods truth"><U>Love and defend God's truth</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id248.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Roadmap to peace"><U>Roadmap to peace</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id252.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fear"><U>Fear</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id251.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Differing Opinions"><U>Differing Opinions</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id250.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Are you a Profitable Servant?"><U>Are you a Profitable Servant?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id249.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Roadmap to peace"><U>Roadmap to peace</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id247.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Listen to God"><U>Listen to God</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id246.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Remember the Sabbath to kepp it holy"><U>Remember the Sabbath to kepp it holy</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id244.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="MANS TRADITIONS VS. CHRISTS TEACHINGS"><U>MAN'S TRADITIONS VS. CHRIST'S TEACHINGS</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id241.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Following the footprints of Christ"><U>Following the footprints of Christ</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id240.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Angels?"><U>Angels?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id232.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Alabaster Box"><U>The Alabaster Box</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id218.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="War and Peace"><U>War and Peace</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id217.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spiritual winers AND spritual losers"><U>Spiritual winers AND spritual losers</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id213.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Americas Lawless Spirit"><U>America's Lawless Spirit</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id212.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Satans Snare"><U>Satan's Snare</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id176.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Life Comes From:"><U>Life Comes From:</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id174.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Examine for Passover"><U>Examine for Passover</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id112.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Wave Sheaf, And the Importance of Su"><U>The Wave Sheaf, And the Importance of Sunday</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id113.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Points To Ponder!"><U>Points To Ponder!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id114.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What Price Unity?"><U>What Price Unity?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id115.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="New Moon New Month!"><U>New Moon - New Month!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id116.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods Creation ... His Silent Gospel!"><U>God's Creation ... His Silent Gospel!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id117.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Who or What is Elijah?"><U>Who or What is Elijah?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id118.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Who are the Three Beasts of Daniel 7?"><U>Who are the Three Beasts of Daniel 7?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id119.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Watching the Signs! ... News"><U>Watching the Signs! ... News</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id120.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Anointing All with Oil?"><U>Anointing "All" with Oil?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id121.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Where is Your Faith? In God, or in the O"><U>Where is Your Faith? In God, or in the Oil?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id122.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tradition or Gods Word?"><U>Tradition or God's Word?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id123.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What was the Korah Thinking?"><U>What was the Korah Thinking?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id124.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Are You a Blue Angel?"><U>Are You a Blue Angel?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id125.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Passover: Beginning or End of Fourteenth"><U>Passover: Beginning or End of Fourteenth</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id126.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Passover or Lamb?"><U>Passover or Lamb?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id127.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Scriptural Definition of Apostasy"><U>Scriptural Definition of "Apostasy"</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id128.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="True Conjunction vesus Molad"><U>True Conjunction vesus Molad</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id129.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Hebrew Language"><U>The Hebrew Language</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id130.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Brief History of Judaism"><U>A Brief History of Judaism</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id131.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judaism is not the Religion of the Old T"><U>Judaism is not the Religion of the Old Testament</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id132.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Let it be seen"><U>Let it be seen</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id133.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Whos Command?"><U>Who's Command?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id134.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What is the Abomination that Causes Deso"><U>What is the Abomination that Causes Desolation?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id135.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Are You Begotten? Born Again? Confused?"><U>Are You Begotten? Born Again? Confused?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id136.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Why Calculate Time fro Jerusalem?"><U>Why Calculate Time fro Jerusalem?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id137.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Are we pure in Heart?"><U>Are we pure in Heart?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id138.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Dark Moon"><U>Dark Moon</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id140.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Prophet Jonah"><U>The Prophet Jonah</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id142.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Two can be One"><U>Two can be One</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id144.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fishers! Hunters! Watchers!"><U>Fishers! Hunters! Watchers!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id145.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="True Conversion"><U>True Conversion</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id146.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Petra!"><U>Petra!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id147.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fear, The Pit and a Snare"><U>Fear, The Pit and a Snare</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id148.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Five Foolish Virgins"><U>Five Foolish Virgins</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id149.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="One Hour"><U>One Hour</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id150.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="7Steps to DisasterLessons from the Titan"><U>7-Steps to Disaster-Lessons from the Titanic</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id151.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods Appointed Curriculum for Mankind"><U>God's Appointed "Curriculum" for Mankind</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id152.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="An Army of Chosen"><U>An Army of Chosen</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id153.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kingdom of Priests"><U>Kingdom of Priests</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id154.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Jewish Roots?"><U>Jewish Roots?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id155.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Galatians CoverUp Part Series"><U>Galatians "Cover-Up" Part Series</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id160.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What does it mean to be sealed?"><U>What does it mean to be sealed?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id161.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods Awesome Power"><U>God's Awesome Power</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id162.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods Divine Laws Part 1"><U>God's Divine Laws - Part 1</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id163.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Will God Bind Error?"><U>Will God Bind Error?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id164.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods Divine Laws Part 2"><U>God's Divine Laws - Part 2</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id165.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="17th Restored Truth Fact or Fiction?"><U>17th Restored Truth - Fact or Fiction?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id166.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Just what do you mean ... the MEAN?"><U>Just what do you mean ... the MEAN?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id167.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Harmony in Gods Creation"><U>Harmony in God's Creation</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id168.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sign of the True Church! "><U>Sign of the True Church! </U></A>   |   <A HREF="id179.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Temples of God"><U>Temples of God</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id181.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Way of Life"><U>The Way  of Life</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id182.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Why we must fast?"><U>Why we must fast?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id183.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Jesus Christ"><U>Jesus Christ</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id189.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Exploring the two Churches of Revelation"><U>Exploring the "two Churches" of Revelation 12</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id190.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resisting Gods Authority!"><U>Resisting God's Authority!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id194.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Building a Dream of the Kingdom of God"><U>Building a Dream of the Kingdom of God</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id196.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Blistering Warning"><U>Blistering Warning</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id197.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Three aspects of the gospel"><U>Three aspects of the gospel</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id200.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Elijahs voice message!"><U>Elijah's voice message!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id205.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Time to Probe and Test"><U>Time to Probe and Test</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id206.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Write it in a Book"><U>Write it in a Book</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id208.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The first shall be last, the last shall "><U>The first shall be last, the last shall be first</U></A></div> <div>    |   <A HREF="id223.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Keep the Sabbath Holy"><U>Keep the Sabbath Holy</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id224.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Lagging Behind"><U>Lagging Behind</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id229.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gratitude Toward God"><U>Gratitude Toward God</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id233.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What is Truth?"><U>What is Truth?</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#0000BF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <B>Church of God, In Truth</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id294.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Called to be A Kingdom of Priests"><U>Called to be "A Kingdom of Priests"</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id293.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Sprit of Truth vs the Sprit of decep"><U>The Sprit of Truth vs the Sprit of deception</U></A></div> <div> <B>A rare find</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id289.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Focus on God"><U>Focus on God</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id288.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Nation must Honor God"><U>A Nation must Honor God</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id286.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What is Faith?"><U>What is Faith?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id285.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Abrahams family"><U>Abraham's family</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id284.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Women of the Bible"><U>Women of the Bible</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id279.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="How important are Gods Holy days to you?"><U>How important are God's Holy days to you??</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id278.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="I am the resurrection and the live"><U>I am the resurrection and the live</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id259.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Man made traditions have infirtrated God"><U>Man made traditions have infirtrated God's church</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id258.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="How to cope with todays realities"><U>How to cope with today's realities</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id257.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Trials and discouragement"><U>Trials and discouragement</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id256.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Love and defend Gods truth"><U>Love and defend God's truth</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id248.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Roadmap to peace"><U>Roadmap to peace</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id252.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fear"><U>Fear</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id251.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Differing Opinions"><U>Differing Opinions</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id250.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Are you a Profitable Servant?"><U>Are you a Profitable Servant?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id249.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Roadmap to peace"><U>Roadmap to peace</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id247.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Listen to God"><U>Listen to God</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id246.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Remember the Sabbath to kepp it holy"><U>Remember the Sabbath to kepp it holy</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id244.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="MANS TRADITIONS VS. CHRISTS TEACHINGS"><U>MAN'S TRADITIONS VS. CHRIST'S TEACHINGS</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id241.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Following the footprints of Christ"><U>Following the footprints of Christ</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id240.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Angels?"><U>Angels?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id232.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Alabaster Box"><U>The Alabaster Box</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id218.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="War and Peace"><U>War and Peace</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id217.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spiritual winers AND spritual losers"><U>Spiritual winers AND spritual losers</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id213.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Americas Lawless Spirit"><U>America's Lawless Spirit</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id212.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Satans Snare"><U>Satan's Snare</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id176.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Life Comes From:"><U>Life Comes From:</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id174.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Examine for Passover"><U>Examine for Passover</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id112.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Wave Sheaf, And the Importance of Su"><U>The Wave Sheaf, And the Importance of Sunday</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id113.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Points To Ponder!"><U>Points To Ponder!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id114.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What Price Unity?"><U>What Price Unity?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id115.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="New Moon New Month!"><U>New Moon - New Month!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id116.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods Creation ... His Silent Gospel!"><U>God's Creation ... His Silent Gospel!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id117.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Who or What is Elijah?"><U>Who or What is Elijah?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id118.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Who are the Three Beasts of Daniel 7?"><U>Who are the Three Beasts of Daniel 7?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id119.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Watching the Signs! ... News"><U>Watching the Signs! ... News</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id120.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Anointing All with Oil?"><U>Anointing "All" with Oil?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id121.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Where is Your Faith? In God, or in the O"><U>Where is Your Faith? In God, or in the Oil?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id122.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tradition or Gods Word?"><U>Tradition or God's Word?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id123.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What was the Korah Thinking?"><U>What was the Korah Thinking?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id124.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Are You a Blue Angel?"><U>Are You a Blue Angel?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id125.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Passover: Beginning or End of Fourteenth"><U>Passover: Beginning or End of Fourteenth</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id126.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Passover or Lamb?"><U>Passover or Lamb?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id127.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Scriptural Definition of Apostasy"><U>Scriptural Definition of "Apostasy"</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id128.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="True Conjunction vesus Molad"><U>True Conjunction vesus Molad</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id129.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Hebrew Language"><U>The Hebrew Language</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id130.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Brief History of Judaism"><U>A Brief History of Judaism</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id131.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judaism is not the Religion of the Old T"><U>Judaism is not the Religion of the Old Testament</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id132.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Let it be seen"><U>Let it be seen</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id133.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Whos Command?"><U>Who's Command?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id134.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What is the Abomination that Causes Deso"><U>What is the Abomination that Causes Desolation?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id135.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Are You Begotten? Born Again? Confused?"><U>Are You Begotten? Born Again? Confused?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id136.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Why Calculate Time fro Jerusalem?"><U>Why Calculate Time fro Jerusalem?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id137.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Are we pure in Heart?"><U>Are we pure in Heart?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id138.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Dark Moon"><U>Dark Moon</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id140.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Prophet Jonah"><U>The Prophet Jonah</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id142.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Two can be One"><U>Two can be One</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id144.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fishers! Hunters! Watchers!"><U>Fishers! Hunters! Watchers!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id145.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="True Conversion"><U>True Conversion</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id146.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Petra!"><U>Petra!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id147.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fear, The Pit and a Snare"><U>Fear, The Pit and a Snare</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id148.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Five Foolish Virgins"><U>Five Foolish Virgins</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id149.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="One Hour"><U>One Hour</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id150.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="7Steps to DisasterLessons from the Titan"><U>7-Steps to Disaster-Lessons from the Titanic</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id151.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods Appointed Curriculum for Mankind"><U>God's Appointed "Curriculum" for Mankind</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id152.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="An Army of Chosen"><U>An Army of Chosen</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id153.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kingdom of Priests"><U>Kingdom of Priests</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id154.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Jewish Roots?"><U>Jewish Roots?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id155.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Galatians CoverUp Part Series"><U>Galatians "Cover-Up" Part Series</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id160.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What does it mean to be sealed?"><U>What does it mean to be sealed?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id161.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods Awesome Power"><U>God's Awesome Power</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id162.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods Divine Laws Part 1"><U>God's Divine Laws - Part 1</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id163.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Will God Bind Error?"><U>Will God Bind Error?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id164.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods Divine Laws Part 2"><U>God's Divine Laws - Part 2</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id165.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="17th Restored Truth Fact or Fiction?"><U>17th Restored Truth - Fact or Fiction?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id166.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Just what do you mean ... the MEAN?"><U>Just what do you mean ... the MEAN?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id167.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Harmony in Gods Creation"><U>Harmony in God's Creation</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id168.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sign of the True Church! "><U>Sign of the True Church! </U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id179.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Temples of God"><U>Temples of God</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id181.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Way of Life"><U>The Way  of Life</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id182.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Why we must fast?"><U>Why we must fast?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id183.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Jesus Christ"><U>Jesus Christ</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id189.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Exploring the two Churches of Revelation"><U>Exploring the "two Churches" of Revelation 12</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id190.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resisting Gods Authority!"><U>Resisting God's Authority!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id194.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Building a Dream of the Kingdom of God"><U>Building a Dream of the Kingdom of God</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id196.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Blistering Warning"><U>Blistering Warning</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id197.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Three aspects of the gospel"><U>Three aspects of the gospel</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id200.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Elijahs voice message!"><U>Elijah's voice message!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id205.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Time to Probe and Test"><U>Time to Probe and Test</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id206.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Write it in a Book"><U>Write it in a Book</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id208.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The first shall be last, the last shall "><U>The first shall be last, the last shall be first</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id223.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Keep the Sabbath Holy"><U>Keep the Sabbath Holy</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id224.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Lagging Behind"><U>Lagging Behind</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id229.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gratitude Toward God"><U>Gratitude Toward God</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id233.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What is Truth?"><U>What is Truth?</U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=380 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>A rare find</I></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>A RARE FIND</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" > </FONT></div> <div> Part 1 </div> <div> They knew there was more there, than what meets the eye. And they had a hunger for it, a thirst for it, but the day was coming to a close, and they were exhausted. It was already past there normal quitting time. So they started cleaning up and putting away their tools, and that's when it happened. </div> <div> Their frustrations turned into shear joy and excitement. On Friday, Nov. 21, 2003, a great discovery was made, and is being called, "a rare find." This rare find is believed to be the first discovery of a "New Testament verse" carved into an ancient holy land shrine. Around 1000 AD is when they first began inscribing Bible verses on shrines, but this inscription was much earlier according to the experts. It consisted of only six lines, but those 6 lines contained a whole lot of information. Information that put new life into their long and tiring work. They were looking for "truth." </div> <div> You see, they were archeologists, and they had been working in the holy land on this project that they felt was of great sufficiency. But they couldn't seem to find that needle in the hay stack, until they got poked by it. It was like someone had poured oil on a fire that they had been trying to keep alive, and now it was flaming once again, the way it ought to be. Bits of information began pouring out. </div> <div> They noted that the ones who did the inscribing, on this ancient monument, knew their "Greek," and knew their "Luke," but didn't know how to be masons. They were laymen that did the inscribing, centuries ago. They also noted that the passage was identical to the gospel verse as it appears in a 4th-century verse of the "Codex Sinai ti cus" Bible, which was later revised extensively. This of course helped date the carving. They say the discovery "also shows" or proved to them in some way, that there were different versions of the Old and New Testaments going around at that time. </div> <div> It's just amazing, how much knowledge can be gained from finding just one thing. Like a piece to a puzzle, the encryption was on a 60ft high monument. For many centuries, Bible Dictionaries have called this monument the: "Pyramid of Zacharias." </div> <div> But as time passes, and as we draw nearer to the end of this evil age, much more accurate information is being discovered about many things, like this universe and God's creation, where many were lead to believe that the earth and the universe were million and billions of years old. Now, we are finding out that some experts believe the earth is around 6,000 years old. Like God's word tells us, in that familiar scripture of Daniel. "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, Every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the "stars" for ever and ever. But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, "And knowledge shall be increased" (Dan.12:1-4). </div> <div> Knowledge is being increased, to the world in general, and "all the more" to those who are Christ's. Christ says to His disciples, "I no longer call you servants, for servants knoweth not what his master doeth, but I have called you "friends, for all things that I have heard of My father, I have made known unto you" (John 15: 15). That's an important verse. We hear a lot about Jesus, but do we realize that all things that He teaches "His friends" come from the Father. </div> <div> Getting back to our "rare find," this monument "now" is believed to have connections to Simeon, Zachariah, and James, the brother of Jesus. They have been studying that monument for a long time. This particular encryption was the gospel verse of Luke 2:25. A very significant verse, for both you and me. The verse is about Simeon. Simeon, was the "devout Jew" who was told he would still be alive, when Christ arrived, and would "get to see him." And he did, he recognized Him as the Messiah. This same monument, yielded up something else earlier this year, an inscription referring to Zachariah, John the Baptist's father, was found on the same facade. The monument is located in the Kidron valley between Jerusalem's walled old City and the Mount of Olives. There is a lot of significance to the Kidron valley for God's church in these end times that we are living in today. Eusebius, known as the father of church history, writes in the ecclesiastical history that James was hurled off the Jewish temple, bludgeoned to death in the Kidron valley beneath, and buried near by. </div> <div> The historian "Josephus" refers to a temple priest named "Zachariah" being slain by "zealots" in the temple, and also, thrown into the valley. Its amazing how when you have information, and sometimes just a little here and a little there and put it all together, one can find himself with a pretty clear picture, and sometimes, like in this case, with just the right "light," sometimes you can see a lot better. </div> <div> You see, they said, they found this particular encryption by chance, just before sundown. They had been studying this monument with a fine tooth comb for a long time, including using a simple 19th century technique of spreading a kind of paper mache over the surface. But they were not having much success. But on the 21st of November, 2003, when they were stopping for the day, a member of the group decided to take a photo of the monument. They were working late that day, and he was "intrigued" from the way the light from the sun was shining on the monument from a different angle, being the sun was so close to the horizon. </div> <div> This photo is what gave them, "the rare find." It was noted later, that had the photography been taken at any other time of day, they might not have seen the worded inscription. Apparently the light was just right as the sun was setting. </div> <div> The verse they found was Luke:2:25, "And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was "Simeon;" and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him." Our God is so magnificent and powerful, He does such mighty things. In Isaiah it says, "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure" (Isa. 46:9-10). This God, is the living God, surpassing all understanding. Isaiah 40:14,28 says: "His understanding, no one can fathom." </div> <div> Even with names, a name can be so informative. And so prophetic. Simeon's name means: "Hearer" or "hears and obeys." As we look at this today, let us relate it to the "body of Christ," the church, the whole church. It doesn't matter what position we have been placed in the church, God is no respecter of persons, we all must be Simeon's, hearers and obeyers. Well, here was Simeon, waiting for the consolation of Israel, "the Christ" to arrive. This was Christ first coming. When you think about it, at that time, the Jews were looking for the Christ to show up. And finally He did, and here He was, right in the temple and they didn't even know it. They didn't even have a clue. But Simeon did, "led by Spirit," not only knew Christ right on the spot, but he even marveled Mary and Joseph when he prophesied about their future. </div> <div> How about us, brethren? Here we are, on the verge of Christ returning to the temple the "Second time." Are we like Simeon, like this discovered verse reads, "just and devout," waiting for the consolation of Israel, with the Holy Spirit upon us? Or will we be like many when He returns, "taken by surprise?" </div> <div> We're going to look at some important scriptures and may be with the right light, the light that shines when the sun is low in the sky, as it is about to set, maybe we will be able to make a "rare find" ourselves. </div> <div> There was another very interesting thing about this encryption, they found. They learned a lot from 6 lines of scripture, scratched into this ancient monument. They had a lot of trouble finding this inscription, but after they did and after cleaning the encryption up, "it stood out like a sore thumb," it was quite different than the norm, you see, the lines of the verse were not running from left to right, as you would normally see them, instead, the lines were running "Vertically" you know "Upright" and the letters were of different heights, and kind of running together. This was a rare find by far, much more than they could even imagine but not beyond our imagination, after all, it is 6th day, the end of the week and the sun is going down. </div> <div> Do we realize that it's 6th day, the end of the work week and the sun is going down? A week is 7 days, but one can only work 6 days, and time doesn't stand still to often, and it's been a while since it did back in Gibeon, from that prayer of Joshua. </div> <div> Let's take a look at this verse from Luke, and see where it leads us. Maybe, we better start in Amos, because we need to realize the times we are living in. Satan has this world so deceived, with everyday life that it's easy to become unaware of what's going on in the world. And we brethren, have a high calling to be aware of what is going on in the world. We have no room, for deception, or complacency. </div> <div> In Amos 3, God is speaking to the whole family of Jacob. And He's not very happy, because they have been sinning, but as usual, He starts out giving a warning. O yes, this prophesy is two fold like most of them, but its mostly for us today and we need to heed it, because He, "God" is trying to get our attention brethren, both yours and mine and– time is running out. When he gave this warning the first time, Amos was prophesying to the Northern Kingdom, which at the time, they were at the zenith of their power. Yes, at the zenith of their power, the culminating point of prosperity and greatness. Nothing, at the time, could have seemed more "improbable" than the fulfilment of Amos's warning, yet, within 50 years the kingdom was "utterly" destroyed, and taken captive. </div> <div> Can we imagine brethren, our kingdom being "utterly destroyed" and taken captive? That would sure seem impossible or improbable to most today, just like it did to them back then, but is it? Is it possible? Could that happen to us? To this nation? </div> <div> No one can change history, but remember, prophesy is history, history written in advance. We must not forget that prophecy is usually at least two fold. Remember, God gave Israel's birthright blessing to the United States and Britain. And the U.S. and Britain, are well past their zenith of power, and those nations, are also going to be "utterly destroyed" and taken captive. </div> <div> We are not only God's people, but we are God's "called out ones," His "ecclicia" – His "spiritual Israelites," His "church." We are living in a time of great deception, Satan wants us to be complacent, he wants us to be asleep, unprepared, unconverted. Even Matthew, "referring to 10 of the virgins," while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him" (25: 5-6). Let us not fool ourselves, that cry is coming, and Christ warns us over and over to be careful, to be watching, to be prepared, so it doesn't take us by surprised. Amos 3, also gives warning, "Hear this word that the Lord hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? Will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing? Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? [you know, when no trap has been set?]. Shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all? [does a trap spring up, when there is nothing to catch?]. Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? Shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord hath not done it?" (Amos 3:1-6). </div> <div> The United States and Britain think their enemy is "the terrorists" [they are deceived]. They think, O, if we could just knock out these terrorists and their strong holds. Lets not us be deceived also. Moses says in Deuteronomy 8, the "do not forget the Lord" chapter. This world we are living in, can seem pretty nice, but is it? God tells us to walk in all His ways, "All the commandments which I command you this day shall you observe to do that you may live and multiply." And in verses 6 through 14, Moses tells us that after we reach that zenith of power and prosperity. After God gives us this good land, "our land"– a land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, a land of olive oil and honey. A land where you shall eat bread "without scarceness," we know which land is being spoken of here," and when you are full "God says," "Do not forget me, and think that by our might we gained our wealth and status." He also says, do not turn to other gods. But His people are hard headed, and repetitious. They have forgotten their God. They do think, their achievements have come by there own might. They have turned to other gods from a - z. And in verse 19 of Deuteronomy 8, God says: "If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, "I testify against you today that "you will surely be destroyed." </div> <div> The troubles facing these nations today are not caused from these terrorists, the troubles are from God, due to disobedience. </div> <div> God and God only raises up nations and brings down nations. Let us not be deceived, like this world, our eyes have been opened. We must never forget how blessed we are, to have our eyes opened. </div> <div> Satan has this world blinded. God says: "Blessed are the eyes that see and the ears that hear." We have had our eyes opened. Only God can do that. </div> <div> Amos tells us, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7). Every year, at the Feast of Tabernacles we usually hear the last chapter in this book of Amos, read to us. It's about a wonderful time that is coming. "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. And I will bring back My people from captivity, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God" (Amos 9:13-15). </div> <div> Yes, that will be a wonderful time, "the millennium." But, do we realize "when" it is? It's tomorrow, day 7 in God's plan. "Christ ruling this earth," do we realize how late in the day it is? We just have to make it to sundown today, today– day 6, in God's 7 day plan of salvation. Once the sun sets, day 6 is over. Its not morning right now of day 6, its late afternoon– almost sunset. And all that stuff they use to tell us about some great tribulation coming, you know, "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be" (Matt:24:21). Its still on the agenda. Remember, God's word does not change. We are the one who have to change. And we better change, now, today! </div> <div> Amos again warns us, "An adversary there shall be ever round about the land" (Amos 3:11). The "NIV" says, "An enemy will overrun the land, he will pull down your strongholds and plunder your fortress." </div> <div> The world doesn't comprehend what God is saying here, Do we? Do we believe God? God does not want to punish this nation, but out of love He has no choice if they will not repent, and we know the future history–"The prophesy"on what is happening to this nation. And what about us, His called out ones, His church? Does He want to punish us? No, He tells us over and over to repent. </div> <div> What about our youth? Are we getting through to them? Do we all comprehend, what God wants for us. Do we realize how many times in God's Church we have heard Revelation 18:4 quoted to us? Do you think God is trying to tell us something here? "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" (Rev.18:4). </div> <div> We are living in a Godless society, if we don't stand out like a sore thumb in this society, than maybe we are still to much a part of it. And like God's word tells us, "like we just read" if we are a part of it, we will participate in its destruction. Christ doesn't want us to be part of its destruction, He wants us to separate ourselves from this ungodly world. "But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Pet.1:15-16). Is it possible? Can a human, "a sinner," "a transgressor of the law, become "holy?" Become "perfect?" "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Mt.5:48). Many in the church say "no." O, they say we will become perfect and holy – all right, at our change, you know, when God waves that "magic wand" at the twinkling of an eye time for some, and when the dead in Christ will be rising, for others, the first resurrection. </div> <div> I say, "not so," that scripture about the magic wand is not there. The scripture says we can do it before that, the scriptures say, we are commanded to do it before that. Any of us thinking that we will "magic wand" our way into repentance and overcoming, and maturity, are mistaken. </div> <div> Oh, we can't do it, "alone," by ourselves, with human might, no, but we are not alone we have help, we have God's Spirit, if we have been baptized and have had hands laid on. The "Comforter,"– The spirit of the Father, the Spirit that has to be exercised, used and stirred up— "The Spirit of truth" </div> <div> The Spirit that told Simeon, that he would not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. The Spirit that "lead" Simeon, the "hearer and obeyer," the Spirit that those 6 lines of scripture, on that old monument in the Kidron valley, says, "was upon the same man who was "just and devout." That scripture is very informative. It tells us that we can have that same Spirit upon us. But, just like for Simeon, and everyone else, one has to be "just and devout." You know, "upright." Just like those 6 lines of scripture were "Upright." </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>A RARE FIND</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" > </FONT></div> <div> PART 2 </div> <div> When the sun goes down today, the day we, both you and me, are living in, this 6th day of the week will be over. It will be Trumpets. The beginning of day 7, the last day of the week. You know, the big government change, no more worldly leaders. Yes, when the sun goes down today, this sixth day of the week, it will be Trumpets, Christ stepping in to take charge of this world. </div> <div> But what about us? What about you and me? On Trumpets, God's saints will not be here. On Trumpets, God's saints will not be meeting Christ's in the sky. On Trumpets, God's saints will be returning to this earth with Christ. They will not be heading up to the heavens, they will be coming down from the heavens, with the "King of kings" and the "Lord of lords." "These shall make war with the Lamb, [speaking of the beast power] and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful" (Rev.17:14). </div> <div> We must remember, we are first fruits, we will be meeting Christ in the air on our feast of Pentecost. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and "receive" you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:3). That word "receive you," means: "to assume an office," to learn, receive. On the "day of Christ," not on the "day of the Lord." </div> <div> Remember, Daniel, "the time of the end when knowledge will increase." The Bible speaks of both, the "day of Christ" and the day of the Lord, but both are not the same day. The "day of Christ" is easy to find, it's in the books of Corinthians, Philippians and elsewhere. I am not trying to focus on different Holy Day subjects. My intent is to try and put some things into perspective, some very important things that God the Father, through His Son, "Christ," has been teaching us over the years. </div> <div> Things that are becoming much clearer, because the sun is no longer high in the sky. The sun is going down. This day is coming to an end. Time is running out. The Greek for, day of "Christ" – has to do with: to smear or rub with oil, to consecrate to an office. That's the day of Christ. </div> <div> The "day of the Lord" has to do with judgment. And remember, there are many trumpet blasts. We use to think that trumpet blast for 1st resurrection was on Trumpets, but that was just speculation, at the time, that was a grey area. That's why we have to be careful "with our old notes!" God's word is truth, God's word doesn't change, but our understanding is getting better. That's why He says the scripture is for proof and reproof. </div> <div> God is "not" the author of confusion. Do we think that He would resurrect us on Trumpets, have a wedding ceremony, hand out those rewards, and have a battle going on, over at Armageddon. God is not the author of confusion. God is orderly. Don't think for a minute that the wedding that is being prepared, will only last a few minutes, while we are saddling up our horses for battle. The Father is preparing this wedding. There will be guests, music, and rejoicing. </div> <div> We are "commanded" to clean up our acts, to become holy. Remember Exodus 19, God's people were "commanded" to wash their clothes, and to be ready on "Pentecost" to meet with God, or more specifically, they went out to meet with the Lord of the Old Testament, "Christ" on "Pentecost." And on "Pentecost" the trumpet sounded loud and long. Its all in Exodus 19. </div> <div> Do you think God was concerned with how clean their collars were and how straight they tied their tie? Brethren, we know the scripture tells us that everything they did had spiritual significance for us, today, as a "warning" and information" in these end times. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come" (1 Cor.10:11). Do we not comprehend that we are living in the "latter days," that the end of this age is upon us? </div> <div> Pentecost, doesn't get fulfilled on day 7, Pentecost gets fulfilled at the end of day 6, the day we are living in, before sundown today. Remember God always gives us the physical so we can comprehend the spiritual. Think about it, you don't leave work on Friday without your pay check. One of the things on the agenda when we meet Christ is our pay, right? "And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be" (Rev. 22:12). </div> <div> "For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Mt. 24:27). Everyone on the earth will be aware that something "Spectacular," to say the least, is occurring at that time, but is that when we will meet Christ in the sky? It will be pretty difficult to take anybody by surprise on that day. The whole world will be outside looking up. </div> <div> We need to get back to the Kidron valley, because just like our brethren, who scratched those 6 lines in that monument "knew their Luke," we also need to know our Luke. We're the church, Acts is our book, Luke is our author. Remember, Luke was writing to "us." The name Theophilus has some vital information. Remember, there's a lot of meaning in a name. Theophilus - means: "friend of God." "In my former book I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach, until the day he was taken up to heaven" (Acts 1:1 NIV). "And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly [steadfastly now that's a familiar word] toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner, as ye have seen Him go into heaven" (Act 1:9-11). Shall so come "in like manner!" The whole world wasn't watching when Christ was taken up into the cloud. It was no "spectacular" event to the whole world. They weren't His friend. He will return to "His friends" in like manner. Like when He came, the world didn't even have a clue that Christ was back in the temple, but Simeon did. When He returns, His friends will know. </div> <div> The question is, are we His friends? His friends are going to be there. </div> <div> His friends are Simeons, "hears and obeys. "And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him" (Luke 2:25). This verse was scratched in the "rare find" almost 2,000 years ago. Do you think the God who knows how many hairs are on your head, if you have any of course, do you think the God who brings out the starry hosts of heaven, one by one, and names them, didn't have anything to do with this verse being scratched, vertically, on an ancient monument, in the Kidron valley? A verse that talks about "hearing and obeying." A verse that talks about being: "just and devout." A verse that is talking to the "friends" of Christ and brings it to our attention now, as the sun is about to set, at a time when this world is about to be turned up side down? I think not! I think He tells His friends, everything that He hears from His Father. </div> <div> The verse on the "rare find" monument has a lot to say. When the Bible talks about "just and devout", it always wants to refer back to Noah and Enoch, the two who "walked with God." "Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch" (Gen:6:14). </div> <div> Pitch it with pitch. Noah was preserved through the flood. Is God's instructions to Noah unique? Is God's commands to Noah different from God's commands to us? At these end times, when this age is about to end? When the ways of this world, "the ways that Satan makes look so appealing, the ways God hates and detests, because they are so evil. Are our instructions, different? Or our commands from the living God different, than what He expected of Noah? Impossible, God is no respecter of persons. We also need to apply this pitch, inside and out, from top to bottom. Its essential for our life to continue. There is a very interesting thing about this Hebrew word that is translated "pitch." We are actually quite familiar with the word because it is use 70 other times in the Old Testament alone. </div> <div> Noah's "ark" could have leaked and would have leaked if Noah wasn't "meticulous" in applying pitch inside and out. It would have been a bad time for a leak in that ark for Noah and his family, no place to get off. Brethren, we are in the same boat today. Don't think we don't have an ark to build. We, brethren are referred to by God as a vessel. [Remember the 10 virgins; the "wise" filled their "vessels" with oil]. And as far as "pitch" goes, we have to apply it "meticulously." What is this "pitch"? If it's so essential to our lives, don't you think a friend would point it out to us before it starts raining? Pitch is very sticky. When someone is involved with "pitch" it's very obvious, it's usually all over them. Its like "tar" you get some on your shoes, you have some on your hands, knees, face. You know what tar is like. You stand out like a sore thumb. Noah, was told to apply this "pitch" both inside and out. If we were living back then, just before the flood, and God told us that we needed to apply this "pitch," that it was necessary for our survival, which it is, would we have done it? Or would we have been to busy spending all our time with the cares of the world? Instead of applying this pitch. We must be careful before we answer. We may picture ourselves with a brush in one hand, and a bucket of "pitch" in the other. But first, we better comprehend just what is this "pitch." </div> <div> This same exact Hebrew word "pitch," Strong's #3722 and #3724, Means: cover over, atone for sin [New Brown-Driver-Briggs-Geneius-Hebrew English Lexicon]. The word "atone" means: to be at one with God. The word also means to "purge"– to cleanse of what is impure. "We need truth." We have to be at one with God, we have to "walk with God." </div> <div> The day of atonement pictures when this world will be purged of Satan, when he will be locked up for a while. But we, God's church, have to be purged now, while Satan is still around. The same holds true for you and for me, as it did for Noah. If we are not at one with God now, our ark will sink, we will sink. We, as individuals, have to be pure. </div> <div> The Hebrew word translated "atonement" and "pitch," also applies to a group. To rid a group of elements regarded as undesirable. "Of course the group in this case, is the church." "Can two walk together, accept they be agreed?" The church started on the day of Pentecost, when they were all with one accord. "With one accord" means: agreement, harmony. </div> <div> Some look at the church today, and think it is far from being with one accord, some feel there isn't much agreement, or harmony. But some better be careful, and not trust in our own understanding. Christ is the head of the church, and He is not asleep at the wheel. He has been cutting stones, shaping them, polishing them, and storing some of them, for 2,000 years. </div> <div> When Christ died and 3 days later came back to life, a big change happened in the physical temple in Jerusalem. The center point of attention was no longer the "Holy of Holies" behind the torn curtain. The center point moved to the east side of the temple, facing the Kidron valley, over looking the seasonal brook that runs through it. A "seasonal brook," sometimes it's dry, and sometimes it's flowing, and its very significant when its flowing. If you are there when it's flowing, you look up at the temple, the first thing one sees, from that side, are the pillars. </div> <div> A lot has to happen before the day of the Lord, and a lot of what will happen and "is happening" has to do with a magnificent colonnade running along that east side of the temple, known as "Solomon's porch." </div> <div> "And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter" (John 10: 22). This particular winter, used here, is not a meteorogical reference, this has to do with a different kind of turmoil. And in verse 23: "And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch." When Peter and John healed the lame man "lame from birth," it was at the gate beautiful, at Solomon's porch. "Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. [That's 3 pm, at 3pm the sun is rapidly heading for the </div> <div> Horizon. The present day is just about over]. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand" (Acts 3: 1-7). This "right hand," by the way, is the same word from that very important fishing trip. Christ asked, "Children, have you any meat?" They answered "no" and He said "cast you net on the "right" side of the ship, and you shall find"(John 21:5). Back then Christ called them "children" the word means: an immature Christian. At that time, the church was just being conceived, but now it has been growing for 2,000 years, and becoming quite mature. Verse 7 of Acts 3, "He took him by the right hand and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering." God performed the miracle on that particular man, to show a sign. To make it obvious where He placed His hand. He was giving everyone there the opportunity to see where He was working, and giving them the opportunity to join Him. "And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch). And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them" (Acts 3:7-11). The "NIV" reads: "The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people." And all the "believers" used to meet together, "in" Solomon's porch, or "colonnade." No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more people believed in the Lord and were added to their number. </div> <div> God's called are scattered today, a few here, a few there. A few in this country and a few in that country. A few all over the globe. But are they still meeting together, at this end time? When the sun is going down? Are they still connected? Some say no! Some say they cannot be connected unless they are a part of their incorporated group. Some are still "physical," they cannot seem to comprehend that God's true church is "spiritual" not connected or divided, by any incorporated group but connected, connected at the "top." You see, Solomon's porch was a magnificent colonnade running along the east side of the temple area, on a platform built up from "Kidron valley materials." They used to throw everything into the Kidron valley, everything from prophets and righteous men, to idols and refuse from heathen shrines, dumped by righteous Hebrew kings when they had cleansed the city. The "platform" was built up from these Kidron valley materials. That's what the "pillars" were running on. </div> <div> You see a colonnade is a range of "upright" columns connected at the top by an entablature. There can be much distance between them, but on the same "Platform" built from those same Kidron valley material. And they are connected, they are connected at the top by the "entablature." The "entablature" is on the top connecting to every "upright" pillar. If it's not "upright" its not connected. You know what pillars are like: "perfectly plumb," "rock solid," "fully grown" from that Kidron valley material, that's Old Testament history. And connected at the top. The definition of "entablature" is: the uppermost member, the chief, the ruler. The entablature, is Christ, to be connected, one has to be "Upright." </div> <div> We are living at the end of this age, it's coming to a close. The stage has been set. It's the calm before the storm. Those curtains are going to open up, and this world doesn't have a clue. Do we? Do we comprehend the times we are living in? "For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark" (Mt.24:38). </div> <div> We had no choice to be here at this time, that's God's department. But we must realize something of great importance to all of us. This is not a time to be complacent, this is not a time to be sleeping, and this is not a time to be scared, this is a time to be connected. And to be connected, we have to be "Simeon's." Hear and obeys. Upright and just! </div> <div> Those archeologist were in search of "truth." We need truth, "God's word." We need to have a hunger for it, a thirst for it, and when we find it, we have to act on it. "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified" (Rom.2:13). </div> <div> Time is running out. When the sun is getting low in the sky, it isn't long before the day is over. Tomorrow, "day 7 in God's plan" will start out with a battle. The called, chosen, and faithful will participate in that battle with the King of kings. Our concern has to be with today, day 6. We do not want to be taken by surprise. </div> <div> We want to be the "Simeon's." Simeon's, those who are hearers and obeyers, that will not be taken by surprise, when Christ returns to His temple, because Christ tell His "friends" all things that He hears of the Father. </div> <bR> <div> Bill Goff </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>