God, The Holy Spirit :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: April 18, 2021 by RR7 Category:General Articles, Ron & Nathele Graham

The Holy Spirit is probably the least recognized Person of the Godhead. Even so, He is equally God, along with God the Father and God the Son. The Holy Spirit doesn’t draw attention to Himself but quietly works in the life of every Christian if we let Him. Although He was very busy during Old Testament times, He wasn’t sealed inside of people. He led and influenced those who believed in God, but He could leave them at any time.

We read examples of the Holy Spirit coming upon people in the Old Testament in 1 Samuel 11:6, 1 Chronicles 12:18, 2 Chronicles 15:1, and 2 Chronicles 24:20, among other passages. The Holy Spirit led men like Abraham to leave the pagan world behind and serve the true God. King David, a sinner like you and me, was in fear that the Holy Spirit would leave him after his sin with Bathsheba. God’s prophets received their prophecies through the Holy Spirit, unlike false prophets who are led by Satan and can only spread lies.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The phrase “inspiration of God” comes from two Greek words, theos meaning “God” and pneo meaning “to breathe.” Scripture is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work, and in the original languages, it is infallible.

The Jewish nation looked forward to the coming Messiah for centuries. The disciples were Jewish, so they were also looking for the Messiah; some had followed John the Baptist, who was the one preparing the way for the Messiah. John’s ministry had been prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 40:3). One day Jesus had asked His disciples who people thought He was. It seems there was a variety of ideas, but then Jesus asked, “He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:15-16).

Like today, people have many ideas about Jesus, but Peter got it right. Peter still didn’t understand what Jesus would have to do, and Peter probably was looking for the Messiah who would free Israel, not give eternal life. The Holy Spirit didn’t indwell believers yet, so the disciples still had a lot to learn. Prior to His crucifixion, Jesus had promised to send the Comforter.

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:16-17).

The Holy Spirit would indwell them (and us) and teach them (and us) all things. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).

They still had no understanding of Christ’s impending death, burial, and resurrection, and certainly were confused about these words.

Their hopes were shattered when they saw Him die and saw Him be buried. They were eyewitnesses to those two elements of eternal salvation, but the resurrection was yet to come. It wasn’t until the third day after His burial that the tomb was found empty, but they still couldn’t wrap their minds around what had happened. They gathered together in fear behind closed doors. Suddenly their fear turned to amazement and joy. Jesus entered the room!

“And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord” (John 20:20).

Those nail prints and the wound in His side were proof that He had been crucified. That’s when they believed in the death, burial, AND the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:21-22).

Now they were Christians. They believed in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The word “receive” comes from the Greek word lambano, which means to take and not let go, to seize, to take possession of. This indwelling is unique to Christians.

There was still more to come. They had received the Holy Spirit, but they were to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:5).

We usually think of being immersed in water when talking of baptism, but the Greek word baptizo doesn’t confine this to water. Jesus, the authority in all things, promises baptism with the Holy Ghost. So, the men waited in Jerusalem. It was still a mystery to them, but they had learned to obey Jesus by faith rather than twisting His words to mean what they thought He meant. They weren’t disappointed.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4).

This gift was different than what they, and all believers, received when they believed. This was power that came upon them…fire from Heaven. Jesus called it “…baptized with the Holy Ghost….” This baptism brought gifts, and in this case, they spoke in other tongues. This power would be available to them as they spread the Gospel. It’s available to us, too, if we don’t quench the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

Years later, the Apostle Paul would explain the Gospel to the Christians in Corinth. “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Notice, Paul preached the same Gospel which he received, which was the same Gospel those first disciples were eyewitnesses to… the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus had given His disciples the commission to preach the Gospel to all the world. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

If Matthew, Peter, John, and the others had done “mission work” in the manner which it’s done today, the Gospel would have died. They preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ instead of using gimmicks. Because they were faithful, Paul heard the true Gospel and spread it on his mission journeys. Many heard, believed, and received the Holy Spirit. Paul understood about receiving the Holy Spirit and wrote much about it. When we first repent and ask Christ into our life, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, just as the disciples were when Christ breathed on them.

“That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:12-14).

Knowing that the Holy Spirit is sealed within you should make a difference in how you live, how you react to situations, and how you speak to other people. You take God with you wherever you go, so remember that fact when judging people, embracing sin, or letting anger rule your life. “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). Remember to honor God in all you do.

The Holy Spirit lives in Christians today, and we’ve been given gifts. The gifts aren’t for our own glory but are to glorify God. Paul spoke of some of the gifts in his letter to Corinth.

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will” (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).

The gift of tongues was the first manifestation on the day of Pentecost, but not everybody receives that gift; it’s just one of many. Romans 12:6-8 lists more gifts and also makes it clear that the gifts differ from one person to another. Ephesians chapter 4 also discloses more gifts and tells how the gifts are to be used. “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). The gifts are for us to use to honor God.

The Spiritual gifts are many and come upon us as needed. On the other hand, there is fruit of the Spirit. Gifts are many, but there is only one fruit of the Spirit. That fruit is evidence that the Holy Spirit lives inside us. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against which there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Is this fruit evident in your life? All components of the Spiritual fruit should be present as evidence of our faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit living in us. We can’t pick and choose one fruit or another, but if we are weak in one or more, we can pray that the Holy Spirit will help us. It’s important for every Christian to allow this Spiritual fruit to rule over our sin nature. We can quench the fire of the Holy Spirit by fighting His work within us, so study God’s word and apply it to your life. Let the Holy Spirit nurture all of the fruit in your life and show the world that you’re a Christian.

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).

God the Holy Spirit lives in you, so let Him guide all your ways.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

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Red Heifer Mania :: By Jeff Van Hatten

Published on: April 18, 2021 by RR7 Category:General Articles

Prophecy continues to be fulfilled at an alarming pace. The state of Israel is a fact. Jerusalem is controlled by the Jews and belongs to Israel. The Hebrew language has been revived, and all Israeli citizens are required to learn it. The desert is blooming. And Jewish authorities are preparing to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.

On October 13, 2004, the Sanhedrin was reestablished for the first time since 425 AD and reconvened on February 9, 2005, to discuss the topic of the Third Temple. Since that time, all the gold and silver utensils and garments needed for Temple worship have either been recovered or re-manufactured. Only the Ark of the Covenant awaits recovery. The Temple building itself has been prefabricated and can be rebuilt as soon as permission is given to do so. Two hundred Kohen priests have been identified through DNA testing and are being trained to re-institute animal sacrifices according to scriptural requirements outlined in the Scroll of Leviticus. The breeding program for the red heifer has been established by the Temple Institute.

Heifers

Heifers in scripture are very important. Deuteronomy Chapter 21:1-9 recounts the process for forgiving a town that is nearby a murder victim when the perpetrator of the murder is not known. The elders of the city nearest to the victim are to take a heifer that has never been put to work or yoked for use as a draft animal.

Jeremiah 48:34 recounts the wailing of the cities of Heshbon and Elealah that could be heard as far away as Jahaz, sounding like the cries of a three-year-old heifer.

A red heifer is necessary for purification from sin, according to Numbers Chapter 19. Today, once again, the headlines are ablaze with the news that a pure red heifer has been found.

The Perfect Heifer Requirements

Numbers 19:2 – “Tell the people of Israel to bring you a young red female cow without fault or defect and which has never borne a yoke.”

There are several main requirements:

It must be a female cow.
It must be a red heifer that has no blemish. In other words, if it has more than only two other color hairs, it is disqualified. Additionally, it must not have any physical blemishes or spots.
It must have never been used for labor. In other words, never harnessed or yoked. It must have never been pregnant, nor have even been allowed to mate with a male cow.
It must be within its third year. In other words, at least one day older than two years old.
It must be slaughtered outside the holy city of Jerusalem but within sight of the Temple.

The first requirement, that the heifer be female, is exactly in opposition to the Egyptian superstition that only male cows were suitable for sacrifice and worship of their goddess Isis. Herodotus states that it is, in fact, not lawful for the Egyptians to offer females.

The second requirement, that the heifer was unblemished, applies to all animals that may be sacrificed; it must be unblemished and without defect in order to be accepted; it cannot have one limb too long, bruised, crushed, torn or cut genitals (Leviticus 22:21-24), as it points to Yeshua, whom Ephesians 5:27 affirms was without spot, wrinkle, or blemish, but who is holy and blameless.

Additionally, the heifer must also be red in color, maybe because the Egyptians only sacrificed red bulls to the evil demon Typhon. Those males were selected with great care. Plutarch states that the Egyptians “sacrifice red bulls, and select them with such scrupulous attention, that if the animal has a single black or white hair, they reckon it unfit to be sacrificed.”

Thirdly, an animal that had been used for a common purpose was deemed improper for sacrifice. An animal that had been yoked and used to plow the ground would be disqualified. An animal that had become pregnant would also be considered disqualified due to its use for a common purpose; bearing fruit.

The Priestly Requirements

The two hundred Kohen priests that have been identified through DNA testing must now be consecrated for service. The anointing oil was found in an archaeological dig in April 1988. The Mediterranean Sea Snail, which disappeared in 70 AD, has returned in great numbers and now makes it possible for the precious blue and the purple dye required for the High Priestly garments to be manufactured.

Only one requirement is still missing; the red heifer. None of the current priests are ceremonially clean. They cannot be cleansed until the water of separation is recreated. And that requires the ashes of a perfect red heifer!

The Breeding Program

Israeli law does not allow the importation of live cattle into Israel, so the Temple Institute imported frozen embryos of red Angus cows from the United States and implanted them into the wombs of Israeli domestic cows. Several calves have been born to those domestic cows.

Three years ago, the Temple Institute in Jerusalem established a breeding program called “Raise a Red Heifer in Israel” to raise the necessary item needed for purification of the Temple and its priests. The Jerusalem Post commented about the red heifer program saying, “an ancient commandment meets modern technology.”

Tradition, History, and Red Heifer Mania

According to Jewish tradition, the perfect heifer must be over two years old but under four years old, and perfect red heifers are extremely rare. Scripture says Moses prepared the first one during the Exodus. Ezra sacrificed the second red heifer during the days of the First Temple. The Mishna records the names of those who performed the sacrifice during the time of the Second Temple. They are: Simon the Just and Yochanan the High Priest each sacrificed two red heifers; El’yhoeini ben Hakof, Hanameel the Egyptian, and Yishmael ben Pi’avi sacrificed one each (Mishna Parah 3:5).

Scripture and other documents say that from the time of the Exodus until the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, only nine perfect red heifers have been sacrificed. Jewish tradition also informs us that there are to be only ten red heifers, and according to Maimonides, the tenth heifer will usher in the messianic age! He states: “…and the tenth red heifer will be accomplished by the king, the Messiah; may he be revealed speedily, Amen, May it be God’s will.”

The Temple Institute had identified two candidates, one in 1997 and another in 2002, both initially thought to have met the requirements but later found each to be unsuitable. The headlines read: “Apocalypse Cow” in the New York Times (1997) and News Flash: Red Heifer Born In Israel in a Temple Institute web posting (2002). In 2014 the headlines read Torah-Condition-For-3rd-Temple-Now-Met, and articles reported that the Temple Institute had posted a video showing what appeared to be a perfect red heifer that was being raised at an unidentified location in the United States.

A report from Right Side News said a “qualified” red heifer has not been seen in Israel for nearly 2,000 years. Other headlines said there really is a red heifer today that could move the progress on the Third Temple forward! Hot news at the time, but how could this heifer be used since it wasn’t born in Israel?

Seeing Red

In 2018, the headlines were once again ablaze with red heifer hysteria. Bible-Prophecy-Heifer-Apocalypse; A Red Heifer!; Prophecy fulfilled after red cow is born at Temple of Israel; and Apocalyptic cow: Does the first red heifer born in Israel portend bad news for us all? the headlines proclaimed.

According to The Temple Institute, on the 17th day of Elul, 5778 (August 28th, 2018, on the Gregorian calendar), a red [adom H122 אָדֹם] heifer [parah H6510 פָּרָה] (Parah Aduma) was born in the land of Israel, foreshadowing the rebuilding of the Third Temple and the arrival of their long-awaited Mashiach (Messiah). At one week of age, the heifer underwent an extensive examination by rabbinical experts and has been certified by the Rabbis as meeting all of the scriptural requirements. Two new red heifers were born in the early months of 2020 and are currently possible candidates for the Parah Aduma (10th Heifer).

In August, Rabbi Azaria Ariel inspected the current red heifer candidates and found that one of the two candidates has a few hairs which aren’t sufficiently red but could still qualify according to Jewish Law. The red heifer candidates will be examined again to determine whether they continue to possess the necessary requirements, according to Numbers 19:1-22 and the Mishna Tractate Parah.

However

Current global events appear to be lining up with the prophecies written in the Bible. However, other red heifers have initially been found to be qualified but later became disqualified as they began to age. Will this red heifer be The tenth, or will it too become disqualified as time goes on?

If…and I say, if…this red heifer turns out to be The tenth Parah Aduma, then the building of the Third Temple may be close at hand, even at the door. However, this will not usher in the arrival of the Jews’ long-awaited Mashiach (Messiah). Instead, it will usher in an unprecedented time of agony, bloodshed, disaster, pandemics, wars, and death, the likes of which this world has never seen. Yeshua says of this time: “For there will be great tribulation worse than there has ever been from the beginning of the world until now, and there will be nothing like it again!” (Matthew 24:21). The Third Temple will allow the False Messiah, the Antichrist, to enter into the Holy of Holies and declare himself to be God.

Final Thought

The great day of Yahweh is getting really near, even at the door. It hastens forth and will not delay. We do NOT set dates, but clearly, Yahweh is getting ready to change the course of human history once again. The signs are clear for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Website: https://raptureparty.net/

Email: jeff@raptureparty.net