Ezekial 28:12; Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the King of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the lord God; Thou SEALEST up the SUM, FULL OF WISDOM, and PERFECT in BEAUTY. Thou has BEEN IN EDEN the GARDEN OF GOD; every PRECIOUS STONE was they COVERING. verse 14 Thou art the ANOINTED CHERUB that COVERETH. verse 15. Thou WAST PERFECT in the thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee, verse 17;--I WILL CAST THEE TO THE GROUND, I will lay thee before Kings that they may behold thee.
Isaiah 14,12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer son of the morning! HOW ART THOU CUT DOWN TO THE GROUND, which didst weaken the nations! FOR THOU HAST SAID IN THIN HEART, I WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN, I WILL EXALT MY THRONE ABOVE THE STARS OF GOD: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH. Yet thou shalt be brought to hell to the side of the pit. They see thee shall narrowly look upon thee , and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble that did shake kingdoms: THAT MADE THE WORLD AS A WILDERNESS, AND DESTROYED THE CITIES THEREOF:
From, Ezekial and Isaiah it becomes fairly obvious that Lucifer the archangel was created as perfect as an instantaneous creation could be made. Like MAN he had the ability to CREATE other things of the earth. So he was able and did create man in his (Lucifer's) image of material earth. Lucifer controlled the pre-adamic earth and because he was a super intelligent being created a super race. With advanced cities and technology. When he had then got a bit bored with this because he had access to GODS throne he realised that he wanted more. He had compared what he had to what GOD had, i.e. control of the vast unlimited universe.
God said no, because God wanted Lucifer to be the great educator to teach this civilisation what GOD was actually like so that Lucifer could make pre-adamic man into a GOD family and so the God family would go on increasing. Lucifer wanted none of this and set about destroying what he and God had made. Lucifer and his angels then made one attack on GOD in heaven. God then pushed this attacking being back down to earth. Lucifer then set about causing the civilisation he had created to go to war with one another. The nuclear war that resulted obliterated everything off the face of the earth. The Father was clearly very angry because he had allowed it all to happen and must not allow it to happen again. Lucifer was renamed Satan-the destroyer and his powers were then restrained so that he could not create any more beings.
God then set about recreating the earth Genesis 1:3 (After the atomic war). This was now his 3rd act of creation including making man. God made man in his image but being a little lower than the angels in powers. That is capable of creating and dying. Adam listened to Eve who listened to Satan and disobeyed GOD by taking of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil and was prevented from living for ever by being banished from Eden but could replenish the earth. Abel only, had not disobeyed. God did not want any more destructive, eternal beings about.
When man began to multiply on the face of the earth and wickedness, because Satan was still there-he repented and destroyed all the wickedness except Noah and his family and livestock. Genesis 6:5. The worldwide flood did that job.
The tower of Babel was another attempt of Satan to get man to unite and destroy God. So GOD dispersed them, otherwise another nuclear war would result. This they begin to do-- (Genesis 11:6). Further on Jeremiah was used by God to give a warning to Judah of a coming destruction. ------to be contd.
Summary; third heaven; angels; earth; reformation of earth; Adam and Eve.
The `TONGUES' question
SPEAK TO EDIFY THE CHURCH: cont. from January 1996.
"He that speaks in a language edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church"
(v.4). If a person speaks in a language different from what others can understand, that person is really only speaking to himself and will be the only one who will profit from such speech. However, the man who is inspired to speak or teach the truth of God so that others can understand it, profits the Church. The phrase " edifies himself" would also seem to imply a selfish motivation.
Notice the context so far is concerned with those who are preaching, teaching and speaking to the Church congregation: " I would that you all spoke with languages but rather that you prophesied: for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues [languages], except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying" (v. 5). Paul says that he wished all who were preachers and teachers could speak foreign guages. However, he wished even more that they could all be inspired speakers and be able to explain the Word of God, because the one who can explain God's truth has a far better gift than the one who is multilingual, unless the multilingual preacher or teacher can also explain and expound the Word of God in the foreign language with clarity. Notice here again that this whole process should be done for the edification of the Church-- the whole Church, not the individual.
Now back to why Paul wished that all the preachers and teachers of Corinth could be multi lingual. The most plausible reason would be because the Church of Corinth was a multi lingual congregation. Remember, this Church was in a city that was a racial melting pot.
Since this was the case, language could naturally be a barrier to learning. Multilingual teachers and preachers could expound the truth of God to the entire Church would be of a great benefit.
" Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with languages, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?" (v. 6). Paul is saying: What is it going to benefit you if I come and speak something you cannot understand? But, if I speak and reveal knowledge and understand to you, that is what profits you. " And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?" (vs. 7-8).
Paul continues to drive the point home. He has said the same thing at least ten different ways, but he still keeps hammering at this point. Paul apparently wanted to make sure they understood what he was talking about, because their very salvation depended upon how they reacted to what he was telling them. The problem they were having with multilingual teachers and preachers combined with their other problems was tearing the Church apart.
And if, in fact, there was the aspect of a charismatic movement within the Church, the danger was even more threatening because of the demonic influence upon those preaching and teaching.
" So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for you shall speak into the air" (v. 9). " There are, it may be, so many kind of voices [sounds] in the world, and none of them is without signification [meaning]. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice [sound] I shall be unto him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks shall be a barbarian unto me" (vs. 10-11).
The Greek word for barbarian is `barbaros' and has some very interesting implications in this verse. "It properly meant one whose speech is rude or harsh. The word is onomatopoeic, indicating in the sound the uncouth character represented by the repeated syllable'barbar' Hence it signified one who speaks a strange or foreign language. It also came to denote any one who was ignorant of the Greek language and culture" (Vines, p. 101).
The inference is that if one could not express himself so another could understand what was being said, he was not very well educated in the language, and in fact could not communicate intelligently.
" Even so you, forasmuch as you are zealous of [exercise] spiritual gifts, seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church" (v.12). Here he tells them because they [the teachers and preachers] exercise the Spirit, they should seek to be extremely proficient or excel in building up the congregation. Paul does not say it explicitly, but if one reads between the lines the hidden meaning comes through:
" Seek to edify the Church instead of yourselves." " Wherefore let him that speaks in a
language pray that he may interpret [Greek: diermeneuo= to interpret fully or explain]"
(v.13). If a person is going to speak before the congregation, he should be able to explain in detail what he is talking about. Otherwise it is of no benefit to those listening. So Paul tells the speakers to pray for the ability to explain clearly what they are teaching or preaching about.
" For if I pray in a language, my spirit [pneuma] prays, but my understanding [Greek: nous= the intellect or mind] is unfruitful (v. 14). The Greek word for spirit here is 'pneuma' and means " a current of air [breath]."
This scripture makes a great deal of sense when the meanings of the Greek words are used instead of the English translation. Paul is simply stating that if one does not understand what is spoken, it is just so much air or wind. "What is it then? I will pray with the spirit[pneuma] and I will pray with the understanding [intellect or mind] also: I will sing with the spirit [pneuma], and I will sing with the understanding [intellect or mind] also" (v. 15).
Some feel that the "spirit" in these verses is referring to a spirit language. A logical question to ask is: Why would God want humans to use a language they do not understand? Since communication is a two-way transmission of information, these feelings do not seem very logical." "Else when you shall bless with the spirit (pneuma), how shall he that occupies the room of the unlearned say amen at your giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what you say?" (v. 16).
The unlearned person in verse 16 is defined in the Greek as "a person without professional knowledge, un-educated, unskilled or unlearned." The point here is that it does no good to make a public prayer in which the congregation is to take part if all in attendance there cannot understand what is being said. Logic says those who cannot understand cannot participate in this public prayer to God.
"For you Verily give thanks well, but the other is not edified" (v. 17). The only one edified is the one giving the prayer.
Many in the charismatic movement believe they have a gift from God that allows them to pray in an unknown tongue both in public and private. Some say that because sometimes they do not know what they should pray for, God does it for them by the means of this unknown prayer language. Besides the above scriptures, most who promote this experience use Romans 8:26-27 as justification:
"Likewise the spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the spirit itself makes intercession with groaning that cannot be uttered. And he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the spirit, because he (it) makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
Let us look at these scriptures as translated in The Interlinear Bible: "Likewise and also the spirit joins in to help the weakness of us, for what we may pray (for) as we ought, not we know, but itself the spirit pleads our case for us with groaning unutterable. He but searching the hearts knows what (is the) mind of the spirit, because according to God he intercedes for saints."
The Greek word for uttered is `alaletos' and means "something that cannot be spoken." If this something cannot be spoken, where does this unknown prayer language come from? The Greek word for "groaning" is `stenagmos' which means " a sigh " (see 2 Cor 5:2-40).
Does God have the ability to understand human languages? You might think this is a ridiculous question. However, to say that God must have us speak to him in a language that we do not understand in order for Him to understand us is just as ridiculous. God understands us completely and that understanding includes our innermost feelings, desires and thoughts that sometimes are difficult for us to express in a vocalized language.
"I thank my God, I speak with languages more than you all" (v.18).
Many times it is good to ask a question in order to understand a problem. The question one could ask of verse 18 is: Why would Paul be thankful he was multilingual? There are several answers to this question that make sense.
1. Paul was a scholar who not only spoke his native tongue, Aramaic, but could read and speak many languages, including the dead language of Hebrew in which the Old Testament was written. This ability gave him great credibility with the common Jew as well as the priest since only the most educated understood and could read the Hebrew scriptures.
2. Paul was the apostle to the non-Israelites as well as the Israelites and Jews. Because his travels took him to many distant lands he needed to know many languages in order to fulfil his commission to preach the gospel. The apostle Paul more than likely not only had the natural ability to speak many languages, but also had the spiritual gift mentioned in the book of Acts.
Notice what Paul says about this ability that the Corinthians coveted: "Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding (Greek: nous = intelligence or mind), that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in a (foreign) language" (v.19)
"Brethren, be not children in understanding: how be it in malice be you children, but in understanding be men" (v20) A more modern translation of this scripture would be: Brothers, stop thinking childish thoughts; keep the innocence of a child, but in understanding be adults.
"In the law it is written, with men of other languages and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord" (v. 21).
Beck's translation of verse 21 seems to more accurately convey the true intent of what Paul is saying here than the King James Version: "In a strange language and by the mouth of foreigners I will speak to these people" (v. 21, Beck).
Here Paul is referring to Isaiah 28:9-13 where God show how He gives understanding to His Elect, and how He hides understanding from others. But why does Paul refer to these scriptures?
"Wherefore languages are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not." The Greek Interlinear translates this verse: "So as languages for a sign are not to those believing, but to those not believing." Paul is simply explaining that the unbeliever cannot understand the truth of God even when it is spoken to him in an understandable language.
"But prophesying (inspired preaching) serves not for them that believe not, but for them which believe" (v. 22) Inspired preaching and teaching is for the Elect and not for the unconverted.
If verse 22 is speaking of some unknown language as many believe it makes no sense whatsoever when we compare it with the accounts in the book of Acts where the gift of languages was as a sign to those who already believed and was used to demonstrate that those who spoke were the recipients of the Holy Spirit. Because these two references cannot be reconciled in the King James translation, the explanation must be found in the original Greek language. Also notice that in Acts 2 those who believed or were being called to repentance understood, and those who were not did not understand.
Notice when we insert the Greek meanings to the words of verse 22 the real intent becomes crystal clear: "Wherefore languages are for a sign (a mark or indication), not for them that believe, but for them that believe not. But (inspired preaching or revelation of divine counsel) serves not for them that believe not, but for them that believe" (v. 22).
Paul is being very blunt and straightforward in explaining the proper use of foreign languages by the Elect. Some might say: Why did God give this special power if it was not for the Church? The simple truth that Paul explained to the Church at Corinth was: If one had the ability to speak in foreign languages and this power was given by the Holy Spirit, it was to be used to preach the gospel to those who believe or to be used in an evangelistic manner. It was not to be used as a display of intellectual vanity, as we shall soon see.
"If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with languages, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that you are mad?" (v.23).
Paul says for the Church as a whole to speak different languages at the same time would give the impression that those who spoke were insane. If this type of behaviour was pleasing to God, why would the apostle Paul take them to task for it? Simple logic should tell us what they were doing was wrong. Paul approached this problem from many different directions in order to make sure the Corinthians got the point.
"But if all prophesy (if all speak Divine counsels), and there come in one that believes not, or one unlearned, he is convinced (shown his sinful state) of all, he is judges of all" (v. 24)
The Taylor translation renders "he is judged of all" and his conscience will be pricked by everything he hears." This translation would seem to be logical, in that it would serve no purpose for the congregation to pass judgement on an unbeliever. However, if the unbeliever were to be convicted by the preaching, that would be another matter.
Paul is telling them the correct way to conduct themselves before the assembly of the Elect and before unbelievers. That way is to teach things which will profit those who are unskilled in the truth and give a testimony of that same truth to the unbeliever.
"And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth" (v.25). In modern terminology we might express what Paul is saying this way: The proper kind of teaching will result in people understanding their inner being and then be convinced they need to change and worship the true God. Because of this kind of proper conduct and teaching, they will also know that the Spirit of God dwells in you.
"How is it then, brethren? when you come together, every one of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a language, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying" (v.26)
ORDERLY PROGRESSION OF EVENTS:
Perhaps Paul was being a bit sarcastic here as he asked this question, and perhaps not. But the point remains, according to Paul everyone in the Church wanted to be a teacher or preacher. The admonition here is for all things to be done for the edification of the Church, which apparently was not the case.
"If any man speak in a language let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God" (vs. 27-28).
It would be good to remember at this time that Corinth was a centre of international commerce with many cultures and language groups represented. In addition, Greek was the international business language of the day and was spoken by almost everyone as a second language.
In verses 27 and 28 we find Paul instructing multilingual speakers. These are extremely interesting verses because Paul gives a very detailed explanation of how these types of dissertations are to be carried out. Notice that if any man is going to speak in different languages, he should not use more than two or three languages during his dissertation, and then he should not mix these languages as he speaks, but he should speak them consecutively. Paul further instructs the speaker to search them consecutively. Paul further instructs the speaker to search out interpreters for these languages and if none can be found, the speaker should not speak to the Church but should keep his thoughts between himself and God.
Several times Paul addresses this question of an interpreter being present when someone is going to speak in languages other than those commonly spoken by the group as a whole.
But why?
Simple logic should tell us that if a speaker is to transmit understanding, the hearer must be able to comprehend what is being said. This is why there must be an interpreter present.
How could the entire Church benefit if the speaker were to expound some wonderful truth and no one could understand what he was saying?
The whole tone of these scriptures is that there must be a logical, orderly progression of events whenever a speaker feels he has to use several different languages in order to express his thoughts to the Church. It is evident that Paul is not supporting the practise of spon-taneous outbursts of speaking in foreign or unknown languages,'- as is the common practise of many charismatic churches of this age.
Notice the same order in verses 29-31. Paul is stressing order, and not confusion. This is the opposite of the normal scene at popular tongues-speaking churches of today. The performances of these churches is anything but order, but is mostly pandemonium and confusion with an abundance of uncontrolled emotionalism.
" Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If anything be revealed to another that sits by, let the FIRST hold his peace. For you may all prophecy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted" (v. 31). Verse 32 is very important to understand because it lead directly to a major point Paul wants to impress upon the Corinthians: " And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets" (v. 32). An analysis of this verse should leave no doubt that uncontrolled and unknown languages should not be a part of a prophet's [inspired speaker's ] sermon or presentation to the church.
Regardless of what Greek meaning we use for the word "spirits" (Greek: `pneuma' = air, breath, wind or mind), it doesn't change what Paul is saying. Paul says those who teach ( inspired speakers) should be in control of themselves. The vast majority of charismatics will admit they cannot control what they say when speaking in tongues. Now I ask, where is the control of this gift. Clearly they have no control over their actions and are in violation of the principle Paul is expounding.
To make this point even more clear Paul says: " For God is not the author of confusion,but of PEACE, as in all churches of the saints" (vs. 29-33). For even more clarity let us read these verses out of the Living Bible translation: " Two or three may prophecy, one at a time, if they have the gift, while all the others listen. But if, while someone is prophesying, someone else receives a message or idea from the Lord, the one who is speaking should STOP. In this way all who have the gift or prophecy can speak, one after another, and everyone will learn and be encouraged and helped.
Remember that a person that has a message from God, has the power to stop himself or wait his turn. God is not the one who likes things to be disorderly and upset. He likes harmony, and he finds it in all the other Churches" (vs. 29-33). --to be contd.
Editors comment. Many thanks go to Mr Cocherell of Answeres, Research and Education of San Jose for this 3 rd part.
Alex Cain
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"Ephraim" describes and examines sources showing that the peoples of the British Isles and Northwest Europe descend from the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel. Seven Biblically-derived criteria determine who belongs to the Lost Ten Tribes: The British-descended peoples fulfil all of them. There were traditions of Jewish origin that located the Lost Ten Tribes in the western Isles of Britain. Talmudic and related sources confirm these findings which are also applicable to North America. The existence of specific archaeological proof of Israelite identity exists and was predicted by Scripture. A COMING SHOWDOWN BETWEEN THE "ANGLO-SAXON" TRIBES OF JOSEPH ON ONE SIDE AND GERMANY AND ROME ON THE OTHER IS COMING. It was foretold that the Lost Tribes would be Christians. When they return the Third Temple will be built. Israel Field of Susia in the Hebron mountains speaks of the need for Re-union and Reconciliation between Judah and Joseph.
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