Ruling With Christ as Kings and Priests

Go To Meeting

Albert Jones—April 23, 2021

 - Offsite Video | - PDF | Audio | [Up]

Good evening, everyone! It is indeed good to be here as always, to fellowship with you on the Sabbath and have an opportunity to spend time together and have a message presented through this vehicle of Go To Meeting. It leads us across the world to have an opportunity to have fellowship with one another in this form.

We have an opportunity to fulfill the Sabbath in this way and an opportunity to fellowship in ways we otherwise wouldn't. We're very thankful for God's blessing to be able to have this form so that we can fellowship with one another as isolated as we are around the globe.

I wanted to take time to cover a topic that is very critical in understanding at this phase in time. We typically equate the subject of ruling with Christ as kings and priests with the Feast of Tabernacles in many instances. So, my emphasis tonight is not directly the aspect of ruling as it will be in the Kingdom of God, but the prophetic promise that we have, that God has given to us so that we can be prepared to rule with Christ.

It want you to think of the message from that point of view. We all know and have faith that we will be with Him in the Kingdom of God. That we will be part of His Throne in helping usher in the Millennium and helping the people who come to Christ out of such a tumultuous time that they will have experienced.

But to get there is the key! I have shared with those who study with us on the Bible studies and in the fellowship group that it has been a theme of mine for the Passover to look at where we are as we give these messages. I think you will see, as we go through here, that it's important to give meat in due season.

Revelation 1:1: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to Him, to show to His servants the things that are ordained tocome to pass shortly; and He made it known, having sent it by His angel to His servant John who gave witness to the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, and all the things he saw" (vs 1-3)—here in the book of Revelation!

Verse 3: "Blessed is the one who reads, and those who hear the words of this prophecy and who keep the things that are written therein; for the time is at hand."

I think we all come to understand that that we have to live our lives urgently every day. Redeeming the time that we live in being urgent right now about where we are in our calling and our responsibility to God as His called and elect servants today.

Verse 4: "John to the seven churches…"

I gave a sermon some time ago where we looked at the seven churches and learned from them some very important principles for us, that we need to apply in our lives. We're going to do some of that here, as well.

"…that are in Asia: Grace and peace be to you from Him Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come; and from the seven spirits that are before His Throne" (v 4).

Again, Christ sends them out to make sure that they're watching over us, reporting back to Him what's going on in our lives, how we're developing, how we're coming along. Again, that's very important for us to understand. This relationship that we have with God the Father and Jesus Christ is a very active one. Very well organized and planned out in terms of what God is doing in our personal lives. It talks about the incredible impact of Christ's life and death:

Verse 5: "And from Jesus Christ, the faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him Who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to God and His Father; to Him be the glory and the sovereignty into the ages of eternity. Amen" (vs 5-6).

We see that part of what Jesus Christ is doing in our lives is developing us to serve in that capacity. As kings, and as priests. We know that He is King of kings, and Lord of lords, and He is Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. As a priest, our role will be one of support, one of helping the people, directing them to Him, to God!

As God's servants and ministers… Steve and I were having a conversation about the priestly office that Christ has in those Scriptures about the ministry today. Obviously, Christ's words are prophetic regarding His return, but we are being prepared to serve in that capacity.

But what about the ministry today, do we serve in the same capacity as priests? Steve and I was talking about that and I made the comment that there was a big different between a minister and priest. We'll see how there is a very significant difference between a priestly office and the office of the ministry.

As God's servants and ministers we are called to provide God's Family 'food in due season.' Again, Christ wants us to feed the flock, as He told Peter, and gave him instructions to do. He wants us to be mindful pf that, as well.

Matthew 24:42: "Watch, therefore, because you do not know in what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have been watching, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore, you also be ready. For the Son of man is coming at a time that you do not think. Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom his lord has set over his household… [the Church is the household of God; we, the ministry, are over that household] …to give them food in due season?" (vs 42-45).

Verse 46: "Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing. Truly I say to you, he will set him over all his property" (vs 46-47).

That's what we're hoping; our hope is in Christ, that we will be counted worthy to have part in that responsibility. But He then contrast that:

Verse 48: "But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, 'My lord delays his coming,' and shall begin to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken" (vs 48-49). That is back into the world and the old ways of the world!

Verse 50: "The lord of that servant will come in a day that he does not expect, and in an hour that he does not know. And he shall cut him asunder and shall appoint his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (vs 50-51).

I take that admonition very seriously in terms of the calling that God has given me, and what I'm supposed to do as a minister, an elder in God's Church.

I think that all of understand that responsibility. We are to be watching, as it said in v 47. What is the property of God? God's people in part! We don't merchandize the people of God. They belong to God; they were purchased with a great price! Very precious to God, and we recognize and understand that!

We go on to understand that we are instructed to not eat and drink with the drunkards of this world. That isn't just hanging out with bums and winos on the street corner. That's getting wrapped up on those who are dining on the drunkenness of this world, the religious drunkenness of this world.

What does God tell us in Rev. 17? Let's see what God's admonition to us is regarding that.

Revelation 17:1: "And one of the seven angels who had the seven vials came and spoke with me, saying to me, 'Come here; I will show you the judgment of the great whore who sits upon many waters; with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication'" (vs 1-2)—spiritual fornication!

Physical fornication is a sin in the world sufficiently enough, but this is making a comparison with that to our spiritual condition. We need to remember where the Truth is, and we need to stay true to it!

Verse 3: "Then he carried me away in the spirit to a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet beast that had seven heads and ten horns, full of names of blasphemy." We want to come out of this!

Verse 5: "And across her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."

We want to avoid in dealing with any aspect of the religions of this world There's one God, one true God, and he has revealed Himself to us. Let's stay keyed in on that; let's not get distracted in any shape, form or fashion.

Revelation 18:1: "And after these things I saw an angel descending from heaven, having great authority; and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried out mightily with a loud voice, saying, 'Babylon the Great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a habitation of demons, and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hated bird… [these are the idols and the objects of worship] …because all nations have drunk of the wine of the fury of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the power of her luxury'" (vs 1-3).

God is telling us right now to back up and not get caught up in that system of religion of beliefs and practices. God has revealed the Truth to us, and He wants us to hold onto that Truth and practicing His way right now.

Some in the first century church began to doubt. They were thinking that Christ was going to come back immediately, and the longer they existed and Christ didn't return, then they began to doubt and stop attending.

Again, this doubt is either by not being fed properly or not applying the instructions that God had given them. Paul emphasized this admonition in Heb. 10. Let's see what Paul says there in terms of this admonition of not allowing yourself to become weary and wanting to give up.

Hebrew 10:19: "Therefore, brethren, having confidence to enter into the true Holiest by the blood of Jesus."

We have just celebrated Passover, and we have been reminded of how important Christ's life, death and resurrection is in our lives. As I said, in some of the previous messages that we were discussing, we carry that with us in faith. We have to hold onto that understanding that Truth and never let that go. It is not just for the 14th for us to keep that within us. We renew it on the 14th, but we apply it every single day of our existence. Christ is actively involved in our lives.

Verse 20: "By a new and living way, which He consecrated for us through the veil (that is, His flesh), and having a great High Priest over the house of God, let us approach God with a true heart, with full conviction of faith, our hearts having been purified from a wicked conscience, and our bodies having been washed with pure water. Let us hold fast without wavering to the hope that we profess, for He Who promised is faithful; and let us be concerned about one another…" (vs 20-24)—not just ourselves!

We want everyone to be in God's Kingdom. We want all of God's children to make it. We don't want anyone left behind. So, let's encourage one another.

Verse 24: "And let us be concerned about one another and be stirring up one another unto love and good works; not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, even as some are accustomed to do…" (vs 24-25).

I did a study on this Scripture in regards to where some were stopping their attendance and assembling together. Many in the Scriptures that I had put together, started to lose heart. Paul talked about them. Many had abandoned him; all those whom he started the churches with weren't there in the end.

So, Paul says, "…but rather, encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near: (v 25).

This is the instruction that Paul gives us. As Paul told the churches at Rome—Rom. 12, Eph. 6, Col. 4—things that Paul wanted us to be mindful of. God encourages us to hold onto the faith once delivered. Hold onto it tightly! Let's see if we can cement that in our understanding.

Acts 14:7: "And there they preached the Gospel." The Gospel is a critical part of the message that we are proclaiming!

Verse 8: "Now, in Lystra, a certain man was sitting who had never walked; he was impotent in the feet, having been crippled from his mother's womb. This man heard Paul speaking; who, after looking intently at him, and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, 'Stand upright on your feet.' And he leaped up and walked. And when the multitude saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices in Lyconian, saying, 'The gods have become like men and have come down to us'" (vs 8-11).

Verse 12: "And Barnabas they called Zeus; and Paul, Hermes, because he was the principal speaker. Then the priest of Zeus, who officiated before their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, desiring to sacrifice with the multitudes. But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard this, they ripped their own garments in disbelief, and rushed into the multitude, shouting out and saying, 'Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, with the same nature as you, and we have been preaching the Gospel to you, so that you will turn from these vanities to the living God…'" (vs 12-15).

This is the God Whom we serve. We don't serve ideas, images and statues and things that are made of stone and wood. We worship God in Spirit and in Truth! This is what we do!

"…and God Who made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all the things in them; who in the past generations allowed all peoples to go in their own ways" (vs 15-16).

They were cutoff from God, but Jesus Christ has appeared now; the Truth is there!

Verse 17: "'Though, indeed, He did not leave Himself without witness, in doing good to us from heaven by giving rain and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.' And even by saying these things, they could hardly keep the multitudes from sacrificing to them" (vs 17-18).

We see that that is not the kind of faith God wants us to have. He wants us to have faith in the true God. Let's see the contrast to that.

Jude 3: "Beloved, when personally exerting all my diligence to write to you concerning the common salvation, I was compelled to write to you, exhorting you to ferventlyfight for the faith, which once for all time has been delivered to the saints."

God wants us to hold onto the Truth and what we understand. This is God's admonition to us. In doing so, as we live our lives in that understanding of Who the true God is in our calling in terms of what the true God is wanting from us to do in our lives. Let's talk about that and start with our role that He has called us to as stated in Rev. 1, to be kings and priests unto the Father.

So, in doing that, and preparing us to serve in that role, this is the state or journey that we're involved with right now in growing and overcoming, and putting sin out of our life. Acquiring the knowledge of God through the Holy Spirit that God has given us.

Christ was asked the question if He was a king in Luke 23 & John 8 and He answered them truthfully, 'Yes, that was His purpose there.

John 18:33: "Then Pilate returned to the judgment hall and called Jesus, and said to Him, 'Are You the King of the Jews?' Jesus answered him, 'Do you ask this of yourself, or did others say it to you concerning Me?'" (vs 33-34). This was the question that He posed to Pilate.

Verse 35: "Pilate answered Him, 'Am I a Jew? The chief priests and your own nation have delivered You up to me. What have You done?' Jesus answered, 'My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, so that I might not be delivered up to the Jews. However, My Kingdom is not of this world'" (vs 35-36).

We read in the book of Revelation that when Christ comes back and we come back with Him on white horse with swords, that that will be a time for judgment. That time was not then.

We see that, yes, if He wanted to fight He would have fought, but that wasn't the time. The Kingdom of God is indeed central to this relationship that we have with God and to the faith that we profess. We know that the Kingdom of God will be established and Jesus Christ has qualified to replace the 'ruler o this world'

James 2:5: "My beloved brethren, listen. Did not God Himself choose the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom, which He has promised to those who love Him?" That's us! A part of our faith and confidence is that we will inherit with Christ a part in that Kingdom!

Colossians 2:12: "Having been buried with Him in baptism, by which you have also been raised with Him through the inner working of God, Who raised Him from the dead. For you, who were once dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has now made alive with Him, having forgiven all your trespasses. He has blotted out the note of debt against us with the decrees of our sins, which was contrary to us; and He has taken it away, having nailed it to the cross. After stripping the principalities and the powers, He made a public spectacle of them, and has triumphed over them in it. Therefore, do not allow anyone to judge you in eating or in drinking, or with regard to a Festival, or new moon, or the Sabbaths, which are a foreshadow of the things that are coming, but the Body of Christ. Do not allow anyone to defraud you of the prize by doing his will in self-abasement and the worship of angels, intruding into things that he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his own carnal mind and not holding fast to the Head, from Whom all the body, being supplied and knit together by the joints and bands, is increasing with the increase of God. Therefore, if you have died together with Christ from the elements of the world, why are you subjecting yourselves to the decrees of men as if you were living in the world?" (vs 12-20).

Colossians 3:1: "Therefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Set your affection on the things that are above, and not on the things that are on the earth. For you have died, and your life has been hid together with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, is manifested, then you also shall be manifested with Him in glory" (vs 1-4).

This is what we are looking forward to, brethren, living with God in glory in the Kingdom of God, to be resurrected on that day and meet Him on the Sea of Glass. In all that we do in our lives right now is in preparation for that. We are called by the Father to this calling, and it is a very important one for us.

Proverbs 8:14: "Counsel and sound wisdom are mine; I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign and princes decree justice" (vs 14-15). This is God's work that this will occur!

Verse 16: "Princes rule by me, and nobles, and all the judges of the earth. I love those who love me; and those who seek me early shall find me. Riches and honor are with me; yea, enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and what I give is better than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness…" (vs 16-20).

We're starting to understand what kind of rulership God is going to expect of us.

"…in the midst of the paths of justice, that I may cause those who love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasuries" (vs 20-21).

These Scriptures are telling us, that not only what God expects of us today, but what we will be doing as kings in the kingdom of God, leading in this way.

In our recent elder's conference, Fred made a very clear point in this respect: that we are ministers of God and that God leads the people and we support Him in that respect. The Holy Spirit is leading us in our life; God is in each and every one of us:

• working in our lives
• pricking our hearts
• changing our conscience

So that we can have a mind like His! As ministers we support that by magnifying the Word of God and pointing people to God's way of life. My messages here is encouraging each and every one of you to recognize:

• the calling that you have
• what you're being trained to do
• the offices that you will be placed in
• the roles and responsibilities that are indicated in Scripture that you will have
• how we prepare for that reward

So, we're doing that every day in the way that we study, grow and overcome!

In addition to being a king, He also is preparing us to be priests. We know that Jesus Christ officiates at the very Throne of God. We know that He is priest forever after the order of Melchisedec and that He has an office that cannot be replaced. There is no substitute for it; there is no additional priest needed in that office! He is it! Once for all!

But we will have priestly roles in the Kingdom of God. One of those roles as priests of God is to be a teacher; a teacher of the Truth! A teacher of the way that God wants people to walk in, to serve His people. It won't just be individual people; it will be nations, entire nations of people that we will help shepherd.

Matthew 28:16: "Now the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain, which Jesus had appointed for them to meet Him. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go and make disciples in all nations…'" (vs 16-19).

It will also be part of our charge also in the Kingdom of God. Jesus told this to the disciples as a commission of the Church, as well.

"…baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…." (vs 19-20). We're going to be preaching:

• the Truth
• the Word of God
• the way of God
• the precepts of God
• the laws of God

We're going to be preaching and teaching those things to the nations and the people!

"'…And lo, I am with you always" even until the completion of the age.' Amen" (v 20).

So, even today in the ministry that God has given us as ministers and to us as a body, as His Church, He is with us, and will be with us until the very end! Christ is with us today. He leads and we support, not just through the ministry, but individually in our

• in our prayers
• in our personal growth
• in our study
• in the tithe and offerings
• in service

We're supporting God in this work!

Let's take a look at how critical the priestly office is. Let's look at the appointment of Aaron's house in this priestly role. We can learn quite a bit from it. Again, emphasizing how critical this priestly office is:

Exodus 28:1: "And you… [God is talking to Moses] …shall take to yourself Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, so that he may minister to Me in the priest's office: Aaron and Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. And you shall make Holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty" (vs 1-2).

If this physical priestly office is representing the spiritual priestly office that Christ now holds, those Holy garments are for glory and beauty, and you can understand what they represent now.

Verse 3: "And you shall speak to all the wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron's garments to consecrate him so that he may minister to Me in the priest's office."

This office is one in which God appoints a man to. We saw in the book of Revelation where Christ will present us to the Father to be kings and priests. We will have a role in His Kingdom!

Another aspect of this is that God has appointed one to this office—one cannot appoint himself—it's very important that that is understood, as well.

Verse 29: "And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goes into the Holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually. And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goes into the Holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually. And you shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue" (vs 29-31). Speaking about His role as priest!

The office of priest is quite a bit different from that of a minister. Timothy talks about the role of the ministry.

1-Timothy 3:1: "Faithful is the saying, 'If any man aspires to be an overseer, he desires a good work.' Now then, it is obligatory that the overseer be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, serious-minded, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching; not given to much wine, not a bully, not greedy for selfish gain; but kind, not a quarreler, not a lover of money; one who rules his own house well, having his children in subjection with all respect; (For if a man does not know how to rule his own household, how will he take care of the Church of God?)" (vs 1-5).

This is God's Church, and these are some of the attributes that God is looking for in the ministry. Yes, that office is quite a bit different than that of the priesthood.

Exodus 29:1: "And this is the thing that you shall do to them to sanctify them to minister to Me in the priest's office…. [it talks about the sacrifices that must happen]: …Take one young bull, and two rams without blemish, and unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened mixed with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil. You shall make them of wheat flour. And you shall put them into one basket, and bring them in the basket with the bull and the two rams. And you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall wash them with water. And you shall take the garments, and clothe Aaron with the tunic…" (vs 1-5).

It goes through all the various aspects and intricacies of preparing of those symbols and utilize those things in the temple, which is very, very important. Those things are very interracially important to be done with very much care and special emphasis for a reason. They represent the actual that is today! They were important then, but we have the reality to day. I look back and they magnify what we are understanding in God's Church; the reality of the current truth that is.

Hebrews 5:1: "For every high priest, being taken from among men to act in behalf of men, is appointed to serve in the things pertaining to God in order that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins." This describes what Aaron was called to do to serve in a priestly office!

Verse 2: "and he is able to deal gently with those who sin in ignorance and those who have been led astray, since he himself is also encumbered with many weaknesses…. [that was true of the fleshly priesthood] …And because of these weaknesses, he is obligated also to offer sacrifices for his own sins, exactly as he does for the people. Now, no man takes the honor of the high priesthood upon himself, but only he who is called by God, in the same way as Aaron also was called" (vs 2-4).

It says that 'if a man aspires to be an overseer that he aspires to a good thing.' But you cannot aspire to be a priest! You have to be appointed, called and placed in that office as God has called us to be, according to Christ's own words in Revelation.

Verse 5: "In this same manner also, Christ did not glorify Himself to become a High Priest, but He Who said to Him, 'You are My Son; today I have begotten You.' Even as He also says in another place, 'You are a Priest forever… [there's no other priest to substitute or add to] …according to the order of Melchisedec'" (vs 5-6).

So, our role will be as one of support in a priestly role toward the people and pointing them to the high priesthood of Christ:

• what it represents in their lives
• what it will do for them
• what it will mean for them

in terms of change, growth and overcoming!

Verse 7: "Who, in the days of His flesh, offered up both prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears to Him Who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because He feared God. Although He was a Son, yet, He learned obedience from the things that He suffered; and having been perfected, He became the Author of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him, after He had been designated by God as High Priest according to the order of Melchisedec; concerning Whom we have much to say and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing" (vs 7-11).

But we are not dull of hearing, brethren! We understand this incredible office that Christ holds today. We understand what it means to us to be able to get to the 59th Day and be a part of God's Family.

Verse 12: "For truly, by this time you ought to be teachers…"

All of us have this responsibility to understand and study God's Word, and be able to instruct in it in our own circles in our community and families.

"…but instead you need to have someone teach you again what are the beginning principles of the oracles of God…" (v 12).

Hebrews 6:1: "Therefore, advancing beyond the beginning principles of the doctrines of Christ, we should go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works… [we should be growing in our understanding] …and of faith in God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And we will do this, if indeed God permits" (vs 1-3).

These things are important, key and foundational. But it seems that God indicating that there is a greater and more profound thing that we also need to begin to understand. Not only what we need to understand now to be servants of God and to walk in His ways, but also to know that it is not just for us that we're doing this. It is to be of service to God to usher in His Kingdom for all mankind!

• not just saving ourselves to a spirit life
• not just being granted great rewards as spirit beings on the Sea of Glass and a glorious body

Yes, we are going to rejoice profoundly to be a part of God's resurrected saints. But there is work to be done after that!

We need to be preparing to do that work after that, learning those principles and lessons that are going to be useful in the service of God as kings and priests in His Kingdom.

Hebrews 7:1: For this Melchisedec, King of Salem, Priest of the Most High God, Who met Abraham as he was returning from his slaughter of the kings, and blessed him, and to Whom Abraham gave a tenth part of all; on the one hand, being interpreted King of Righteousness… [we are children of righteousness before God] …and on the other hand, King of Salem, which is King of Peace" (vs 1- 2).

Then it talks about Christ's role there and He still holds that role in God's Family.

Colossians 2:6: "Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, be walking in Him." All of our walk to be before God, with faith in Him, aspiring to His example!

Verse 7: "Being rooted and built up in Him, and being confirmed in the faith, exactly as you were taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Be on guard so that no one takes you captive through philosophy and vain deceit, according to the traditions of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and you are complete in Him, Who is the Head of all principality and power in Whom you have also been circumcised with the circumcision not made by hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, by which you have also been raised with Him through the inner working of God, Who raised Him from the dead" (vs 7-12).

Verse 13: "For you, who were once dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has now made alive with Him, having forgiven all your trespasses. He has blotted out the note of debt against us with the decrees of our sins, which was contrary to us; and He has taken it away, having nailed it to the cross. After stripping the principalities and the powers, He made a public spectacle of them, and has triumphed over them in it. Therefore, do not allow anyone to judge you in eating or in drinking…" (vs 13-16).

Colossians 3:1: "Therefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Set your affection on the things that are above, and not on the things that are on the earth. For you have died, and your life has been hid together with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, is manifested, then you also shall be manifested with Him in glory" (vs 1-4). Yes, we will be resurrected in glorious bodies and appearance!

Let's emphasize once again what it is that we are to do, what is set before us in our calling to God:

• not just to be good people in the world
• not just to be lights in the world

That is our calling, yes, and we are to do that, but recognize beyond that that when we're resurrected because we have faith and we're going to hold onto that faith to very end, and we're not going to let it go. That we will be with Christ and follow Him wherever He goes, whatever He directs us to do, we're going to be there.

There's a Scripture in Isa. 57 that speaks to our role in the Kingdom of God in terms of where we're going to dwell with Christ and the nations are flowing to Jerusalem seeking after this glorious, wonderful Being Who is replenishing the earth and bringing peace to people.

Revelation 1:1: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to Him, to show to His servants…"

He gave this to John to reach not only John and the disciples of that time, but even across to our time as we read it here now. It's there for us to know and understand.

"…the things that are ordained tocome to pass shortly; and He made it known, having sent it by His angel to His servant John who gave witness to the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ… [this is the very Word of God; it comes from Jesus Christ] …and all the things he saw. Blessed is the one who reads… [we're reading it, so we're very blessed and to understand, as well] …and those who hear the words of this prophecy and who keep the things that are written therein; for the time is at hand. John to the seven churches… [we are part of God's Church] …that are in Asia: Grace and peace be to you from Him Who is [Christ], and Who was, and Who is to come; and from the seven spirits that are before His Throne and from Jesus Christ, the faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him Who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us… [making of us is through everything that He has done and will do] …kings and priests to God and His Father…" (vs 1-6). He's going to present us to the Father on the Sea of Glass, and we're going to be given:

• our new names
• our new charge
• out new responsibilities

"…to Him be the glory and the sovereignty into the ages of eternity. Amen…. [and we will be with Him forever] …Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye shall see Him, and those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen" (vs 6-7).

Brethren, we are truly looking to the return of Christ and our responsibility with Him. Let's continue

• to prepare
• to walk before God in faith
• to apply the principles and precepts that God has given us and inspired us to do
• to continue repenting
• to continue growing in knowledge and grace
• to overcome through the power of God, not through mere human effort

We need to be in the Word of God, prayerfully studying, fasting and doing those things that allows God's Spirit to have maximum affect in our lives. Not resisting it! Not being an obstacle to it! Yielding to it as malleable clay in His hands until He returns!

Don't forget that we're not just called to be 'good' in this world, but we're truly called to be kings to rule with Christ, but also to be priests to help serve the people to bring them into the Kingdom of God!

Scriptural References:

• Revelation 1:1-6
• Matthew 24:42-51
• Revelation 17:1-3, 5
• Revelation 18:1-3
• Hebrews 10:19-25
• Acts 14:7-18
• Jude 3
• John 18:33-36
• James 2:5
• Colossians 2:12-20
• Colossians 3:1-4
• Proverbs 8:14-21
• Matthew 28:16-20
• Exodus 28:1-3, 29-31
• 1 Timothy 3:1-5
• Exodus 29:1-5
• Hebrews 5:1-12
• Hebrews 6:1-3
• Hebrews 7:1-2
• Colossians 2:6-16
• Colossians 3:1-4
• Revelation 1:1-7

Scriptures referenced, not quoted:

• Romans 12
• Ephesians 6
• Colossians 4
• Luke 23
• John 8
• Isaiah 57

AJ:bo
Transcribed: 8/16/21

Copyright 2021—All rights reserved. Except for brief excerpts for review purposes, no part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means without the written permission of the copyright owner. This includes electronic and mechanical photocopying or recording, as well as the use of information storage and retrieval systems.