Welcome to the Feast of Tabernacles—2014

Fred R. Coulter—October 8, 2014

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Greetings, brethren! Welcome to the Feast of Tabernacles; we're another year closer to the Kingdom of God! That's the reason why we are here.

God is doing a great work that the world does not know. The world does not know us; they don't understand that we are going to replace all of the governments of this world, and that we are going to rule and reign with Christ. Let's see that described in Rev.20. This describes the end result of everything that we do:

• growing
• changing
• overcoming
• the trials we go through
• the blessings we receive
• what we do with the Word of God

This is a result of:

• our prayers
• our study
• of being faithful to God in everything

Revelation 20:4: "And I saw thrones…" There are thrones of greater power and thrones of lesser power, and that comes down to smaller situations. We know that those who have come before us are going to receive the blessing of working with Christ. Just like with the vision of the Transfiguration when Jesus was transfigured in vision before Peter, James and John, and they saw Moses and Elijah. That was in vision! They're going to be right next to Christ.

This whole world needs us, brethren. They don't even know it or realize it, but what they need is the Kingdom of God, the government and rulership of God with Jesus Christ as the King, Savior and Intercessor, and all of the saints raised from the dead to work and to help people. That's why we're here!

"…and they that sat upon them…" (v 4). That shows that it's going to happen. We will be ruling and judging.

"…and judgment was given to them…" (v 4). That's why it's so important that we understand righteous judgment, how to decide things according to the Word of God! God doesn't give us His Word just to pour it into our heads like with a funnel. He wants us to study, and spiritual things happen when we study. Jesus said, 'The words that I speak to you are Spirit and Life.' These give us:

• the spiritual strength
• the spiritual character
• the understanding and wisdom that comes from God

and develops

• the mind of Christ

"…and I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and those who did not worship the beast, or his image, and did not receive the mark in their foreheads or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years" (v 4). That's the blessing of those who are the firstborn, those who are going to rule with Christ.

We are called the Church of the Firstborn, and Christ is the First of the firstborn, and First of the firstfruits. We are the fruit of the harvest of the first resurrection.

Let's come to Rom. 8 because we see something here that is very important for us to understand. Look out at the world and the world is in bad shape; the world is in a terrible mess. Remember, we need to be prepared for the difficult times that lie ahead, but one of the things that keeps us looking ahead—beyond the tribulations or difficulties we will go through—is the goal, the purpose, the plan of God fulfilled in our lives!

Here Paul writes about what it is in our daily lives and how we need to look to God, how we need to come to God to let Him be with us, to lead us. That's why He's given us of His Spirit. His Spirit is given to us that we may grow, change, overcome, and prepare for what we just read. The world doesn't know it, but they're waiting for us! We need to really be prepared. And we need to really work and grow and change. That's what the Feast of Tabernacles is all about, so we can understand seeking the Kingdom of God first. This is what it's going to be:

Romans 8:14: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God." That's why God has given His Spirit. That's why each one of us is actually a small temple of God, because God is dwelling in His people.

Verse 15: "Now, you have not received a spirit of bondage again unto fear, but you have received the Spirit of sonship… [to be God's very own children] …whereby we call out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit itself bears witness conjointly with our own spirit, testifying that we are the children of God. Now if we are children, we are also heirs… [Isn't that an amazing thing? Yes, indeed!] …—truly, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—…" (vs 15-17). What a fantastic future it is!

Whenever we get bogged down in trials—which we do; whenever we have things come along that are difficult to handle—which we have; we need to always remember to keep our eyes on the Kingdom of God and the goal that God has called us to achieve! He will give us the power and strength to do it. He will transform us into the spirit sons and daughters of God. We will have glory to shine like the sun.

Paul continues: "…if indeed we suffer together with Him, so that we may also be glorified together with Him" (v 17).

Here is the key, so when difficult times come—and there are going to be a lot of them coming down the road in the future—here's what Paul did:

Verse 18: "For I reckon… [calculate, figure, look at] …that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation itself is awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God" (vs 18-19).

Stop and think about that! All of us in our own little ole lives, sometimes we all get down and discouraged and think: Oh my, does God really love me? Yes, He does! That's why He's called us! And for us also to understand that whatever we go through it isn't "…worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us."

Look at the world it is waiting for and doesn't even know it! Look at all the:

• wars
• power struggles
• governments up and down
• crime
• drugs
• difficulties and problems besetting the world all around

When we read v 19, just turn the numbers around and remember Psa. 91. That's why people out there:

• don't know where they're going
• don't know what they're doing
• don't understand what it is that life is all about
• why they're going through the things that they're going through.

They strive! Some do better than others, but all of them end up wondering: Why am I here? Some seem gratified to think that they'll go to heaven, not realizing that heaven is coming here. God has a greater plan than all souls going to heaven.

Verse 19: "For the earnest expectation of the creation itself is awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God." That's all of us combined: All the saints down through history beginning with Abel clear down to the two witnesses, waiting for us; waiting for the return of Christ!

Verse 20: "Because the creation was subjected to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him who subjected it in hope." We, brethren, are the hope of the world, because if there is not Jesus Christ, and if there are not the saints, then mankind is going to destroy himself without any recovery. That's how important you are to God.

Verse 21: "In order that the creation itself might be delivered from the bondage of corruption… [that's what they are in the world, the bondage of corruption: sin, troubles, death, etc.] …into the freedom of the glory of the children of God."

We, under Christ, not only are going to rule, but we are going to teach them the way of salvation! God is going to make this world so wonderful and fantastic that it is going to be an absolute wondrous joy for the people who survive through the Tribulation and enter into the Kingdom of God as physical beings. Of course, there's going to be a lot of work for us to do.

Now let's come to Luke 12 and see the promise. Jesus gives a comparison here that we're not to look to the physical things on the earth. God will provide all the physical things that we need. He is not going to hold anything back from what we need. We'll always have sufficiency because God is there to help us. Jesus tells us what we are to do:

• this is why we pray
• this is why we study
• this is why we do the things that we do
• this is why we reach out to people in the world
• with a warning message of what's happening
• with the Gospel
• with preaching the Gospel of repentance so that God can call some more
• with all the books and literature that we send out to all the brethren

so that they can

• learn the way of God
• grow in grace and knowledge
• grow in Truth.

That's the whole purpose of everything that we do!

Luke 12:31: "But seek the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you…. [everything that I have talked about here] …Do not be afraid, little flock…" (vs 31-32). Don't worry! Don't worry about the fact that aren't a lot of people. God hasn't called them. The truth is, God has called a lot of them, but many of them—most of them—do not answer the call.

"…for your Father delights… [He has pleasure, He has joy, He has happiness]: …in giving you the kingdom" (v 32). That's our inheritance! In this world we are nothing, but in the Kingdom of God we are the very sons and daughters of God. We are the Father's family to rule with Christ! That does make us absolutely important! We are the ones to bring about the solutions to this world, as Christ directs us.

Parable of the Pounds:

Luke 19:11: "Now, as they were listening to these things, He went on to speak a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they thought that the Kingdom of God was going to appear immediately." How many times have we had false alarms? Quite a few!

Verse 12: "Therefore, He said, 'A certain nobleman set out to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and to return.'" That's Christ going back to the Father.

Verse 13: "And after calling ten of his servants, he gave to them ten pounds, and said to them, 'Trade until I come back.' But his citizens hated him and sent an ambassador after him, saying, 'We are not willing to have this man reign over us.' And it came to pass that when he returned after receiving the kingdom, he directed that those servants to whom he had given the money be called to him, in order that he might know what each one had gained by trading" (vs 13-15). Trading is in terms of growing and overcoming.

• What are you producing?
• What is the character you are developing?

In order to rule and reign with Jesus Christ, character is the #1 thing:

• the love of God
• the Truth of God

all the attributes of God:

• kind
• patient
• merciful
• longsuffering

Yet, strong in truth! Not putting up with any wickedness.

Verse 16: "And the first one came up, saying, 'Lord, your pound has produced ten pounds.' Then he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities'" (vs 16-17). That part of the job of the saints; to rule over cities, villages, different areas.

Verse 18: "And the second one came, saying, 'Lord, your pound has made five pounds.' Then he also said to this one, 'And you be over five cities.' But another came, saying, 'Lord, behold your pound, which I kept laid up in a handkerchief. For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You take up what you did not lay down, and you reap what you did not sow'" (vs 18-21).

Look at what responsibility is laid upon us, given to us. If we yield to God, we can grow and overcome. If we remain in his grace, we will endure and we will do the things that please God! Not like the one who accused God.

Remember this; here's another key: Never accuse God because of difficulties! He will see you through every single one of them. Stop and think for minute: Since He can overcome death and resurrect us from the dead, what problems are too great for Him? None! That's why we trust in Him.

Verse 22: "Then he said to him, 'Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant! You knew that I am a harsh man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow. Then why didn't you deposit my money in the bank, so that at my coming I might have received it with interest?'" (vs 22-23). This shows we can't slack up!

• regardless of the circumstances
• regardless of the time

We're closer to the end-time than the Church has ever been in the whole history of the Church. But think about how this really applies to those in the first century that had to wait and wait and live their lives and die. That's happened to a lot of us, too. Remember, God is faithful. He will perform His Word, but notice:

Verse 24: "And he said to those who were standing by, 'Take the pound from him, and give it to the one who has ten pounds.' (And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten pounds.')" (vs 24-25). Well, he did the most with the one so give him another one. Likewise with us!

Verse 26: "For I tell you that to everyone who has, more shall be given; but the one who does not have, even what he has shall be taken from him. Moreover, bring my enemies, those who were not willing for me to reign over them, and slay them here before me" (vs 26-27). Those are pretty strong words!

What God wants from us is a complete, absolute commitment—it's greater than a commitment—a devoted and worshipful commitment to God.

Matthew 19:16: "Now at that time, one came to Him and said, 'Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?' And He said to him, 'Why do you call Me good? No one is good except one—God….'" (vs 16-17).

When Jesus was in the flesh—though He was God manifested in the flesh—He was not purely 100% God. How could He be if was in the flesh and carrying human nature? That's why He said, 'There is one that is God, God the Father in heaven above.

"'…But if you desire to enter into life, keep the commandments.' Then he said to Him, 'Which?' And Jesus said, 'You shall not commit murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and, you shall love your neighbor as yourself'" (vs 17-19).

Here's this rich man and he was a pretty 'righteous' fellow, v 20: "The young man said to Him, 'I have kept all these things from my youth. What do I yet lack?'" Interesting, he kept them all in the letter of the Law, which shows another thing: God does require the keeping of the commandments in the letter of the Law, and that people can do so!What do you know about that?

Here is the difference: We're not to have one foot in the world and one foot in the Church; one foot loving the world, and one foot loving the Kingdom of God and the Church. NO! It has to be a full absolute all out commitment to God!

Verse 21: "Jesus said to him, 'If you desire to be perfect, go and sell your property, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come and follow Me.' But after hearing this word, the young man went away grieving, because he had many possessions" (vs 21-22). Stop and think about how quickly those can just disappear. Look at the world today.

• Go back three years ago in Syria; now look at it!
• Go back three years ago into Iraq; now look at it!
• Go back six months into Crimea; now look at it!

Verse 23: "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'Truly I say to you, it is extremely difficult for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.' But after hearing this, the disciples were greatly astonished and said, 'Who then is able to be saved?' But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible'" (vs 23-26).

Notice how Peter responded to Jesus, v 27: "Then Peter answered and said to Him, 'Behold, we have left everything and have followed You. What then shall be for us?' And Jesus said to them, 'Truly I say to you who have followed Me: in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit upon the throne of His glory, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel'" (vs 27-28). This is just telling us that there are greater thrones and lesser thrones, and we're all included in it.

Verse 29: "And everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life. But many of the first shall be last, and the last first" (vs 29-30).

You can go through and read some of the other parables of the kingdom. Let's come to the book of Psalms and we're going to see some very interesting things here concerning:

• the attitude
• what God has promised for us
• what He has given to us
• what He is going to give to us

Let's see the requirements given to us in the book of Psalms. All the Psalms are good, but Psa. 16 is especially good for us.

Psalm 16:1: "Preserve me, O God, for in You do I take refuge…. [always coming to God] …I have said to the LORD, 'You are my LORD; I have no goodness apart from You.'" (vs 1-2). God is doing a tremendous work in us, to take us from the point we naturally are—deceitful about all things and desperately wicked:

• to convert us
• to change us
• to give us the mind of Christ
• to grow
• to overcome
• so that we can be raised in the first resurrection to eternal life

Truly, we have no goodness apart from Him!

Verse 3: "As for the saints in the earth, 'They are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.'" That's is God's Word looking down here on the earth.

• Did you know that you are the delight of God?
• Did you know that He's training and testing you, giving you the character and qualities you need to rule and reign with Christ?

What a delight that must be with Him, especially when we are loving Him and keeping His commandments, serving Him, believing in Him. That's a fantastic thing—isn't it?

Verse 4: "Their sorrows shall be multiplied who run after another god. I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood; and I will not take their names upon my lips." We don't bring 'fudge-factors' from the Christianity of the world into the Church of God.

Verse 5: "The LORD is the portion of my inheritance…" Isn't that what Paul wrote, that we would receive; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ?

"…and of my cup; You shall uphold my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places…" (vs 5-6)—lines of an inheritance, and our inheritance is ultimately New Jerusalem.

"…yea, I have a beautiful inheritance. I will bless the LORD Who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the nights. I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved" (vs 6-8). That's the attitude that we need to have, brethren; not be moved at all! That's why we go through the things that we do.

One man mentioned that 'when we stand for the Truth we become unloving.' NO, we don't! We love God! When we stand for the Truth we are loving God greatly:

• with strength
• with conviction
• with righteousness
• with Truth

If there are those coming in trying to change doctrine:

• Should they receive the love of God?
• Should they receive the love of brethren as one of their own?
• No, indeed!
• What did Jesus tell Satan? Get behind me, Satan!
• Where does all false doctrine come from? Satan the devil!

So, you see that's a false premise. "…I shall not be moved."
Verse 9: "Therefore, My heart is glad, and My glory rejoices; My flesh also shall rest in safety." Here is a prophecy concerning Jesus and His resurrection; but even though we see corruption, we will be raised from the dead.

Verse 10: "For You will not abandon My soul to the grave; neither will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will make known to Me the path of life… [so we can get into the Kingdom of God] …in Your presence is fullness of joy. At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (vs 10-11).

Look at what we have to look forward to! What a tremendous and wonderful thing that is! Let's begin to understand and have it set in our mind the beauty, the glory, the power and the things that God is going to give to us are so fantastic, wonderful and awesome!

Psalm 84:1: "How lovely are Your tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!"

• What is it going to be like to see New Jerusalem?
• What is it going to be like to see what the world is going to be like during the Millennium?
• What is going to be like when we come to where Christ is in Jerusalem, where His throne will be?
• What is going to be like when we see the great tabernacle that is there?

There isn't going to be a temple; there isn't going to any sacrifices.

If you don't understand that then go online (cbcg.org) and look up the two sermons that I gave concerning: What the Millennial temple will be? {The Millennial Temple # 1 & 2—FOT, 2007, Days 2 & 3}

Here is the passion we need to have, v 2: "My soul longs, yea, even faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Yea, even the sparrow has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young, even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house…" (vs 2-4). That's where we will be!

It is hard for those who don't understand the plan of God to imagine what this means, Psalm 82:1: "God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods." You could say 'among the gods of the earth He judges and brings penalties.' True! Absolutely true! But let's put that together with:

Verse 6: "I have said, 'You are gods; and all of you are sons of the Most High." That's the future for us, brethren. That's the reason why we keep all the Holy Days. Remember, nothing can be carried out or understood without:

• the Passover and all that that means
• the Feast of Unleavened Bread and all that that means
• the Feast of Pentecost, and all that that means
• the Feast of Trumpets
• the Day of Atonement
• the Feast of Tabernacles, and everything that that means for the world, the Truth, righteousness in every way

Notice what God is going to do. Sometimes because of problems and difficulties in our lives we tend to get focused on those. But the way we can handle those the best is first get focused on what God is doing.

Psalm 92:12: "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon." Those are quite some things. Likening it to how we will be spiritually.

Verse 13: "Those that are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God." Even right now the Church of God has reached a point that many of us are older, including myself! But that doesn't stop us from growing and overcoming. That doesn't hinder us from doing the things of developing the mind of Christ and the character of God, and being prepared to be kings and priests with Christ.

Verse 14: "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age…" We have some people way up in their 90s, and they're still bringing forth fruit. We had one woman who lived to be 102-years-old. She was praying and studying and bringing forth fruit in her life until she took her last breath! That's what we need to look to.

"…they shall be full of sap and very green. To show that the LORD is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him" (vs 14-15). Quite a thing for us—isn't it? Yes, indeed!

We're going to see some very interesting things, and a lot of hope, and a lot of inspiration and a lot of help.

Psalm 118:14: "The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous…" (vs 14-15). Let it be that way during this Feast of Tabernacles, brethren.

"…the right hand of the LORD does mighty things. The right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD does valiantly. I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the LORD" (vs 15-17)—because even if we die, we are going to be raised to eternal life.

Verse 19: "Open to me the gates of righteousness…" [this is a prophecy of Christ, but we're going to walk through these same gates] …I will go through them, and I will praise the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. I will praise You, for You have answered me and have become my salvation" (vs 19-21).

Now let's look at a couple of promises of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John. Remember:

• every word of God is true
• everything God has promised will happen
• everything that He has said will come to pass

Not only the prophecies, but the promises. This promise was given to the apostles and carries right down to us today, that we will be in the Kingdom of God, and ultimately, in a special place in New Jerusalem.

John 14:1: "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father's house… [the tabernacle of God] …are many dwelling places… [one for each one of us] …if it were otherwise, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you" (vs 1-2). Christ has been busy doing that. He's been busy working with us

• so that we can grow, change and overcome
• so we can be there, be in the tabernacle of God
• so we can be with God the Father and Jesus Christ
• so that we can reign in this world
• so that we can bring salvation to the world for a thousand years

That how many dictators have wanted to bring about and could never do it, because that is God's business, not men's business!

Verse 3: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; so that where I am, you may be also." Quite a wonderful thing! Think about it! Think about:

• the love of God
• the Truth of God'
• the righteousness of God
• the tremendous things that are going to happen with the glory that's going to be revealed in us

—which is going to be absolutely astonishing, and then:

• giving us the authority to rule and reign with Christ
• to bring peace to this world
• to bring understanding to this world
• to help them qualify to enter into the Kingdom of God and God's Family grow great

Here is the whole purpose of it; here is what it is. These are the very words of Christ that He prayed, and everything comes down to His whole Church from there and on through the first resurrection, and then on through the Feast of Tabernacles and all of those who will come into the Kingdom of God at that time. Here is what God wants:

John 17:20: "I do not pray for these only, but also for those who shall believe in Me through their word." That's us!

• Christ prays for us
• Christ makes intercession for us
• Christ helps us
• Christ strengthens us
• Christ sends angels to watch over us

Here is the goal, and remember, right at the time, just before Jesus was to be arrested and taken off to be beaten, scourge and crucified, He kept His mind the whole goal and plan of God! That's what we need to do.

Verse 21: "That they all may be one, even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, in order that the world may believe that You did send Me. And I have given them the glory that You gave to Me…" (vs 21-22). Receiving the Holy Spirit is really a very wonderful and glorious thing; a foretaste, down payment, an earnest of our inheritance.

"…in order that they may be one, in the same way that We are one: I in them, and You in Me, that they may be perfected into one…" (vs 22-23). That's the whole process that we are going through, brethren. Use this Feast of Tabernacles for

• loving the brethren
• fellowshipping with the brethren
• time together
• focus in on our purpose in life
• where we're going
• what we're doing
• make whatever resolves you need to make

Verse 24: "Father, I desire that those whom You have given Me may also be with Me where I am, so that they may behold My glory, which You have given Me; because You did love Me before the foundation of the world." God had this plan going way back. Think of what a fantastic thing this is, brethren, to be part of that great, wonderful and awesome plan of God!

Jesus said, v 25: "Righteous Father, the world has not known You; but I have known You, and these have known that You did send Me. And I have made known Your name to them, and will make it known; so that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them" (vs 25-26).

That's the whole purpose of why we are here. Brethren, let's have this Feast as a wonderful Feast. We need to forget about the cares and worries of this world. They'll be there when we get back home, so we don't have to worry about that.

Let's focus on the goal of being kings and priest ruling with Christ, living in the Kingdom of God, having spiritual glory and power that God gives to us, and have a wonderful Feast!

Scriptural References:

1. Revelation 20:4
2. Romans 8:14-21
3. Luke 12:31-32
4. Luke 19:11-27
5. Matthew 19:16-30
6. Psalm 16:1-14
7. Psalm 84:1-4
8. Psalm 82:1, 6
9. Psalm 92:12-15
10. Psalm 118:14-17, 19-21
11. John 14:1-3
12. John 17:20-26

Scripture referenced, not quoted: Psalm 91

Also referenced: Sermons:
The Millennial Temple # 1 & 2 (FOT, 2007, Days 2 & 3)

FRC:bo
Transcribed:7-28-14

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