The antichrist spirit

1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1Jn 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1Jn 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

One test of the spirit of a teacher is to ask them who Jesus is. Is Jesus only a spirit to them? Is he in every man? Some believe this, but do not see the Jesus who came as a man and who died for our sins. This is the spirit of antichrist. Jesus was with God, the Living Word, a Spirit, for God is a Spirit. This Spirit of Jesus came to us, born of a virgin, a living human who was God the Son. He showed us the nature of his heavenly Father and became our atonement for sin. By his grace we are saved from the wrath of God. When he returned to the Father he left the Holy Spirit for us to discern all truth. The Holy Spirit shows us all that God the Father and God the Son have said. He does not speak of himself. We do not worship an unconnected spirit, but we worship God through the Holy Spirit. A spirit that refuses to see Jesus as the Christ, the one who died for our sins is an antichrist spirit.

1Jn 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1Jn 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
1Jn 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
1Jn 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1Jn 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

More and more the world is moving away from God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. The world has another spirit, the antichrist spirit. Some believe that they hear from God by an angel or by a spirit, a god or a goddess, but they are believing the lie. The antichrist spirit is of satan. Some may think that they are very spiritual, if so then ask them who Jesus is? The Spirit of God speaks the word of God and does not contradict the Holy Bible.

Finally, we are to love one another. For God is a Spirit of love. We also love the truth and his justice. We need discernment with his love. Use the Jesus test in love. If they are in error, then lovingly show them the truth. If they refuse, you have done your part. Remember, until we have come to God through faith in Jesus, we were once deceived. Speak the truth in love, not to condemn, but to save them. Greater is He that is in you.The one thing I see for those testing the spirits is they often are not filled with the love of Christ. Our Christian love and truth are to be an example to the lost. Jesus saves the lost and he saved me. If they oppose the truth, then leave them alone. You gave them the seed of his truth, let the Holy Spirit work to convict them.

Pride and Transgression

2Ch 26:16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

2Ch 26:17 And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men:

Azariah the priest withstood him, for he had overstepped his position. He was followed by 80 priests, valiant men who withstood him. This reminds me of the ministers who withstood Hitler regarding their position with the LORD as spiritual leaders. Even the king must follow the laws of God and the laws of the land. There is one king who also is the Great High Priest and he is the Son of God; the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone has the title of King and High Priest. Sometimes kings overstep their position and make themself a god. The LORD God will not allow this for long. For example king Herod wanted to be called a god, and God punished him.

Act 12:21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

Act 12:22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

Act 12:23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

2Ch 26:18 And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God.

Uzziah's heart was lifted up he thought that he could do anything and was full of pride. He entered the sacred altar to burn incense. He was not a priest of Aaron's lineage nor was he prepared. There was ceremonial cleansing of the priests and I believe their hearts had to be right to minister the incense to the Lord.

Now we can boldly enter into the holy presence of God through the work of Jesus. His blood cleanses us and makes us acceptable. Our prayers are as the incense. We are to stay clean in our hearts; for example, when we take communion we are to examine ourselves, confess our sins, make things right with our brothers, for if we partake of the communion unworthily we may suffer. Our sin may cause us to fall.

1Co 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

1Co 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

1Co 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

1Co 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

1Co 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

Leprosy

2Ch 26:19 Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar.

Uzziah was angry with the priests for trying to stop him and God gave him leprosy.

2Ch 26:20 And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.

2Ch 26:21 And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son was over the king's house, judging the people of the land.

There were other incidents of leprosy being given to those who rebelled against God's appointed servants. Miriam, Moses' sister rebelled wanting to take leadership from Moses and she was made a leper for a time.

Num 12:10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

Gehaza, Elishas servant disobeyed and took bounty from Naamon against the will of Elisha and was given leprosy.

2Ki 5:27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

The two son's of Aaron the high priest disobeyed the law of God and offered strange fire and they were killed, which was a just punishment of God.

Lev 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.

Lev 10:2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

2Ch 26:22 Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write.

2Ch 26:23 So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, He is a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

The words of Isaiah the prophet:

Isa 1:1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Isa 1:2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Isa 1:3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

Isa 1:4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

Isa 1:5 Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

Isa 1:6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

Isa 1:7 Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.

Isa 1:8 And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city.

Isa 1:9 Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

Again Isaiah speaks of Uzziah in a vision of the Lord Jesus Christ on a throne.

Isa 6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Isa 6:2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

Isa 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

King Uzziah had accomplished much with the LORD's favor. He reinforced the walls, added towers. He built towers and dug wells in the desert for cattle and crops. He established an important sea port, had made inventions and military engines. His country enjoyed prosperity, but in the end he disobeyed God's commands and lived the rest of his life as a leper. Perhaps through this he again learned to trust the Lord.

The prophet Isaiah was sent to correct the Lord's people and to call a people to be his witnesses. Will we accept his calling?

Isa 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Engines and Prosperity

Uzziah's accomplishments

He fortified Jerusalem

2Ch 26:9 Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.

Under the Lord's direction Uzziah reinforced the walls and built towers for defense.From these towers the war machines cast boulders and arrows at invading enemies. A portion of the wall had been destroyed by the Israelite King Jehoash during his father's reign.

The wealth of the temple and palace had also been taken.

2Ch 25:24 And he took all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with Obededom, and the treasures of the king's house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria.

One reason for this calamity was that Uzzuah's father had turned to foreign gods. The enemy was allowed to come in and to plunder. We are not to trust in anything more than our LORD. Our LORD is our strong tower and our defense as described by the Psalmist.

Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psa 61:3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

Pro 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

2Ch 26:10 Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.

Towers in the desert probably were for watchng and for protection. When we are raised higher we can see further. We are raised higher in Christ Jesus and we are his watchmen. Many wells were dug to water the cattle. Water was also used for agriculture as food was required to feed the people and Uzziah enjoyed growing things. Many were employed to care for the cattle and agriculture, his time was prosperous. Water is symbolic of God's word, so we are to watch and hear the word of God and prepare ourselves to meet the enemy and to meet the LORD. The enemy will attack many times to discourage, but if we continue to trust in the Lord of our salvation we shall reap an eternal reward.

2Ch 26:11 Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king's captains.

2Ch 26:12 The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand and six hundred.

2Ch 26:13 And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.

Two thousand six hundred military leaders and three hundred seven thousand five hundred men of war for defence purposes. Sometimes they had to go into enemy territory to insure the peace. Victory is the LORD's.

Deu 23:14 For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.

Weapons of war

2Ch 26:14 And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones.

¹⁴Uzziah prepared for all the army shields, spears, helmets, coats of mail, bows, and stones to sling. (Amplified)

2Ch 26:15 And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.

Engines were mechanical devices, such as catapults to hurl stones. One type was like a giant crossbow to hurl large arrows.

"This is the very first imitation on record of any warlike engines for the attack or defence of besieged places; and this account is long prior to any thing of the kind among either the Greeks or the Romans. . . . The Jews alone were the inventors of such engines; and the invention took place in the reign of Uzziah, about eight hundred years before the Christian era. It is no wonder that, in the consequence of this, his name spread far abroad, and struck terror into his enemies." (Clarke)

The Jewish people are inventive. In World War 2 Hitler tried to exterminate all the Jews but it was a Jewish invention, the atomic bomb that ended the war. The Jewish military is making many new weapons in league with the United States. God will protect his people if they will seek his face. Uzziah was strengthened and helped by the LORD. When we are famous and at our best, we need to be careful that we not become prideful.

Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jer 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Jer 13:15 Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD hath spoken.

Jer 13:16 Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.

King Uzziah (Azariah)

When Israel was one nation the people wanted a king like the other nations. This was bad, because the LORD was their king, but he allowed them to choose a king and they chose king Saul because of his physical stature . He soon disobeyed the LORD and the Spirit of God left him and he was given bad spirits.

King David was the king that carried the lineage leading to the birth of Jesus, so he was the most important king, the king after God's own heart.

Solomon was known for wisdom and the wealth and splendor of Israel, but too many wives led to too many gods and his decline. After Solomon Israel was divided. The Northern 10 tribes were called Iarael and all of their kings were bad. The two southern tribes were Judah and Benjamin. Judah was called the southern kingdom and there was the city of Jerusalem and the temple of God.

What makes a good king is one who follows the LORD, a bad king does not. No one perfectly follows the LORD, so even the good kings failed in some ways. We should apply this principal to our leaders and to ourselves. Do we obey and follow the LORD?

There were twenty kings of Judah and Uzziah was the tenth. There were bad and good kings of Judah; here are the kings listed in order:

Rehoboam,was a bad king, Abijah was a bad king, Asa was a good king, Jehoshaphat was a good king, Jehoram was bad, Ahaziah was a bad king, Athaliah, a woman was bad, Joash was good, Amaziah was good, Uzziah or Azariah, was a good king, He is who we will be studying. After Uzziah was Jotham, a good king, Ahaz was bad, Hezekiah was good, Manasseh was bad, Amon was bad, Josiah was good, Jehoahaz was bad, Jehoiakim was bad, and Jehoachin was bad. Jerusalem falls into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. He sets up a bad king Zedekiah for eleven years.

King Uzziah

Uzziah, "My Strength is Jehovah"; other names for Uzziah that are in the Bible; Azariah, and in the New Testament in Matthew's lineage chart he was listed as Ozias.

He began to reign as king at the age of sixteen.

2Ch 26:1 Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.

Uzziahs father was Amaziah, "Jehovah is Mighty"

2Ch 26:2 He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.

Elath or Eloth = "grove of lofty trees"; a port on the north-east arm of the Red Sea in the land of Edom.

Like Uzziah's fathe, he had a strong army and he followed the LORD.

2Ch 25:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.

We need to pray that our hearts be perfect before the LORD; the only way is through receiving Jesus as our Lord and saviour and continuing with him. We are not to have a divided heart.

1Jn 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2Ch 26:3 Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.

Jecoliah, "The LORD is Able", was his mother's name.

2Ch 26:4 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did.

This is good, he continued in the good things of his father. Most importantly he went to the LORD for direction.

2Ch 26:5 And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.

He had the prophet Zechariah who heard from the LORD and understood the visions of the LORD and as long as he sought the LORD he prospered. Prosperity tends to draw our attention away from God. He will not bless a people who will not come to him for their needs. Our real needs are not only physical, but also spiritual.

We must love God above all else.

Luk 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

3Jn 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

The LORD spoke through Zechariah:

Zec 1:2 The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers.

Zec 1:3 Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

Zec 1:4 Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD.

Zec 1:5 Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?

Zec 1:6 But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

King Uzziah prospered and had success as he trusted the LORD. There were three prophets in his time: Zechariah, Hosea and Amos. The LORD was speaking in this time period. Do we seek the LORD's voice? We are to be watchmen and the LORD has other watchmen. He does nothing without telling us first.

2Ch 26:6 And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.

God helped him in his military strength as well. Gath was the place where the giants dwelled. Goliath came from Gath.

2Ch 26:7 And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims.

2Ch 26:8 And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly.

His fame spread even to Egypt, may the LORD receive the glory for the battles are his. May we also prosper in our spiritual battles. How may we gain spiritual ground? It begins with standing fast and not letting the enemy take any ground within the spiritual kingdom of God. The devil owns the nations, but those who trust in the LORD belong to God almighty.

Reprove

reprove, elegchō

1) to convict, refute, confute

a) generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted

b) by conviction to bring to the light, to expose

2) to find fault with, correct

a) by word

1) to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove

2) to call to account, show one his fault, demand an explanation

b) by deed

1) to chasten, to punish

Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Joh 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

People will be convicted of sin, some will believe, but many will not believe in the savior of the world.

Joh 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

The Holy Spirit continues to show us all things that Jesus said. This is for correction, rebuke, conviction and for our good works.

Joh 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Lucifer is judged and condemned. He is the father of lies and sin. All his works are judged and condemned by the laws of God. If we are not in Christ, then we are condemned with satan. Conviction of sin leads us to repentance. Judgment is to understand right from wrong. There is little judgment in the world, but where judgment is, there is the spirit of God.

If there were no law, there would be no sin. If Jesus had not come to save us from the wrath of God, there would be no righteousness. Righteousness is in Jesus Christ. We are found in him by our faith and the work of God. There is no law keeping that will make us righteous, only by being covered by the blood of the Lamb are we righteous. Those who are not in christ are judged already and condemned, because they have not believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. The world hates Jesus and his messengers, because they are the children of the devil. When God touches their hearts and removes the veil from their eyes and they seethe savior and are born again of his spirit, then they become the adopted sons of God. Whose son or daughter are you? Have you the conviction and reproof of God? The Holy Spirit is gentle, so let his gentle heart be seen in you.

Athaliah

2Ki 8:16 And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat (Jehovah has judged) being then king of Judah, Jehoram ( the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign.

Jehoshaphat the good king of Judah made a political alliance with the wicked king Ahab and Jezebel; he made peace with the wicked king Ahab of the Northern Kingdom and married his son Jehoram (Jehovah is exhalted) to Athaliah (afflicted of the LORD). This often was done, marrying into the families of other nations to bring about a political alliance. Athaliah (was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel of Israel who worshipped the pagan god, Baal. It is dangerous to make alliances with non believers.

2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

2Ki 8:17 Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.
2Ki 8:18 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the LORD.

2Ki 8:19 Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give him always a light, and to his children.

His wife Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab, king of Israel influenced her husband to worship Baal.

2Ki 8:24 And Joram slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.
2Ki 8:25 In the twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel did Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah begin to reign.
2Ki 8:26 Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Athaliah, the daughter of Omri king of Israel.

Actually Athaliah was the grandaughter of Omni whose son was Ahab. Her husband was king Jehoram or Joram and their son's name was Ahaziah.

2Ki 8:27 And he walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did evil in the sight of the LORD, as did the house of Ahab: for he was the son in law of the house of Ahab.

Ahaziah died from his wounds in battle in a visit to Israel and his mother Ahaziah, daughter of Ahab did wickedly.

2Ki 11:1 And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.

Athaliah wishing to keep her power as queen mother, ruler of Judah had all the descendents of king David slain, except one that was hidden from her named Joash.

2Ki 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.
2Ki 11:3 And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.

Throughout history, satan has tried to prevent there from being a successor to the throne of David, from which Jesus the Messiah would come to be the everlasting king after the lineage of King david. Athaliah placed herself in power as the monarch Queen of Judah. She reigned in Judah for seven years, serving Baal and not the God of Israel.

We must understand that we do not elect a man because he looks good or speaks well. Saul was a king with these qualities.We do not elect a woman to prove that women are as equal as a man. We should not elect a person because he is a race or color. We are to choose rulers that fear the God of Israel and serve him. We should know that he or she loves our nation and the constitution and is not guided by foreign ways. Queen Athaliah was a pagan worshipping Baal. She had contempt for the laws of God. She took power by cunning violence. Like her mother Jezebel she had the spirit of intimidation and destroyed those in her way.

Enter Jehoiada, (whom Jehovah cared for) a priest of the God of Judah.

2Ki 11:4 And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son.

Athaliah had reigned in Judah seven years when Jehoiada the priest of Judah revealed to the rulers in Judah the presence of Joash, an heir of king David.

2Ki 11:5 And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shall even be keepers of the watch of the king's house;
2Ki 11:6 And a third part shall be at the gate of Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so shall ye keep the watch of the house, that it be not broken down.
2Ki 11:7 And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of the LORD about the king.
2Ki 11:8 And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain: and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in.
2Ki 11:9 And the captains over the hundreds did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest commanded: and they took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that should go out on the sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.
2Ki 11:10 And to the captains over hundreds did the priest give king David's spears and shields, that were in the temple of the LORD.
2Ki 11:11 And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple.
2Ki 11:12 And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.

They made seven year old Joash king of Judah in place of wicked Queen Athaliah.

2Ki 11:13 And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into the temple of the LORD.
2Ki 11:14 And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason.
2Ki 11:15 But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD.
2Ki 11:16 And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain.
2Ki 11:17 And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; between the king also and the people.

The restoration of the Worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

2Ki 11:18 And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD.
2Ki 11:19 And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the LORD, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings.
2Ki 11:20 And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house.
2Ki 11:21 Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign.

Jehoash (whom Jehovah gave) was only seven years old when he became King and he reigned for forty years.

2Ki 12:1 In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba.
2Ki 12:2 And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

He was instructed in the things of the LORD by Jehoiada the priest.

2Ki 12:3 But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.
2Ki 12:4 And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD,
2Ki 12:5 Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.
2Ki 12:6 But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house.

Making a spiritual application.

Money was given to repair the house. Money poured in for this purpose but nothing was repaired. Compare this to the church that receives money year after year, but their was no repairing of the breach in the temple. The breaches, the separation, the lack of holiness in the church, an idolatrous people were not seeking God in true holiness. Things continued year after year with no restoration in the temples of the Holy Spirit.

Consider your ways.

Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

1Pe 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

2Ki 12:7 Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.
2Ki 12:8 And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people, neither to repair the breaches of the house.
2Ki 12:9 But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD.
2Ki 12:10 And it was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags, and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD.
2Ki 12:11 And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD,
2Ki 12:12 And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it.

2Ki 12:13 Howbeit there were not made for the house of the LORD bowls of silver, snuffers, basons, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of the money that was brought into the house of the LORD:

Like some churches, they are built, but what about the sacred vessels within? Are they being built up?

2Ki 12:14 But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD.
2Ki 12:15 Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully.
2Ki 12:16 The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'.
2Ki 12:17 Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.
2Ki 12:18 And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.

All the wealth of the temple and treasury went to fight against terrorists. It was bribe money.

2Ki 12:19 And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
2Ki 12:20 And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.

2Ki 12:21 For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

Let's list the kings in order.

Jehoshaphat - Jehorum (married Athaliah) - Ahaziah - Athaliah - Joash

Jehoshaphat the good king of Judah had his son Jehor married the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, to Athaliah. They had a son Ahaziah who was king, but died from battle wounds. The kings mother, Athaliah took power and killed the descendents of king David who were rightful heir to the throne. One of David's kin survived, Joash was hid and later revealed by the priest Jehoiada. After seven years of Jezebels daughter, the priest and the prominent people brought Joash who was only seven, to be the king. They had Jezebels daughter Athaliah killed and Joash reigned for forty years and restored the breaches in the temple. He gave away all the sacred vessels to a king that he feared. Later he was killed by a conspiracy.

One final thought: We do not give the treasures of the Lord to a king that we fear. Satan is a type of that king. Do as Jesus spoke to us.

Mar 12:17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.

Hated by King Ahab

2 Chr 18:4 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.
2 Chr 18:5 Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand.
2 Chr 18:6 But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him?
2 Chr 18:7 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

I am thinking of all the prophets and pastors today who only want to hear and speak good things. I want to hear from the LORD. Where are the watchmen, the Micah's, the Jeremiah's who must speak the truth? Look how the truth is being hidden by the King Ahab's of the world. Those who speak the truth, that makes the king look bad are attacked and maligned, by the accusers of the spirit of the wicked king. Look at the political conservatives who are being attacked because they speak of good values and truth. Then there is the liberal organization who always opposes truth, goodness, values and morality in the name of "liberty." Using the courts to harass and to get their way as they sue those with no funds to defend thmselves. News media controlled by the spirit of Ahab, the spirit of antichrist, and no wonder for the king of this world is satan.

John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

2 Cor 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

John 12:39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
John 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
John 12:41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

If we are going to believe in Jesus we are going to have to come out of the world and follow him and not seek the approval of people. This may mean persecution or even death. We are to be as Jesus; his servants in his likeness hearing and following as he leads us along.

Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Those Who Stumble

John 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

Any man can see in the daylight, so that he will not stumble. But, what of spiritual things? We are in Christ Jesus to walk in his light, to see what is happening in the world through the light of the Bible and the Holy Spirit. We see what is happening in the natural with spiritual eyes; all the evil, the death, the destruction, the removal of good laws that were made to protect and guide men in freedom. I see that the world is gettng to be as the Bible warned us it would be in the last days.

2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

John 11:10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

The night, is the absence of light, the blind of the world who walk by their own light and not the light of God stumble in the night.

John 9:40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

There is no blindness like spiritual blindness. Most of the world is blind to the things of God. Jesus is the way, he is the light of the world. I see more and more how he is being removed from public life. One school district wanted to stop the Gideon's from passing out Bibles to school children. They thought this to be some evil? Evil blind leaders are stumbling in the dark and they have no love of truth.

Isa 3:11 Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Isa 30:1 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

1Pe 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
1Pe 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
1Pe 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Walk in the light of God by walking in his spirit of truth. We are not of those who seek to remove Jesus from public life. We are to be the light of the world while we are in this evil world.

LORD God, give us your vision and help us to walk in your light. In Jesus name, amen.

The Feast of Dedication

John 10:22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
John 10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

What is the feast of dedication? It is only mentioned here in the entire Bible. In consulting other sources I found that the Jewish name for this festival is Hanukkah. This is a joyous festival remembering the cleansing of the Temple. It is also called the Festival of Lights.

There was a Greco-Syrian king called Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who defiled the temple altar by sacrificing a pig on the altar and spilling blood on the sacred scrolls of the scriptures. The Jews were told to bow down to Greek idols that were set up in the temple and forbidden to worship the true God, nor to read the Word of God. Antiochus was a historical type of the coming antichrist who will make himself a god in the temple at Jerusalem.

A group of loyal Jewish men under the leadership of Judah Maccabee, who were known as the Maccabees fought the invaders for three years with the power of God. They regained control of the temple, cleansed and restored it removing all the Greek statues. The festival celebrates this cleansing of the temple and the return of the true worship to God.

The reason the day is called the Festival of Lights is because of a legend. It was said that there was only a small amount of oil, enough for one day to light the lamb called the eternal light. It took seven days to purify new oil for the temple light, but the old oil lasted for eight days which was a miracle.

I see some types here of Jesus who came to cleanse the temple of money changers and merchants. He called the place a "den of thieves" and it is supposed to be a house of prayer.

Mat 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
Mat 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

The oil that was made perfect in seven days, refers to the Holy Spirit, the seven referring to perfection or completion. The candle burning for eight days; could refer to Jesus who was raised on the eighth day and eight is the number of new beginnings. Jesus, Yeshua, came as the eternal light, to light our way by the Holy Spirit, making a new covenant, cleansing our temples, our bodies, by his atoning sacrifice. The time of the festival was in the winter, in mid December. So if you like to light up the lights at Christmas, remember Jesus, the eternal light who came to cleanse our temples and give us a new beginning; life more abundant and eternal life.

The Good Shepherd

Joh 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

A hireling shepherd does not protect his sheep. Maybe he is seeking his own things, finances, honor from men, friends with everyone who will advance his position, but not a faithful shepherd.

Joh 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

A shepherd does not take his sheep hunting for wolves, but when they come, often in sheep's fur, he should see them and remove them or remove the flock to a safe place. If the sheep prefer the wolf? Then maybe they are not sheep, but goats? The true sheep need protection and are not to be left with wolves, people with false words full of guile. Some flee and call it advancement. Remember that David was called as a shepherd who was faithful to his literal sheep. Be faithful in small things and the LORD will use you.

Jesus is the Good shepherd

Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

The sheep feel safe with Jesus, they are at peace. He cares for them and they know him as they are known.

Joh 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

He knows God the father, making him a good shepherd. A shepherd who does not know the father is not a good shepherd, but a hireling. I wonder who hires some of these shepherds of the world, the politicians and leaders? Pray that they come to know the father and that they be faithful to him.

Joh 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Jesus spoke in Israel to the Jews that he was sent to save.

Joh 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But there was another fold, the Gentiles from the other nations who will believe in him.

Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Joh 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ and it is the work of God. Jesus is the good shepherd who is faithful to his sheep. There are other faithful shepherds but none so good as our Good Shepherd.

Watchmen

Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Joh 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

I read these words spoken by Jesus and began to meditate on what this means.

Night can be death or darkness. We must finish our work before night comes. Other thoughts about the night: In the night evil people come out. Night can refer to sadness or anguish, but in Christ we can be encouraged in the night. The night is a time for dreams and visions too.

The watchman watches in the night. A watchman looks out for danger or trouble. A spiritual watchman watches always and tells the church what he hears. Some like the prophets are given the gift of hearing from and speaking the message of God.

Psa 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Jer 31:28 And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.

If a people in a city or nation do not want God in their lives then anything can happen; natural disasters, sinful violence, fire and mayhem. I can foresee much calamity coming to our cities because a generation has leaders who mostly do not obey God and do not want him in public life. May the LORD watch over us and guide us.

Isa 21:6 For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.

The LORD's watchman warns the people of spiritual dangers. David Wilkerson was a watchman who warned us of a coming economic disaster. He warned us and told us to prepare.

Jer 51:12 Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes: for the LORD hath both devised and done that which he spake against the inhabitants of Babylon.

Eze 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

Eze 3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Is there blood on our hands because we did not warn those we were told to warn?

Hosea 9:7 The days of visitation are come, the days of recompense are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.

They had prophets and preachers preaching prosperity and ease, but this was not what God was saying. They were foolish and as madmen. Often they treated the truth spoken with contempt. Because of their iniquity they hated the messengers of God.

Isa 44:25 That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;

Eze 13:7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?

Hosea 9:8 The watchman of Ephraim was with my God: but the prophet is a snare of a fowler in all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God.

The true watchmen, the prophets who warn the people, are hated, even in the house of God.

The prophet is to speak the word of God. The Pastor or teacher who hears from God is to share what he hears. Jesus made us all watchmen and witnesses to the lost.

Jesus heard from God and told us many things and he warned us of hell

Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Mat 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Mat 18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Mat 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

Mat 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Jesus also spoke of eternal life

Mat 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

1Jn 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1Jn 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

The church has an obligation to share the word of God and to warn the lost while it is day. A time will come when we are no longer in this place and have passed on by death to everlasting life. We are to share our Lord with those who are sent to us.

Wait, watch carefully and obey when you hear from the LORD

Psa 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
Psa 130:6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

Psa 141:2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Psa 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

It seems that Christians are often too busy fighting with each other thinking that they are doing the Lord's work. I think many have turned from our message because of our fighting with each other. We are to love one another; however their are wolves among us.

Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Luk 21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
Luk 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
Luk 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Luk 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.