The Exposition: Book Iii

By Lemuel

"I am a Christian who has studied the Bible history, eschatology, and related theologies for more than forty years. I have been involved with creative writing, poetry, and composition since childhood; was a professional musician many years and protege underoutstanding professors.The Exposition delves intopre-tribulation premillennial apocalyptic eschatology. Thechronological contemporary story in Books I & II, drawn from the Prophets and words of Christ, cover much ground; especially in Book III, and introduce subjects, answering questions not covered in the average church. To write the characters adventures I had to study many areas of the globe and become intimately familiar with various religions. It has taken me six years of intense labor to finish this three volume series, I pray you will find theminformative and enlightening."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524552251

Lemuel

Dear Friends, God bless you! I pray that you are prospering even as your soul prospers. I wanted to give you some background on myself as an author, composer, singer, and musician. I am a Christian who has studied the Bible — the history of it, eschatology, and related theologies for more than forty years, and I have been involved with creative writing since I was a child. I started writing when I was only seventeen years old and have attended several colleges and universities where professors respected my talents and encouraged me to enter various state and national contests. I was a recording artist back when engineers used wide tape and producers cut records as 45’s. I have taken private lessons on several different instruments including percussion, violin, piano, organ, bass, and guitar. I have also taken vocal lessons from three different professors and composition from a conservatory composer. I played as a professional musician on the road for over ten years. At one time, I was being produced as a single artist with a management organization out of Washington, DC. I have worked with many recording studios and have had bids on my results from major recording labels. The reason I have mentioned my qualifications as a musician here is that the main character in this book is a musician. In order to write his story I needed firsthand experience and a clear understanding of the music industry — I had to be informed on the culture and trends of the era of which I have written. To write this character’s adventures I studied many areas of the globe and became intimately involved with various religious beliefs. Having had close relationships with many families, I have done extensive research on this subject. I am dedicating my first book, I’LL BE HERE WAITING, to my mother... and to yours. The sequel is entitled UNDER MY WING. I hope you will enjoy them both and find them informative and interesting.   Sincerely, Lemuel

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Copyright © 2016 by Lemuel.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2016917282

ISBN:   Hardcover    978-1-5245-5227-5

             Softcover      978-1-5245-5226-8

             eBook           978-1-5245-5225-1

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without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

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Rev. date: 11/17/2016

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Contents

Chapter I The Exposition

Chapter II Our Position In Christ

Chapter III Eschatology

Chapter IV The Redemption

Chapter V Tribulations

Chapter VI The Kingdom Of Heaven

Chapter VII Who Then Can Be Saved?

Chapter VIII What Then, Is Next?

Chapter IX Vanity Of Vanities; All Is Vanity.

Chapter X Dispensationalism

Chapter XI For Those Tears I Died

Chapter XII The Glory Of The Lord

Chapter XIII Whosoever Will

Chapter XIV The Blessings Of The Redeemed

Chapter XV The Blessed Hope

Chapter XVI Now For The Good Part

Chapter XVII Lord, Are There Few That Be Saved?

Chapter XVIII For I Am The Lord, I Change Not.

Chapter XIX Now What?

Chapter XX The Planting Of The Lord

Chapter XXI Are You Okay?

Chapter XXII But Last Of All He Sent Unto Them His Son, Saying, They Will Reverence My Son.

CHAPTER I

THE EXPOSITION

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H1. BOWYER BIBLE PRINT 4911. THE BARREN FIG TREE. FRENCH SCHOOL

This third book is an expository for Books I and II. In my search for the meaning of life I have literally followed a trail of bread crumbs left by the Holy Spirit; truth was my sole guide in sifting philosophy, religion, and the grey matters of psychology and sociology. I found bits of truth here and there but as I went deeper into alluring deception I found myself at the door of infinite ambiguity. Books I and II are an indiscriminate depiction of a literal premillennial, pre-tribulation apocalyptic eschatology. If you are an evangelic you might appreciate the fact that I did not deviate from the written Word or enter my own ideas.

I suppose I’m going to get into some detailed Bible history and theology from here on, so the jargon I use you may want to look up in order to get a clear definition for your own benefit. In this work I would like to present my own position on what I’ve written in the first two books. I was converted over forty years ago and as with most authors I interjected many of my own life’s experiences into my writings; however, up to this point, I have not disclosed my personal views in regard to the eschatology or theology used.

In the beginning of the Gospel the Word came forth pure from Christ; but the first rendition of Mark was not written until approximately sixty A.D, this was followed by Matthew who used Mark’s gospel as a templet presented to the Jews; it wasn’t until about seventy A.D. that John wrote his. Though Martin Luther a long time ago had become aware that faith alone was responsible for salvation he knew the value of studying and understanding the written word, for we all grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord. By this inference I refer to what Peter said: besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 2 Peter 1:5. I could quote one verse after the other but what 2 Peter is expounding here is clear: we need understanding. Paul was even clearer in his pastoral guidance to Timothy: Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, 2 Timothy 2:15. We know faith is good, but blind faith can be dangerous. In Luke 8:18 Jesus said, Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. Many people will be deceived, especially as the end of the age unfolds. Once I was discussing something from the Scripture with a few other Christians when one of those present made it clear that he had no need for studying… or meditating; he said he was just going to have faith. Well, I shouldn’t need to tell you what a hazardous condition that individual was in. My dad used to say that God gave us a brain and expects us to use it. Enough said. It is important to recognize that many things were involved in putting together the text which we now call the Bible.

In the early years the sayings of Christ were passed from one to another mainly by memorization. Mark’s gospel is said to have been dictated by Peter and compiled as a reporter conveying the news, whereas Matthew’s gospel was written for the Jews in Jerusalem; it has little reprimand. John’s gospel was written to clarify the divinity of Christ and the fact that He rose bodily from the grave; but one book, The book of The Revelation, has been questioned.

It was not added, or even accepted, as part of the Canon until 419 AD. – this was approximately 100 years later than the original books. For one thing, Christians of the second century in Syria rejected the book because it was relied upon heavily by Montanism; a sect the mainstream church considered heretical. Even as far ahead as the 16th century, Martin Luther considered the book not apostolic nor prophetic. He related that Christ was not known, nor was taught in it. At one point he even thought it questionable. John Calvin did not write a commentary on it though he wrote on every other book in the New Testament. I might add that there is still much controversy as to who actually wrote it; many believe John the Apostle and John of Patmos were not the same person. I could go on and on.

About now you are probably wondering about Paul’s epistles and the letters written by the rest of the Disciples. You will remember Martin Luther’s awakening as he read Romans 1:17, a verse quoted by Paul from the Old Testament book of Habakkuk, For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written: The righteous shall live by faith." Though there can be much said, Luther clearly established the Protestant Reformation upon a doctrinal conflict between Paul and James. James’ doctrine, widely used by the Catholic Church, teaches that it is not faith alone but faith plus works that brings one into salvation. I think I should point out here that the James who authored The Book of James was not the same person as the Disciple James. This man was one of Mary’s sons born of Joseph. It is written that he did not believe in Jesus until later after the crucifixion.

Alright… I’m coming to a point. Remember, this book is written around what I believe; I think I will mention here that one of the editors of I’ll Be Here Waiting wanted to hear more of what I believed interjected into the story; however, as you know, I stayed strictly to the Bible. Every true Christian needs their own space, and I want you to know that I respect every one of your views – if you are truly born of God. For: It is written in the prophets, AND THEY SHALL BE ALL TAUGHT OF GOD. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me – Jesus (John 6:45.) He will teach you and not leave you – we are all learning. Follow the Holy Spirit and He will guide you into all truth; however, you should have a hunger for the things of God, if you don’t, you might question whether or not you are really a part of His Kingdom.

There are believers scattered among many denominations though that are truly following the Messiah. Keep from following the doctrines of men; study the Scripture for yourself and the Father will be your friend. Remember John 10:4, And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Jesus was the teacher while He was here on earth, but when He left He sent the Holy Spirit, who He called the Comforter. He will be with you forever. Here is the gist of the matter: study, meditate, and listen; the Spirit is teaching you… here a little, there a little. It’s not in our own carnal knowledge, or in how many degrees you have. You will never get it by searching and hanging onto every word in the Bible; but it’s the Spirit who is teaching us; however, know this: He will never vary from what is written in your Bible though those outside the Kingdom shall not understand.

Why don’t I believe like the Evangelicals? I do believe the Bible we have has the Holy Scripture in it, but not everything canonized was literally God breathed. The Greeks do not have a word for inspired in their vocabulary. The closest meaning in their language is the word breathed, therefore some people interpret Paul in 2 Timothy 3:16 to say that the words were actually dictated by God and the authors of the Bible literally only had to write them down. Most of the Bibles we have today, however, use the word inspired in Paul’s statement in 2 Timothy to render the passage: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works: King James Version.

My dad used to say that there are those who wrestle with the scriptures to their own destruction. In different languages meanings of words can be used in various ways to change the context. I would beware of those who site Greek words during their sermon; as Walter Kaiser, the noted theologian and world authority on the interpretation of Hebrew text once said, context is king when considering Biblical meaning. You may have realized that some preachers use Greek words, trying to give the audience the impression that they are more educated than they. Jesus said this to the Scribes in John 5:39: Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. He also stated in John 7:17: If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. Let me be clear here; unless a man receives Jesus and then receives the Holy Spirit, it matters little how much study they have – they’re going nowhere. God has clearly reserved certain things to Himself, and He will give them to whosoever He pleases. Those who try to climb up some other way are no more than thieves and robbers. Jesus said: All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture – read the entire dissertation from John 10:7 through 10:18, He really nails it down.

Let me think now… Jesus said the Father had reserved times and seasons into His own hands and He has also reserved peace for those who love Him. The very Kingdom of God is something only He can give you, for to know who the Son is must be given by the Father. If you think about it you can draw a few things out of the well of salvation which no one can touch but those of whom it is given of the Father; but to them that are on the outside it is given in parables that the prophesy of Isaiah might be fulfilled. By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For this peoples heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.: Matthew 13:14.

There are multitudes of different interpretations and renditions of the canonized Bible; . . . not to mention the Apocrypha and other canons and manuscripts. Solomon said, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Some groups and denominations hold that the 1611 King James Version only, is the God breathed text; while others go back to the Greek and Hebrew as close to the original papyrus to claim such God-given attributes. I personally believe the buck stops in the beginning of the Gospel of John – 1:10-14. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even them that believe on his name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John is telling us here the purpose for these writings.

CHAPTER II

OUR POSITION IN CHRIST

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I have discussed with you how we could know this TRUTH that Jesus talked about, which would set us free (you will remember He said in John 8:32, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.) Since there have been questions about authenticity and accuracy of writings pertaining to Christ from antiquity, you may be wondering what I believe the Holy Spirit considers accurate. As we read and study the written word (our Bible is all most of us have) in the carnal how do we approach these writings on our search for truth?

You will recall my saying that Jesus said the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth: in the Gospel of John 14:26 he adds this… But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Have you ever heard this: when Helen Keller first became able to communicate they asked her if she knew who Jesus was; she replied: I knew who he was, but I did not know his name.

Ok. Well then: I don’t think it is extremely important which version of the Bible you choose, though you will want to get one that stays close to the original manuscripts. We usually try to get as much of the Disciples’ testimony as possible. We still have the essence of their writings today; however, I do not have much value for those of personal interpretations. In 2 Peter 1:20 and 21 the Apostle makes it clear that no prophesy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. Is there an echo in here? . . . That is sufficient explanation in this regard. I think it best to look for a word for word translation, though much is lost even in direct translations. Don’t worry… the Lord will give you the true meaning conveyed; it is primarily because of copyright laws that I am compelled to use the King James version in my writings.

We know that what Jesus said came right from the mouth of God the Son and that He is our lord; therefore, since He is the sower if there is a pyramid He would be at the top. He is the King of the Kingdom; it was written about the Messiah as noted in Matthew 13:31 to 35, All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. So I start my foundation with the cornerstone – Jesus. The words of the Lord take precedence over anything else in either the New or Old Testament. Edward Mote wrote a hymn during the 18th century entitled My Hope is Built on Nothing Less which relates this thought. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand. I guess you get the idea.

I don’t think it necessary for us to follow men – just be a Christian. No matter what denomination you choose, if you choose any, follow Christ. Jesus said this important truth in John 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. Discriminations came about even among the many sects of the Jews before Jesus’ time; and that not dissimilar from the Denominations which followed the Reformation. Most of the modern premillennial churches today came about after John Nelson Darby, a Plymouth Brethren, came up with the idea of dispensationalism around 1830. He also believed in a pre-tribulation return of Christ; or a Rapture. Before this, amillennialism was the dominant form of eschatology, which had largely been influenced by St. Augustine during the medieval periods from 354 to 430 A.D. It was early in his career that his premillennial view changed for three reasons: 1. Augustine did not approve of a sensuous group of premillennialists known as the Donatists. They celebrated bacchanal feasts with excessive food and drink; thus he associated their behavior with their eschatological beliefs. 2. Premillennialists appeared to be sensationalists with over indulgences; this pleasure in the physical world was repulsive to Augustine as he was immersed in higher spiritual matters. 3. He had a preference for allegorical interpretation; particularly concerning the Book of Revelation. Ironically though, he was strongly influenced by the lay Donatist named Tyconius, whose interpretation of Revelation’s Apocalypse changed the Western church’s views for the next eight hundred years.

Early premillennialism as labeled classic premillennialism differs from todays version in that it does not follow dispensationalism; they believed the Church to be Israel in its’ contemporary form. The premillennialism we currently have started as a pentecostal movement which primarily began sometime around 1900 with a man named Charles Fox Parham. In 1905 he moved to Houston, Texas and started a Bible seminary. William Seymour, a one-eyed black man who was one of his student preachers, took his training to Los Angeles in 1906 where he ignited a three year revival on Azusa Street. This is credited as having started the pentecostal movement. On the other hand, the Seventh-day Adventist Church being established in 1863 had much of its emphasis on the writings and visions of Ellen G. White. I could go on and on, but since you are most likely not interested in a history lesson I will conclude my point. After, and before the crucifixion, the Classical premillennial (non-dispensational) view existed among Christians – and Jews, but after 400 A.D. amillennialism prevailed up to and even after the Reformation until about 1830. At this venue a new type of premillennialism developed which follows the pre-tribulation (Rapture) dispensational prospect. This continues today in modern denominations, sometimes with a pentecostal influence. I hope you got my theme conveyed concerning Denominations. Contrary to popular belief they are not all the same; you better familiarize yourself a little before you walk into your next prayer meeting.

When speaking in reference to the modern amillennial churches which were established during the Reformation movement, they are attributed to Jan Huss in Germany in the early 15th century. As you might know, this later developed into serious charges against the Pope when Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Castle Church. He expressed his doubts over the legitimacy of indulgences, and the Pope’s prerogative in secular matters. Well, as you might have guessed, Martin Luther and his entire gang were excommunicated, since the Pope could not take a joke, and did not appreciate their idea for a Reformation.

John Calvin was also a prominent figure around this time, and gave adhesion to the Protestant movement in Geneva, Switzerland. This city became a refuge for Protestant exiles as they became educated Calvinist missionaries, spreading his doctrine all over Europe. Some of the contemporary Reformation Churches which emerged include the Anglican, the Presbyterian, the Reformers, the Lutherans, the Episcopal Church, the Methodists, and many others. Please keep in mind that though the Pope had Luther and his movement excommunicated they did not accept his verdict; hence, these Churches today still consider themselves Catholic.

As I have told you before, it is my conviction that we should seek righteousness and do good. Jesus said Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven: Matthew 5:16. We must be doers of the word and not just hearers. Matthew 7:24-27: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

The time of the harvest is coming – will the good man of the house find fruit on your tree? Solomon came to this conclusion at the end of his book, Ecclesiastes. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. You have the Bible – read it for yourself. Jesus said: But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Give us a hint: how do we prepare? There are three baptisms: one by water, one in the Spirit, and one by fire, as referred to in the New Testament. The first one is referring to the baptism of John – by immersion – Jesus was immersed. The second is by the Holy Spirit which is given by Jesus Himself, starting after the Ascension. The Holy Spirit convicts us to receive the Son, and God the Father gives us our Redemption. Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit who remains with us forever; we then begin our experience in the furnace of affliction and are sanctified and baptized by the fire. Not many preachers dwell on the baptism by fire because I don’t think they understand it. By this you will identify with the death of our Lord. Roman’s 6:5-11: "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus