INTRODUCTION
During the events of Waco in 1993 it was often reported that David Koresh was involved in "…acts of a sexual nature…" with the young girls and wives of the men at Mt. Carmel. Much was made of these reports. Which conveniently served to ignite frenzied, self-righteous, indignation in the minds of a public strungout on redundant humanistic philosophies that have little basis but in the imagination of self appointed "experts". Who in the name of science so-called, and in light of the void created by the superficial religionist perversion and blasphemous portrayal of the reality God, seek to exalt themselves as an authority in matters they truly know not.
In addition to everything else that was reported concerning us it was made to appear as though we were some evil cult engaged in sexual perversions and other yet undisclosed demonic activity while threatening war against the United States. As if that wasn't enough to close the case against us, to vilify us further we were subsequently labeled "…religious terrorist…". Our children and elderly folks included.
Ridiculous though it seemed, the public bought into this perception clearing the way for the murderous brutality committed by their Government against us. They now find themselves trapped in the Governments culpability having yielded consent by act of omission. The sheer weight of guilt behind these murders has left many unwilling to face the reality of it being just that - Government mass murder. So they continue the Governments line effecting the cover-up. Congress would not have been mislead had it not been willing to be.
The public's failure to carry through its obligations beyond the voting booths by ensuring the officials it elects do not abuse the powers invested in them renders them culpable in these abuses. They are not without fault.
This situation is not unlike the state supported murder of Christ 2000 years ago. You will remember from the reading of the gospels that the then governor Pilate, after examining Christ declared "…I find no fault in him…". The just thing to have done should have been to let him go. Nevertheless, in the interest of political expediency Pilate caved in to the bigotry of the Jewish Religious establishment and their incitement of the ignorant masses. Thus the Roman states participation in the murder of Christ brought upon itself and the citizens it represented, the guilt that should have been the Jews alone. The legacy of that most blatant act of justice undone ironically inspired by a people (Jews) who profess the sanctity of the law, remains with us today.
The difference with Waco is the murders took place without us being given the benefit of examination. We were Judged, Condemned, and executed without our being heard. It was as though the establishment could not bear the thought of our being heard for fear of our having a just explanation of the matters erroneously reported against us.
Now the sirens are saying this may have been a mistake. Well, the sirens are right. This was a mistake. A very big mistake! But it makes it no less murder. The moral consequences of which has already begun to profoundly effect the very fabric of America. And promises to reach beyond. It is not hard to see the reason for the impetus fueling the cover-up. I am reminded of the Catholic Theocratic Governments counter-reformation efforts of the 1500's in response to the reformation.
What I propose to do here is to examine the magnitude of this mistake. In doing so focus on the accusations of our accusers.
It will be shown that there is a perfectly legitimate explanation for what we did and why? Seen in the light of scriptures one will appreciate the Theological Significance of our faith, and of the events of Waco. Hitherto we have been reluctant to speak on these matters whilst the climate of ignorance and denial prevailed. During the negotiations following the initial attack on Feb. 28th 1993, David sought to communicate certain matters that would have helped in minimizing the bloodshed. But these were ignored. Indeed, there would have been no Waco as it is now known had our efforts prior to Feb. 28th been listened to. Through it all the Government through its various agencies demonstrated an ignorance and contempt of matters of faith and religion that made Waco inevitable.
What is most extraordinary here, and what most (ironically the religionist included) fail to see is the issue of Who defines religion? More importantly Who defines truth? At Waco the Government (despite its apparent ignorance of matters of faith and religion) sought to take this power exclusively to itself. In this regard it set itself as God. It is because of the fact that no humanly devised entity or individual holds such power aside from and demonstrably in conjunction with, a divine mandate that we can enjoy that which we experience as freedom. The outcome of the events at Waco demonstrates what must result where such powers are usurped. In this respect Waco revealed Caesar venturing beyond itself by trespassing upon our God given right to believe, and therewith attempting to deny us self actualisation. It is not difficult to understand that it is that which we believe and trust that is our authority and Government. To believe in God and to trust the word of God sets one apart from the Government and words of men. This is especially visible where such Government and words have no basis but in the imagination of men. Were it the case that we had not held fast our convictions in the face of the Governments brutality there would not have been any substance to our faith. That we did in fact hold on is self-evidence our faith is of substance. Nevertheless it remains needful to declare that substance.
In accomplishing this I shall endeavor to explain in simple language complex thoughts which may at times require your forbearance. It is not hard to understand that not all things can be explained in everyday speech. Indeed not all maters of reality can be reduced to speech. Something's can only reveal themselves as a matter of course. Only thus can they be appreciated for what they truly are. The informed will understand that this is never more so the case than in matters of faith.
In our pursuit of God we have come to know that God is not found through our searching. Rather, God rewards our sincerity and persistence through the revealing of himself. In my experience this occurred after I came to the end of my search. It was then that I learned that the act of searching is insufficient of itself to find out God. The prophet Isaiah wrote of this. Speaking of God he said, "…I am sought of them that ask not for me. I am found of them that sought me not: I said behold me, behold me unto a nation that was not called by my name…" Isaiah 65:1. Were it the case that through searching we could find out God, then the act of searching would be greater than God. It therefore follows that the belief that through our search we can find out God amounts to nothing but a veiled effort to exalt the created above the creator.
WACO
"…Wheresoever the Carcass is, there will the eagles
be gathered together".
Contents
Introduction
Chapter One His Righteousness
Chapter Two A Righteous Seed
Chapter Three The Kingdom of God
Chapter Four Be Still and Know That I Am God
Summary and Conclusion
Livingstone Fagan
Chapter One
His Righteousness
To act from a position of righteousness necessitates an understanding and commitment to the measure of righteousness. That by which righteousness is determined. This is self-evident. It is its self-evident nature that gives it its power and makes those powerful that are of it. Without this understanding we act blindly from feelings and as such are lacking of the power associated with commitment and understanding.
Once positioned in righteousness we become a medium through the which righteousness is revealed. Thus positioned we are empty of what was our self. Righteousness is now the self of us. Since righteousness is not of us, rather something effected through us, we are no longer possessed by that sense of self commonly associated with sensory related feelings. We are now enlarged beyond sensory based perception as a way of seeing ourselves and reality.
It was the province of religion, through its associated discipline, to effect this transcendence. Steadily however religion has become an end in itself having lost sight of its objective. People are satisfied that they perform "certain religious acts" while in the process of living their lives. Any thing beyond this is considered by them extreme or fanatical. And looked upon negatively. In actuality it is viewed this way not necessarily because it is in fact so but because people find it disturbing to see others push beyond where they have come to rest. Another twist to the "holier than thou" problem that has often plagued religion in more ways than one. Really, it is evidence of a compromise stemming from religion having lost sight of its objective.
Nevertheless in the matter of righteousness (being right) it is not enough to have a theory of righteousness. We are not here dealing with a mere concept of mind. Like being true, it is a state of being. Getting there requires a shift from one state of being to another. Which involves the relinquishing of the former state. It is here that most people have a problem. The fact is it needn't be a problem.
Having gone through the many experiences (some pleasant some unpleasant) that we regard as having "shaped" us thus for we have become attached to the "self" we have come to identify ourselves as being. Often to the extent we are unable to see anything else besides. We become trapped according to the concepts of mind the experiences we have been through have given rise to. It is at this point the shift from one state of being to another is seen for its significance. Like shifting from one experience to another there comes a point where one shifts from ones collective of experiences clearing the way for something all together new.
We understand that such realities as righteousness, truth, happiness, etc, are not like objects we see around us. They are less concrete and tend to have their origin within us rather than outside us; though their presence is visible without. In the pursuits of these realities we therefore look within ourselves. This involves going beneath the mask of conceptions (often misconceptions) we have come to associate with the experiences we've been through. The act of doing this is an experience in itself. When mastered it affirms we are more than the sum of our experiences and therefore masters of such experiences rather than the subjects thereof. Additionally we are thereby made to understand that the relinquishing of the collective of experiences we have hitherto come to identify as our self is not in fact the end of us. It is self-evident that in order for those experiences to have occurred in the first place there must have been that which precedes and makes possible the experiencing. We shall here identify it as the potential.
The significance of the above with regard to our understanding righteousness has to do with the role of experiences. Do we learn righteousness from experiences? Meaning does our experiences determine righteousness? Or is there something else besides? We "say" a child is innocent. Do we mean lacking in experience or do we mean the absence of right and wrong? To say both is to imply righteousness is inseparably tied to experiences. But then if we are more than the sum of our experiences what do we bring to the experience? This would appear to be another form of the nature/nurture discussion destined to remain unsolved were we imprisoned in the humanist paradigm. One of many such cul-de-sac's of the humanistic view highlighting the need for a paradigm shift. Nevertheless, the shift from one state of being to the other requires transversing the void of nothing. That which separates states of being. To accomplish this requires momentum (motive). In fact the content of the new state of being is the motive engendering the shift from the foregoing state. It gives expression to itself (as if it were writing a new chapter of pages) as the ensuing experiences. So then, as righteousness becomes the motive for relinquishing the former state of being, the experience of the new state of being are characterized in their expressions as righteousness.
We can see here that our being more than the sum of our experiences, our experiences are detailed expressions of the greater sum - the which is the motive. The experiences of the out going state of being were merely the filling up of the sum of its motive. From the which we understand through the experiences the nature of that motive. In the language of religion the motive would be termed spirit. The scientific community would term it the underlying theory, with the experience being the logistics.
We conclude then that our having senses facilitates experiences. These experiences are not ends in themselves. They make possible our understanding our overarching motive by which the self can be better revealed. It shows further that though we are not our experiences or motives we do not know ourselves apart from them.
There is a purpose to our coming to know ourselves. The knowing of our self is not an end in itself. The ultimate purpose is self-empowerment. Our realizing our full and immeasurable capabilities. Not least among which is the recognition of our ability and right to determine our self's expression. This involves the transcendence of our experiences and motives. It teaches us that our center of being - our true self - is beyond experiences and motives. We become situated as the void of nothing from the which we can launch into something new as we so choose. It is this ability to choose, in the truest sense of unconditionality (being able to create from nothing) that is the essence of self-actualization. More importantly self-existence, the key to eternal life. I shall develop this further. Permit me to say here that in the matter of righteousness what is important is not the experiences, be they pleasant or unpleasant- the basis commonly used to determine right or wrong. Neither is it the motive, albeit if the overarching motive is wrong the trend of the experiences will also be. Ultimately it is what we do with them as opposed to what they do to us. There are those that are consumed or as overcome by experiences. Others that are strangled by motives. Experience and motives are means afforded us to understand our self. This requires candid self appraisal. We need at least to be honorable enough to be true to ourselves. Including in regard to our short comings. That much is within the capabilities of us all on our journey to properly understand our self. By not being so we in effect cower to our experiences and motive for fear of what we might discover regarding ourselves. By doing so we subjugate ourselves to them. It is needful to face them if we are to fully mature into the fullness of our being that is self-actualized, self-existing beings as God. Few can properly grasp the meaning of what is at stake here. The significance of eternal life is staggering to contemplate. Equated with the very God it is no wonder that for some such an idea is unbelievable. Yet in truth understood for what it is it would appear foolish to have failed to embrace the idea. The mystery is contained in our understanding nothing - that beyond experience and motive. When we arrive there our center of being is shifted from confinement to experiences and motive. It is for us to obtain this ourselves. That much is part of what makes it effectual. This is what the keys of hell and death spoken of in the book of Revelation is about - Rev 1:18. The knowledge of the book sealed with seven seals. It is this knowledge that Christ sought to encourage us to apprehend. Further was demonstrated by himself in the form of the resurrection. One who is possessed thereof is not subject to death. This is the ultimate attainment of freedom. Our life is then our own, unborrowed as it is now. But there is a set pathway to this. That pathway is what is referred to when the scriptures speaks of righteousness. It is God's righteousness as in "…seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…" because at the end of the pathway we apprehend God, becoming as God is - self-existent. Precisely as Christ demonstrated, for he too was as God.
The significance of faith in this equation - giving rise to the often quoted phrase righteousness by faith - is such because the object is yet to materialize. The apostle Paul spoke to this issue when he wrote;
"…but now the righteous of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference…" Rom 3:21
Peter puts it this way;
"…according as his (God's) divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and Godliness, through the knowledge of Him (God) that hath called us to glory and virtue.
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these (promises) ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust…" 2 Pet 1:3,4.
The object was seen and spoken of by Christ and the prophets. It had to do with God and the kingdom of God. Generally people do not conceive of these realities. It was to be through our commitment to understand these matters that were testified unto us by the prophets and by Christ that we were to be elevated beyond this present reality to that which is to come. Having seen and embraced it in spirit when it is manifest we are embraced of it and are one with it. It is that we might believe before the fact is manifest that our faith is accounted unto us for righteousness. Thus it is seen that we are of spirit and not of flesh. Through our faith we reach beyond the void of the yet unseen until we are brought into the vision of it. This is the solution to the sin problem.
Unlike with Noah and the world that was prior to the flood, this present world will be consumed by fire. It will be replaced by the world to come namely the kingdom and rule of God. At the time of the flood, (with divine help) Noah navigated it overwhelming though it was. To be preserved from the coming consummation of this present world (which some conceive of in terms of a nuclear annihilation) and to be found in the world to come is quite a difficult challenge. It cannot be done by hiding in structures built from present substances for even the elements shall dissolve. To accomplish this we extend our consciousness beyond the consummation into the future of it. Beyond it is the kingdom of God. In effect instead of securing ourselves in a boat we place ourselves in another consciousness. That out of which the prophets spoke.
Chapter Two
A Righteous Seed
In the introduction brief reference was made to the accusations of sexual perversion David Koresh was supposedly engaged in. Additionally he was repeatedly described in derogatory terms as a "self-proclaimed" messiah. Hmmm! By now there are those who have come to understand that there was a definite political agenda behind these accusations. That of demonizing us in the eyes of the public. This is not new. It is often used in warfare as a way of lending "justification" to what would otherwise be unjustifiable. No one really wants to give their lives or their support in a cause they know is wrong. Evidently it seemed to be politically expedient for our attackers to make us out to be devils, with the implication of course that they were "godly." Most convenient!
Nevertheless, what then was the substance of these accusations? There is a very detailed theological dimension to this that would require extensive use of the biblical text to fully explain. What I shall do here is try to capture the spirit of it.
From the outset it should be understood that we regarded the scriptures as an indispensable tool in affirming our perceptions of reality. As already noted, we understand that it is that which shapes out perceptions of reality that ultimately governs us. It is in the light of such perceptions that we walk. We understand further that humans cannot see beyond themselves. And we are clear that there is that which is beyond us. We see the scriptures as a medium in the which is recorded past efforts by that which is beyond us to communicate to us matters of importance concerning our past, present and future. In the course of following on to know these matters we learn that that which is beyond us is not bound by what we imagine and institute as reality. Neither is it bound by the laws of physics we are presently subject to. We see this most clearly in scriptural examples such as the Virgin birth. Further the miracles Christ performed, including his death; and subsequent resurrection. These recorded acts of history significantly challenges the way "modern" man views reality. In dealing with these challenges, while exalting this modern humanistic viewpoint, there has been the tendency to ignore, deny or ridicule these acts along with the scriptures itself. Not to mention those of us who believe them.
Nevertheless it seems clear to us that what we are dealing with is a reality not understood according to the carnal perceptions common among men. This renders such judgements that men may make concerning it and arising from his carnal perceptions erroneous. There is also that aspect of man's unwillingness to accept that he is not the center of the universe and that there is that which is greater than himself implying some measure of accountability. This would certainly challenge that thinking which suggest that the carnal perception of reality is indeed the measure by the which reality is defined. Further it would set at nought the authority of those who seek to impose the resulting definitions of this thinking upon us.
What we have come to rely on is the scriptural teaching of our being created in the image of God, and not that of other men. Through faith in God, that which God has imagined us to be is realized in us as we remain true to that faith. Sadly, many have yielded up this quest in exchange for the trinkets and other offerings of this present reality. An echo of the scene between the Serpent and Eve in Genesis 3:1-7. Which, incidentally was re-enacted with Christ in the wilderness temptation of Mt 4:1-11, which he resisted. Mt. Carmel in Waco, Texas came into existence because of a group of people's sincere and heartfelt wish to be true to the faith of God. Whilst we were not without our own struggles in coming to terms with ourselves, we were able to do so in relative freedom. Unencumbered by popular understandings, norms and authorities, we had no say in establishing nor were convinced of their legitimacy.
Among the many things we learned is that central to this age long controversy that the scriptures speaks of is that of the will of God for a righteous seed. Manifest evidence of the sufficiency of the grace of God inspite of the sublime effects of sin. In the complexity of matters concerning David Koresh we understand that this purpose of God was being worked out.
In the poetic piece titled "Eden to Eden" that David Koresh wrote prior to his being killed, he made clear his involvement with those females at Waco was not, I repeat not, about sex. It was about creating babies. And with a very special purpose in mind. A divine purpose. Not unlike the situation with Mary and Joseph at the birthing of Christ 2000 years ago. In this last phase of God's work of saving humanity, unlike 2000 years ago, He is using practical as opposed to supernatural means to carry out His purposes. This is consistent with the idea of a Christ being born of both male and female seed through the normal process of human procreation.
Affirming the truthfulness of this is based in a detailed understanding and faith of scriptures. More specifically the matters concerning the once sealed book of Rev 5:1. The carnal mind is without what of itself to judge these matters, rendering such judgements null and void. In this morally degenerate and lustful age it is difficult for a mind so corrupted to see beyond the form. Especially in the area of sexuality. How then can it rightfully comprehend matters of God relative to this area of the human experience? The irony here is how the humanist is critical of the religious for being judgmental, yet being judgmental itself it proceeds even further in attempting to pull off a murderous stunt as Waco! Shameless hypocrisy! Nevertheless, returning to the matters at hand. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul wrote concerning Christ;
"…let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ: Who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal to God: But made himself of no reputation, and
took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man; " Phil 2:
5-7.
There is a matter of profound importance in the divine plan of salvation, the significance of which has been sadly missed. It concerns the issue of the full humanity of Christ. The understanding of this is critical to our understanding David Koresh and the divine purpose behind his creating babies.
Briefly, there are two important themes here that link together for the purpose of validating the judgement and justice of God with regard to the saving of mankind. The one concerns that part of the judgement with regard to the jury being of our peers. The other relates to Christ as substitute.
With regard to Christ as substitute. What we are here concerned with is the issue of Christ's full humanity. The reality of Christ taking on the form of a servant and his being made in the likeness of men has been a three-fold process. This was to conclude in a final test proving his full humanity. This three-fold process began with Christ first appearing on the earth as one without mother and father. Here he materialized as the person of Melchizedek. This was he who met Abraham on his return from the slaughter of the kings. He to whom Abraham gave tithes recognizing him to be the priest of the most high God - Gen. 14: 17-20. Paul speaks of him in Hebrews chapter seven. Note also psalms 110.
The second time he came was in the person of the Galilean teacher of 2,000 years ago. He who today is referred to as Jesus. The Christ of the Gospels. Also spoken of elsewhere in the scriptures, psalms 22 for example. On this occasion of his coming, he came through the womb of a woman, but without male seed. There are reasons for this, which I shall leave off explaining until another time. Nevertheless, on this and the preceding occasion of his coming he did not complete the normal process by which humans are born into this world.
The third time of his coming is what we are dealing with in the matters concerning David Koresh. On this occasion in the end of the world he was to come again just prior to his glorious appearance. Remarkably the scriptures speak clearly concerning this. This time of his coming he would be fully as one of us, being born of both male and female seed. The Christ of psalms 40. One knowing what it is to be burdened with iniquity that you can't look up - Ps 40:12. Possessed of our fallen nature, he too would then have to take hold of the same grace made available 2,000 years ago restoring him to the divine consciousness. Thus he is begotten from among men. Like us he would have to rely on the spirit and the written word demonstrating that these means God made available for our salvation were sufficient. The proof by the which he would be ultimately judged was to be his ability to reveal the meaning of the book sealed with seven seals spoken of in the Book of Revelations. An ability he would possess following his successful restoration to the divine consciousness. There would be one further test manifestly affirming his full humanity. Quite simply the act of procreation, his fathering children. In this act the plan of salvation became complete opening the door to judgement our next theme.
With respect to the judgement. There remains one further issue in order for the judgement to be perfect. It concerned the jury. Their being of our peers. This task could not be performed by angels. In the Book of Revelation chapter 4, John is permitted to go up to heaven to see the judgement at the end of the world. Whether this was an in the body or outer body experience, I cannot tell! The scriptures inform us that he was in the spirit. Nevertheless, while in heaven he sees these 24 elders, note verse 4. These are our jury. The apostle Paul speaks of them in Hebrews 12: 18-29, having himself been granted the honor of seeing the judgement, note 2 Cor 12:1-5. He refers to them as the spirit of just men made perfect - Heb 12:22,23. As the jury of our peers, it is required that they appreciate what it is to be human and living in the time that is now. To make this possible, they had to be brought into the earth. Further, through the normal process of human procreation. The issue now becomes by whom?
It is at this juncture that these two themes come together. Christ having come the third time in accord with the plan of salvation. His now being born of both male and female seed. Partaken of the grace previously made available restoring him to the divine consciousness in the matters concerning the judgement. His having to demonstrate his full humanity in the fathering of children, the responsibility naturally falls to him to be the medium through whom the jury were to be brought into the earth. We should consider here that humans have children, but do we ever consider God's purpose in our having children? The children David fathered, the majority of whom the "government" killed, were in fact the jury. The embodiment of those perfected spirits. The females who participated in this process were in a way as Mary was 2,000 years ago. Only this time they needn't have been virgins. Nevertheless, these women were well regarded.
Permit me to say here that the matters we've been discussing above are far more involved than I've expressed here. They were founded upon a detailed understanding of the scriptures and an intimate grasp of the workings of the spirit. The enactment of these realities mark the shift from the dispensation of grace to that of judgement. The theologically minded should understand this. Christ's death 2,000 years ago marked the shift from law to grace. This was echoed in the words "…father, forgive them: for they know not what they do…" The attack against us at Waco was an orchestrated effort by the powers of darkness for the purpose of preventing the coming of the kingdom of God. Men darkened in their minds were moved by that they know not what to work the works of evil. Nevertheless, to the extent the consciousness of the kingdom is now in the earth, the way is cleared for it's materialization. The spilling of innocent blood for this cause has made it effectual, as did the shed blood of Christ 2,000 years ago with respect to grace.
CHAPTER THREE
THE KINGDOM OF GOD
The kingdom and rule of God here on earth remains the central focus of the message of Christ. Sadly, many have lost sight of this. In the Gospel according to Matthew's teaching his disciples how to pray Christ spoke the words "…thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as is in heaven…" Mt 6:8-15. In verse 33 of the same chapter he continued "…seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…" Throughout the scriptures the subject matter of the kingdom of God is given prominent attention. Inspite of this however, it remains one of the most misunderstood truths held among believers and unbelievers alike. To the latter group, this is understandable. However, with the former it is inexcusable.
The kingdom of God, sometimes referred to as the kingdom of heaven, is termed that because it is of God and not of men. The kingdoms built by men we know of. A casual glance through history reminds us of the Egyptians, the Babylonians, the Greeks, the Romans. Today we see the various nations of Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Far East, spanning the entire globe. All of them of men. The kingdom of God is something quite apart from these and is to be clearly understood as such. This necessitates our detachment from and seeing beyond these kingdoms of men enabling the vision of the kingdom of God to emerge in our minds. It was the purpose of the spiritual revelations to furnish us with needed information concerning the kingdom of God to help us accomplish this.
In view of the statement of Christ above "…thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven…" Let's ask ourselves where is the kingdom coming from? Further, where is it coming to?
The prophet Daniel, alive during the time of the Babylonians some 2,000 years ago, wrote of a time in the distant future when the kingdom of God would be set up. In Daniel 2:44; he states "…and in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms (of men) and it shall stand forever…" There is much that is revealed in this and the preceding scriptures concerning the kingdom of God. These we shall develop in due course. However, in continuing our efforts to remove the misunderstandings concerning the kingdom of God. There are those who find difficulty understanding that although the kingdom is of heaven it does in fact come to earth. Understanding this is of critical importance. Only thus will we be able to recognize it for what it is.
I cannot emphasize the above enough! Being of God, the kingdom is supernatural. It is not set up nor is it built by the hands of men. Rather, it is something that comes to earth as it were from outer space. It materializes taking form in a specific location here on the earth plane. While those who understand the scriptures concerning this will understand and respond appropriately, those ignorant of them will not. It is this foreknowledge that makes the critical difference. To this latter group it will be perceived as something alien. At a time when the very foundations of human reasoning will be severely overwhelmed at the sight of events occurring in the earth, the confusion and fear born of ignorance will be of unimaginable proportions. There will be those who in their ignorance will place themselves in harm's way and will be adversely affected by the coming of the kingdom and other events, lending credence not only to the kingdom being alien, but also hostile. The idea of a hostile, alien invasion will be that around which the kingdoms and nations of the world will seek to gather in their efforts to fight against the kingdom of God. Being alienated in their minds from understanding the real truth of what is actually taking place before their eyes, and driven by such fear and anguish, no amount of reasoning will dissuade them otherwise. Years of neglect concerning the matters of God and the kingdom of God they've become imprisoned in their own ignorance. Their subsequent efforts to fight against the kingdom is merely their ignorance and resulting fears manifested in another form. Needless to say, it will be of no effect. The prophet Daniel seeing this in vision stated "…and the kingdom (of God) shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms (of men) and it shall stand forever…" Daniel 2:44. Zechariah also saw this and details it thus "…their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouths…" Zech 14:12.
Ignorance breeds misunderstanding and brings forth-wrong actions. Those who seek to hide in ignorance will not escape the consequences of this folly.
What is needful for the sincere of heart, one that truly seeks the kingdom of God, is to know where, when and how the kingdom comes? Further, what is the appropriate response to it? All this information is detailed in the scriptures. Having addressed the subject matter of the coming to earth of the kingdom we can now proceed to address these other questions. With regard to the location in the earth where the kingdom will arrive we turn firstly to the prophet Isaiah. In chapter two; Isaiah states;
"…And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
And many people shall go and say, come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."
And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people, and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore…" Isa 2:2-4.
Isaiah is here very comprehensive in his detail concerning the kingdom. The location he identifies to be Jerusalem. Note verse 2, "…out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem…" Zechariah corroborates this, consider Zech 1:12-17; 2:3-5; 8:1-3. In chapter 14, Zechariah is even more specific in drawing our attention to the Mount of Olives on the east of Jerusalem. In verse 4 he says the Mount of Olives splits and becomes an expansive valley. In verse 10 it is lifted up as Isaiah states in chapter 2:2, "…the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills…" Isaiah speaks further concerning this for example chapters 25:6-9; 60; 62; 66:7-17. This is in harmony with the words spoken at the parting of Christ concerning his return in glory spoken of in Acts 1:6-12, note carefully verse 9-12. There are other references throughout scriptures highlighting Jerusalem to be the place the kingdom will rest at it's coming.
With regard to when it shall come? Again we refer to Isaiah, "…it shall come to pass in the last days…" Isa 2:2. Daniel stated, "…in the days of these kings.." Our understanding the entire chapter of Daniel 2, in conjunction with chapters 7,8, 10-12 we understand what Isaiah and Daniel meant in their use of terms. Daniel details the rise and fall of the kingdom of men right up to the time of the coming of the kingdom. Considering the Babylonian Empire, he continues through the Medes and the Persians, the Greeks, the Romans, Europe and in connection with the Book of Revelation finally America and the UN. Beyond these the kingdoms of men ceases. Following Revelation chapter 13, (which is explained in chapter 17) is chapter 14:1, where we see the kingdom - Mt. Zion - having already arrived and as it were the first fruits - the 144,000- already gathered to receive those that are to follow.
How the kingdom will come we have already partially addressed. You will remember it is not made by the hands of man. The apostle Paul puts it this way in his letter to the Hebrews, "…by faith Abraham when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed… for he looked for a city which have, foundations whose builder and maker is God…" These were not idle words. In Zech 14, above we are reminded of the splitting and lifting up of the Mount of Olives. Zechariah also reminds us of a wall of fire surrounding the kingdom - Zech 2:5. Those who enter there must go through the fire. It's a little like the children of Israel having to pass through the Red Sea on their way from Egypt to Canaan. It parted to let them through. The faithful need not fear this. You will remember also Daniel's companions in the fiery furnace. Through their faith they were not consumed of the flames. Remember further, Moses and the burning bush that was not consumed. Evidently, not under all circumstances does fire reduces its captives to ashes. In Isaiah 43:2 we are encouraged "…when thou walkest through the fire thout shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee…" Indeed, this will be quite a test of faith. However, those who have made it a habit of trusting to God will not find this an overwhelming challenge.
At the coming of the kingdom we are required to, or rather invited to go there. Isaiah 2:3 again, "…and many people shall go and say, come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord to the house of the God of Jacob: And he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths…" In chapter 25: 6-9 Isaiah put it this way,
"…and in this mountain shall the Lord of host make unto all people a feast of fat things; a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil spread over all nations.
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: For the Lord hath spoken.
And it shall be said in that day, lo this is our God; we have waited for him and he shall save us: This is the Lord, we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation…"
This same truth is echoed by the prophet Zechariah punctuated with a warning;
"…and it shall come to pass, that everyone that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem, shall even go up from year to year to worship the king. The Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of Tabernacles.
And it shall be that who so will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the king, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.
And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain, there shall be a plague, wherewith the Lord will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of Tabernacles.
This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of Tabernacles…" Zech 14: 16-19.
There are other references throughout the scriptures concerning this matter of the kingdom, too numerous to mention. When it arrives on earth this will be the last opportunity afforded man for being salvaged from the coming consummation. By this time he that has said "…thou shall not kill…" Would have given just and comprehensive account to the entire universe for his act (his strange act) in the destruction of the wicked. It will in no way threaten the unconditional trust and the love and wisdom of God upon which the universe exists. Sin, Satan and those with him will have been thoroughly exposed for their groundless treachery and the resulting misery it caused: Rooting out any sympathy that might have remained in the hearts and minds of the faithful.
In the killing of Christ 2,000 years ago, by the inspiration of the then Jewish establishment, it was this truth of God and the kingdom of God that was denied to mankind. Had Christ been accepted the kingdom could have then been established. It was not possible that the kingdom could come while men were ignorant of the realities concerning it. Its supernatural character would have been too much to bear causing the wholesale rejection of it. It is so above and beyond the normal human imagination that we needed time to cognitise it's reality. Christ was the interface between it and man. Had he been accepted it would have made the kingdom possible then. Humanity would not have had to suffer the misery of the past 2,000 years.
Finally here, it should be understood that the prophetic writings are a description (not prescription) of events informing us ahead of time of the outcome of our decisions. Things happen the way they do not because they have to happen that way but rather because of our unbelief. God, by informing us ahead of time of the consequences of (and alternatives to) our decisions, in addition to demonstrating concern also shows we are possessed of choice and are therefore free moral agents. With that freedom comes accountability. Without it judgement would not be possible. God is here acquitted of any possible blame or accusations of having "fixed" the outcome of events. Thus in the end we are all ultimately responsible for our destiny with respect to where or how we spend eternity.
CHAPTER FOUR
…BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD…
Central among the matters Christ came to reveal 2,000 years ago was that all consuming subject - God. Speaking of Christ, the apostle John states, "…no man hath seen God at any time: The only begotten son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him…" John 1:18. Christ proceeded to declare that "…God is a spirit: And they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth…" John 4:24.
We cannot imagine God. It is God who reveals Himself by placing images in our minds by the which we are made aware of the image maker: God Himself cannot be imagined of by us. We simply do not possess the capacity while situated as this material form and consciousness we are of. The second commandment was intended to protect us from falling victim to such vain imaginings. We ourselves in our entirety are an extension of God. Fashioned according to His image. To reduce God to an image of our minds is against reason itself. To then perceive to make God into some material object defies even the most elementary reasoning. Further, to glory in such acts of our imagining and material creations lays bare the foolishness of man.
In the reference to John 1:18 above it should also be understood that the declaration itself is not God. Rather, it speaks of God.
How then are we to know God? The key word here is know God. This is accomplished by our apprehending certain self-evident truths among which is that of the mystery of nothing. It is the purpose of truth that we might be brought to a place in our consciousness of apprehending the God of truth. Then we might know God, not according to our imaginations but according as God is known - according to truth.
Beginning at the beginning. Before anything was, is or can be, there is nothing. In our efforts to know the reality God it is needful that we become intimately acquainted with the nature of nothing. In our understanding of nothing, we first appreciate that nothing exists. This seems an obvious truth and that's the beauty of it. What gives it it's strength as a building block for apprehending God. It's all around us, that much is undeniable. Nevertheless, and inspite of it's obvious existence, what we fail to appreciate is the implications of the existence of nothing. The fact that nothing exists means it is not the end of existence. Allow this to sink in for a moment. The power of this truth rests in its self-evident nature.
With regard to definition, since there is no conceivable precedent to nothing, an obvious fact, there is no referential backdrop against which it can be viewed. Thus it is self-evident which forms the basis for it also being self-defining. To properly appreciate the meaning and significance of this it is needful that we experience nothing. This is possible through the discipline of detachment. Our letting go of everything, thoughts included. Essentially a form of meditation. It is a most refreshing experience to encounter. Ultimately it teaches us that nothing is everything concealed. It is the state that if is in order that it can be everything, motion included, at once. One should consider that it is from nothing that everything arose and by the which all things are upheld. It is not unlike the womb only without boundaries. From it is spawn the minutest of particle to the complex universe. It's boundlessness displays it's infinity both in terms of expanse and possibility. The substance and forms of material reality are aspects of nothing revealed as mirror reflections.
The experimental understanding of nothing acts as a necessary medium authenticating the ensuing understanding of its nature and the reality of God. It is as a door opening the mind from its imprisonment to the material consciousness.
The greatest mystery of all has to do with how out of nothing came forth everything. But such an inquiry makes evident the mind of the inquirer is yet positioned in the material consciousness. To a mind so situated it is indeed a mystery. Such a mind is bound to contemplate reality from the material. The very fact of it being possessed of thoughts born of the material and through which it seeks to unlock the mystery curtails its ability to do just that.
Nevertheless, from nothing comes something? When nothing gives birth to something it relinquishes its pure nothingness. When that something returns to nothing it must relinquish its somethingness. To understand nothing from the position of something does not appear possible. Given the fact that nothing is the backdrop of something and not the other way around. Having no conceivable backdrop we rely on nothing's own self evident, self-defining nuances concerning itself and the nature of existence. Through these we learn that the ability to conceive requires there be that to be conceived in order for the existence of conception to be known. Conception itself is a quality of nothing born of its clearness and boundlessness. It is the seeing of sight. Material reality is conceived from nothing through this quality of conception inherent to the nature of nothing. While something is created from nothing, nothing is self-existent and cannot not exist. The ability of conception to conceive is of its self evident nature. The existence of material reality rest in this ability.
There is such a thing called "magic." It is akin to spontaneity. What we're dealing with here is a realm of wisdom not consistent with the notions of logic associated to the material world and its consciousness. Yes, there is logic to the material world, the laws by which it consists. Transgression of these laws jeopardizes its existence in the form that it is and can ultimately reduce it to nothing. It should be understood, however, that the laws by which the material world exists did not give rise to themselves. They are not self-existent. Rather, they have for their backdrop nothing. They were conceived from nothing. Further, their conception was not by chance, rather by choice indicating intelligence as is also evident from the order and functioning of the material world.
This entire subject matter of something from nothing can also be approached from understanding how the mind works. When thought emerges in the mind, where does it come from? Its emergence makes evident that what we refer to as thinking has taken place - thought being the product of thinking. The thought however, cannot preempt the underlying thinking by the which it is given rise to, and is upheld by, while still maintaining its existence. To do so would be the deconstructing of itself. Its deconstructed state (thinking) is the answer to the question of its origin. Similarly, reversion to the stillness, inactivity, clearness and void of nothing would be the answer to the question of the origin of thinking. The substance of thinking and thought like light and darkness are different states of the same thing, made so by motion. They both have for their backdrop nothing. Although they are generally mutually exclusive, their simultaneous existence is possible but only in part and temporarily.
Essentially, there is a consciousness not of this material reality but rather is the cause of material reality. It is not accessible while situated in the consciousness of material reality rather, via the relinquishing of that consciousness. In the relinquishing of it the way is cleared for that consciousness to emerge. It speaks to us as the voice of nothing through the images it projects in our minds ordering our conception according as it wills. This experience which seemingly comes from nowhere is important to become established in. What is being experienced is a shift of our center of being from the round of experiencing and confinement to motive associated to the material consciousness, to where we coalesce with nothing. Out of nothing came forth the voice that was heard in the beginning that said "…let there be light…" Of no confinement to any visible form or object, through our thoughts it makes known itself, yet it is not these.
To truly know God one has to become situated as God. This should not cause concern. The same way that Christ could dispossess himself of equality with God to take the form of a servant, made in the likeness of men, the reverse is also possible with us. With a little help from God, of course! Permit me to remind you of Christ's words"…with God all things are possible…" In fact God encourages us to experience what it is to be God. Consider Ps 82, and John 10:31-38. What remains separating us from God is the fact that he got there first. This fact is unchangeable making us as God and not God. It also demonstrates that God's positioning as God is not of ego rather, a matter of course.
Nevertheless, in the process of our coming to know God it is needful that we relinquish our confinement as the material consciousness. We learn that material reality is the mirror reflection or image of that which is invisible. The which our being situated as the material we are rendered unable to see, but casually regard as nothing. In its clearness, in its timelessness, in its stillness, in its boundlessness, we find strength, we find peace, we find holiness, we find the heavens of heavens, we find the rest of our soul. That part of our being confinement to matter denies us. Sublime it its majesty it is unsurpassed in its glory. Nothing of the material consciousness can fully capture its reality for all that comes forth of this consciousness is but an image, or mirror reflection of itself. Apprehending its reality is only possible by becoming one with it. This is beautifully captured in the words "…be still and know that I am God…"
We can appreciate that in the pursuit of knowing God the language and techniques of "science" are redundant. Being of the material consciousness they seek to address the question how? To unlock the door to God there is first the question of motive - why? It is not that this is new. But in case we should forget, as is our tendency to, it needs to be restated.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
God. The kingdom of God. His righteousness. It is by our knowledge of these truths that we derive our sense of reality. Arriving at the place of understanding them is not, and has not been without its sacrifices. Through those sacrifices we have been made better able to appreciate the value of them. Our having arrived at the place of understanding them we are thereby also made aware of what it is to be of the divine consciousness.
It is our right. Granted us of God, to seek to know these matters. In the words of Christ "…Father, Forgive them; for they know not what they do…" uttered while unjustly nailed to a cross some 2,000 years ago, this right was established. Purchased at a great price, the blood of the righteous it remains unmoved today. Yet even now, after so long a time, few truly understand (let alone respect) the significance of these matters.
In the generating of creation (man included) there are laws, divine laws, governing its existence. The law stated, if you keep me you shall continue to live. On the other hand, if you brake me, you shall die. The scriptures teach us that our first parents broke the law procuring to themselves death. Which was passed onto us their descendents.
In the coming of Christ 2,000 years ago was revealed one perfect according to the law. It was the requirement of the law that such a one should live yet through the iniquity of unrighteous men he ended up on a cross. The law owed him. In light of who he was and what he gave up to come among men, and inspite of the treatment he received it was while nailed to the cross and in his dying moments he uttered the words "…Father, forgive them: For they know not what they do…" Had not Christ uttered those words and had not God yielded to them, then according to the law God would have had to come and save him with the consequence being the destroying of humanity. Christ stayed the wrath of God in the destruction of the world that then was by binding God, the author of the law, to forgive mankind while they remain in ignorance. Thus grace was born. Time allotted to mankind to wise up to the reality of what is really going on. But God was not to be bound forever. Grace has an end. It has been nearly 2,000 years since those important events.
Permit me to emphasize that the death / murder of Christ has been presented as an event that was suppose to be. No! This is not so. The prophetic writings concerning Christ were descriptions of what would happen to him not a prescription as to what was to be done to him. It has been presented as a prescription (to the sin problem) by those who murdered him to shield themselves from accountability and punishment for his murder. On the other hand the prophetic descriptions were presented to inform us ahead of time that those who heard and believed in them would not be complicitous and therefore not be partakers in the crime and guilt of this most unconscionable act of murder.
Technically speaking it is not Christ's death that saves us. Rather it is the yielding up of his equality with God becoming fashioned as a man. His death brought us additional time - grace. His yielding up his equality with God and coming to earth as one of us made it possible for us to know how to redeem ourselves from our fallen condition. This would not have been possible otherwise. His purpose was to instruct us in matters of Godliness by which we could once again become partakers of the divine nature.
With the opening of the sealed book spoken of in the Book of Revelation, the matters Christ came to teach mankind 2,000 years ago became known in the earth. They make man aware of his ignorance. Thus he is therefore no longer covered under the basis of ignorance. If he refuses to know the facts of these matters, at the 6th seal spoken of in Rev 6:12-17 he will then discover just how naked he is.
The opening of the book sealed with seven seals released God from the obligations arising from Christ's death 2,000 years ago. Now judgement can come. With the judgement comes matters concerning the kingdom, including the way we enter therein. It should be remembered that to whom much is given, much is required. To neglect to know these things while it is available for us to know we make light of the most important right we possess. Thus we are without excuse for failing of it. To be denied this right by those who would deny us reveals them to be trespassing upon a divinely established law. And as such, enemies of righteousness. At Waco, the government of the United States through its various agencies demonstrated just such a trespass. It went beyond the bounds of its humanly ascribed mandate. Significantly, this was displayed in real time on national television for all of America, and beyond, to see. The citizenry watched as the government on their behalf murdered the innocent without just cause. I am reminded of the amphitheaters of Rome where the emperor would give a thumbs down for blood, to the uproar of delight from the assembled masses. Sadly, the lessons of history have been contemptuously regarded.
It has been over six years since these events. Our dead rest in their graves. Of those who remain, some like myself languish in prison. Others are left in want. Nevertheless, our faith remains as our voices cry out in a singular chorus for justice. An open invitation for our persecutors, while time remains, to heal their guilt by making right their wrong. But our voice continues to fall on deaf ears. Still, we are met with scorn, denial and derision.
Clearly these matters are not taken seriously. They didn't take them seriously back in the days of Noah either. For 120 years while building a boat on dry land for the saving of his soul he was scoffed and mocked at. It could not have been pleasant having to suffer such ridicule year after year. But finally the rain did come, didn't it!! It came and came, and didn't stop coming until it was an overwhelming flood. The mockers and scoffers then changed their tune. It became the wild screams of fear and consternation as the reality of their doom rained on them. With regard to the time that now is, and what it is to face, the spirit of God - wisdom speaks thus;
"…Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets, she crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the opening of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, how long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? And the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
Turn you at my reproof: Behold I will pour out my spirit into you, I will make known my words unto you.
Because I called and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded; but you have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I will also laugh at your calamity: I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: They would none of my counsel: They despised all my reproof.
Therefore, shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But who so hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil…" Prov 1:20-33.
Wisdom (the spirit of God) in the above speaks of her final withdrawal of herself from the unbelieving and despisers of her counsel. Note carefully verses 22-26. In their continued rejection of her they commit the unpardonable sin. The sin against the Holy Ghost. They no longer hear her voice, for she has withdrawn herself. Left in darkness by their own choosing, they become the subjects of death. In proverbs 8, she speaks loudly of herself especially her origin in the beginning with God. We discover her to be the female side of God, in whose image the women of this world (her daughters) were created. Sadly, few women recognize this and are thereby left without what by which to derive their self-image.