Musical Instruments in the bible, Part 10 – Stringed Instruments

[Asor – Instrument of ten strings (Gittith)]

[Study Aired November 23, 2023]

Stringed Instruments

Hebrew: Asor
KJV Name: Instrument of Ten Strings
Strong’s: #H6218
References: Psa_33:2, Psa_92:3, Psa_144:9

The only thing known about the Asor was that it was a ten-stringed instrument. It was likely a type of harp such as a zither or lute.

H6218‛âśôr    ‛âśôr aw-sore’, aw-sore’

From H6235; ten; by abbreviation ten strings, and so a decachord: – (instrument of) ten (strings, -th).

Total KJV occurrences: 16

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Hebrew: Gittith
KJV Name: Gittith
Strong’s: #H1665
References: Psa_8:1, Psa_81:1 , Psa_84:1

The name gittith suggests this musical instrument was retrieved by King David in the Philistine city of Gath.

H1665 gittı̂yth ghit-teeth’

Feminine of H1663; a Gittite harp: – Gittith.

Total KJV occurrences: 3

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These first two stringed instruments we’re going to study are both connected to the flesh, and we will look at the accompanying verses where they’re used to help us understand what it is telling us about our flesh that is both represented by the number ten and the instrument itself.

The ten strings of this first instrument, known as the asor^H6218, symbolize the flesh of man that we are all trying to always bring into submission to Christ (2Co 10:5-6). With Christ in us, we are a somber and solemn people who acknowledge that we are that ten-stringed instrument which can’t go beyond ‘ten’ except for the grace of God. He knows how to take our empty marred vessels and make them into another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it (Jer 18:4), and even fill us with praise and fervent prayer that is likened unto “the harp.”

The second stringed instrument we will look at is called the gittith^H1665 and was believed to have been retrieved by King David in the Philistine city of Gath. The symbolism is hard to miss, and even if the historical comments above are vague and without spiritual insight, the point remains true that Christ must give us victory over sin, which can be symbolized by king David, a type of Christ who retrieves [is retrieving] the musical instrument called ‘the gitteth’ from the Philistine city of Gath [Joh 8:36].

2Co 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 
2Co 10:6  And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Joh 8:36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Christ must deliver the captive (2Ti 2:23-26) instruments of corruption that we all start off as, residing in the Philistine city of Gath. Through the hand of our Lord, we are then able, in time, to take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ as a stringed instrument that is now in tune with the mind of Christ and able to live in harmony with the rest of the body of Christ and be at peace with all men (2Co 10:5, Heb 12:14).

2Ti 2:23  But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 
2Ti 2:24  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 
2Ti 2:25  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 
2Ti 2:26  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 

2Co 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Heb 12:14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Christ must deliver the captives from captivity:

Luk 21:22  For these be the days of vengeance, [1Pe 4:17, 1Jn 4:17, Rom 2:4] that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
Luk 21:23  But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people  [within and without].
Luk 21:24  And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: [Rev 13:9-10] and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled [Rev 11:2-5 – after God’s elect are judged and found worthy to be in the blessed and holy first resurrection, then the time of the Gentiles begins and will be fulfilled in the lake of fire, great white throne judgment].

Rev 13:9  If any man have an ear, let him hear.
Rev 13:10  He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Rev 11:2  But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
Rev 11:3  And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 
Rev 11:4  These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
Rev 11:5  And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

Eph 4:8  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity  captive, and gave gifts unto men. 

2Ti 2:26  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 

2Ti 3:6  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women [churches of Babylon we are called out of] laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

Rom 7:23  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

2Co 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 

Rev 13:10  He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity [2Ti 2:26]: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints [The sword is the word of God that kills our old man as we decrease and Christ increases within us. We are able to “killeth with the sword” only because we have been decreasing as we die daily by the sword of God’s word, His spirit that makes it possible for us to die daily (Rom 2:24, Php 2:12-13)].

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Here are the three verses where we find the word Asor^H6218 being used, (Psa 33:2, Psa 92:3, Psa 144:9), and there are a number of expressions that are used in the context of these verses which tell us something about our relationship with our heavenly Father and Christ, made known when the Asor^H6218 is in use. 

In Psalm 33:2 we are told to do this:

Psa 33:1  Rejoice in the LORD, [Php 4:4, Rev 19:7] O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. 
Psa 33:2  Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings^H6218 (“Asor“).
Psa 33:3  Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully^H3190 with a loud noise. 
Psa 33:4  For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth  [Col 1:27, Php 2:12-13, Joh 14:6].

Rejoicing in the Lord is a way in which we praise God, and give Him thanks for the victory over the sin within us. When we play an instrument of ten strings skillfully^H3190, God’s word is telling us that we can have dominion over the flesh through Christ, but we go on to perfection only on the third day (Exo 15:1, Rev 14:2, Rev 15:2, Luk 17:10, Luk 13:32).

Gen 4:7  If thou doest well^H3190, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

In Psalm 92:1-6 we are told to do this:

Psa 92:1  A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
Psa 92:2  To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,
Psa 92:3  Upon an instrument of ten stringsH6218 (“Asor”), and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound^H1902.

H1902 higgâyôn hig-gaw-yone’     Intensive from H1897; a murmuring sound, that is, a musical notation (probably similar to the moder affettuoso to indicate solemnity of movement); by implication a machination: – device, Higgaion, meditation, solemn sound.  Total KJV occurrences: 4   (Psa 19:14)

H1897 hâgâh haw-gaw’    A primitive root (compare H1901); to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication to ponder: – imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, X sore, speak, study, talk, utter. Total KJV occurrences: 25    (Jos 1:8);

Psa 92:4  For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands [Psa 139:14-16, Eph 2:10]. 
Psa 92:5  O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. 
Psa 92:6  A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.]

Psa 139:14  I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 
Psa 139:15  My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 
Psa 139:16  Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Psa 139:16 Your eyes saw my embryo, And my days, all of them were written upon Your scroll; The days were formed When there was not one of them.”[CLV] [author and finisher of our faith, of our books (Heb 5:9, Heb 12:2)]

Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

We are the “ten strings”^H6218 that God is mercifully working with, and we acknowledge we are nothing more than instruments in His hands which He likens to “psaltery”^H5035, and it is in this place “the harp”^H3658 can make its “solemn sound” that the Lord is forming through those who sigh and cry a solemn and somber cry (1Pe 5:7-9) in this age for the abominations He is allowing to unfold (Eze 9:4).

In Psalm 144 we are told to do this:

Psa 144:9  I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings^H6218 (“Asor”) will I sing praises unto thee.

This “new song” is presented nine times in the KJV (Psa 33:3, Psa 40:3, Psa 96:1, Psa 98:1, Psa 144:9, Psa 149:1, Isa 42:10, Rev 5:9, Rev 14:3), and it is in the last instance mentioned, with its surrounding verses, that we are also told ‘no man could learn that song but those which were redeemed from the earth… not defiled… virgins… which follow the Lamb… redeemed from among men… firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb… no guile… without fault before the throne of God.’

Rev 14:1  And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. 
Rev 14:2  And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 
Rev 14:3  And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 
Rev 14:4  These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. 
Rev 14:5  And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

As our heavens are cleansed of false doctrines, these false riches are replaced with the true riches of knowing God and Christ and His body (Joh 17:3), and we can now sing a new song of praise, meaning we are able to worship God in spirit and in truth now that all things are new in Christ (Joh 4:23, 2Co 5:17) having had our heavens cleansed of all filthiness (2Co 7:1). 

All of this is worship unfolding within the earnest condition (Eph 1:14, Rom 8:23, Rom 8:19, Php 1:20) we are in  “upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings”, the ten now representing the positive relation of the number ten being fulfilled in a life that is being led by the spirit of God (Rom 8:14) and glorifying Him with all our thoughts and actions which power He is giving us through Christ to bring into subjection unto him (Rom 8:16, 1Co 10:31, 2Co 10:5).

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We will now explore the use of the Hebrew word Gittith^H1665, that is found in the first verse of each Psalm this Strong’s number is found (Psa 8:1, Psa 81:1, Psa 84:1).

Hebrew: Gittith
KJV Name: Gittith
Strong’s: #H1665
References: Psa 8:1, Psa 81:1, Psa 84:1

The name gittith suggests this musical instrument was retrieved by King David in the Philistine city of Gath.

BDB-Definition: Gittith = a wine-press 

1. a musical instrument? from Gath? and used in three Psalm titles – 8, 81, 84; a song title used for the Feast of Booths 

(Strong’s) H1665 gittı̂yth ghit-teeth’

Feminine of H1663; a Gittite harp: – Gittith. Total KJV occurrences: 3

H1663 gittı̂y ghit-tee’

Patrial from H1661; a Gittite or inhabitant of Gath: – Gittite. Total KJV occurrences: 10

H1661 gath gath

The same as H1660; Gath, a Philistine city: – Gath. Total KJV occurrences: 33

H1660gath gath

Probably from H5059 (in the sense of treading out grapes); a wine press (or vat for holding the grapes in pressing them): – (wine-) press (fat). Total KJV occurrences: 5

H5059nâgan naw-gan’

A primitive root; prop to thrum, that is, beat a tune with the fingers; especially to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally) to make music: – player on instruments, sing to the stringed instruments, melody, ministrel, play (-er. -ing).  Total KJV occurrences: 15

The word Gittith^H1665 is both “a wine-press” and a “harp”, according to Brown-Driver-Briggs and Strong. There is definitely a correlation between these Psalms that helps us understand the process of judgment God’s elect have been going through, and are going through, and will be going through, as our Father grants us to be the first grapes, or kind of first fruits (Jas 1:18), being dragged to this “wine-press” which represents what it means to be connected to the Vine who crushes those grapes (Joh 15:5, Mat 21:44). Christ is working this wine-press in our lives all according to the counsel of our Father’s will (Eph 1:11, Col 1:27, Joh 5:1 , Joh 12:29, Heb 13:8).

Psa 8:1  To the chief Musician upon Gittith^H1665, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. 
Psa 8:2  Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. 
Psa 8:3  When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 
Psa 8:4  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 
Psa 8:5  For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Psa 8:6  Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: 

In Psalm 8:1 we learn of the excellency of God in what He does in His workmanship which we are; a workmanship that is typified by the earth and the heavens (Psa 8:1). The earth is the church (Jer 22:29), and the heavens represent where Christ abides within us as our hope of glory (Col 1:27, Heb 9:23).

Psa 81:1  To the chief Musician upon Gittith^H1665, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. 
Psa 81:2  Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery. 
Psa 81:3  Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day. 
Psa 81:4  For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob. 
Psa 81:5  This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.
Psa 81:6  I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots.

In the second verse that uses the word Gittith^H1665 (Psa 81:1), we see how that workmanship of God offers up the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving (1Pe 2:5, Heb 13:5, 2Co 4:15, 2Co 9:11, Php 4:6, Col 4:2-3) to our Creator, “unto the God of Jacob” (Psa 81:1).

1Pe 2:5  Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Heb 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

2Co 4:15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

2Co 9:11  Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

Php 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Col 4:2  Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Col 4:3  Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bond

Psa 84:1  To the chief Musician upon Gittith^H1665, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
Psa 84:2  My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. 
Psa 84:3  Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. 
Psa 84:4  Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. 
Psa 84:5  Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.

In the third use of the word Gittith^H1665 (Psa 84:1), we learn of the longing and groaning that comes forth from the body of Christ because of the judgment that is upon us as fellow laborers in Christ (1Co 3:9, Mat 9:37-38, Rev 6:11) and the fruit of having a strong desire to know God that only comes about through that judgment (Isa 26:9, Psa 84:12).

The sons of Korah (ref. vs 1) are Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph [three sons, representing the process of judgment on the new man typified by Korah’s sons], and they formed the tribes known as the Korahites who were the children of Korah (1Ch 9:19). Korah was a Levite who rebelled against Moses, and the two hundred and fifty men who rebelled with Korah represent our old man who must be swallowed up by the earth and die (Num 16:2, Num 16:19–30). The number [250] represents a multiple of the number five, which is grace that is experienced when we die and are baptized into Christ’s death (Tit 2:12, Heb 12:6, Rom 6:3). Korah and the men of renown within us must die [typifying rebellious Babylon in our flesh]. The seed must die [250 men of renown] in order to bring forth fruit (Joh 12:24), and that fruit is represented by the sons of Korah found in 1 Chronicles 6:31-48, “whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest” (1Ch 6:31). It is only when we are granted to rest in the Lord that these works can be accomplished in the body of Christ by our Lord (Php 2:12-13, Col 1:27).

Isa 26:9  With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Psa 84:12  O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

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Next week, Lord willing, we will look at the next two stringed instruments in our study of instruments in the bible, the Kathros or Harp, and Kinor which is another type of harp.

Hebrew: Kathros
KJV Name: Harp
Strong’s: #H7030
References: Daniel 3:5, 7, 10, 15

Found only in the book of Daniel, the kathros (an Aramaic word) was a stringed instrument played at Nebuchadnezzar’s court. It was possibly a type of lyre.

Hebrew: Kinnor
KJV Name: Harp
Strong’s: #H3658
References: Genesis 4:21, 31:27, 1Samuel 10:5, 16:16, 23, 2Samuel 6:5, 1Kings 10:12, 1Chronicles 13:8, 15:16, 21, 28, 16:5, etc.

The kinnor has the distinction of being the first musical instrument recorded in Scripture. Its creation is credited to a man named Jubal who was of Cain’s lineage (Genesis 4:16 – 21). The kinnor is sometimes referred to as David’s harp.

This instrument is small enough to be played while walking (1 Samuel 10:5) and made of wood. Its strings were crafted from sheep tripe. David, when an evil spirit bothered King Saul, would play his kinnor and chase the demon away (1 Samuel 16:23)! The kinnor was used to worship and praise God (2 Samuel 6:5, Psalm 43:4), utter prophecies (1 Chronicles 25:3), and bid farewell to loved ones (Genesis 31:27).

Gospels In Harmony, Part 138 – The Eighth Day We Become New Creatures

Mark 16:14 Luke 24:31-43 and John 20:19-31

[Study Aired May 9, 2023]

Luke 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 
Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? 
Luke 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 
Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. 
Luke 24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Luke 24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
Luke 24:38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Mark 16:14b and (he) upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
John 20:20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
Luke 24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
Luke 24:43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
John 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
John 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
John 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 
John 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
John 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was arrested and sentenced to death by crucifixion by the Roman authorities, with the support of the Jewish leaders who felt threatened by His teachings. Jesus was stripped, beaten, and mocked before being nailed to a cross, where he died after several hours. His body was taken down and placed in a tomb, which was sealed with a large stone.

On the third day, Jesus’ tomb was found to be empty, and He appeared to the women first, then to His disciples. He had risen from the dead, fulfilling the prophecies, demonstrating His divine nature. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has triumphed over sin and death, providing a path to salvation for all who believe in Him.

Now Thomas tells the disciples that he would not believe them until he “touched” Jesus. In a previous study we saw that Christ could not be “touched” until he had ascended to the Father, showing us there is a proper order of salvation. Having ascended to the Father, Christ now sits on the right hand of God and was given all power and authority to rule “the elect” of the kingdom of God. Christ is now opening the eyes of his disciples. 

Luke 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 
Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? 
Luke 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 
Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. 
Luke 24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

Jesus opened their eyes and vanished out of their sight. At this time the disciples do not understand the significance of His vanishing. They still believed the kingdom of God being set up on the earth was imminent. Their eyes being opened was only the beginning of many years of coming to understand Christ’s true message of ruling the things of the spirit and not the things of the flesh.

1Co 15:35-44 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

Continuing with our verses. 

John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Luke 24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
Luke 24:38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Mark 16:14b and (he) upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

What is Christ’s meaning when he says “spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have”? Is Christ contradicting what Paul said in Corinthians 15? Christ is not contradicting Paul. At this point the disciples are not able to understand the “things of the spirit.” We all have to experience the flesh before we can experience the spirit.

1Co 15:42-50 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

Why would Christ “upbraid them” if he knew they would not believe.

Mark 16:14b and (he) upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

He did this to show the elect of God that it is through much tribulation we enter into the kingdom.

Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Christ tries again to get them to believe. They still will not believe.

Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
John 20:20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
Luke 24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
Luke 24:43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
John 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Now Thomas, doubting Thomas as he is nicknamed, definitely does not believe Christ is risen from the dead.

John 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
John 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 
John 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
John 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus Christ was arrested, sentenced to death by crucifixion, and buried in a tomb. On the third day, His tomb was found empty, and He appeared to His disciples, showing them the wounds on his hands and side. Although initially afraid and unsure, the disciples recognized Jesus and were overjoyed. He ate with them, opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and gave them the Holy Spirit to empower them to spread the good news of his resurrection. Even Thomas, who initially doubted, eventually saw and believed. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death and provided a way for all who believe in him to have eternal life.

2Co 5:14-17 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Gospels In Harmony – Jesus is Building a House

[Study Aired March 9, 2021]

Luk 19:1-10 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

In today’s study we will see, Lord willing, the spiritual significance of Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus means pure. He was a chief publican, a superintendent of tax collectors, dwelling in Jericho and rich.

Luk 19:1-2 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

This story begins in Jericho, the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering into the promised land, representing the beginning of our walk into the kingdom of heaven. The trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and the walls of the city fell, representing the beginning of the death of our old man.

Jos 6:1-5 Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour. And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams’ horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.

Jos 6:20-21 So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.

Luk 19:2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

Being a publican, especially a chief among the publicans, the Jews hated Zacchaeus. Christ, on the other hand, purposely associated himself with publicans and sinners despite the feelings of the Jews.

Mat 9:9-13 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luk 19:3-4 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

Our wall of lies has fallen down, and we are given the desire to seek Christ. Zacchaeus represents us when we are eagerly seeking Christ and desiring to be saved from this body of death. We are little of stature and must climb up in order to see the truth.

Luk 19:5-6 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

Jesus calls us to come down because we think too highly of ourselves. He will abide in us while in these vessels of clay on earth. We are the house which Christ abides. We start “as newborn babes desiring the sincere milk of the word”.

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

1Pe 2:1-5 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Luk 19:7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

Once again they all murmured being the children of disobedience. We did the same in times past but now we see Christ and desire the sincere milk of the word and beyond. God first causes us to come down from our high place thinking it is our works that save us and then raises up to sit with Christ in heavenly places.

Eph 2:2-10 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Luk 19:8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

Zacchaeus realizing there is a cost is confessing his sin before the Lord.

Lev 6:1-4 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour; Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,

Gal 6:1-10 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.  For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

1Jn 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Luk 19:9-10 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Today we are the house to which salvation has come, and Christ is the house builder; after all he is a carpenter. We were lost, but now we are found. Now that we are found we are becoming house builders because “as he is so are we”.

Mar 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

Luk 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Heb 3:1-16 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.

The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation

Psa 27:1-14 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

[Study Aired September 15,2020

Luk 18:9-14 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Christ speaks another parable. We all know and understand why our Lord speaks in parables. He speaks so they cannot understand and so we can understand.

Mat 13:10-15 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s 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.

Once again, he mentions the “two men”. Who are the “two men”?
They are the men within each of us if Christ is in you. The Pharisee and the publican are within our heavens.

As with the other parables we reviewed earlier in this series one of the men must be taken and the other left. In this parable which will be taken, and which will be left? The Pharisee is not as “other men” he is better than them. He fasts and he gives. What more would God want from us? We are told to fast and we are told to give so it must be the Pharisee within us that will remain. We are all familiar with the following verses, but it answers the question of which man will be taken and which will be left.

Isa 58:3-5  Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? 

The above verses are what the Pharisee within us in our parable is doing. The below verses are what the publican within us does and therefore will be justified.

Isa 58:6-7 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

When we properly come to the Lord as the publican, we will gain all the following within our heavens.

Isa 58:8-14 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

In Zechariah, with some additions the same thought is repeated. The first section of verses is the Pharisee’s way of life. Also, notice when this takes place spiritually and the meanings of the names involved.

Zec 7:1-7 And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, [he that informs himself] that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah [Jehovah remembers] in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu; [confidence] When they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer [prince of fire] and Regemmelech, [to stone the king] and their men, to pray before the LORD, And to speak unto the priests which were in the house of the LORD of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years? Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying, Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me? And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves? Should ye not hear the words which the LORD hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain? 

Zec 7:8-14 And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, [Jehova remembers] saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart. But they [the Pharisee within] refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea, they [the Pharisee within] made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts. Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts: But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate. 

Only the publican within us can hear these warnings of our Lord. Paul tells us the same thing here in Romans 9.

Rom 9:30-33 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 

The fasting and giving that the Pharisee brags about is not true fasting and giving. The Pharisee is doing all this with his own righteousness and following the law of the flesh and cannot serve God properly. We know what the Lord thinks of our righteousness’s.

Isa 64:6-7 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.

That is the Lord speaking about the Pharisee within us. Our Pharisee within will go through the process of judgment: the baptisms of water, fire, and the holy spirit. Ultimately the publican will be born within us, and we will become humble and be able to truly fast and give as the Lord has commanded. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians what the publican within us will be able to accomplish once the Pharisee is overcome.

2Co 10:1-18 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s. For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they [those with the mind of a Pharisee] measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

We, with the publican within, are given the ability to strive after the righteousness of the Lord. We are given to act as the “publican standing afar off” and be justified among all men.

Luk 18:13-14 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

When we are given eyes to see and ears to hear the meanings of the parables Christ speaks to us, we will understand the reason for the process of judgement we are enduring until the end of this age. Though we feel at times this age will never end the Lord says differently.

Rev 3:10-13 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Rev 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Rev 22:6-21 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

In conclusion, here are the thoughts of the publican within us if Christ be in us.

Psa 40:1  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest. I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation. Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me. Let them [the Pharisee within] be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha. Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

R____ wrote:
Mike God has blessed me with being a musician. I play banjo. Been playing for 40 years. I have noticed that there are 7 notes of music. Including sharps and flats there are 12 steps in any musical scale. In order to make a chord, you note step 1, step 3, and step 5, in any key and you have a chord. I started seeing that Gods truth’s form a chord spiritually speaking. The Church (songs- lies) are (spiritually) in discord, not harmonizing with each false doctrine. The truths (true doctrines) of Gods word form a perfect harmonizing chord. This is how Gods elect sing a new song. No man can learn this song but the 144,000.  Psa 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
Psa 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [ even] praise unto our God: many shall see [ it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Psa 96:1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
Psa 98:1 [[ A Psalm.]] O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
Psa 144:9 I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery [ and] an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.
Psa 149:1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, [ and] his praise in the congregation of saints.
Isa 42:10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, [ and] his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.
Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Rev 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred [ and] forty [ and] four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. I hadn’t seen this on your site, and this has been on my mind for a while, so I thought I would email. I would sure welcome any comments you have! R____

Hi R____,
I remember being told about these numbers in Ambassador College, but of course they never saw what you have pointed out here about how lies are discordant and truths harmonize.
Everyone who comes to see who God really is, as opposed to the monster they were told He was, always comments on the fact that the Truth just makes much more sense (harmonizes with the concept of a loving Father). Of course this harmony only increases as you look into God’s Word in greater detail and discover that every doctrine in the church is ‘discordant’ (full of contradictions and outright lies).

Isa 3:1  For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,

I am utterly devoid of any technical understanding of music, so I hope I have gotten the drift of what you are saying here. Please let me know if I have missed something.
Is not the ‘new song’ the same thing as harmony? The old man never having known harmony?
In reading back over the scriptures you quote here, the significance of the fact that only the 144,000 can sing this new harmonious song is just beginning to sink in. I have noticed for some time that whenever you read of “harpers harping on their harps” you are reading of the 144,000. God certainly would not tolerate a discordant ‘harper.’
Thanks for bringing this to my attention
Mike