This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before your face, which shall prepare your way before you.
The above, Luke 7:27, is the LORD speaking of John as His “messenger,” from the Greek word aggelos, meaning “(to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an “angel”; by implication, a pastor.” Of the 188 times the word is used, it is rendered seven times as “messenger” and all others as “angel.”
It (aggelos), when translated “messenger,” is used three times (in Matthew 11:10, Mark 1:2, and Luke 7:27) speaking of John, as above, quoting Malachi 3:1. It (this rendering) appears once, in Luke 7:24, describing the “messengers” John sent to the LORD asking, “Are you he that should come? or look we for another?”
It’s then used the fifth (the number of grace) time, in Luke 9:52, as the LORD sends His “messengers” into Samaria (those fully corrupted by putting idols in God’s place, which they called gods and are thereby totally ignorant of His coming) where they were rejected.
Luke 9
43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,
44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men [who will refuse to receive him – see Psalms 118:22 and Isaiah 30 below].
45 But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.
46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.
47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,
48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receives me: and whosoever shall receive me receives him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name; and we forbad him, because he follows not with us.
50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up [analepsis – only used here, from ana {up} and lepis {only used once, telling of the “scales” that fell from Paul’s eye and he received again His sight} of which it here speaks], he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
52 And sent messengers [aggelos] before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans [those, now all god people at large, except for the very elect who’ve received Him at this coming], to make ready for him.
53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, LORD, will you that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elijah did?
55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, You know not what manner of spirit you are of.
56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.
Psalms 118
1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endures forever.
2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endures forever.
3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endures forever.
4 Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endures forever.
5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
13 You have thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
18 The LORD has chastened me sore: but he has not given me over unto death.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
21 I will praise you: for you have heard me, and are become my salvation.
22 The stone which the builders refused [ma’ac – referring us to Isaiah 30:12 where it is this word of God they refuse] is become the head stone of the corner [returning to the LORD].
23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in [opening] our eyes [as from them the scales fall away].
24 This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save now, I beseech you, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech you, send now prosperity.
26 Blessed be he that comes in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
27 God is the LORD, which has shown us light [understanding]: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar [the power to rule paid for by His sacrifice].
28 You are my God, and I will praise you: you are my God, I will exalt you.
29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endures forever [for this is the manner of spirit He is, “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them”].
Isaiah 30
1 Woe to the rebellious children, says the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:
2 That walk to go down into Egypt [willingly misled into oppression], and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh [in vain they trust in those in the seats of power], and to trust in the shadow of Egypt [which blocks the sun of God, the light of His understanding]!
3 Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.
4 For his princes were at Zoan [the place of departure – away from the LORD’s strength], and his ambassadors came to Hanes [and fled from God’s grace – the free gift of understanding].
5 They were all ashamed of [disappointed when they couldn’t deliver what they promised to] a people that could not profit them, nor be a help [‘ezer] nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.
6 The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.
7 For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still [at ease and not doing the LORD’s work].
8 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come forever and ever:
9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:
10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.
12 Wherefore thus says the Holy One of Israel, Because you despise [ma’ac – refuse] this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon:
13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking comes suddenly at an instant.
14 And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters’ vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit.
15 For thus says the LORD God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall you be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and you would not [but refused and despised My words].
16 But you said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall you flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.
17 One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall you flee: till you be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign [nec – the pole upon which the son of man must be lifted – so his voice is heard above all others] on a hill.
18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: you [who receive this word as the word of God, as it is, and by it man lives] shall weep no more: he will be very gracious unto you at the voice of your cry [hearing you speak this word]; when he shall hear it, he will answer you.
20 And though the LORD give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not your teachers be removed into a corner any more, but your eyes shall see your teachers:
21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk you in it, when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left.
22 You shall defile also the covering [of falsehood] of your graven images of silver, and the ornament of your molten images of gold: you shall cast them away as a menstruous cloth; you shall say unto it, Get you hence [you are of no value].
23 Then shall he give the rain [His word from heaven that bring life again on the earth] of your seed, that you shall sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall your cattle feed in large pastures.
24 The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which has been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.
25 And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.
26 Moreover the light of the moon [understanding of civil Government] shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun [the understanding of the church] shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD binds up [chabash] the breach of his people, and heals the stroke of their wound.
27 Behold, the name of the LORD comes from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire:
28 And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err.
29 You shall have a song [this word to be repeated as given], as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept [qadash – when you declare His Holy One]; and gladness of heart, as when one goes with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.
30 And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting [understanding] down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.
31 For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian [communists in church and state] be beaten down, which smote with a rod.
32 And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight with it.
33 For Tophet [the place of fires] is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he has made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, does kindle it.
The sixth time (the number of man) aggelos is rendered “messenger,” in 2 Corinthians 12:7, is when Paul tells of the thorn in his flesh, the “infirmity” that buffeted him, of which he asked the LORD that it depart from him. To this, the LORD answered, “My grace is sufficient for you: for My strength is made perfect (teleioo – is complete) in weakness.”
(Before going on, please suffer me for a moment while I digress. In this chapter (2 Corinthians 12), Paul tells of when he was caught up (harpazo – as in 1 Thessalonians 4:17), whether in the body or out he didn’t know. I understand what he is talking about because I experienced it many (28) years ago, very shortly after the LORD (The Father) awakened me to this mission.
The event is the origin of a story widely told about me that was supposed to support the claim that I was insane (unable to distinguish between my {falsely so-called} delusions that Christ was alive, risen, in me, and {falsely here so-called} reality).
At the time, the LORD told me to travel west to some ancient sites in the Four Corners area, and there I would find the Ark of the Testament. I didn’t hide the fact that this was what I was doing. I shared (with some then family) the evidence I found to support it was there, and they encouraged me as I followed this (the LORD’s) leading.
On my last trip there, alone, (after turning out all the lights) asleep in a hotel room, I was awakened (whether in the body or out of the body, I know not – meaning, to this day, it remains so real I have no idea if it was in my mind or actually occurred) by two men in my room, which they filled with light. Their bodily appearances were identical to mine (as if looking in two mirrors). As the three of us stood together, they talked as I listened to their conversation, which focused on my not being ready: not yet prepared for what I was sent to accomplish.
When I awakened the following day all the lights in my room were on, and as I began to contemplate what had happened, I (as I do to this day each morning) opened my Bible. The LORD reminds me, the passage I opened to is Isaiah 32:2, “And a man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.”
I realized I was (I Am) the Ark He sent me to find there. I realized He was with me, in me, to prepare me as needed, and His Testament would flow from me as rivers of water in a dry place.
Upon returning, when asked about my trip and if I was going back, I said no. When asked why, I responded that I found what I was looking for, and when further (condescendingly and sarcastically) queried if I found the Ark, I merely (without explanation) said yes. The conversation ended there.)
Isaiah 32
1 Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.
2 And a man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.
3 And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.
4 The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers [with tongues without understanding] shall be ready to speak plainly.
2 Corinthians 12
1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the LORD.
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) such a one caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;)
4 How that he was caught up [harpazo] into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter [because they are reserved for here and now, to be spoken through me].
5 Of such a one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities [astheneia].
6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he sees me to be, or that he hears of me.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger [aggelos] of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the LORD thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength [dumamis] is made perfect [teleioo – completed] in weakness [astheneia]. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities [astheneia], that the power [dunamis] of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities [astheneia], in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak [astheneo], then am I strong [dunatos].
11 I am become a fool in glorying; you have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chief apostles, though I be nothing [am weak and without any power, and therefore the power seen in me is evidently the LORD’s, His glory seen in me, manifesting His known presence, which is the teleioo].
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
13 For what is it wherein you were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile [caught you in the trap of your own ignorance: eyes and ears defile by darkness, unable to see LORD or hear His voice from me].
19 Again, think you that we excuse ourselves [make excuses for our bodily weakness] unto you? we speak before [katenopion – the presence of] God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying [to build you up into understanding you are the dwelling place of God].
20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would [fully understanding these things], and that I shall be found unto you such as you would not [a weak man through who the LORD manifests His power and presence]: lest there be debates, envying, wraths, strife, backbiting, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented…
The word astheneia, meaning without strength, is the reverse of the once used word sthenoo, meaning “to strengthen, i.e. (figuratively) confirm (in spiritual knowledge and power).”
1 Peter 5
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10 But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen [sthenoo], settle you.
11 To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
The word aggelos is from the word ago (71), and gelos (1071, from gelao), which translate to lead into laughter (in joy and gratification). This is the first estate of the messengers of God, which the messengers of Satan left to buffet those remaining faithful to God.
Jude 1
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only LORD God, and our LORD Jesus Christ.
5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though you once knew this, how that the LORD, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
6 And the angels [aggelos] which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness [ignorance] unto the judgment of the great day.
7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
The seventh (the number of perfection) time aggelos is rendered “messenger” is in James, as He describes the dead: without the Spirit, without works showing their faith.
James 2
20 But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 See you how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God [that it was Him speaking to Him], and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers [aggelos – entertaining angels unaware], and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
The word James uses above, rendered “vain” in verse 20, is kenos, “apparently a primary word; empty (literally or figuratively):–empty, (in) vain.” It is from the same root as ketos (“whale’s” belly – the emptiness entered after being swallowed by the gaping open mouths of men spewing corruption), chasma, the great impassable “gulf” between heaven and hell (life and death).
He is speaking of what Paul in like terms describes in 1 Corinthians 15, Philippians 2:16, Colossians 2:8, and 1 Timothy 4:16.
1 Corinthians 15
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand;
2 By which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain [eike – idly, without reason to work].
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain [kenos – without power]; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was [the power] with me.
11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so you believed.
12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain [kenos – empty, without power], and your faith is also vain.
15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain [mataios – a profitless idol]; you are yet in your sins.
1 Peter 1
17 And if you call on the Father, who without respect of person judges according to every man’s work [are you with or without works of faith, all else is vain], pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
18 Forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain [mataios] conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of [the work of] Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
20 Who truly was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
Acts 14
Sirs, why do you these things [saying “The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men,” when He dwells in all men who receive Him]? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that you should turn from these vanities [mataios – idols] unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
16 Who in times past [long] suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness [messengers through who He speaks], in that he did good, and gave us rain [His word] from heaven, and fruitful seasons [when His understanding is with us], filling our hearts with food and gladness.
18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
I say unto you, “See you do it not: for I am your fellow-servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.” (Revelation 22:9)
Revelation 19
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me [as I say unto you], See you do it not: I am your fellow-servant, and of your brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse, and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness, he does judge and makes war.
The following occurred while Paul waited alone in uncertainty (Athens) for Timothy (the one He called the man of God and soldier) to come.
Acts 17
…You men of Athens [uncertainty], I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious.
23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom, therefore, you ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is LORD of heaven and earth, dwell not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things;
26 And has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined [horizo – horizon, when the sun, the light, would bring this new day] the times before appointed [protasso – “to pre-arrange, i.e. prescribe”], and the bounds [ending and beginning earth’s ages, as seasons] of their habitation;
27 That they should seek the LORD, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us [because He dwells with us, in us]:
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men everywhere to repent:
31 Because he has appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man [Timothy – I Am] whom he has ordained [horizo – who is the light rising over the horizon]; whereof he has given assurance unto all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.
Acts 10
40 Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly;
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained [horizo] of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believes in him shall receive remission of sins.
Romans 1
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our LORD, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 And declared [horizo] to be the Son of God with power [dunamis], according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
6 Among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ:
7 To all that be in Rome [who he has strengthened], beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the LORD Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness [astheneia – without strength]; it is raised in power [dunamis]:
44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [the first man born from the dead] was made a quickening spirit [bringing the dead to life with Him].
46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the LORD from heaven.
48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?
56 The sting of [that brings] death is sin; and the strength [dunamis] of sin is the law [see Romans 8 below].
57 But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be you steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain [kenos – without power] in the LORD.
Romans 8
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Hosea 13
12 The iniquity of Ephraim [the seed of Joseph, God’s people in this generation] is bound up; his sin is hid [tsaphan – is unknown to her].
13 The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he is an unwise son; for he should not stay long in the place of the breaking forth [mishber – birth] of children.
14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be your plagues; O grave, I will be your destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
The word mishber only appears two other times, both in telling of the same event.
Speaking of this day, 2 Kings 19:3 says, “This day is a day of trouble [tsarah – tribulation], and of rebuke, and blasphemy; for the children are come to the birth [mishber], and there is not strength [koach] to bring forth.”
Isaiah 40
25 To whom then will you liken me, or shall I be equal? says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who has created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power [koach]; not one fails.
27 Why sayest you, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
28 Have you not known? have you not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faints not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29 He gives power [koach] to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength [koach]; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 63
1 Who is this that comes from Edom [the enemies mixed among us], with dyed garments from Bozrah [the flock, wherein are the enemies]? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength [koach]? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
2 Wherefore are you red in your apparel, and your garments like him that treads in the wine-fat?
3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.
4 For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.
Philippians 2
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain [kenos – without the LORD’s strength], neither labored in vain [kenos – without the power of God].
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18 For the same cause also do you joy, and rejoice with me.
19 But I trust in the LORD Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
22 But you know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he has served with me in the gospel.
Hebrews 4
7 Again, he limits [horizo] a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, Today if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9 There remains therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also has ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labor, therefore, to enter into that rest, lest any man falls after the same example of unbelief.
Colossians 2
6 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the LORD [hearing His voice], so walk you in him:
7 Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain [kenos] deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments [stoicheion – elements] of the world, and not after Christ.
9 For in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
11 In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised him from the dead.
1 Timothy 4
10 For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe.
11 These things command and teach.
12 Let no man despise your youth; but be you an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in you, which was given you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto yourself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this you shall both save yourself, and them that hear you.
Psalms 95
1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.
5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today if you will hear his voice,
8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.
10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:
11 Unto whom I swore in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.
Malachi 3
1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom you delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:
3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
6 For I Am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Psalms 9
1 I will praise you, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all your marvelous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in you: I will sing praise to your name, O you Most High.
3 When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at your presence.
4 For you have maintained my right and my cause; you sat in the throne judging right.
5 You have rebuked the heathen, you have destroyed the wicked, you have put out their name forever and ever.
6 O you enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and you have destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.
7 But the LORD shall endure forever: he has prepared his throne for judgment.
8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know your name will put their trust in you: for you, LORD, have not forsaken them that seek you.
11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
12 When he makes inquisition for blood, he remembers them: he forgets not the cry of the humble.
13 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, you that lifts me up from the gates of death:
14 That I may show forth all your praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in your salvation.
15 The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.
16 The LORD is known by the judgment which he executes: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever.
19 Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in your sight.
20 Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.
