2 of 2 ... The Beginning: Prelude To The Apocalypse: Book Review

The Corinthian church was so free in the grace of God that they begin to sin with some very real consequences. The truth is that we cannot exclude either the law or faith. It is faith that frees us from the law of sin & death (Romans 8:2). The eternal or second death is what we have been set free from. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).


It is understood that God is the ultimate power in the universe. In heaven all the angels obey the will of God. The fact that Satan had to go to God to get permission to sift Peter is further evidence of God's complete authority. God sits on the throne & listen daily to the adversary. If the adversary brings an accusation against us, God may allow him to chasten us. This has no effect on our eternal life. This will affect the quality of our life on planet Earth.


It is through the law that all sin was made known in the universe. Until the law came, sin was not understood or known (Romans 7:7-8). In other words we all must die in the flesh to fulfill the law. So we fulfill the law by dying & we fulfill the law of grace by living. Both laws are in effect & neither has been disregarded.


We can conclude that the flesh remains under the law of death & our spirit is under the law of grace. The Corinthians began to die & became sick due to sin. Paul admonished the congregation to walk in a worthy manner when involved with holy things such as the Lord's Supper (I Corinthians 11:26-30).


Christians need to understand that the law of grace is the eternal law & affects the spirit of man in eternity.


One of the most penetrating questions about life is this: "If God is good, why does He allow evil to exist?" As we know from Jesus, Satan is the father of all evil, (John 8:44). Job calls the angelic host "the sons of God" (Job 1:6-7). We find an interesting perspective in Job.


Satan, or Lucifer, was a covering cherub (Ezekiel 28:13-15). It's apparent that Lucifer wanted to be like God (Isaiah 14:12-15).


Satan believed & preached his doctrine of equality with God through knowledge of evil. If you knew God's secret knowledge of evil you would be like God (Genesis 3:4-5). As much as God loved His family, He must give them the freedom to choose their destiny.


The knowledge of evil caught the attention of one third of the angelic hosts (Revelation 12).


God knew that all creation could only live in harmony with love if it was voluntary. Anything else is not love. God only wants those who worship Him to do so in truth & spirit (John 4:23-24).


It is important to believe every Word of God.


Man & angels had to choose by faith whether to trust God or trust Satan.


God placed two trees in the garden. The tree of life was free & it yielded its fruit for food & life. The tree of knowledge of good & evil was beautiful to behold but contained only death. It was only the knowledge of evil that could bring death. Satan believed that if Adam & Eve would eat of it they would be as gods knowing good & evil (Genesis 3:5).


Satan does not have the power to take anything. Each time you see him in heavenly scenes he is asking permission to do what he wants. He asked permission to harm Job in Job chapter one. He asked to sift Peter as wheat in Luke 22:31. In Revelation chapter twelve, Satan stands before God day & night accusing the brethren.


We are faced with the choice of trusting God by faith or living according to the way of sin (Galatians 3:11).


Enoch & Elijah was taken by God without dying. And Enoch walked with God; & he was not for God took him (Genesis 5:24). By faith Enoch was was taken away so that he did not see death (Hebrews 11:5). Then it happened, as they continued on & talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, & separated the two of them; & Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven (2 Kings 2:11).


Christ was not a sinner & yet He was put to death. It was the will of God that He should be put to death. Jesus must also be recompensed for the wrong done to Him. His blood redeemed us from death & we are given to Him as His bride. Not only did Christ receive all who believe in Him, but He was given the keys of death & became Lord of all (Revelation 1:17-18).


We are given enough to make a choice of faith - to accept the Bible. The Bible does not seek to answer the questions of science.

Bruce Campbell is the author of The Beginning Prelude to the Apocalypse Companion Study Guide. He has been a pastor, evangelist and a successful business man. He currently runs The Secret Place, an international ministry to ministers. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Divinity degree. He, along with his wife and daughter live in Picayune, MS

Ezekiel - The Watchman 'Voice of Warning' .. 9/17/2012

Trumpet . Ezekiel . Watchman . Sunday School Lesson Bible Readings . Revelation . Hebrews . II Thessalonians . Gospel of Matthew . Love

The Sunday School Lesson was shared for the week of September 23, 2012 from Hebrews 12:18-29 (Background Scripture: Hebrews 12:14-29; Devotional Reading: II Thessalonians 1:1-7)

Trumpets, their use: Numbers 10; Ezekiel 7:14; 33:3; Joel 2:1

Watchmen, their duty" Psalm/Tehillim 127:1; Song of Solomon 3:3; 5:7; Ezekiel 3:17; 33

Ezekiel 33 ... According to the duty of the watchman,in warning the people, Ezekiel is admonished of his duty. God sheweth the justice of his wings towards the penitent, and toward revolters. He maintaineth his justice. Upon the news of the taking of Jerusalem he prophesieth the desolation of the land. God's judgment upon the mockers of the prophets.

Monday - September 17, 2012 - Listening to the Voice of Warning - Ezekiel 33:1-9


Tuesday - September 18, 2012 - Listening to the Spirit - Revelation 3:1-13

What John was commanded to write to the angels of the churches of Sardis & Philadelphia


Wednesday - September 19, 2012 - Anticipating a Better Covenant - Hebrews 8:1-7

New Convenant. By the eternal priesthood of Christ the Levitical priesthood of Aaron is abolished. And the temporal covenant with the fathers, by the eternal covenant of the gospel.


Thursday - September 20, 2012 - Giving Thanks for the Faithful - II Thessalonians 1:1-7

Praise & encouragement. Of the Thessalonian's faith & love. Saint Paul (apostle Paul) certified them of the good opinion which he had of their faith, love, & patience.


Friday - September 21, 2012 - Loving with God's kind of Love - Matthew 5:43-48

To love even our enemies, & to labour after perfectness.


Saturday - September 22, 2012 - Pursuing Peace & Holiness - Hebrews 12:12-17

Exhortation to faith & godliness. An exhortation to constant faith, patience, & godliness.


Sunday - September 23, 2012 - Offering Acceptable Worship - Hebrews 12:18-29

Exhortation to faith & godliness.


September 22, 2012 - 'Steadfast Thanks'

Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, & KJV Topical Edition Bible