Fallen Asleep in Christ
Letter 2
Rohnel, a bondservant of God, the Father, and Christ, His Son, to the little children of God already born and to the ones still to be born, Grace and Peace be unto you.
2Co 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
2Co 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Pro 22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Introduction
This is the second of eight Letters to the Church of God. Know that all eight Letters are spiritually discerned; the flesh profits nothing [John 6:63]. Read all of the letters to get the Sum of the Word regarding God’s Truth. God’s Truth are His thoughts towards His creation.
Jer 29:10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.
Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jer 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Hag 2:6 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
Hag 2:7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
Hag 2:8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
Hag 2:9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
Sections in this Letter include: A Little while, Sorrow, The Comforter, Examples, Lazarus, Dorcas, A Maiden, Eutychus, Simon [Peter], Going to the Gentiles, Closing
A Little While
Falling asleep in Christ, Christ is gone away for a little while to go to the Father, and we are tarrying for Him to come back. We cannot at this stage go where the Lord is, because we are not converted yet. We are asleep in Christ. In the last example in this Letter, we look more carefully at the example of Simon [Peter] who became Cephas [also meaning Rock]. He has fallen asleep in Christ and had to be converted first before He could go to where Christ is. With His eyes fixed on Christ, the Spirit of Truth, he could walk on water as Christ did in [Matt 14]. Note that after Christ tells His disciples they cannot come where He is, He tells Simon Peter that he would deny Him three times. Peter’s denial is a type and shadow of what we do. We come back to Simon Peter’s denial in our last example in this Letter.
Joh 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
Psa 36:9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
Psa 36:10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
I say to you is a new commandment Christ gives after telling His disciples that He goes away, and the new commandment is to love one another like Christ loved His disciples and loves us. This love is the greater works, and it means that after Christ comes to us, comes back after a little while, we also show mercy to one another as He showed us when He raises us from our fallen asleep and unbelieving state. This is the greater works and true love of God, looking out for one another, raising up the twelve tribes of Israel within ourselves and within others [Isa 49:6]. Christ coming back to us is performing the good work toward us in our latter end, so we may, in turn, perform good work toward others, lending without expecting anything in return.
Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Joh 13:36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
Joh 13:37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
Joh 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
Php 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Darkness comes upon us when we fall asleep; it is night, and we do not work. We fall asleep because we are lukewarm, not converted yet, and Christ is gone away for a little while. Blind and deaf, we fall into unbelief. Refer to Letter 3, called Romans 11, to see types of unbelief. When we fall in unbelief it means we do not believe Christ is come in our flesh or in the flesh of the one God sends. In other words, we do not believe the Truth when it comes to us. This is different from falling asleep. Those in unbelief die in their sins [carnal reasoning], and those fallen asleep do so because they hold fast to their own self-righteousness, which is the work of their own hands. Both fallen asleep and being in unbelief happen within us and within others, because all things come alike to all. We speak of these spiritual states within ourselves to be made aware of the spiritual sins we commit through each other. Unbelief is a hardened heart through the deceitfulness of sin; we say the resurrection is already past. Fallen asleep means we do not want to go unto perfection but are satisfied and pleased with things as they are, saying peace when there is no peace, a dreamer of dreams. We believe in the resurrection, but it is out there, and we do not look within. We all become guilty through each other. A Little leaven leavens the whole lump [1 Co 5:6] as we share one marriage bed in Spirit. In this Letter, we look at examples of falling asleep in Christ. Below are a few Scriptures as an example of unbelief. Here we see although we see many miracles, we do not believe and this is so because we are not converted yet. We have to be born again. Discern spiritually what is being said.
Joh 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
Joh 12:36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
Joh 12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
Joh 12:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
Joh 12:39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
Joh 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
Fallen asleep, we believe that the Lord is gone to prepare a place for us, in other words we tarry in spiritual Jerusalem for the Lord to come. We know that we are dead and this means we do not overcome our sins and we are not able to deal any bread in Spirit. In this spiritual state we have Hope in Christ, to raise us from this place. Because we wait or tarry for Christ, the Lord has a desire towards His work. We are His workmanship [Eph 2:10]. This Hope we have in Christ joins us to the land of the living. It is a parable … Ecc 9:4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Joh 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Job 14:14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
Job 14:15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.
In this state of fallen asleep, we are not able to visit the fatherless and widows or send any portions to those sitting in great darkness. We sit in great darkness ourselves and spiritually speaking have a withered hand. The Lord restores this withered hand when He raises us up, appearing to us after He is gone away and breathes the Spirit of Life into our nostrils. This is receiving the gift of Faith. When we come forth from the grave, we go tell our brothers that we are being raised from death. The Pharisees, the unbelieving, among us, do not believe that Christ is come in our flesh, and that we have received the Spirit of Truth. Those fallen asleep rises first and are now restored to life, being made whole through faith. Christ is Lord of the Sabbath [Matt 12:8] and so are we as His Christ in the world. This is a parable.
Mat 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
Mat 12:11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
Mat 12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
Mat 12:13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.
Mat 12:14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.
Christ explains that when He is gone away we have sorrow. Fallen asleep, we have the mind of Christ and power over devils that is to say we have His Commandments, cleaning the outside of the cup, but we do not overcome our inward sins without the Spirit of God. We have hope that Christ would come and save us, the resurrection is out there, in the dessert or in the secret chambers [Matt 24]. Our many sins are always before us and we mourn. This is because we have the law of sin in our members and without the Power of the Holy Spirit we do not overcome. It all has a purpose and is by God’s design to save us, but it is a sore travail whilst we go through it.
Joh 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
Joh 16:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Joh 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
Joh 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
Ecc 1:13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail [experience of evil] hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
At this time We Sorrow
Fallen asleep, our soul is in mourning; where is the joy unspeakable? Lord, why have you forsaken us? It is night; we can do nothing, yet we know that the Lord will not leave us in the grave. We trust our trustworthy Creator to save us. We wait for the Lord to come and save us. We wait for the Promise to come. This is the yoke we bear in our youth; this is the shame of our widowhood. We are spiritual widows because Christ is gone away. We bear the yoke of our youth at this time.
Lam 3:22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Lam 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lam 3:24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Lam 3:25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
Lam 3:26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
Lam 3:27 It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
Isa 54:4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.
Isa 54:5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
Isa 54:6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.
Isa 54:7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.
Isa 54:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.
Isa 54:9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.
Isa 54:10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Our mourning turns into joy when Christ suddenly comes to His Temple, and awakens us in a twinkling of an eye. Christ comes suddenly, like a thief in the night, and those fallen asleep are waiting for Him. When He knocks, they open the door because they have enough oil in their lamps. We become children of the day through a process which means we believe in Him more and more, as He appears to us more and more. We go from glory to glory because of His Spirit poured out on us. We no longer abide in darkness, becoming children of the light. This is a quick work and the great gift of faith. This is Christ’s loving kindness towards those who believed first. It is the birth of His sons in every age.
Mal 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Mal 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:
Mal 3:3 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.
Mar 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
Mar 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
Mar 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1Th 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.
1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
The Comforter
Christ comes back to us as He promised via another Comforter. Another comforter is the one that testifies on the earth. It is the Spirit [Father], the water [Baptism of fire that completes the baptism of water] and the blood [in the new testament of His blood that is laying our lives down], that testifies on the earth. When Christ comes back via another Comforter, it is the day of our salvation. In this Day the Father and Christ is in us and we die no more, because the Spirit of Truth abides in us forever. The one writing to you testifies of this glorious event. Discern spiritually what is being said.
1Jn 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Joh 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Joh 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
Joh 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
Heb 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Christ first appeared to Mary Magdalene, of whom He cast out seven spirits. Christ appearing is Christ is come in our flesh. It is Christ revealed in us. We are not believed by some, all by the Lord’s design. Paul writes about this revealing in Galatians. Christ is revealed in us, the Hope of Glory. Christ is come in us, is preaching the resurrection, is preaching the Gospel of Peace.
Mar 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Mar 16:10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
Mar 16:11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
Gal 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
Gal 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
We, the ones fallen asleep, are the first to receive the Spirit of Truth and to put on immortality, meaning we are ever with the Lord and die no more [1 Th 4]. Our vile body is changed, and we are able to subdue all things by the Power of the Spirit of Truth given unto us. This is joy unspeakable. Our mourning turns into joy. We travail in pain until the man child is formed in us. We travail in pain until the man child is then formed in others.
1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Php 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Php 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
2Ti 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
The mystery of being raised up is described in 1 Co 15. It is in a moment that death is swallowed up in victory. Oh death, where is your sting? We are now reconciled to God, receiving the gift of faith. What is death? Death is the spiritual place without Christ or without the Father. It is to be in a strange land. It is where the fatherless and widows are sojourning waiting for the Promise, being fallen asleep in Christ. The journey is long and the harvest is gone yet we are not saved … Jer 8:20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me. Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
1Co 15:54 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.
Rom 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Rom 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Being given life from being fallen asleep is the great Light that saves us. It is Wisdom and Understanding that is life aionios that drives the darkness away. To be in darkness is to be without Truth and understanding. To be in darkness is to know not what we worship. It is through the unbelief of some that we are given this mercy first [Rom 11:30], the opening of our eyes and ears to receive the gift of faith. It is the Lord’s strange ways that are higher than our ways … Mal 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. All is a parable, discern with spiritual eyes. When the Lord is come in our flesh, we are quickened to life.
Eph 5:13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Eph 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
Psa 18:28 For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
Psa 18:29 For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
Psa 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
Psa 18:31 For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
Psa 18:32 It is God that biddeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
Psa 18:33 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
Being awoken from sleep, a sickness not unto death, we are the children of the resurrection; Christ is come in our flesh, but some are grieved with this news. They are the ones that do not believe Christ is come in our flesh, to them … the resurrection is already past. Paul was always persecuted for preaching the resurrection of Christ. Put resurrection in e-sword and spiritually discern what is being said. To preach the Gospel of Peace, which the gift of faith is is to preach love, which is the greater works and the new commandment given in John.
Luk 20:35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
Luk 20:36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
Act 4:1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
Act 4:2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
Released from the bondage of the law, accusing and excusing within ourselves, the Father and Christ now being glorified in us, we now go unto perfection. We are no longer luke warm but want to show mercy to others by preparing food for them. We do not enter into the Kingdom of God easily, and it is likened unto a birth process within ourselves once we hear the Good News and are being given the gift of faith. Christ promises that He is bringing to birth in Isaiah … Isa 66:9 Shall I bring to birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God. Discern spiritually what is being said.
Joh 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
Rev 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
Rev 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
To be given life is to become a new bottle; the Lord now uses us to do His will. We no longer drink only water [Baptism of John] but drink a little wine, the new wine, the best, that was kept for last [John 2:10]. This cup of wine is the New Testament in Christ’s blood and in His sons blood, which we are if we hold fast to what have been given us. It is the fiery Baptism into our death, no longer walking after sight but walking by faith, walking in love. We have been redeemed from among men.
Luk 5:36 And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.
Luk 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
Luk 5:38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
Luk 5:39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.
Joh 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
Joh 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Joh 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
1Ti 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
Our lives are now hid with Christ, being baptized into His death. Christ gives us the latter rain, poured out from heaven. We ask for this rain as He commands us to do, and we receive the rain because now, for the first time, we ask in the Father’s Name, as the Father and Christ are now in us, being One. The Lord restores us to life, and our barns and our fats overflow as time goes on. The Lord restores everything He has taken away, and we know that He is the Lord in this Day as it is today. These things come upon the first fruits of Christ, those who believe first.
Joh 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Joh 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
Joh 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Joe 2:23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
Joe 2:24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.
Joe 2:25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
Joe 2:26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.
Joe 2:27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
Being raised into life, we are put to service to show the greater works to our brethren sitting in great darkness. In the Book of Thessalonica, Paul writes he wants to make perfect that which is lacking in their faith. This is to do the greater works. After we have been given life, we pray night and day to see the faces of our brethren to impart this unspeakable gift of faith through the laying on of our hands, because we have been taken away from them for a short time, and why is that? It is because we could not speak to them as unto spiritual but as to carnal [1 Co 3]. Discern what is being said here. There is a time to speak, and there is a time to be silent. At first, the Lord causes our mouths to be shut whilst we pray and fast night and day for our brothers. We are likened unto the prophet Ezekiel at this time. Read Ezekiel, the first chapters of the Book, and see how he was being sent to a stiff-necked people, and how the Lord shut and opened the mouth of the prophet at this time.
1Th 2:17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
1Th 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
1Th 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
1Th 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
Isa 62:6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
Isa 62:7 And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
Examples
Below are a few examples given of types of us in spirit to help us understand more of what is being said above. The Lord does not leave us without witness. God, the Father, Christ, and His Christ shows us these things, so we understand and sin no more, until the shadows of youth flee away. Childhood and youth are vanity. Christ requires of us, to see our sins and put evil away from us. The little foxes that spoil the vine are the sins that so easily beset us daily [Heb 12:1] and through the washing of each other’s feet daily, showing mercy, we wash each other’s feet. We first have to see, the idols of our hearts [discussed in this Letter] and our unbelief [discussed in Letter 3] that is to say, we first have to have our bath, before we see our little sins, the little foxes that so easily beset us. Being ignorant of our spiritual sins still makes us guilty … but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
Son 2:14 O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.
Son 2:15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
Son 2:16 My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.
Son 2:17 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.
Ecc 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
Ecc 11:10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.
Fallen asleep in Christ, Lazarus
Lazarus is an example of us fallen asleep in the darkness of the night, as pointed out earlier, a sickness not unto death. We fall asleep so that God and Christ may be glorified when we are being raised up. Christ is revealed in us when Christ appears to us. Once raised up, we always have Hope of Christ appearing to us more and more every day. This appearing of Christ will get clearer as we proceed with these eight Letters to the Church.
Joh 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
Joh 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Rom 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Rom 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Lazarus is dead means Lazarus is spiritually dead. We are spiritually dead at this time. Fallen asleep, waiting for the Lord to come, is the wheat and tares growing together. Note Christ was not there when Lazarus died because it was spiritually night. Christ is not in us, He is among us. Christ has to go away before we can receive the Spirit of Truth. These eight Letters to the Church, is the Spirit of Truth coming to you. We have to keep all the saying of the prophecy of the Book before Christ comes, to make His abode in us. It means we live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God [Luk 4:4]. We have to fall asleep before we can be raised.
Joh 11:11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
Joh 11:12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
Joh 11:13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
Joh 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
Joh 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
Joh 11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
Joh 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
In John 11, we see that Martha believes that Christ is the Son of God; that is to say, He is the Truth that should come into the world. She still does not believe that he who lives and believes in Me will never die, and he, although he were dead, and believes in Me, shall never die. Martha, the one who serves much, is still unconverted and typifies the spiritual Jews who build the Temple with their own hands, through their own righteousnesses, unlike her sister, Mary, who receives the gift of faith first, those fallen asleep in Christ. Martha, serves much, being in unbelief. Mary typifies the Christ of Christ, where a woman encompasses a man, receiving the gift of faith first … Jer 31:22 How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man. The Lord first appear to those fallen asleep, the backsliding among us, being at ease. Think spiritually. Think within.
Joh 11:23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
Joh 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Joh 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Joh 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Rom 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
Rom 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
It is for the Glory of God that those fallen asleep are given life first. We are being given life and that not for ourselves, but for others, so that we may lay our hands on our brethren and that they may believe, those whose names are in the Book of the Lamb. It is the Jews that believed in Christ, the Scribes and Pharisees that were jealous of Christ and because of their unbelief gave Him over to the Gentiles to be killed. The work of our hands is our self righteousnesses and great treasure at this time, saying but not doing, loving the high places in the congregation. This describes the sin of unbelief in us. Being unbelieving we do not have the Truth and we are not free from the man of sin within us sitting in the Temple of God within ourselves.
Joh 11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Joh 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Joh 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Joh 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
Taking away the stone from before Christ’s grave typifies the veil that is in the law being taken away when we are given the gift of faith [2 Co 3:14]. The law being the law of the gentiles as described in Romans 2. It is a parable. Note in Matt 27, the Pharisees sealed the stone which was before the grave of Christ, typifying us as the Pharisees and Scribes who take away the Key of Knowledge, Christ, to hinder others from entering into the Kingdom of God. We hinder others because through us, they also become guilty. Not entering into the Kingdom of God ourselves, we all become dross in the sight of God at this time … Eze 22:18 Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are even the dross of silver. And our righteousness … as filthy rags before God. Isa 64:6 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. Pharisees in type always typify the unbelief in us, whilst fallen asleep typifies the lukewarm apostate state of the Church within us.
Joh 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
Joh 11:42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Mat 27:66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
Mat 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Jesus crying with a loud voice when He woke Lazarus from deep sleep is when Christ comes with His ancient ones to make Him and the Father’s abode in us. It is the sound of the great trumpet … Rev 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. Blessed are we, when Christ knocks to open the door, that we are ready to receive Him. We know His Voice … Job 37:2 Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth. And Psa 89:15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. The sound of the trumpet, is the voice of the Lord that brings to birth, brings to birth the sons of God, Psa 29:9 The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.
Joh 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
Jud 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
Rev 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Being loosed from the law, those fallen asleep are ready to receive Christ when He comes suddenly. Through many trials and tribulations beforehand, suffering for the Word of God, standing on His Commandments, they are being found faithful to receive the gift of faith. After we received the gift of faith, we are found in peace, without spot or wrinkle, because our many sins are forgiven. Christ appears to us many times and in different forms. We receive the implanted Word with meekness … Jas 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Joh 11:44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Joh 13:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
After being raised from the sickness not unto death, we sit at the table with Christ and the Father in the Kingdom of heaven, eating and drinking. We are in the presence of God. Martha is still serving the law of sin and death in her members. This is a parable. Those in unbelief say … where is the Promise of His coming … they do not know yet. It takes the Spirit of Truth, the gift of faith, and going through the Lake of Fire, to die to self, to be made whole, to receive the gift of faith.
Joh 12:1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
Joh 12:2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
Luk 22:30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Luk 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
Fallen asleep in Christ, Dorcas
Another example of being given life after having fallen asleep is Dorcas. Dorcas was sick, a sickness not unto death, and being restored back to life. The many garments she made were the many good works she had done, after she was baptized in Christ’s Name. Yet she has fallen asleep, and the converted Simon Peter, now named Cephas, showed mercy to her, the greater works to be done. She was a disciple of Christ. Discern spiritually what is being said. Aquila and Priscilla explaining to Apollos the more perfect way, which is Christ is come in our flesh, is explaining the more perfect way. Dorcas is a type of us, going onto perfection after she has been given the gift of faith.
Act 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Act 9:37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
Act 9:39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
Act 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Act 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
Act 18:26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Peter put them forth, which is him ignoring her good works, and through his prayer [the greater works done, which is the love of God] restore Dorcas back to life. He loved Dorcas as Christ loved him, laying his life down, like I, Rohnel, am now laying down my life for you, doing the greater works, showing you these things, not doing my own pleasure but keeping the fast the Lord has chosen. The fast the Lord chooses is to give meat to those who do not have in due season, Matt 24:45. It is doing the will of God, the Father. The good works Dorcas did, the many garments she made, that could not clean the inside of the cup and fallen asleep not wanting to go unto perfection, is when Christ says to us … Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Act 9:40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Act 9:41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
Act 9:42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Isa 58:6 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?
Isa 58:7 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?
Isa 58:8 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.
The Name of the Lord only, the Word only, typifying the Baptism of John, is not the end of our faith. We have to have His Spirit [Wisdom and Understanding, the Son and the Father] to be able to be saved, to be able to show mercy to others. Christ is come in our flesh, the Hope of Glory [Col 1:27]. The true Bread of heaven is the Renewed Covenant [Heb]. John, the First Covenant, is not the true bread from heaven. It is only the beginning of our salvation. One greater than John is here. The Baptism of John is the manna we eat in the wilderness. Discern spiritually. We ate of this manna [loaves and fishes] in the wilderness and were satisfied, but one greater than John is here. We are still dead in our sins at this point. The Baptism of Fire, Christ is revealed to us by one standing among you, is the true Bread from heaven. Discern spiritually, comparing spiritual with spiritual. We suffer many things, making many garments, being the idols of our hearts, worshipping what we do not know, before we receive the gift of faith. It is a parable.
1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
1Pe 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
1Pe 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Joh 6:32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
Joh 6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
Joh 6:49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
Joh 6:50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Fallen asleep in Christ, a Maiden
Here is another example of Christ waking up those who have fallen asleep. In Luke 8, one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house came and said, “Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.” Christ saying, “Fear not,” means do not reason within ourselves but believe only, have faith in Christ, have faith in the one Christ is sending to you, you who are reading now. Faith in Christ makes us whole. The virgin was dead; the virgin implicating those waiting for Christ being baptized with the Baptism of John and waiting for the Spirit of Truth in spiritual Jerusalem. Without the Comforter, we are still full of dead men’s bones Matt 23.
Luk 8:50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
Luk 8:51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
2Co 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Fallen asleep is sleeping the sleep of death. Christ touched the maid; that is to say, He laid His hands on her and called out. Christ made the maid whole. In Matt 9 we find another example of a woman who was made whole through her faith in Christ. Those laughing typify the spiritual Sadducees who do not believe in the resurrection of Christ; that is to say, Christ does not come in our flesh; they have the spirit of anti-christ. The spirit of antichrist denies the Father and the Son [1 John 2:22].
Luk 8:52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
Luk 8:53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
Luk 8:54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
Mat 9:21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
Mat 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 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.
The maid was given meat straight away because now she was able to eat it. Discern with spiritual eyes. Meat is to do the will of the Father, the greater works, which is to go to the Gentiles. Given meat, comparing spiritual with spiritual, the maid was now able to go to the lost sheep of Israel. She was equipped with the gift of faith to preach the Gospel. Without hearing the Gospel, those in darkness are still carnal, a divided house which cannot stand … Mar 3:24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. A Lie cannot cast out a lie, only Truth can.
Luk 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
Luk 8:56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
1Co 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
1Co 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1Co 3:4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
1Co 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
1Co 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
1Co 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
Fallen asleep in Christ, Eutychus
Paul raised Eutychus from the dead. His life being still in Him, is the anointing that stays in us when we receive Christ, the Baptism of Christ, reading and hearing, this is the sealing of the Promise. It is the first rain, it is not yet a purchased possession, but our redemption draws nigh. It is the preparation Day. The lights in the upper chamber in Acts 20 is a parable to show us that the Spirit of Truth, which is Christ, are a path unto our feet when we are raised from the dead. It is the way that makes us perfect. It is the way, that is to say it prepares. It is not the doing yet, showing mercy. Discern spiritually. It is a deep parable. Showing mercy is to explain and speak plainly therefore mercy triumphs over judgement.
Act 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
Act 20:8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
Psa 18:31 For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
Psa 18:32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
Paul was preaching long, typifies Lazarus being dead four days. This typifies the night far spent and our salvation is nearer than we think. Receiving and hearing only, and not understanding, we die in our sins. How can we show mercy to others, without knowing and understanding. How can we do all this without a preacher? Paul was preaching long and without falling on Eutychus, Eutychus would not have received Christ and the Father. Discern spiritually.
Act 20:9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
When Paul fell on Eutychus, he was risen from the dead. Paul embraced him, showing Eutychus love, which are the greater works. They broke bread, that is, to eat the Lord’s Supper now worthily, which means they all had the same mind because the house was no longer divided; they all came to the unity of the Truth. They talked a long time, typifying the Father and Son coming, Pentecost is fully come … Mat 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Act 20:10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
Act 20:11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.
Act 20:12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
Mat 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Mar 3:25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
Fallen asleep in Christ An unconverted Peter
Another example of fallen asleep in Christ is Simon Peter, who, after his conversion, has a new name that is Cephas [which also means rock]. Remember, we are all guilty of all and innocent of all, as we are all one bread. Peter denied the Lord three times before the Light of Christ came to him. This is a type of us fallen asleep. Fallen asleep is the state we are in before our conversion, before our rebirth. The unconverted Simon Peter denied the Lord three times; he denied that He knew the Lord and it was true. He did not know the Lord at this stage but only the flesh Jesus. He believed He knew the real Lord and Savior, but it was an idol of his heart. The Lord answers us according to the idols of our hearts Eze 14.
Eze 14:4 Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;
Eze 14:5 That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.
1Jn 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
Simon Peter, as a type of us, was thinking above what was written. The unconverted Peter did not want the flesh Jesus to die. This is the flesh Jesus that is among us and not in us. We have to die to the flesh before the Lord comes a second time to give us of His Spirit. Without Christ coming in our flesh, we do not bear much fruit, having only the Baptism of John and John did no miracle … Joh 10:41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. Do you reading, do you reading believe what you read is true? Examine yourself if you are in the faith. Do you hear the voice of the shepherd? You have to die to flesh before you receive the Truth. You have to stop thinking above what is written to be converted and let go of the idols of your heart. Only Christ and His sons, are able to convert you.
Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Mat 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Mat 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Simon Peter, before his conversion, was satisfied with the loaves and fishes, neither hot nor cold, Peter was satisfied with the work of His hands, yet Christ required of Peter to love Him more than the loaves and fishes, the work of Peter’s hands. The loaves and fishes are the meat that perishes, it is knowledge without God and not the meat that gives life aionios, comparing spiritual with spiritual which is to show mercy; the greater works, which is love. Love is to show us our sins, so we may turn and be made whole, being born of Spirit and Truth.
Joh 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Joh 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Joh 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Joh 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
Joh 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
By loving the loaves and fishes in his unconverted state, Simon Peter, as types of us, hinders others from entering into the Kingdom of God. In our unconverted state, we clean only, the outside of the cup, not wanting to go unto the meat of the Word, and that is to do the Father’s will. It is all by the Lord’s design. Christ was honored as a great Prophet but not as the Son of God. He was not honoured as the king of Kings which is to say He was not honoured as speaking the Truth. We think we see and do this in ignorance because we are still blind and deaf, not being able to discern spiritually. We eat, and we are merry, sleeping the sleep of death and taking rest for our souls, saying we have done good, building bigger barns for ourselves. In this backsliding state we never go unto perfection unless we are wakened.
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Luk 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
Luk 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
Luk 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
Pro 24:33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
Pro 24:34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
To do the Father’s will, the greater works, showing mercy to all, speaking plainly, is to go to the Gentiles, the lost sheep of Israel. It is fitting that it is Peter who saw the vision of the Gentiles being given the Spirit of Truth, calling no man unclean. Read about the whole vision in Acts. Speaking plainly is to speak Truth … Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Act 10:9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
Act 10:10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
Act 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
Rom 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
Rom 15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
Rom 15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
Rom 15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
At first, before the Light of Christ came, Simon Peter, like types of us, did not want Christ to wash His feet. He felt unworthy, he was not whole and he knew it. Not having the Light, Peter had no hope of being saved. It is only by doing the will of the Father, sharing our bread with the hungry and thirsty, the fast that I have chosen [Isa 58] that we love our brethren and are able to wash their feet. This is a parable like all of Scripture. Blessed are your eyes if you are given eyes to see this. Only singing the song of Moses and the Lamb enables us to wash each other’s feet.
Joh 13:8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Joh 13:9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
Joh 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
Joh 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Rev 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Peter became the Rock, the foundation on which the Lord built His Church. The true foundation is the foundation the Apostles and prophets laid down in every age, being given the Spirit of Truth, the first and latter rain. Christ is the chief cornerstone. Without the chief cornerstone, the Temple is broken down, the foundation is build on sand. Christ is a stumbling stone to many at this time of reformation.
Mat 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Isa 8:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Isa 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Isa 28:17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
Isa 28:18 And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.
Being raised from the dead without the Spirit of Christ yet, the bones that first come together in the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 do not yet have the breath of life. This makes us a widow without a husband; Christ is gone away, and we have little faith. Christ comes the second time and breathes life into us through the Spirit of Truth, the first and the latter rain.
Eze 37:8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
Eze 37:9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
Fallen asleep, there is a little life in us, but still doubting, we are neither hot nor cold. This is types of us, starting in the Spirit and ending up in unbelief. Peter ate with the Gentiles and then with the Jews [Gal 2]. He was lukewarm and had fallen from grace at this time. These words have to be spiritually discerned to understand what is being said. Being lukewarm is to slide back. We have to take heed how we hear … Mar 4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. When Christ comes, receive Him and do not murmur in your hearts.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Joh 18:18 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Gal 3:4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
Gal 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Gal 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
Gal 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Gal 3:8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
Gal 3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Gal 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Gal 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
The idols of our heart, clinging to the lies we believe in, give us a reprobate mind, worshipping the creation, which is self, rather than the Creator, never coming to the Truth. We do not know the greater works or how to perform them. We do not know the will of God for our lives and worship what we do not know [John 4]. No works mean we say but do not do. Relying on our dreams, that is to say our idols, what we think we believe, we are spiritually in rebellion and are grumblers that exchanged the Truth of God into a lie. We have to be born again to discern between good and evil.
Rom 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1Co 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
Being in this spiritual state ties us to that great harlot, mystery Babylon; we are fornicating with our father’s wife and cannot please the Lord being friends with the world, a dreamer of dreams. The Lord makes us to err; it is all by His design. We are the church of Thyatira within. We fabricate lies and idols of the heart to say the Lord has spoken when the Lord did not speak … Jer 9:5 And they will deceive every one his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity. Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD … Silly women we are … 2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Rev 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Deu 13:3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Not wanting to go unto perfection and leave all behind makes us dull of hearing, stealing the Lord’s worship, stealing what belongs to the Lord. Our garments are moth-eaten, and we have bags with holes in them, we never get enough, being satisfied with the loaves and fishes; that is to say, the works of our hands, falling asleep. It takes the Spirit of Truth to renew us, to birth us again unto a lively Hope in Christ. We eat and say we do nothing wrong at this time.
Pro 30:20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
1Co 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1Co 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
1Co 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
1Co 10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
Mat 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Job 24:14 The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.
Thanks be to our wonderful Father and His Christ; Christ comes back a second time to save us from our sins. He lays His hands on us, and changes everything. We now have the Father and the Son, Wisdom and Understanding, and now, as the converted Cephas, we are able to feed the Lord’s sheep. We are converted and made into the image of Christ.
1Pe 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
1Pe 5:3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
Going on to perfection requires more. It requires believing in the One the Lord is sending to be able to do the greater works of God, which covers a multitude of sins.
1Co 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
2Co 13:9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
Without Christ in us, there is no fruit to perfection. Another priest is arisen. Do not be afraid, only believe. Being converted, becoming sons of God, we are now priests after the order of Melchisedec, without father and mother. Without having the Hope of Christ appearing to us often, as He gives the rain in due seasons, we are lost and without God in the world, strangers and foreigners to the New Covenant.
Luk 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Heb 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
Going to the Gentiles
After our rebirth, we now go to the lost sheep of Israel. We are the woman being saved through bearing children. This is a parable and spiritually discerned. We now preach the true Gospel of Christ. It is news of glad tidings for those who see and hear, to the one a stench of death and to another the fragrance of Life.
1Ti 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
1Ti 2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
Mat 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
Mat 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Mat 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mat 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Mat 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
Mat 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
Mat 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
Mat 10:12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.
Mat 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Mat 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
Mat 10:15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Closing
Everything works for the greater good. How unsearchable are His riches past finding out! In the Letter Romans 11 we look more at our unbelieving state, not believing Christ is come in the flesh. We become guilty of all, all things are ours. The wrath of God is only fulfilled after the seven last plagues are poured out. The seven last plagues are these eight Letters to the Church. Discern with a spiritual mind. Every jot and tittle has to be fulfilled as we live every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.
1Co 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
1Co 3:22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
1Co 3:23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.
Rev 15:8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.
Now these remain:
1Co 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Christ is become the stumbling stone. Only those who endure to the end will be saved. In your patience possess ye your souls.
Receive ye the Gospel, receive ye the Holy Spirit.
2Th 3:17 The salutation of Paul [Rohnel] with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle [Letter]: so I write.
2Th 3:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.