by
Brett Jacobsen

Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. (Luke 22:19-20 NRSV)

And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Cor 11:24-25 NRSV)

Much of the first fruits church in the first century understood Jesus’ words when He said “do this”. They proceeded to follow His example by “breaking bread from house to house” (Acts 2:46).

Upon Jesus’ last incarnate opportunity to instruct His closest disciples (the last supper) He surely would have imparted a major truth about His church and His Kingdom. If He wanted us to build church buildings, congregations and religious factions (denominations), He would have said so. If the aim was to focus on perfecting meetings He would have taken that opportunity to make it clear. He did not.

Instead He took the most basic everyday activity- eating and drinking a meal, and He set it as the rallying point of Christian community. He didn’t even provide a run sheet to go with it; He just said “do this”.

The modern church spends many hours and many dollars in trying to perfect meetings and build “churches”- organisations. We’ve got everything from church growth seminars to methods of how to have the best church service or outreach event. All of this is light years away from what Jesus prescribed, or rather commanded. The simplicity of breaking bread in the midst of a time of loving God and each other can be done by all believers, in all locations, all the time. This is unlike the professional stage shows that have become centre stage in Christianity.

These errant church paradigms have led to the production of generations of believers who do spectator Christianity. It has produced a large degree of spiritual retardation in holding Christians back from spirituality in every day life- the place where the lost linger.

There is much we could teach and discuss here about the orthopraxical out-workings of church life. Truth is though, even if we do not yet have a solid grasp on the ins and outs of church function, we can all find a handful of brothers and sisters in Him and begin to break bread regularly together. Yes teaching, equipping and oversight have an integral place, but until we have that flowing let’s get the heart of the issue right- let’s begin to daily break bread in remembrance of Christ. If we do that and remain open, the rest will follow.

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Duplication and re-transmission of this writing is permitted provided that complete source and website information for CHRIST IS ALL is included.
Thank you. www.christisall.org

Nudging Each Other Forward in Kingdom Truth

by
Brett Jacobsen

Our generation has an opportunity to bring real change throughout the church and subsequently the world around us. The security of yesterdays ‘less than biblical ways’ is becoming less appealing to true God fearers. Steadying the ark finally seems like a not so smart thing to do.

God is stirring His people to question and challenge the status quos of Dark Age doctrine and practice which is still widespread in the church. Although many will fight to “keep the peace” rather than obey the Prince of Peace, I’m convinced that many others will allow God to stir them to fight for truth in the Spirit of Love.

Jesus’ Love example

Much of modern Christianity has been robbed of a powerful Kingdom tool due to a misguided view of love. A modern humanistic bias has caused many to portray the God, who Himself is Love, as something He is not- a wussy, politically correct, conformist. Yes love is kind and gentle but it also can be forthright, stern and even chastening.

Despite the fact that we have many pages of scripture which show Jesus (who is Love) doing things that are apparently not so kind and gentle, we still struggle with the balance of Love. It is imperative that we find the equilibrium and remain open to the various ways in which God works… including the ones which are more direct and confrontational.

A case for forcefulness

Many may argue that we should just let everyone believe whatever they want: that we ought to “leave them alone”. While it is true that we can’t and should not try to force change on someone, we also see that there is a place for forcefulness in Christ’s Kingdom:

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers [biazo- to force or press] violence [biazo], and the violent [biastes- a forcer] take [harpazo- seize, pull] it by force [harpazo]. (Matt 11:12)

Jesus clearly stated that His Kingdom needs to be forcefully pressed into. There is nothing passive or weak about it.

Now of course I’m not suggesting that we force doctrinal views on people who clearly don’t want sharpening. What I am calling for is for us as individuals to forcefully press into Kingdom truth. In order to do that effectively we must regularly expose ourselves to contrary doctrines and thoughts than our present ones. We ought to always put our theological thoughts out on the table to be challenged, corrected and/or confirmed. Hiding behind denominational walls will not allow this to happen. However, even those who have fled human institutions can become dissociate and stagnant in their pursuit of clearer truth. It is high time we re-employ biblical tools like dialogue and disputation throughout the wider body of Christ.

Dialogue and disputation

The most part of the modern church is found hiding in its various denominational divisions and so is left to its diverse dogmatic delusions. Rather than opening up ongoing dialogue to allow iron to sharpen doctrinal iron we have, for the most part, stood apart from one another to hold our doctrinal ground.

We have all but lost that wonderful biblical tool of dialogue and disputation in love. Anything that resembles disputation is usually condemned as divisive and/or disrespectful. But could the opposite be true and does the Bible give us a different, more useful picture of biblical disputes?

Below we see a number of times the word dialegomai is used in the New Testament. Here is the Strong’s Concordance explanation of the word:

1256. dialegomai, dee-al-eg’-om-ahee; mid. from G1223 and G3004; to say thoroughly, i.e. discuss (in argument or exhortation):–dispute, preach (unto), reason (with), speak.

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned [dialegomai] with them out of the scriptures, (Acts 17:2)

Therefore disputed [dialegomai] he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. (Acts 17:17)

And he reasoned [dialegomai] in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. (Acts 18:4)

And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned [dialegomai] with the Jews. (Acts 18:19)

And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing [dialegomai] and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. (Acts19:8)

…disputing [dialegomai] daily in the school of one Tyrannus… (Acts 19:9-10)

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached [dialegomai] unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. (Acts 20:7)

…as Paul was long preaching [dialegomai]… (Acts 20:9)

And as he reasoned [dialegomai] of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. (Acts24:25)

For the most part Paul was speaking with God fearers who needed more pieces of the Kingdom puzzle. He would frequent the synagogues (= modern “churches”) and dialegomai, aka dispute and reason, with the Jews and then the Greeks also. From Acts thirteen onwards we see that they did not just sit back and listen passively. There were surely some intense disputations about the fullness of Christ’s Kingdom.

Paul took it upon himself (rather God called him) to go to those with differing beliefs and doctrines and “discuss (in argument or exhortation)” doctrine. Why is it then that we shy away from this type of useful activity? We make excuses to deflect any contrary thought rather than embrace the sharpening iron of diverse doctrine and opposing thoughts. We Christians have been experts in pushing our beliefs on the world but then cowering from the biblical challenge of a loving brother.

So surely a big step in the way forward for Christ’s Kingdom and church is to re-embrace the biblical concept of dialogue and disputation, albeit in a spirit of love. Let’s see more saints freed up to discuss the Word rather than being spoon fed pet lifestyle sermons. Let’s have more non-denominational gatherings where biblical elders and Word labourers discuss, dispute and even respectfully debate important issues in the church. Let’s re-employ a great gift from God that will sharpen the body in every area. Let’s get down to some disputation.

REPRINT AGREEMENT

by
Don Atkin

Don Atkin is a true father of fathers who doesn’t title himself in any such manner. He is one who continues to wrestle with the Lord, and others, in a quest for a greater knowledge and manifestation of Christ’s Kingdom rather than resting in yesterdays limited understandings. Often times when I read Don’s writings I feel resonance with His heart for Christ alone. This article addresses the importance of being content with the indwelling Christ rather than chasing things that pass with the wind.

Brett Jacobsen

Words of Caution, Written in Love

There is a growing appetite among many believers that is unhealthy, and potentially dangerous.  I can relate to Paul, and “borrow” his words, so that you may see my heart toward you:

We conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God. – II Corinthians 1:12

Now I, (Don), myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ (II Corinthians 10:1a). 

I am prayerfully calling us to attention, not to look for something new, introduce some formula, or attempt to be prophetically provocative.  In all my years, I have never before seen or heard so many radical, even preposterous distractions from the simplicity that is in Christ.  I am greatly concerned.

I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. – II Corinthians 11:3

The drive for novelty and spiritual mysteries/ecstasies is somehow deeply embedded in the human psyche.  It often unknowingly partners with religious spirits that are eager to manifest.  It seems to thrust itself to the surface whenever and wherever there is an unfulfilled spiritual hunger, a lack of the reality of Jesus.  The enemy of our souls eagerly deceives and corrupts our minds, and – unless we have a viable standard of measure – we don’t even know that it is happening! 

Historical accounts of the early church (Acts), along with the apostolic instruction of the epistles, provide the only viable standard by which we are to measure.  Unfortunately, many hold their personal “experiences” above the New Covenant writings as their standard of measure, thus being subject to distraction and/or deception.

It is increasingly common for dear brethren with what I will call “prophetic tendencies” to resonate with one another much like folks in another day, who excitedly set out to build a tower to heaven.  In another historical setting, Jesus, spoke of the events that were soon to come upon Jerusalem:

“If anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ Do not believe it.  For false Christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” – Matthew 24:23-24

Human nature has not changed since the days of Babylon or the days of Jerusalem.  The very void that only Jesus can fill is still a foothold for the serpent.  As believers, we know that Satan has no place within us unless we give him that place.  That human hankering for something beyond ourselves (as was the vulnerability of Eve) sets us up for the serpent’s deceiving “revelations.” Such temptations continue until  (1) our entire lives are solidly built upon the Rock, (2) we are rightly “hidden” in the midst of the body of Christ, and (3) we are living by the Spirit in the culture of the kingdom.

The earlier years of both the “prophetic movement” and the “apostolic reformation” brought extremes and excesses that are still affecting the body of Jesus.  Integrity would call us all into agreement that there are yet vast differences within the prophetic and apostolic communities.  “Repentance” must become a way of life for all of us who wish to go on into the fullness of Christ and all that He plans.

“The tendency to determine what is or is not prophetic, or who is or is not a prophet by charismatic endowment rather than inner alignment to kingdom truth is unfortunate, with tragic results.  The simplest definition of being prophetic is: Hearing God and doing what He says!” – Steve Crosby

The definition of being prophetic also applies to our worship of God.  The simplest definition of worship is:  Hearing God and doing what He says!   Worship “experiences” are meaningless without our faithful obedience.  Here is Jesus’ summary word on worship:

“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me, and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” –  (The Apostle’s Doctrine!) – John 14:21

Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. – James 1:22

• True and mature prophets hear God, and do what He says.
• Those who worship in Spirit and in truth hear God, and do what He says.

Much of the church of Jesus Christ, especially in the western world, has pulled away from these moorings and created a consumer-driven culture that has no New Covenant precedent, and is no longer continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.  Thus, she has made herself vulnerable to distraction and/or deception.  I cannot get away from the timeliness of Paul’s concern.  Let me repeat:

I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. – II Corinthians 11:3

The highest prophetic function is to make Jesus known, not “esoteric revelations.”  John, who did no miracles, was the best of the old order.  His message was:

            “Behold the Lamb!”

THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST

I was recently discussing with a friend, a genuine and mature prophet, the heartbreak of reading something written by a precious and godly man who is several years my senior.  He had come up with some “revelation” about an obscure phrase deeply buried in the Old Testament.  My friend’s response:

“It’s heart rending to be so far along in the faith, and side-tracked with this stuff.   There is a small amount of amazement in my heart as to why believers can’t be satisfied with the Lord in His person – in union with our hearts – living and loving Him there, and (loving) others by His grace.  Jesus – revealed and in our hearts by the Spirit – is the last Word of God to humanity.”

The foundational basis for serving God is:  “Jesus (who is God—who is Spirit) HAS returned, and abides in us by the power of the Holy Spirit (I John 2:20, 27).  Without Him we can do nothing; we can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens us.  We are sons, led and empowered by His Spirit.”

For me, this is experiential, not only doctrinal.  I regularly find myself shedding His tears,

Feeling His pain over folks who are like sheep without a shepherd, marveling over the potential of His creation, anticipating His fullness.  I am convinced that “till He comes” can be an excuse to not move forward in faith.  Let me say it again:  “Jesus has not left us orphans, but HAS come to us.”  The world can’t see Him, but we should “see” Him (John 14:18-19). He IS in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).  

Walking by faith in the experiential presence of the Godhead keeps us fresh and up-to-date. Seeking signs and unique spiritual experiences and revelations causes us to walk in a cloud rather than on the clouds.

THE CHALLENGE FOR APOSTLES

Many genuine believers are being distracted and/or deceived in their search for spiritual reality.  We cannot lay the blame at the feet of the prophets.  Nor can we be critical of those who respond to the tantalizing delicacies of the mystics or their counterfeits.  Filling that void, laying the foundation – the simplicity that is in Christ – is an apostolic assignment.

• Apostles carry the presence of Jesus in a uniquely apostolic way.  (Prophets carry His presence in a uniquely prophetic way, etc.)  Ephesians 4:10 is the best explanation of Ephesians 4:11:  “. . . that He might fill all things.”
• Apostolic people, filling their assigned allotments, are the fruit of apostolic ministry.
• Apostolic fruit (manifested in apostolically equipped people) fills cities, regions, nations, and the world with Jesus’ presence.
• King Jesus’ presence in believers is to fill the earth with the glory of the Father.
• The glory of the Father is His kingdom – established by His sons through relationships.

It’s not about apostles.  It’s about people - sons of God - male and female - becoming apostolic in all arenas of life.  The sent ones are sent to impart Jesus.  (Jesus is the apostolic genius.)  We do so by living and communicating His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. The apostolic genius, the presence of Jesus, is contagious.
 
We don’t begin by organizing or by challenging organizations.  We begin by living the abundant life of Christ in us, and doing so in the midst of those to whom we are sent.  Life itself will demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit of Him who said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto Me.”

INCARNATIONAL AND MISSIONAL MANDATES

We are being transformed into His image, and sent forth to pass on this apostolic genius to others.  The early church model was all about discipleship and apostolic migration.  Christian faith is first incarnational, and then missional.

As He is (present tense), so are we (present tense) in this world. – I John 4:17b

Life in Christ, pursuing His mandates, will eventually deconstruct unrighteous foundations by reconstituting the righteous foundations.  Clearly, God intends the church of the New Covenant to be incarnational and missional (as contrasted with evangelical and attractional). We are to be discipled – then sent to disciple others – in the same way that Jesus discipled the twelve, who were then sent to do likewise.

·         Do we see Jesus or His disciples seeking “deeper” truth?

·         Do we see Jesus or His disciples pursuing mystical sensationalism?

·         Do we see Jesus or His disciples looking for gemstones or gold dust?

·         Do we see Jesus or His disciples prophesying to creation?

·         Do we see Jesus or His disciples making prophetic proclamations?

Do we see Paul doing any of these things? 

What are the New Testament examples of such pursuits?

Hear the heartbeat of our faith as expressed by Paul:

·         It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. – Galatians 2:20

·         Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Him we preach. – Colossians 1:28-28a

·         Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. – Colossians 2:18-19

• I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. – II Corinthians 11:3

“The Church is nothing which man can build by any resource in himself personally or collectively.” – T. Austin-Sparks

Apostles and prophets are to live in, and minister from, the realities of the New Covenant.  They are to build from a platform of internal ethics and accuracy of their lives, not from the exercise of their gift. 

Therefore I also, after hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

And you He made alive! – Ephesians 1:15 – 2:1a

P. S.  My heart is toward you, dear reader.  I share Paul’s prayer for you.  I believe in you because of the Christ who is in you.  Seek Him.  Seek His kingdom.  Seek His righteousness. 

Behold the Lamb!

“You Raise Me Up”

This article is from Don Atkin’s email subscription, you can email him at donatkin@kingdomquest.net to connect or subscribe to his posts.

by Brett Jacobsen

The focus of this teaching is to promote the biblical truth that Christ’s Kingdom is active and increasing right now on this earth, in this age. Erroneous eschatology has detracted from this truth in many circles of the Christian faith.

All of the major eschatological (study of how things end) passages are covered but the end of the world is not the important issue and true eschatology is merely a means to an end- Christ Himself as King of kings. Though we will look at the glorious end of earthly history from time to time, we will more so continually use the scriptures to interpret the scriptures and arrive at the present victorious Kingdom of Christ.

For most Christians this teaching will challenge you deeply in your understanding of the New Covenant and Christ’s Kingdom as well as liberate you greatly in the truth of His Word.

Faith In His Redemption

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Redemption from the curse

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree: (Gal 3:13)

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so… (Ps 107:2)

Definitive, progressive, consummative.

13 For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons [huios] of God. 15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this [ho] present [nun- now] time [kairos] are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation waits [apekdechomai- expect fully, look for] for the manifestation [apokalupsis] of the sons [huios] of God. 20 For the creation was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who has subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now [nun]. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit [Rev 14:4], even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting [apekdechomai- expect fully, look for] for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved [sozo] by hope [elpis- anticipate, expectation]: but hope [elpis] that is seen is not hope [elpis]: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope [elpis] for?

25 But if we hope [elpizo] for that we see not, then do we with patience wait [apekdechomai- expect fully, look for] for it. (Rom 8:13-25)

Faith for the Kingdom

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (Heb 11:13)

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: (v39)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

The focus of this teaching is to promote the biblical truth that Christ’s Kingdom is active and increasing right now on this earth, in this age. Erroneous eschatology has detracted from this truth in many circles of the Christian faith.

All of the major eschatological (study of how things end) passages are covered but the end of the world is not the important issue and true eschatology is merely a means to an end- Christ Himself as King of kings. Though we will look at the glorious end of earthly history from time to time, we will more so continually use the scriptures to interpret the scriptures and arrive at the present victorious Kingdom of Christ.

For most Christians this teaching will challenge you deeply in your understanding of the New Covenant and Christ’s Kingdom as well as liberate you greatly in the truth of His Word.

The Kingdom Age in Parallels

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Now all these things happened to them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition [warning], upon whom the ends [telos- conclusion] of the world [aion- age] are come. (1 Cor10:11)

‘Heaven’s Underground Blueprint’ prophetic parallel

Old Testament prophetic shadow

God’s people under Egypt, Moses leads them out of the world (Egypt), OT church Red Sea Baptism, Sinai desert wandering, OT church Jordan Baptism, Jericho, The Promised Land.

————————————————————————————————   

New Testament prophetic fulfilment

                                                                                                                    
God’s people under Rome, Jesus leads them out of the world (Rome/worldliness), Early Church Baptism (Defensive Underground), Desert of man’s rule in the Church, Latter Church Baptism (Offensive Underground), Jericho ministry, The Fulness of Christ.                                  

Former and latter rain

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming [parousia] of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth [ge- land (of Israel/natural covenant)], and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be you also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming [parousia] of the Lord draws near [eggizo- make near, be at hand]. (Jas 5:7-8)

Early rain – John & Jesus’ ministry, latter rain – before the great tribulation

First the natural, then that which is spiritual… Prophetic history usually repeats itself in some sense.

Former and latter house

For this says 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; 7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come [Jesus]: and I will fill this house with glory [God’s temple (3 days- John 2:19-21)], says the LORD of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the LORD of hosts. 9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, says the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, says the LORD of hosts. (Hag 2:6-9)

See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth [Moses], much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven [Jesus]: 26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he has promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire. (Heb 12:25-29)

We will see this again because the church has gone back to things that are made.

The End

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24 Then comes the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he has put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he HAS put all things under his feet. But when he says all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. (1 Cor 15:22-28)

You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, (Heb 2:8-9a)

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:2)

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

The focus of this teaching is to promote the biblical truth that Christ’s Kingdom is active and increasing right now on this earth, in this age. Erroneous eschatology has detracted from this truth in many circles of the Christian faith.

All of the major eschatological (study of how things end) passages are covered but the end of the world is not the important issue and true eschatology is merely a means to an end- Christ Himself as King of kings. Though we will look at the glorious end of earthly history from time to time, we will more so continually use the scriptures to interpret the scriptures and arrive at the present victorious Kingdom of Christ.

For most Christians this teaching will challenge you deeply in your understanding of the New Covenant and Christ’s Kingdom as well as liberate you greatly in the truth of His Word.

Israel Grafted Out and In

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Romans 9 - 11

Only children of promise are Israel

I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3 For I could wish that myself were accursed [anathema- religious ban or excommunicate] from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertains the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

6 Not as though the word of God has taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall your seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

Sovereign selection

9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. 10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calls;) 12 It was said to her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy. 17 For the scripture says to Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18 Therefore has he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardens. 19 You will say then to me, Why does he yet find fault? For who has resisted his will? 20 Nay but, O man, who are you that replies against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus? 21 Has not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 24 Even us, whom he has called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 25 As he says also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said to them, You are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

Only the remnant who used faith

27 Esaias also cries concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. 29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha. [Rev 11:8- ‘Sodom & Egypt’] 30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed.

They’ve not submitted to His righteousness

10:1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes. 5 For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which does those things shall live by them.

6 But the righteousness which is of faith speakes on this wise, Say not in your heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what says it? The word is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. 10 For with the heart man believes to righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. 11 For the scripture says, Whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed.

No difference

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich to all that call upon him.

But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you be Christ’s, then are you Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Gal 3:25-29)

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. (Col 3:11)

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. (Acts 15:9)

That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of two one new man, so making peace; (Eph 2:12-15)

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. 3:1 What advantage then has the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that to them were committed the oracles of God. (Rom 2:28- 3:2)

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

16 But they [Israel] have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias says, Lord, who has believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. 19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses says, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. 20 But Esaias is very bold, and says, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest to them that asked not after me. 21 But to Israel he says, All day long I have stretched forth my hands to a disobedient and gainsaying people.

A remnant of national Israel

11:1 I say then, Has God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot you not what the scripture says of Elias? how he makes intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 Lord, they have killed your prophets, and digged down your altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what says the answer of God to him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

The non-remnant’s slumber, blindness and deafness

7 What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks for; but the election has obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8 (According as it is written, God has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) to this day. 9 And David says, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompense to them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

Life from the dead

11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come to the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? 13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation [jealousy] them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But if you boast, you bear not the root, but the root you.

They are broken off

19 You will say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not you. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness: otherwise you also shalt be cut off [Israel are presently “cut off”].

Grafted in, blindness until the fullness of the Gentiles, all Israel saved

23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? 25 For I would not, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel [all except remnant], until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in [towards the end]. 26 And so all Israel [spiritual or natural?] shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Rom 2:28-29)

All in unbelief that He might have mercy on all

27 For this is my covenant to them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election [ekloge- select], they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance [God will bring many Israelites to Himself]. 30 For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God has concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord? or who has been his counsellor? 35 Or who has first given to him, and it shall be recompensed to him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

The focus of this teaching is to promote the biblical truth that Christ’s Kingdom is active and increasing right now on this earth, in this age. Erroneous eschatology has detracted from this truth in many circles of the Christian faith.

All of the major eschatological (study of how things end) passages are covered but the end of the world is not the important issue and true eschatology is merely a means to an end- Christ Himself as King of kings. Though we will look at the glorious end of earthly history from time to time, we will more so continually use the scriptures to interpret the scriptures and arrive at the present victorious Kingdom of Christ.

For most Christians this teaching will challenge you deeply in your understanding of the New Covenant and Christ’s Kingdom as well as liberate you greatly in the truth of His Word.

Revelation chapter 22

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Chapter 22:1-2

22:1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. [1]

2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life [2], which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. [3]

[1] “clear as crystal” – like the multitude/sea in Rev 4:6

- Read the whole of Ezek 47:1-12

This is a picture of the Holy Spirit/God’s glory flowing from the throne in heaven to earth at the time on the 1^st century church… and now too.

[2] Redeemed to eternal life by the tree of life:

And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. (Gen 2:9)

And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: (Gen 3:22)

Jesus’ tree of life- the cross:

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree: (Gal 3:13)

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live to righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed. (1 Pet 2:24)

(see also Acts 5:30, 10:39 and 13:29)

Chilton – “was tree [plural] of life”

Me – one tree/cross- Jesus’. We all bear the same cross- His. “…God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Gal 6:14) (also Mat 10:38, 16:24, Gal 2:20, 5:24, Rom 6:6)

We who bear the cross of Christ do huddle around the river of God’s glory in New/heavenly/holy Jerusalem.

He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the [1^st Century Asiatic] churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Rev 2:7) (Ephesus)

[3] 12 = church, the cross yields healing fruit through the church who bares it. The church’s fruit is the fruit of the Spirit.

The nations in John & the Asiatic churches’ time needed the healing of Christ’s cross…

- “the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations” – This is what the Kingdom age is all about – the healing of the nations by the cross of Christ.

Chapter 22:3-5

3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; [1] and his servants [doulos] shall serve him:

4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. [2]

5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light: and they shall reign for ever [aion] and ever [aion]. [3]

[1] No more curse = Edenic redemption:

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree: (Gal 3:13)

- “shall be in it [New Jerusalem chpt 21]” - We are seated with Christ Eph 2:6 He is on the throne at Father’s right hand Rom 8:34 - The 1^st century church (and us) are free from the curse.

Throne in the river of life - God rules on His throne in the river from heaven to earth…

[2] “his servants [doulos] shall…” - The early church served Him; we also serve Him, now (see v6).

- “see His face” – John 14:7 “have seen him” – Matt 5:8 “shall see God”

- Name in forehead – Rev 3:12 “name of my God…” was a promise to the 1^st century Asiatic churches:

Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. (Rev 3:12) (Philadelphia)

[3] No need of natural light in a celestial city, God gives Spiritual light there…

- “ever and ever” - Ages and ages doesn’t deny eternal rule but focuses more on the then present, and now present, reign of Christ…

Chapter 22:6-7

6 And he said to me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show to his servants the things which must shortly be done [en tachos]. [1]

7 Behold, I come [erchomai] quickly [tachu] [2]: blessed is he that keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book. [3]

[1] Like in the opening chapter, here in the last chapter he declares that he is showing the 7 Asiatic churches of the first century “things which must SHORTLY be done” (see Rev 1:1)

[2] “come” – erchomai-

So shall it be at the end of the world [aion- age]: the angels shall come [exerchomai] forth [exerchomai], and sever the wicked from among the just, (Matt 13:49)

That upon you may come [erchomai] all the righteous blood shed upon the earth [ge]… (Matt 23:35)

Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord does come [erchomai]. (Matt 24:42)

Verily I say to you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming [erchomai] in his kingdom. (Matt 16:28)

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth [ge] mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming [erchomai] in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matt 24:30)

… the high priest arose, and said to him, Answer you nothing? what is it which these witness against you? 63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said to him, I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you be the Christ, the Son of God. 64 Jesus said to him, you have said: nevertheless I say to you, Hereafter shall you [Caiaphas] see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming [erchomai] in the clouds of heaven. (Matt 26:62-64)

- “quickly” – tachu- shortly, without delay, soon.

- “come quickly” 3 times in this chapter (7, 12, 20) plus once in Rev 3:11.

Tachos and tachu used elsewhere – Matt 5:25, 28:7&8, Luke 14:21& 16:6- tacheos, John 11:29, 13:27- tachion, read these two- Acts 12:7, 22:18.

[3] The letter was to the 1^st century Asiatic churches; they were clearly able to “[keep] the sayings of the prophecy of this book”…

Chapter 22:8-10

8 And I John saw these things, and heard them [1]. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things.

9 Then said he to me, See you do it not: for I am your fellowservant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. [2]

10 And he said to me, Seal [sphragizo] not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time [kairos] is at [eggus] hand [eggus] [3].

[1] Saw – visions, heard – revelations.

[2] Not ‘of them which one day will keep the sayings of this book’.

[3] “Seal [sphragizo- keep secret] not the sayings” – Unlike Daniel who was to shut and seal till the time:

But you, O Daniel, shut up [catham- keep secret] the words, and seal [chatham- close] the book, even to the time of the end:… (Dan 12:4)

And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut you up the vision; for it shall be for many days. (Dan 8:26)

- “the time [kairos] is at [eggus- near, ready] hand [eggus]” – (see Rev 1:3)

Again he closes with an opening statement from chapter one. This reemphasises the eminency.

Chapter 22:11-15

11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. [1]

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [misthos] is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. [2]

13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. [3]

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. [4]

15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loves and makes a lie. [5]

[1] Because they have had the last days (a generation- 30-70AD) to repent…

[2] “I come quickly” – there it is again.

- “my reward [misthos- wage, pay for service] is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” – His coming [erchomai] in judgement on apostates is also a reward for the just as it frees them further into the Kingdom. (Not just one payment/judgement/reward but regular ongoing wages for work).

Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. (Is 40:10-11)

Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the world, Say you to the daughter of Zion, Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 12 And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and you shall be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken [New Jerusalem]. (Is 62:11-12)

[3] Same as in chapter one – (1:8).

[4] The then present “they” was the 1^st century church who did “his commandments” and so John was showing them that they had “right to the tree of life [the cross]” and they were in “the city”.

[5] Outside the New Jerusalem (Christ’s celestial Kingdom on earth) were all manner of sinners- they are excluded in this life (and the next) from the Kingdom city.

Chapter 22:16-21

16 I Jesus have sent mine angel [John? Rev 1:1] to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David [Luke 20:41-44], and the bright and morning star. [1]

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come [erchomai]. And let him that hears say, Come [erchomai]. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. [2]

18 For I testify to every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book:

19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. [3]

20 He which testifies these things says, Surely [nai] I come [erchomai] quickly [tachu]. Amen. Even so, come [erchomai], Lord Jesus. [4]

21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. [5]

[1] Jesus was testifying from heaven through John (His angel) to the then churches.

- Jesus is the root (before) and offspring (after) of David:

And he said to them, How say they that Christ is David’s son? 42 And David himself says in the book of Psalms, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit you on my right hand, 43 Till I make your enemies your footstool. 44 David therefore calls him Lord, how is he then his son? (Luke 20:41-44)

[2] The bride is already active and able to speak (come). “let him that hears [the bride] say, come”.

These are then present invitations for the 1^st century church- “say come” “come” “take”.

[3] He is warning that He will “take” people “out of the holy city”. There was clearly already the holy city with people already in it.

[4] “Surely [nai] I come [erchomai] quickly [tachu]” - Surely

[5] “you all” is to all the first century saints, but it is also true for us.

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

The focus of this teaching is to promote the biblical truth that Christ’s Kingdom is active and increasing right now on this earth, in this age. Erroneous eschatology has detracted from this truth in many circles of the Christian faith.

All of the major eschatological (study of how things end) passages are covered but the end of the world is not the important issue and true eschatology is merely a means to an end- Christ Himself as King of kings. Though we will look at the glorious end of earthly history from time to time, we will more so continually use the scriptures to interpret the scriptures and arrive at the present victorious Kingdom of Christ.

For most Christians this teaching will challenge you deeply in your understanding of the New Covenant and Christ’s Kingdom as well as liberate you greatly in the truth of His Word.

Revelation chapter 21

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Chapter 21:1

21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first [protos] heaven and the first [protos] earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

Remember that this is a symbolic book- red dragon, beasts, sealed foreheads, whore & bride, etc. Why would we assume, as many do, that this heaven and earth are not symbolic?

Heaven and earth passing is the passing of the covenant from national Israel to spiritual Israel- the church. The changing of the covenant is nothing short of cataclysmic.

And so it is written, The first [protos] man Adam was made a living soul; the last [eschatos] Adam was made a quickening spirit. 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. (1 Cor 15:45-47)

The pattern continues with this situation- natural Israel was first then spiritual Israel.

The song of Moses

30 And Moses spoke in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song, until they were ended.

32:1 Give ear, O you heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. (Deut 31:30-32:1)

The covenant people are referred to as “you heavens” and “O earth” because as far as God is concerned His covenant nation is the heavens and earth, all else is peripheral.

More of the song:

And he said, I will hide my face from them [Israel], I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. 21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. 22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. 23 I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them. 24 They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust. (Deut 32:20-24)

Heaven and earth passing

Think not that I am come to destroy [kataluo- demolish] the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil [pleroo- satisfy, execute, verify, complete]. 18 For truly I say to you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 5:17-19)

The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presses into it. 17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail [pipto- fall]. (Luke 16:16-17)

It is easier for the covenant people to fail and pass than for God’s covenant (inc law and prophets) to fail.

Heaven and earth passing is synonymous with the generation between Jesus and great tribulation:

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putts forth leaves, you know that summer is near: 33 So likewise you, when you shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Truly I say to you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36 But of that day and hour [heaven and earth passing] knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matt 24:32-37)

The subject of this passage is clearly the great tribulation (66-70 AD). The ‘great tribulation’, “heaven and earth” passing, “this generation”, “that day and hour” and “the coming of the Son of man” are all part of the same process of covenantal exchange.

Chapter 21:2-4

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [1]

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. [2]

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain [3]: for the former things are passed away. [4]

[1] The passing of heaven and earth (Old Covenant nation) now produces the bride- New/heavenly Jerusalem, which is the church:

For you are not come to the mount that might be touched [Sinai/Old Covenant/old Jerusalem], and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) 22 But you ARE COME to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel. 25 See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth [Moses], much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven [Jesus]: 26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he has promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made [first the natural], that those things which cannot be shaken [celestial] may remain. 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire. (Heb 12:18-29)

Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar. 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to JERUSALEM which NOW IS, and IS IN BONDAGE WITH HER CHILDREN.

26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written, Rejoice, You barren that bears not; break forth and cry, you that travails not: for the desolate has many more children than she which has an husband. 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what saiys the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. (Gal 4:21-31)

- “as a bride adorned for her husband” -

Know you not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16 What? know you not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, says he, shall be one flesh. 17 But he that is joined to the Lord is one spirit. (1 Cor 6:15-17)

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Eph 5:28-33)

[2] “the tabernacle [skene] of God is with men, and he will dwell [skenoo- tabernacle over] with them” – This was true in the present for the 1^st century Asiatic church and still is for us - Eph 2:19-22, 2 Cor 6:16, 1 Cor 6:19, 1 Cor 3:16-17.

- “they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God” -

Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was an husband to them, says the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Jer 31:31-33)

[3] This is Messianic age terminology. Christ has brought definitive victory over sorrow, death, pain, He has redeemed us –

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD has spoken it. (Is 25:8)

[4] “former things are passed away” – Heaven and earth have passed (Old Covenant order has passed- Heb 12).

Chapter 21:5-8

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said to me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

6 And he said to me, It is done [ginomai- become, brought to pass]. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. [1] I will give to him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. [2]

7 He that overcomes [nikao] shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. [3]

8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. [4]

[1] “all things new” – {New cloth/wineskin/wine Matt 9:16-17, new Testament Matt 26:28, new command John 13:34, new bread 1 Cor 5:7, new creation 2 Cor 5:17 & Gal 6:15, one new man (body) Eph 2:15, new covenant Heb 8:8 & 13, new and living way Heb 10:20, new heavens and earth (covenant reality) 2 Pet 3:13, new name Rev 2:17}

In fact - “all things are become new.” (2 Cor 5:17)

- “true and faithful” – Jesus is ‘faithful and true’ Rev 3:14, Rev 19:11

- “it is done. I am Alpha and Omega” – What is done? The NT is accomplished/ brought to pass. This ties chapter 21 back to the context chapter (chp 1) where Jesus first announces Himself as “Alpha and Omega”.

Also, it sounds like “It is finished [teleo- accomplish, perform]” when Jesus inaugurated the NT (John 19:30).

[2] The water of life was available to the Asiatic church in the 1^st century:

Ho, every one that thirsts, come you to the waters, and he that has no money; come you, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (Is 55:1)

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. 3 Therefore with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation. (Is 12:2-3)

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (Jer 2:13)

If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that says to you, Give me to drink; you would have asked of him, and he would have given you living water. (John 4:10)

He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38)

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears [7 churches + others] say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Rev 22:17)

[3] It is the readers (7 Asiatic churches) who have already been implored to nikao- overcome. Here they are called sons of God if they overcome (the letter is for them).

[4] All who are not redeemed “sons” “have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone” because they remain “fearful, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters and liars”- unredeemed.

Chapter 21:9-10

9 And there came to me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife. [1]

10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, [2]

[1] Probably the same angel which showed John the whore in Rev 17:1

We’ve already seen that we are the bride of Christ (specifically in this book it was the first century church)

[2] “he carried me away in the spirit” – “the Lamb’s wife”- “holy Jerusalem” is not a terrestrial city on earth but “in the spirit” on earth- the church.

- “a great and high mountain” – is where the Lamb’s wife holy Jerusalem is; just like in Heb 12 – Mt Sion/heavenly Jerusalem.

- “descending out of heaven from God” - sounds like how Jesus said to pray – “Our Father which are in heaven, […] Your kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matt 6:9-10)

Chapter 21:11-14

11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; [1]

12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. [2]

[1] - “Having the glory of God” –

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (2 Cor 4:6-7)

- “clear as crystal” – chpt 4 sea like crystal, chpt 22 river “clear as crystal” – crystal clear represents Holy Spirit dwelling.

[2] ‘twelve gates/ tribes and twelve foundations/ apostles’ –

Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And ARE built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom you also ARE builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Eph 2:19-22)

Chapter 21:15-17

15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed [kalamos] to measure [metreo] the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. [1]

16 And the city lies foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. [2]

[1] Measuring with a rod represents a role call of inclusion and exclusion like in chpt 11:

And there was given me a reed [kalamos] like to a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure [metreo] the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not [exclude them]; for it is given to the Gentiles… (Rev 11:1-2)

[2] Again we have symbolic numbers 12, thousand and 144 – the number 12 (and its multiple) for the church (both OT & NT) and the number 1000 for manyness. This shows that “holy”/ “heavenly”/ “new” “Jerusalem” is the church (12 & 144) which will be many (1000).

Chapter 21:18-21

18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

- These natural precious objects all represent people/things of the spirit –

For we are labourers together with God: you are God’s husbandry, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given to me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he has built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 16 Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Cor 3:9-16)

- the specific naming of the various stones seems to me to be the Lord speaking to us in language that will and has caused many to miss the simple yet profound truth. (see Mark 4:11-12)

Chapter 21:22-27

22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. [1]

23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. [2]

24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk [peripateo] in the light of it: and the kings of the earth [ge – physical land] do bring their glory [doxa] and honour [time] into it. [3]

25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. [4]

26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles, neither whatsoever works abomination, or makes a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. [5]

[1] There is no geographical exclusive place (temple) to go to worship when you are in the Holy Jerusalem because you are continually in the place of worship (temple) with the Lord wherever you and He are.

[2] There is no need of light as we know it (sun, moon etc) because the city is full of spiritual light. It is His celestial Kingdom here on earth.

- Also, Jesus said:

I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12 and 9:5)

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt 5:14)

[3] “the nations of them which are saved shall walk [peripateo] in the light of it” – the first century church was implored to WALK in the light of Holy Jerusalem:

For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord: walk [peripateo] as children of light: (Eph 5:8)

- “the kings of the earth [ge – physical land] do bring” – the kings of the physical land are those who rule over earthly nations; they bring doxa and time to Jesus.

[4] “the gates of it shall not be shut” – There is always access into the Kingdom of Christ here on earth.

Therefore your gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring to you the forces [chayil- resources, army, wealth, men] of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. 12 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. (Is 60:11-12)

- “no night there” – no matter what the physical illumination on earth at any time, we in the Kingdom are in the light- of the day perpetually:

You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (1 Thess 5:5-8)

[5] Remember this is not a physical city. Only those earth dwellers who are in Christ (and in the book) are permitted into the heavenly gathering of the saints- New Jerusalem. All else dwell in darkness while on earth… and after.

Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon you, and his glory shall be seen upon you. 3 And the Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 Lift up youre eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to you: your sons shall come from far, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side. 5 Then you shall see, and flow together, and your heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted to you, the forces of the Gentiles shall come to you. (Is 60:1-5)

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

The focus of this teaching is to promote the biblical truth that Christ’s Kingdom is active and increasing right now on this earth, in this age. Erroneous eschatology has detracted from this truth in many circles of the Christian faith.

All of the major eschatological (study of how things end) passages are covered but the end of the world is not the important issue and true eschatology is merely a means to an end- Christ Himself as King of kings. Though we will look at the glorious end of earthly history from time to time, we will more so continually use the scriptures to interpret the scriptures and arrive at the present victorious Kingdom of Christ.

For most Christians this teaching will challenge you deeply in your understanding of the New Covenant and Christ’s Kingdom as well as liberate you greatly in the truth of His Word.

Revelation chapter 20

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Chapter 20:1-3

20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. [1]

2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, [2] and bound [deo] him a thousand years, [3]

3 And cast [ballo] him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, [4] that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. [5]

[1] This is Jesus who has declared “I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Rev 1:18) “…delivered them into chains of darkness…” (2 Pet 2:4) “reserved in everlasting chains under darkness” (Jude 6).

[2] dragon symbol- Revelation, serpent symbol - Genesis

[3] This is speaking of Satan being bound by Jesus at the cross:

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come to you. 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind [deo] the strong man? and then he will spoil [diarpazo- plunder] his house. (Matt 12:27-29)

…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8)

And he said to them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give to you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:18-20)

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Col 2:15)

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell [tartaroo- (the deepest abyss of Hades); to incarcerate in eternal torment], and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; (2 Pet 2:4)

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness to the judgment of the great day. (Jude 6)

And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with you, Jesus, you Son of God? are you come here to torment us before the time [kairos]? (Matt 8:29)

(The two other Legion verses - Mark 5:7-10, Luke 8:28-31)

- “a thousand” is a biblical figure which symbolises manyness:

He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. Be you mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations; Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath to Isaac; And has confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, (1 Chron 16:14-17)

Prayer of Moses the man of God. LORD, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. You turn man to destruction; and say, Return, you children of men. For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. (Ps 90:1-4)

O give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing to him, sing psalms to him: talk you of all his wondrous works. Glory you in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvellous works that he has done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; O you seed of Abraham his servant, you children of Jacob his chosen. He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all the earth. He has remembered his covenant for ever [owlam- the vanishing point, time out of mind, perpetual], the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath to Isaac; And confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant: (Ps 105:1-10)

There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men: A man to whom God has given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wants nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God gives him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eats it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease. If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he. For he comes in with vanity, and departs in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness. Moreover he has not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this has more rest than the other.  Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet has he seen no good… (Eccl 6:1-6)

Your people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time. (Is 60:21-22)

For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. (1 Cor 4:15)

Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. (1 Cor 14:19)

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (2 Pet 3:8)

[4] - “cast him into the bottomless pit [abussos]” – “…What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep [abussos].” (Luke 8:30-31) (Also, Rev 9 – demon plague from the abussos; Rev 11 & 17 – the beast ascends from the abussos)

- “shut [kleio- close] him up”

- “set [sphragizo] a seal [sphragizo] upon him” – sphragizo- to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (lit. or fig.); by impl. to keep secret, to attest:–(set a, set to) seal up.

[5] This binding, shutting in and sealing Satan in the abussos is symbolic and for the main purpose of:

- “that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled:” – He can’t stop the nations from coming to Christ unless they allow themselves to be shut out.

Chilton – “Christ came “to rule over the Gentiles” (Rom 15:12). That Satan has been bound does not mean that all his activity has ceased. The New Testament tells us specifically that the demons have been disarmed and bound (Col 2:15; 2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6) – yet they are still active. It is just that their activity is restricted. And, as the gospel progresses throughout the world, their activity will become even more limited. Satan is unable to prevent the victory of Christ’s Kingdom.” (TDOV p503)

- “after that he must be loosed a little season” – v 7-10 describes…

Chapter 20:4-6

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment [krima- avenge, condemn] was given to them [1]: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God [2], and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands [3]; and they lived and reigned [basileuo- rule, king] with Christ a thousand years. [4]

5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. [5]

6 Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign [basileuo- rule, king] with him a thousand years. [6]

[1] This is the saints who reign with Christ throughout the Kingdom age. Adam (and all mankind) was called to have dominion and we are now redeemed:

“…Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” (Gen 1:28)

You have put all things in subjection under his [man’s] feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus [who redeemed man] (Heb 2:8-9)

[2] The first group he mentions are martyrs. Remember that Revelation is written to encourage the Asiatic first century church amidst global upheaval and persecution that they rule in Christ. The dead martyrs are enjoying that very privilege.

[3] NASB – “and those who had not worshipped…” It would seem this is a distinct group from the beheaded. Not only are the martyrs ruling with Christ in heaven, those on earth are ruling with Christ in heaven, as has been stated throughout Revelation.

[4] The first century martyrs, and the faithful living saints (as well as us now) “reign [basileuo- rule, king]” with Christ for the same period that Satan is bound/restricted. It is this very reason why he is restricted.

- The period is the same symbolic 1000 years- an undetermined yet large age:

The chariots of God are twenty [ribbow] thousand [ribbow], even thousands [eleph] of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. (Ps 68:17)

Ribbow - a myriad, i.e. indef. large number:–great things, ten ([eight] -een, [for] -ty, + sixscore, + threescore, X twenty, [twen] -ty) thousand.

Eleph – (an ox’s head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand:–thousand.

A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, even the LORD, has spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shined. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together to me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even your God. I will not reprove you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, to have been continually before me. I will take no bullock out of your house, nor he goats out of your folds. For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. (Ps 50:1-11)

[5] “This is the first resurrection” - Christ’s resurrection is the first and if we’re in Him we are part of the first resurrection:

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24 Then comes the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he has put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (1 Cor 15:20-26)

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (Rom 6:5)

… they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (Acts 4:2)

Martha said to him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (John 11:24-25)

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death; (Phil 3:10)

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. (Col 2:12)

If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory. (Col 3:1-4)

- “the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished” – This should be after “this is the first resurrection” to make better sense.

v 11-13 speaks of the judgement when “the thousand years [are] finished”.

[6] “he that has part in the first resurrection” – The 1^st Century martyrs and the then living saints (and us) have part in Jesus’ resurrection: “the first resurrection”.

- “on such the second death has no power” v 14-15 speaks of the 2^nd death- the lake of fire- the final judgement.

- “they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign [basileuo- rule, king] with him” – It is the saints in heaven and those on earth (yet in heaven) who are “kings and priests” (Rev 1:6, 5:10).

Chapter 20:7-10

7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison [phulake],

8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle [1]: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved [agapao] city [2]: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. [3]

10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever [aion] and ever [aion]. [4]

[1] Satan’s prison: the abussos, is now called phulake- a guarding or (concr. guard), the act, the person; fig. the place, the condition, or (spec.) the time (as a division of day or night), lit. or fig.:–cage, hold, (im-) prison (-ment), ward, watch.

- “Gog and Magog” – Imagery from Ezek 38-39 where Gog = a prince, Magog = a land

Ezekiel’s fulfilment is said to be – “the Maccabees’ defeat of the Syrians in the second century B.C.” (Chilton TDOV p.520)

- This is not Armageddon which is premillennial; this battle is clearly postmillennial.

- Read ‘Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy’ J. Barton Payne p367-368.

“prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. Their equation with Moscow and Tobolsk, and Rosh with Russia, is unsupportable”

“Concerning Gog, the Lord says, ‘I will bring thee forth and all thine army’- comprising many peoples, which include Persia, Ethiopia, and areas ‘in the uttermost parts of the north’ (38:4)- ‘upon the mountains of Israel’ (38:8, 39:2), ‘to them that are at rest, that dwell securely … without walls’ (38:11).”

- “to gather them together to battle” this is clearly a celestial battle because – 1. Satan isn’t physical, 2. the saints tabernacle in heaven with Christ, 3. and because the next three statements are purposely hyperbolised.

[2] “the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.”- [innumerable- celestial number (Abe- stars n sand)]

- “they went up on the breadth of the earth” [impossible, figurative]

- “compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved [agapao] city” – New Jerusalem which is celestial. (Rev 21, Heb 12, Gal 4…)

[3] “fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them”:

And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume you and your fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. 11 Again also he sent to him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said to him, O man of God, this has the king said, Come down quickly. 12 And Elijah answered and said to them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume you and your fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. (2 Kin 1:10-12)

Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; 25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. (Gen 19:24-25)

Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God. 40 And Elijah said to them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there. 41 And Elijah said to Ahab, Get you up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. (1 Kin 18:38-41)

[4] “the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are” – Rev 19:20 has the beast and false prophet thrown into the lake alive/destined for final torments. Now, at the final battle, Satan is cast into the lake for final judgement.

- “shall be tormented day and night for ever [aion] and ever [aion]” – The jury is out on the term of tormentation. Aion and aion seems to say for ages and ages, but what then????????????????????????????????????????

Chapter 20:11-13

11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. [1]

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. [2]

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. [3]

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” (John 5:28-29)

[1] Father or Son. Son- White throne is like white cloud, white hair, white horse, robes- white in the blood of the Lamb. Rev 6:16 – Father on throne + wrath of Lamb.

[2] The righteous are judged as righteous out of “the book of life”. The dead are judged out of “the books, according to their works”. The righteous are not even mentioned here, just the book of life. It is a judgement of the dead not the living.

[3] Again, it is the dead who are judged according to their works, not the righteous. All the dead in the graves and in hades (the spiritual grave) are judged here.

He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48)

The Righteous Resurrection

The righteous will be physically resurrected on the last day, judged righteous by the book of life, and “ever be with the Lord”:

I Myself will raise him up on the last day (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54)

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain to the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 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: 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. (1 Thess 4:13-17)

The whole of first Corinthians fifteen. Especially – 22-26, 35-44, 51-54.

Chapter 20:14-15

14 And death and hell [haides] were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [1]

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. [2]

[1] Hades, which includes “torments” is finally “cast into the lake of fire”- the final judgement (Luke 16:19-25).

- “the second death” – “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb 9:27)

[2] You are either judged righteous by the book of life, or you are judged to damnation in the lake of fire: the second death, by the “books” “according to [your] works”.

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

Dear Christisall.org visitor/regular,

I am posting this brief letter in hope of seeing the financial support of this ministry increase this year so that I can continue the work which Christ has called me to. For quite some time the weekly outgoings (as minimal as they are) have been at least a few hundred dollars more than what comes in. It isn’t a huge problem to fix but if left as is I will not be able to continue to minister in this capacity.

I will not reiterate here a theological basis for my financial support as a ‘completer of the saints’ who ‘labours in the word and doctrine’ (Eph 4:12, 1 Tim 5:17). If you would like to examine a New Testament view of supporting Word-labouring ministries go here - http://www.christisall.org/2009/06/16/principles-in-new-testament-ministry-money-written/. Or here is part one of the five part video version - http://www.christisall.org/2009/04/15/principles-in-new-testament-ministry-money-video-series-part-1-of-5/.

I have prayerfully considered on numerous occasions getting a part time job but I don’t feel the Lord will allow me to. Every time I ask I feel He wants me to stand as an example of what the New Testament teaches on the subject no matter how hard it is. I also have wanted to run altogether from this ministry a number of times due to the spiritual and financial pressures etc. He then gets me at a good time when I’m stronger in faith and lovingly rebukes my wavering. It would be easy enough if I could just compromise and play the system a little- perhaps preach some nice things in some “churches”, “plant a church” etc. But I cannot, I am called to this reformational road which is a tough one.

I would ask that those who have benefited from this ministry and/or those who believe in sending out labourers to serve others, prayerfully consider: to start/continue to give a regular weekly/monthly amount to Christisall.org or to give whatever you can and feel led to. Also, I humbly ask that those who already support us would prayerfully consider an extra once off offering to assist in this season. Sharelle and I have put plenty of our own money in as well.

If you wish to donate/support you can:

-Go to Christisall.org support page: http://www.christisall.org/financial-support/

-Internet bank: Christ Is All, A/C: 10617 931, BSB: 124 001, Bank of Queensland

-Post a cheque or money order to: P.O. Box 103 Currumbin Qld 4223 Australia (made out to Christ Is All)

-Give cash personally (which I then bank in the CIA account)

For those who don’t know what I do, here is a basic list:

- Spend time in prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4)

- Meet with local and trans-local Christians to teach and equip (at no cost).

- Pray for opportunities to speak with Christians and leaders who God is drawing out of institutional religion into a more Kingdom of Christ lifestyle.

- Write articles and books (I am writing my second book at present ‘The Increase of His Kingdom’. I don’t profit from my books; I am actually giving most away at a cost to the ministry, I also give away e-books and sell some hard copies at cost of print).

- Video teachings (I am almost finished posting on CIA the mammoth vid series called ‘The Kingdom of Christ…’ which has taken many, many hours of my time in study, dialogue, preparation and filming over the past years). I will be doing more reformationally geared videos this year as well as other topics.

- I’m always available to meet with people for biblical counsel, advice, prayer etc.

- This year (God willing) I think the Lord will have me flowing more evangelistically as in years past but in a new underground NT context.

- I do believe that the Lord will release me more apostolically to work with non-denominational communities of believers helping them to build on Christ alone.

Most people are unaware of what it takes to present teaching/equipping ministry that is more than your average Sunday lifestyle sermon. Many people unflinchingly give to ministries which have cathedrals/buildings, programmes and other tangible trappings but overlook ones who spend their time in prayer, study and Word ministry.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration of this matter, and a big thanks to those who have continued to support us throughout the years as the Lord has called us deeper in Him.

Grace and peace,

Brett Jacobsen

www.christisall.org

bretto@christisall.org

Mob: 0411 097 776 (in Aus)

by Brett Jacobsen

The focus of this teaching is to promote the biblical truth that Christ’s Kingdom is active and increasing right now on this earth, in this age. Erroneous eschatology has detracted from this truth in many circles of the Christian faith.

All of the major eschatological (study of how things end) passages are covered but the end of the world is not the important issue and true eschatology is merely a means to an end- Christ Himself as King of kings. Though we will look at the glorious end of earthly history from time to time, we will more so continually use the scriptures to interpret the scriptures and arrive at the present victorious Kingdom of Christ.

For most Christians this teaching will challenge you deeply in your understanding of the New Covenant and Christ’s Kingdom as well as liberate you greatly in the truth of His Word.

Revelation chapter 19

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Chapter 19:1-3

19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, to the Lord our God:

2 For true and righteous are his judgments [1]: for he has judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth [ge- land (of Israel/Judea)] with her fornication, and has avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. [2]

3 And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever [aion] and ever [aion]. [3]

[1] Now that they on ‘the land’ have been dealt with, the attention is turned back towards heaven where they are all rejoicing in God’s right judgement.

[2] Chapter 14- Babylon, chapter 17- whore, chapter 18 Bab, chapter 19 whore again.

- Again, the whore’s judgement is vengeance for the ill treatment of God’s “servants”; Israel did this.

[3] Babylon: apostate national Israel, has had the smoke (evidence of fire) of her judgement rising up for many ages.

Chapter 19:4-6

4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all you his servants, and you that fear him, both small and great.

6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigns.

All of heaven rejoices at the judgement of the whore, but more so because of what that judgement produces: When the whore (unfaithful OT wife) is divorced the NT church is consummated as the bride.

Chapter 19:7-9

7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready [1].

8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. [2]

9 And he said to me, Write, Blessed are they which are called to the marriage supper [deipnon] of the Lamb. And he said to me, These are the true sayings of God. [3]

[1] The bride/wife of Christ the Lamb is the New Covenant reality- it is the city of God and those who dwell therein:

What? know you not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, says he, shall be one flesh. 17 But he that is joined to the Lord is one spirit. (1 Cor 6:16-17)

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Eph 5:31-33)

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell [skenoo- tabernacle] with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. (Rev 21:2-3)

…Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife. 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, [Heb 12:22] descending out of heaven from God, (Rev 21:9-10)

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Rev 22:17) [the bride was clearly around back then]

[2] As we “put on Christ” which is really putting the Holy Spirit “upon” us we collectively are the bride of Christ.

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Gal 3:27)

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5 Now he that has wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also has given to us the earnest of the Spirit. (2 Cor 5:1-5)

In whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Eph 2:22)

[3] The marriage supper of the Lamb is the New Covenant celebration of “breaking bread from house to house” (Acts 2:46). It is a covenant meal which proclaims blessing to those in the bride- NT reality/Heavenly Jerusalem/Mt Sion etc:

…the Lord’s supper [deipnon]. (1 Cor 11:20)

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper [deipneo], saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:19-20)

To the Laodiceans:

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup [deipneo] with him, and he with me. (Rev 3:20)

Chapter 19:10

10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said to me, See you do it not: I am your fellowservant, and of your brethren that have the testimony [marturia] of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony [marturia- evidence given] of Jesus is the spirit [pneuma- breath, wind] of prophecy.

- Don’t worship angels and supernatural experiences.

- Angels are our brothers…

- True prophetic testifies of and focuses on Jesus.

Chapter 19:11-13

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 make war. [1]

12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. [2]

[1] We’ve seen the white horse rider before (Rev 6:2). Jesus led the wrathful judgement against the land (the whore) and Jesus also leads the victorious conquering of the nations.

- Messiah the King: “And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins” (Is 11:5)

[2] This is Jesus:

- “his eyes were as a flame of fire” (Rev 1:14)

- “on his head a golden crown” “a crown was given unto him” (Rev 14:14, 6:2)

- “the Word was God” (John 1:1)

Chapter 19:14-16

14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. [1]

15 And out of his mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron [2]: and he treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. [3]

16 And he has on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. [4]

[1] “not I, but Christ lives in me:” (Gal 2:20) “in Christ”. They who are clothed in Christ (Holy Spirit) mimic Christ.

[2] Jesus smites the nations with His Word which is – “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph 6:17)

“…he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked” (Is 11:4)

[3] Again, it’s Jesus who deals out the wrath as part of His righteous rule.

[4] Remember He is “the prince [archon- chief ruler] of the kings of the earth” and “The kingdoms of this world are [HAVE] become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” (Rev 1:5, 11:15)

Chapter 19:17-19

17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven [mesouranema- mid sky], Come and gather yourselves together to the supper [deipnon] of the great God; [1]

18 That you may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. [2]

19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth [ge], and their armies, gathered [sunago] together [sunago] to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. [3]

[1] “fowls that fly in the midst of heaven” = demons (Mark 4 – birds = Satan comes) - like the demon plague let loose on the land in chapter 9.

- In stark contrast to the blessing to the bride, this feast is a curse to the whore:

Now thanks be to God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 15 For we are to God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death to death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? (2 Cor 2:14)

[2] The “fowls”/demons are let loose (through men) to “eat the flesh” of those who oppose Christ.

[3] Satan, through the Romans and their allies (the kings of the land) is at “war against him that sat on the horse [Jesus], and against his army [the church]”.

- Satan’s fowl/demons are “gathered together” through men to attack Christ and His people but remember “the earth [ge-land (Israel)] opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood” (Rev 12:16):

For as the lightning comes out of the east, and shines even to the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered [sunago] together [sunago]. 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days… (Matt 24:27-29)

Chapter 19:20-21

20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. [1]

21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth [2]: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. [3]

[1] The beast (Rome) and false prophet (Israel’s false leaders) were “cast alive [zao]” into “the lake of fire”. They were definitively judged and determined to “torments”/“everlasting fire” but would fully arrive there at death (Luke 16:23, Matt 25:41).

- Just as we are definitively in the Kingdom of Heaven, but will eventually continue there fully and completely, so it is with the wicked and there pending hellish torment.

[2] The Word of God is what slays men who reject Him; death and hell are merely a follow up slaying.

[3] The demon plague is let loose to devour those who are not sealed servants of Christ.

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

The focus of this teaching is to promote the biblical truth that Christ’s Kingdom is active and increasing right now on this earth, in this age. Erroneous eschatology has detracted from this truth in many circles of the Christian faith.

All of the major eschatological (study of how things end) passages are covered but the end of the world is not the important issue and true eschatology is merely a means to an end- Christ Himself as King of kings. Though we will look at the glorious end of earthly history from time to time, we will more so continually use the scriptures to interpret the scriptures and arrive at the present victorious Kingdom of Christ.

For most Christians this teaching will challenge you deeply in your understanding of the New Covenant and Christ’s Kingdom as well as liberate you greatly in the truth of His Word.

Revelation chapter 18 

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Chapter 18:1-3

18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth [ge- in contrast 2 heaven] was lightened with his glory.

2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation [katoiketerion] of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird [1].

3 For all [pas] nations [ethnos] have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, [2] and the kings of the earth [ge] have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth [ge] are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. [3]

* Jerusalem has become the new Babylon

For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. 26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. (Gal 4:21-26)

In Is 1:2-10 – Israel/Jerusalem is called Sodom and Gomorrah… but they had been gone for many years.

[1] In chpt 9 we saw a plague of demons loosed into Jerusalem/Judea; In chpt 17 we saw the whore (MYSTERY, BABYLON…) judged; now chpt 18 flows on by declaring that Babylon/Israel is fallen and has become utterly demonised.

- Habitation – katoiketerion:

In whom you also are builded together for an habitation [katoiketerion] of God through the Spirit. (Eph 2:22)

“synagogue of Satan” (Rev 2:9, 3:9)

- “hateful bird” – Mark 4:4, 15.

[2] All of the nations of the Empire had been drunkenly deceived by Jerusalem/Israel’s harlotry.

[3] Kings and merchants of ge – the land (of Judea) or – earthly in contrast to heavenly.

Chapter 18:4-8

4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues. [1]

5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.

6 Reward her even as she rewarded you [2], and double to her double according to her works: in the cup which she has filled fill to her double.

7 How much she has glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she says in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judges her. [3]

[1] Exegesis – first fruits church come out of Jerusalem/Judea. Isegesis – come out of a religious system which has become apostate, albeit appearing to be ok.

[2] “Rewarded you”- the church’s persecutions or 30 pieces of silver (slave) for Jesus (see Zech 11:12-13 & Matt 26:14-16, 27:3-10)

[3] “death” “mourning” “famine” “burned with fire” – sounds like a read through The Wars of the Jews by Josephus.

- again, it’s the Lord who is judging the whore

Chapter 18:9-10

9 And the kings of the earth [ge], who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her [1], when they shall see the smoke of her burning, [2]

10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is your judgment come.

[1] “the kings of the ge” – ge- land of Judea or ge- earth in contrast to heaven.

[2] Again, read Josephus about Jerusalem’s end. ########### quotes re fire#########

Chapter 18:11-13

11 And the merchants of the earth [ge] shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buys their merchandise any more:

12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

People came from “every nation under heaven” to live and worship in Jerusalem (Acts 2:5). Jesus drove out traders from the temple (John 2:13-16). God had made Jerusalem great throughout the nations which attracted much commerce in the city and its surrounds.

Chapter 18:14-19

14 And the fruits that your soul lusted after are departed from you, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from you, and you shall find them no more at all.

15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

16 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! [1]

17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought [2]. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. [3]

[1] The “great city” decked out like royalty and priestly. Check out the temple trappings.

[2] “in one hour” – hour means a critical time- “mine hour is not yet come” (John 2:4)

[3] The shipmasters etc represent the nations afar off who traded with her (international trade). Also, perhaps the sea again is symbolic of the multitudes of the nations under Rome who the whore sat on and traded with.

- Babylon/Jerusalem has become “desolate [eremoo]” – “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate [eremos]” (Matt 23:38)

Chapter 18:20-24

20 Rejoice over her, you heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets; for God has avenged you on her. [1]

21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea [2], saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in you; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in you; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in you;

23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in you; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in you: [3] for your merchants were the great men of the earth [ge]; for by your sorceries [pharmakeia] were all nations deceived. [4]

24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth [ge- land (of Israel)]. [5]

[1 & 5] Again it is clarified who this is by the mention of her killing the prophets and saints and “all that were slain upon the ge [land (of Israel)]”. Again, Matt 23 directs this vengeance clearly towards Israel. Luke 21 calls it “the days of vengeance” (Luke 21:22).

[2] “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt 18:6).

[3] We’ve seen that Babylon is “Jerusalem which now is” (or then was). She is now made desolate

[4] sorceries = spiritual crookness. All the nations which went to Jerusalem to worship at the temple were deceived into worshipping false gods despite the fact that they were calling on the right name.

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

The focus of this teaching is to promote the biblical truth that Christ’s Kingdom is active and increasing right now on this earth, in this age. Erroneous eschatology has detracted from this truth in many circles of the Christian faith.

All of the major eschatological (study of how things end) passages are covered but the end of the world is not the important issue and true eschatology is merely a means to an end- Christ Himself as King of kings. Though we will look at the glorious end of earthly history from time to time, we will more so continually use the scriptures to interpret the scriptures and arrive at the present victorious Kingdom of Christ.

For most Christians this teaching will challenge you deeply in your understanding of the New Covenant and Christ’s Kingdom as well as liberate you greatly in the truth of His Word.

Revelation chapter 17 

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Chapter 17:1-2

17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying to me, Come here; I will show to you the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many waters: [1]

2 With whom the kings of the earth [ge] have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth [ge] have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. [2]

Rev 14:8 & 16:19 have already introduced the whore city Babylon.

[1] This whore is the nation and land which is being judged by the “seven angels” with “the seven vials” in chapter 16.

- Whore/harlot is used in scripture for a nation who has turned from God to other gods and idolatry:

The LORD said also to me in the days of Josiah the king, Have you seen that which backsliding Israel has done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there has played the harlot. (Jer 3:6)

Harlot = apostate Israel/Jerusalem - Is 1:1-31 (read 3-10, 21), Jer 2:1-37, Jer 3:1, 3:6, 3:8, Ezek 16:15, 16:16, 16:28, 16:31, 16:35, 16:41, Hos 2:1-3:5, Hos 4:1-19, Amos 7:1-17.

Harlot = Israel and Samaria - Ezek 23:1-49, Mic 1:1-14.

Harlot = Tyre- Is 23:15-16.

Harlot = Ninevah- Nah 3:4.

There are numerous references to add to this list which don’t use the word harlot, but do however, use harlot terminology to describe apostate Israel (God’s then covenant people).

- She “sits upon many waters” because she is allied to the sea beast who rules the oikoumene (also, see v 15…).

[2] The word ge is used to mean a specific city/land or the earth/land at different times. It is also presenting a contrast to the celestial geography like- “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col 3:2).

- fornication for a nation was generally idolatry…

- The reason that people had “been made drunk with the wine of her fornication” was because they had converted to Judaism or partaken in their sacrifices when they were apostate.

You have also committed fornication with the Egyptians your neighbours, great of flesh; and have increased your whoredoms, to provoke me to anger. 27 Behold, therefore I have stretched out my hand over you, and have diminished your ordinary food, and delivered you to the will of them that hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, which are ashamed of your lewd way. 28 You have played the whore also with the Assyrians, because you were insatiable; yea, you have played the harlot with them, and yet could not be satisfied. 29 You have moreover multiplied your fornication in the land of Canaan to Chaldea; and yet you were not satisfied herewith. 30 How weak is your heart, says the Lord GOD, seeing you do all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman; 31 In that you build your eminent place in the head of every way, and make your high place in every street; and have not been as an harlot, in that you scorn hire; 32 But as a wife that commits adultery, which takes strangers instead of her husband! 33 They give gifts to all whores: but you give your gifts to all your lovers, and hire them, that they may come to you on every side for your whoredom… (Ezek 16:26-63)

- “drunk” – make nations confused in their view of God due to religious mixture.

Chapter 17:3-6

3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. [1]

4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: [2]

5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. [3]

6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: [4] and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. [5]

[1] “the wilderness” is a dry barren place in contrast to Eden.

- Satan “seven heads and ten horns” (Rev 12:3) Sea beast/Rome – “ten horns and seven heads” (13:1); The whore sits on Rome who sits on Satan…

- Also, remember that the whore “sits upon many waters” (1); she rides on the oikoumene of Rome due to her 666 allegiance with it. The scarlet beast is Rome but also Satan.

[2] Her “purple and scarlet” = royalty and “gold…” are due to her “golden cup” of abominations” and “fornication”.

[3] Apostate Israel is now symbolically “BABYLON… MOTHER OF HARLOTS” due to her idolatry despite her knowledge of God.

“But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.” (Gal 4:26)

Nebuchadnezzar – “your God is a God of gods…” (2:47) “there is no other God that can deliver after this sort” (3:29) Darius – “in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel” (6:26)

[4] As we’ve seen – it is Jerusalem & Israel who have killed the prophets and Jesus, and it is them who initiated and drove the persecutions of the church (read Acts) also:

…Wherefore, behold, I send to you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them you shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall you scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city… (Matt 23:31-36)

[5] “I wondered [thaumazo] with great admiration” - “all the world wondered [thaumazo] after the beast” (13:3) The Dragon, the Beast and the whore are all seductive; even John felt the wonder.

Chapter 17:7-8

7 And the angel said to me, Wherefore did you marvel [thaumazo]? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns. [1]

8 The beast that you saw was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition [2]: and they that dwell on the earth [ge- land] shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. [3]

[1] Clear revelation is what stops the bride from marvel/wondering after the whore.

[2] As in verse 3 the beast is Satan and Rome. As we’ve already seen, Rome (Sea Beast) is the Empire and the Caesars and can be a specific Caesar.

The Empire

- “was” – from Caesar to Nero

- “is not” – the year of four Emperors

- “shall ascend…” – with Vespasian

Personified (Ford’s comment mixed with mine) (maybe???)

- “was” – Vespasian was in favour with Nero

- “is not” – he fell from favour

- “shall ascend…” – he was restored (as Caesar) by the demonic influence

- “go into perdition [apoleia – sim to Rev 9:11 Apollyon from the pit]” – Satan who is the driving force here did “ascend” from the pit but was sure to be put back there.

[3] “they that dwell on the ge – [land (of Israel] shall wonder [thaumazo]” – the Jews were seduced by the beast (Satan/Rome/false prophet/whore)

- They are seduced because their “names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world” – God foreknew that they would not yield.

Chapter 17:9-10

9 And here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits. [1]

10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he comes, he must continue a short space. [2]

[1] As we saw in 13 the “seven mountains” are the famous seven hills of Rome.

- “on which the woman sits” – She sits on the Roman Empire who has seven hills.

[2] “seven kings” – Caesars

- “five are fallen” – Julius, Augustus, Tiberius, Gaius/Caligula, Claudius. (Q Julius as first Caesar see TDOV p436 note 15) http://www.roman-britain.org/people/_caesars.htm

- “one is” – Nero (the sixth Caesar)

- “the other is not yet come” “he must continue a short space” – Galba (reigned for less than seven months)

Chapter 17:11

11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the [Gk- an] eighth, and is of the seven, and goes into perdition.

“the beast that was, and is not” - We saw in verse 8 that this is Vespasian:

“The beast that you saw was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition” (8)

- “he is the eighth” – (TBOR- Gentry p 96-98 – Gk “an eighth” #1 see below) The Julio-Claudian line of Caesars ended with Nero. The year of four Caesars was a dead point for Rome (#2 see below). It was under Vespasian that stability came back in Rome.

- “is of the seven” – He (Vespasian) is a Caesar as much as the first seven even though he’s not from the Julio-Claudian line (they started the Empire).

Chapter 17:12-13

12 And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength to the beast.

- “ten horns … ten kings” Rulers subject to first century Rome.

- Possibly the ten provinces of Rome -

- Chilton – ten = manyness in the Bible. “the totality of those allied or subject kings who aided Rome in her wars both on Judaism and Christianity” (Terry)

- They have “one mind” because they are in allegiance to Rome.

Chapter 17:14

14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome [nikao] them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Satan has always purposed to set men against God and His Christ:

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed… (Ps 2:2)

Satan, through Jewish leaders (land beast/false prophet) and Rome (seven heads) and its allies (ten horns) is spiritually waring “with the Lamb” but He overcome nikao.

On spiritual war/persecution: Eusebius says of Nero that he “took up arms against the God of the universe” and that he was “the first to be heralded as a conspicuous fighter against God” (The History of the Church, Eusebius p 104)

- Jesus overcomes them by deflecting the “flood” against the apostates who are spurring on the attack- Israel:

And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And the earth [ge- land (of Israel)] helped the woman, and the earth [ge] opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. (Rev 12:15-16)

Chapter 17:15-18

15 And he said to me, The waters which you saw, where the whore sits, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. [1]

16 And the ten horns which you saw upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. [2]

17 For God has put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. [3]

18 And the woman which you saw is that great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth [ge- land]. [4]

[1] Jerusalem the whore sat on the Roman beast. Her allegiance to Rome gave her influence throughout the whole Roman oikoumene. They had synagogues in every city and they had people come from “every nation under heaven” to worship at the temple (Acts 2:5).

[2] Due to the Jews stopping sacrifices for Rome, Rome and its allies did “hate the whore” and fulfilled this verse completely, even in that they did “burn her with fire”.

[3] This is clearly God’s show, He is calling the shots in history and even such a mammoth event is not outworked except to fulfil God’s Word’s.

[4] “that great city” – Jerusalem (Rev 11:8, 14:8, 16:19)

- “reigns over the kings of the earth” – not politically but spiritually (albeit with spiritual harlotry). Israel had pre-eminence among all nations when she obeyed the covenant.

#1 An eighth

An Objection Considered

From The Beast of Revelation (Gentry) p 96-98

The reference to the “eighth” king in revelations 17:11 has caused some commentators to stumble here. There we read: “And the beast which was and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is one of the seven”. In response to a view such as I am presenting, some commentators note that the eighth emperor of Rome was actually Otho, the second of the rulers during Rome’s awful civil wars. Thus, they point out, this head does not refer to Vespasian. Given the interpretive approach presented above, it would appear that the eighth head (according to my calculation) is one of the destroying elements of Rome, not one who actually stabilised the empire, causing its revival. Consequently the supposed imagery fails.

This problem does not, however, undermine the view I have presented. In an important sense the revival of the Empire under Vespasian, was a revival under “an eighth,” who is, nevertheless, “of the seven.” The same Roman Empire is coming back to life from the death of the civil wars – not some new empire. John’s concern particularly regards the contemporaneous events: the Roman civil wars that occurred within the compass of the reign of the seven kings. The eighth is beyond his most pressing and immediate concern (although it is not unimportant) and thus is not specified and detailed.

Consulting the Greek text alleviates any apparent tension in this understanding. Exegetically, the chronological line of heads/kings is spoken of with careful exactness by use of the definite article, “the.” That is, if we translate John with exact literalness, he writes of the “kings” (emperors) in revelation 17:10 as follows: “the five fell, the one is, the other not yet come, and whenever he comes a little [while] him it behoves to remain.”

But John conspicuously (in the Greek) drops the definite article when he mentions the eighth head/king in Rev 17:11: “And the beast which was and is not, even he an eighth is.” The definite article that clearly and repeatedly defined the chronological series of head/kings (“the five,” “the one,” “the one to come”) vanishes before the eighth is mentioned. Thus, this eighth king is “an eighth,” i.e. it refers not to any one particular individual, but to the revival of the Empire itself under one who is outside of the originally specified seven kings. The Roman Empire is arising from ruin.

(Left out passage about eighth day = resurrection)

Here in rev 17, John originally sees “seven” heads, but suddenly an “eighth” appears. The eighth head is something new, in that the original vision only presents seven kings. This reestablishment of the Roman Empire under Vespasian offers a new beginning (the Julio-Claudian line was gone; the Flavian line established) and a revival of the Roman Empire, which had been through death throes. That recovery will come shortly after the demise of the original seven when an eighth arises.

#2 The year of four Emperors

Nero’s suicide in 68 AD left the government of the Roman Empire spinning out of control. Roman armies from different provinces marched on Rome to claim their commander as the next princeps. This chaos leads to what historians call the “year of four emperors”.

The first to take the throne was the elderly Galba, who was in his 70’s. Galba had been the governor of Spain and had promised the Praetorian Guard, along with the military, a large sum of money if they would throw in with those he supported in the rebellion against Nero.

As soon as Galba took the title of emperor of Rome, he found that he could not keep his promise to either the army or the Praetorian Guard. The reason he could not pay what he had promised was that the Roman Empire was broke. The military was in no mood to hear any more excuses so after seven months as emperor, one of his rivals, Otho, saw his chance and bribed the Praetorian Guard to murder the emperor Galba.

Otho knew he was the next emperor when a soldier with the rank of private brought Galba’s head to Otho with his thumb thrust into the mouth.

To say that Otho had a propensity for being decadent would be an understatement. His reputation was made during his time with Nero, and it followed him for the rest of his life, which was not very long.

The best that can be said for Otho is that he tried to make peace between all the armies, but it did not work. The legions of the Rhine and Gaul wanted their commander, Aulus Vitellius, to be emperor and these legions marched on Rome to prove it. A full-scale civil war was imminent and to avoid it, Otho at age 37 and on the 57^th day of his reign, committed suicide, probably the noblest act of his otherwise miserable, self-indulgent life.

Vitellius became emperor according to the wishes of the Rhine and Gaul legions and as Dr. Eric Nelson points out, “you can’t say enough bad about Vitellius.” Historians describe Vitellius as the reincarnation of the very worst traits of Caligula, Claudius, Nero, and Galba. He was a murdering butcher, drunkard, glutton and wasteful with money. His total bill in just food, during his short reign, was 9 million sesterces and that was just for dining! The average soldier earned about 900 sesterces a year. What Vitellius paid in just food would have paid the salaries of 1000 soldiers for 10 years.

Vitellius’ excesses were the excuse for the legions of the east were looking for to rebel, because they wanted their commander, Titus Flavius Vespasianus, to ascend the throne and take the title of emperor. The eastern legions ceased their repression of the burgeoning rebellion in Judah and returned to Rome with the intent cleaning up the cesspool there.

When Vitellius heard that Vespasian was marching on Rome, he tried to abdicate the throne but Vitellius’ supporters refused to allow him to resign. When Vespasian’s brother, Sabinus, and his friends heard what was happening they tried to seize the throne from Vitellius, but Vitellius heard of the plot and had them killed.

Within two days Vespasian’s army had fought their way into Rome. Disguised as a commoner and a huge money belt hidden under his cloths Vitellius tried to sneak out of Rome, but his odious plan was discovered and he was caught.

Again according to Suetonius, Vitellius “begged to be placed in safe custody, even if that meant prison, because he had something to say concerning the welfare of Vespasian. Instead, his hands were tied behind him, a noose was fastened round his neck and amid cheers and abuse the soldiers dragged him, half-naked, with his clothes in tatters, along the Sacred Way to the Forum. They pulled his head back by the hair, as is done with criminals, and stuck a sword-point under the chin, to force him to expose his face and not lower it. Dung and filth were hurled at him, also such epithets as ‘Fire-raiser’ and ‘Glutton’, and his bodily defects were resoundingly mocked. The soldiers then put him through the torture of the little cuts before finally killing him near the Stairs of Mourning. Then they dragged his body to the Tiber with a hook and threw it in.” http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig6/case6.html

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

The focus of this teaching is to promote the biblical truth that Christ’s Kingdom is active and increasing right now on this earth, in this age. Erroneous eschatology has detracted from this truth in many circles of the Christian faith.

All of the major eschatological (study of how things end) passages are covered but the end of the world is not the important issue and true eschatology is merely a means to an end- Christ Himself as King of kings. Though we will look at the glorious end of earthly history from time to time, we will more so continually use the scriptures to interpret the scriptures and arrive at the present victorious Kingdom of Christ.

For most Christians this teaching will challenge you deeply in your understanding of the New Covenant and Christ’s Kingdom as well as liberate you greatly in the truth of His Word.

Revelation chapter 16 

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Chapter 16:1

16:1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth [ge- land (of Israel)].

* great voice – “a great voice, as of a trumpet” (1:10) It is Jesus who commands the angels to “pour out the vials of the wrath of God”.

- In 15:5 the temple was open to testify against the apostates; here we see God commanding from the temple that the recompense of that witness be poured out on the land of Israel (which has been cleared of covenant people).

* verse 6 again verifies the predominant use of ge in Revelation as the land of Israel/Jerusalem as it was them who “shed the blood of saints and prophets”.

Chapter 16:2

2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth [ge]; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

- “upon the land [ge]” = Israel/Jerusalem

- Egypt’s sixth plague: boils (Ex 9:8-12)

- First trumpet – on the land, third of trees n grass scorched (Rev 8:7)

The LORD will smite you with the botch [ulcer, boil] of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof you can not be healed. (Deut 28:27)

- “the mark” – allegiance. “his image” - eikon, i-kone – statue, resemblance

Chapter 16:3

3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man; and every living soul died in the sea.

Sea = a multitude when not named. The sea/multitude of apostates.

- Egypt’s first plague = bloody waters (Ex 7:17-21)

- Second trumpet – On the sea, third blood, third creatures die, third ships destroyed (Rev 8:8-9)

- Josephus’ account of the great tribulation also tells of a few occasions where bodies of water were stained with blood and littered with bodies.

Chapter 16:4-7

4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. [1]

5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, You are righteous, O Lord, which are, and was, and shall be, because you have judged thus.

6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink; for they are worthy [axios- deserving] [2].

7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments.

[1] Egypt’s first plague = bloody waters (Ex 7:17-21)

- Third trumpet – on rivers, third water wormwood (Rev 8:10-11)

[2] “the blood of saints and prophets” – Jews (2 Chron 36:15-16, Acts 7:51-52, Matt 23:29-38, Rev 17:5-6, 18:24, Luke 13:33)

- Also, partially the Romans who physically shed blood of saints and themselves were present in the land (ge) while this carnage was happening (more in verse 10).

Chapter 16:8-9

8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given to him to scorch men with fire.

9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which has power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

- Perhaps a reverse of Egypt’s ninth plague = darkness (Ex 10:21-23)

- Sodom and Gom**************************************************

- Fourth trumpet- third of sun, moon & stars – darkness (Rev 8:12)

Also, fire from heaven on God’s enemies…???

- if the peeps of sod and Gom they would have repented…

- Remember, it was “God, which has power over these plagues”

Chapter 16:10-11

10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat [thronos- a stately seat, a potentate] of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness [1]; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. [2]

[1] Egypt’s ninth plague = darkness (Ex 10:21-23) eighth plague = locusts (Ex 10:4-20)

- Fifth trumpet – locust/demon plague