BRAZEN BELIEVERS – Heaven Meets Earth – Part 3 (Oneness)

BRONZE PEGS – HELD TOGETHER

One way the church lines up with Yeshua (i.e., Jesus) is to function in the way he has designed the body to work.  All the pegs around the court and in the tabernacle itself were made of bronze (Exodus 27:19, 38:20). A peg is a small, pointed or tapered piece used to pin down or fasten things.  This means that the only things that held the wilderness tabernacle and its court together were these bronze pegs.

We, each member of the body, holds together the church through the perfect bond of unity love (Col 3:14), which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Each member of the Christ’s body is not only necessary, but valued. Christians must be in relationship with God and each other to properly function as His body.  “Let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly.] Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its function], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16 Amplified).

Some things to notice about pegs (i.e., Christians).  Pegs must work where they are placed.  The Master carpenter puts in all the pegs and He doesn’t misplace even one.  Do you think the construction of God’s spiritual house looks somewhat like a house being constructed here on earth?

Let’s explore the seven-fold unity of God’s house with a construction site twist. God’s Body, which is also His house, is currently ONE both in heaven and on earth.  “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-7):

[1]     One God and Father, the architect, contractor and owner of the church building, gives us the materials for the structure (Ephesians 1:17).  Father designs the house, takes all the risk, and wills it to be the best building ever through love.

[2]     One Lord, the chief cornerstone of the foundation (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:6, Ephesians 2:20), is the supplier or middleman for the substance of the building. Jesus allows the building to exist and it is by Him it is made (1 Corinthians 8:6; John 1:3).

[3]    One Spirit, the mortar between and within the living stones, holds the building together (Ephesians 3:16; Ephesians 4:3). The Holy Spirit also seals the house against storms, weather and abuse (Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 4:30).

[4]    One Faith, helps the building grow continually into the full image of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). Faith is the substance of the entire house from the blueprints to the upgrades.  It is a continual refining process.

[5]    One Hope is the purpose of the building and its furnishings which are rare, priceless, yet sturdy (Ephesians 1:18; Romans 5:5).  Hope is the functionality of the building now and in the future.

[6]    One Baptism christens the building by naming it and each stone contained in the building (Rev 2:17).  The entire building, the church, has been dedicated in one awesome ceremony the cross.  Yet, the stones are continually dedicated by ceremony, baptized by water, by Spirit and by fire, one by one.  These living stones have been set apart for God’s use only.  They can’t be in two buildings at once (Matthew 6:24).

[7]    One Body is the living stone themselves (1 Peter 2:5), the individual believers making up the church universal.  These living stones are interlocking with different shapes, sizes, and colors (Ephesians 2:21; Ephesians 4:16) and are subject to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22-24).  These stones don’t place themselves.  They do not have a choice whether they will be in front, behind, on the left, on the right, above or below.  Each stone is a miniature of the whole (Ephesians 1:23), yet fits perfectly in place as designed by the Father (Ephesians 2:22).

The church shouldn’t worry if things get a little messy. Construction site have boards here, nails there, etc.  We are only building materials anyway.  Why don’t we let the contractor worry about the mess?  It is His project anyway.

Coming at the bronze pegs from another angle we can see a powerful way the house of God, the Body, functions.  The Lord said, “My house shall be called a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13). I believe that the inspired prayers of the saints have unified the Body throughout the ages: “pray at all times…with … perseverance for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).  Joints and ligaments are hidden parts of the body and are crucial to its stability, strength, and movement. Intercessors are hidden members of the body. Prayer stabilizes the church against the onslaught of the enemy, strengthens it through joy, and enables the body to move where the head wants to it to go.  The Father is just waiting for us to agree on earth with what has been proclaimed in heaven by Jesus through His Holy Spirit. The church will rise up in the power and authority of Christ when it is one in Christ.

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AUTHOR’S NOTE

This is the day when God is unearthing treasures previously kept in darkness and uncovering hidden wealth previously kept in secret places. “I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze, and cut through the iron bars. I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden wealth of secret places, in order that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name” (Isaiah 45:2-3). The Lord our God is unlocking the chambers of His vast treasure house, which speak of mysteries that have been in His heart for eternity. He’s opening the heights of the heavens and the depths of the earth.

One of these treasures of the deep is the understanding of the Biblical concepts associated with copper. Although my New American Standard Bible uses the word “bronze,” in Hebrew it actually means “copper.” My BRAZEN BELIEVERS study that will be published in parts (Check out Part 1 – HEAVEN’S WILL –http://wp.me/p2k1dQ-55) and PART 2 – SELFLESS LOVE – http://wp.me/p2k1dQ-5e ) is not an exhaustive study, but a tool meant to give you insight and draw you closer to the Lord. We will specifically focus on the picture copper reveals to us as it functioned in the Mosaic (Wilderness) Tabernacle, representing various parts of the Church.

It is significant that copper is the most conductive material on earth, next to silver, due to it having a free electron in its outer electron ring. Copper’s free electron exchanges freely with other conductive elements. In this study, we will see how Brazen Believers should naturally have a part of them that freely exchanges with other conductive materials — those made in God’s image — for that is what our heavenly Father does. We are to be wise, yet be as pure, transparent, vulnerable, sincere, and genuine as possible with others around us.

Technically, bronze is a metal alloy of copper and tin (sometimes other elements), which history records ancient man began using sometime between 4000-3000 BC. I am purposely using the word “bronze” to directly associate the Brazen Altar and Brazen Laver with Brazen Believers. I am also purposely using the word “brazen.” Brazen means to be made of brass, a harsh and loud sound like struck brass, or marked by contemptuous boldness.

Believe it or not, a study of the redemptive qualities of brazen is quite rewarding; but for now let’s just focus on the idea of contemptuous boldness. Contemptuous is a state of being despised and lacking respect. Christians are to be in the world, not of it; and Jesus said we will be hated, rejected and despised by the world, just as He was. The Bible also says “because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear)” (Ephesians 3:12 AMPL). Brazen Believers boldly approach God’s throne of grace. We need to be broken enough before God to speak the truth boldly and not participate with evil motives and intentions. Without brokenness (our flesh being in the heavenly brazier), boldness is simply pride.

Brazen Believers ultimately will only see themselves though Jesus (i.e., Yeshua). They will literally communicate with God, like Moses did, spirit to spirit — face to face.

~ Robin Main

www.sapphirethroneministries.com
www.santa-tizing.com
www.mysticmentoring.com

Written October 24, 1998 – Sapphire Throne Ministries – Robin Main. Copyrighted – If you are going to copy this, please copy it right by giving attributions to this source. Blessings!

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BRAVEN BELIEVERS ARTICLES:

[1] BRAVEN BELIEVERS – Heaven Meets Earth – Part 1 (2013-05-30) => https://sapphirethroneministries.wordpress.com/2013/05/30/brazen-believers-heaven-meets-earth-part-1-heavens-will/

[2] BRAVEN BELIEVERS – Heaven Meets Earth – Part 2 (Selfless Love) => https://sapphirethroneministries.wordpress.com/2013/06/03/brazen-believers-heaven-meets-earth-part-2-selfless-love/

[3] BRAVEN BELIEVERS – Heaven Meets Earth – Part 3 (Oneness) => https://sapphirethroneministries.wordpress.com/2013/06/05/brazen-believers-heaven-meets-earth-part-3-oneness/

[4] BRAVEN BELIEVERS – Heaven Meets Earth – Part 4 (Foundation, Service and Harvest) => https://sapphirethroneministries.wordpress.com/2013/06/18/brazen-believers-heaven-meets-earth-part-4-foundation-service-and-harvest/

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RESOURCES AVAILABLE:

• Ascension Manual book => https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578188511

• Understanding the Order of Melchizedek: Complete Series book => https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Order-Melchizedek-Robin-Main/dp/0998598240/

• MEL GEL Study Guide book => https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578188538/

• MEL GEL Study Guide: Volume 2 book => https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998598232/

• Set of Hebrew Living Letter Flash Cards => https://www.sapphirethroneministries.com/flashcards

• Blazing New Wine of Hanukkah: Bridal Restoration of DNA book => https://www.amazon.com/Blazing-New-Wine-Hanukkah-Understanding-ebook/dp/B010MHNZMK/

• SANTA-TIZING: What’s wrong with Christmas and how to clean it up book => https://www.amazon.com/SANTA-TIZING-Whats-wrong-Christmas-clean/dp/1607911159/ w

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His Divine Building Plan in the Dispensation of the Fullness of Time – 1 of 3

— The Biblical Pattern for a Global Shift in the Divine Order of Earthly Things–

A radically new dispensation has arrived upon the scene of human history every two thousand years since the dawn of time. Don’t let the word dispensation trip you up, because it simply means an administrative system. When the One who is sovereign initiates a new dispensation, God reforms how He manages and runs things on earth.

For several years now, the whole world has become engulfed in an atmospheric (spiritual) climate of change. Simply look and see words like “kingdom,” “shift,” and “change” are in the air. Please realize that the promises that have regulated human affairs for the past two thousand years are not going away, but shifting by a quark or two in order to prepare God’s people for our coming King. God is in charge of this and any shift in the divine order of earthly things, and it affects everything we do and who we are. It literally is a new state of being in Christ. This new state of being will result in the gathering together in one all things in Christ (Ephesians 1:10) – which in a word is One(ness). This fresh new order carries with it a pristine DNA for a new creature, which will produce a new prototype.

The purpose of this divine global shift in earth’s administration is to make adjustments so His resurrected body of believers and His pure and spotless bridal company can come into their fullness.  We have entered a season where an elemental change is occurring so that a corporate body will be prepared for Him (Hebrews 10:5). This new thing – a manifestation of the perfect multi-membered resurrection of Christ’s body – will inaugurate the Age of the Bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7-8) and the Age of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-10) and the Age of the One New Man in the Messiah (Ephesians 2:15) – these three being one as diverse aspects of the same consummation. Please don’t get hung up on gender-specific terms; both men and women are called to be part of the One New Man and the Bride.

The Biblical pattern for each new dispensation is first a precious son volunteers to become a worshipful, sacrificial burnt offering; then gradually a new dwelling place for God is built. Just know that the Creator of our universe started with something wholly natural, but eventually His divine building pattern will culminate in something entirely spiritual.

“The spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual … Just as we have borne the image of the earthly, we will bear the image of the heavenly … flesh and blood can not inherit the Kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 15:46, 49-50 NASB).

Let’s take a closer look at times in the Bible when a precious son volunteers to become a pleasing sacrifice. Notice that each one of the participants is an example of those who volunteer freely in the day of God’s power (Psalms 110:3). They literally present themselves as a Burnt Offering by fire.

The first example presented to us is Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. Some facts hidden in Jewish history about Abraham will help better illuminate our burnt offering picture.

Before Abram became Abraham, he originally shared the idolatrous practices of his father, Terah, who manufactured and sold actual graven images (idols). At the tender age of 13, Abram was personally convicted by the Most High God to cast off all foreign gods, so he smashed all of his father’s idols. Terah was furious, because he had lost a lot of things including time, energy and money; therefore, Terah took his case to the pre-eminent rebel of his time who was the first earthly king – Nimrod. Nimrod, being a law unto himself and the flesh, ruled that Abram was guilty. He had the “defiant” Abram thrown into a fiery furnace. What’s astonishing is that Abram miraculous survived his very close and personal baptism of fire long before Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3).

We then see God’s heart response to Abram’s sincere belief and his obedience in coming out of Babylon by forging a unilateral covenant of faith with him as a prototype for all who believe. The unilateral covenant where Abram was saved through faith by grace was, and is, only dependent on God’s faithfulness (Gen 15). Notice that Abram was asleep when God made His covenant with him. Significantly, God appeared as a flaming torch which passed between Abram’s five split offerings. The number “”five” in Scripture speaks of divine favor and grace.

Always pay attention to the first occurrence of any thing in the Bible, because it sets precedence. Therefore, the first account of a son volunteering to be a sacrifice is when God asked Abraham to take his only son up to Mount Moriah and offer him there as a burnt offering as a voluntary act of worship (Genesis 22). Many of us think back to when we were taught this in Sunday School, and picture Abraham running the show and Isaac being a small boy who unconditionally trusted his father; but Hebrew history records that Abraham was 137-years-old and Isaac was 36 at the time. Knowing their more advanced age brings better clarity on how both participants – both Abraham and Isaac – truly volunteered freely. When Abraham and Isaac willingly ascended Mount Moriah, Abraham (the father) carried the fire and Isaac (his son) carried the wood for the burnt offering on his back. This was a Messianic foreshadow of an unprecedented event fulfilled around two-thousand years later by Jesus and His own Heavenly Father. Abraham built an altar there onMount Moriah, arranged the wood, and placed his only begotten son on top of the wood. When Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son, an angel stopped him at the last moment.

Known as the “akedah” in Hebrew, this was the final test of Abraham’s faith. James chapter 2 says that Abraham’s “faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected,[ i.e. completed]. And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS’ ” (James 2:22-23 NASB). Abraham’s persevered in his faith in God and moved into a more mature state of holding to the testimony of God (Rev 12:17; 14:12). The truth of the matter is if you believe in something, then you will naturally act on that belief and do those things which are consistent with what you believe. Otherwise, your words won’t line up with what you do and you will be known as a hypocrite.

After the akedah, there were several iterations of God’s dwelling place that were built, with one version overlapping the next precious son volunteering to be a sacrifice:

[1]   Wilderness Tabernacle (Built by Moses) – Portable earthly image that served as a copy and shadow of heavenly things to come (Exo 25:40; Heb 8:5)

[2]   Solomon’sTemple (Built by King David’s son)

[3]   Herod’s Temple (Built by an apostate king)

The next Biblical precedence of a precious son volunteering to become a burnt offering is Jesus (i.e., Yeshua). With Yeshua’s death, burial, and resurrection a great slide from the natural toward the supernatural began. Even though there was a new beginning inaugurated at the cross to facilitate a transformation of God’s temple, historically, there was a gradual turning so God’s people could transition into the new dispensation. The dispensation begun by Jesus’s baptism of fire (Matthew 3:11) – his crucifixion – was:

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Galatians 4:4-5 NIV).

The promise of the new dispensation inaugurated at the cross was, and still is, the adoption of sons (i.e. restoration of fellowship). This promise was the first great quickening (Romans 8:11; Ephesians 2:5). It’s an eternal promise; therefore, it will continue. Right now, we have a fresh dispensation dawning, which encompasses and expands on everything that has gone before it.

“that in the dispensation of the fullness of time He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth – in Him” (Ephesians 1:10 NIV).

The new dispensation in our day speaks of gathering together in one all things in Christ. It should be another quantum leap in the spiritual direction, which should result in something enveloped by something completely heavenly. Something like: a holy city, the Lamb’s (Bridegroom’s) wife, the Bride, New Jerusalem “coming down from God out of heaven” (Revelation 21:2). Something like: the mature HEAD of Christ (Revelation 1:14) spiritually being joined to His mature BODY of believers (Ephesians 4:15-16; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). What I do know is that in this fresh dispensation, God is causing us to hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6) as well as hating mixture (Revelation 3:15-16). He is causing us to want to be just like Jesus. To move just like Him. To live just like Him. To be just like Him. In order to do this, we will have to diligently and consistently choose to walk in the same manner that Jesus did (1 John 2:6).

~ Robin Main

www.sapphirethroneministries.com
www.santa-tizing.com
www.mysticmentoring.com

Copyright January 2012 – Sapphire Throne Ministries – Robin Main

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RESOURCES AVAILABLE:
.
• Ascension Manual book => https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578188511

• Understanding the Order of Melchizedek: Complete Series book => https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Order-Melchizedek-Robin-Main/dp/0998598240/

• MEL GEL Study Guide book => https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578188538/

• MEL GEL Study Guide: Volume 2 book => https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998598232/

• Set of Hebrew Living Letter Flash Cards => https://www.sapphirethroneministries.com/flashcards

• Blazing New Wine of Hanukkah: Bridal Restoration of DNA book => https://www.amazon.com/Blazing-New-Wine-Hanukkah-Understanding-ebook/dp/B010MHNZMK/

• SANTA-TIZING: What’s wrong with Christmas and how to clean it up book => https://www.amazon.com/SANTA-TIZING-Whats-wrong-Christmas-clean/dp/1607911159/ w

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