Time to Chew "Biblebytes" Bible Studies
The Preparation of the Bride, by Helen 1 word pad page per week.
Most RECENT appears at the top
Date: Monday, April 18, 2005 at 10:19:50 (CDT)
Page No :4
Study: Study 18......................Preparation of the Bride.....................Song of SongsThrough this "hand" ministry, the Lord of Glory will satisfy the desire of every living thing. When the Lord sends forth this "hand" ministry at the time of our final redemption at Christ's return, creation itself will be delivered from satanic bondage and will enter into the liberty of the glory of God's children. Rom. 8:19-23.
18. With what were her Beloved's hands set? Song 5: 14.
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In searching for what beryl represents in the Word, we find a numerical value from its appearance in both the breastplate of the High Priest and in the founda- tion stones of the Holy City. We find that the beryl stone is:
* in the 4th row of the breastplate. Ex. 28:20.
* it is the 10th stone of the breastplate. Ex. 28:20
* and it is the 8th stone in the Holy City..Rev. 21:20.
The numbers signify the following:
4=the completion of the New Creation.
10=the fulness of testing
8=resurrection.
The beryl stone signifies that through the fulness of testing, the New Creation will be completed and will go forth in the power of the resurrection. It is a green color which also signifies eternal or never ending resurrection life.
19. The fact that resurrection power was a goal to run toward and attain is eveident in the teaching of Paul, for what did Paul say was his desire? Phil. 3:10
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20. If we have been united with Him in the likeness of His death, accomplished by the dealings of God through His Spirit, what also can we expect? Rom.6:5.
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Date: Monday, April 11, 2005 at 11:22:30 (CDT)
Page No :3
Study: Study 18....................Preparation of the Bride...................Song of Songs11. What do they speak, and what has God given to them? John 3:34.
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b.________________________________________________________
12. More specifically, what do these rays that were flashing from His hand represent? Job 36:32,33a.
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Lightning in the Scriptures represents the "anointed Word" going forth. We could translate the passage in Hab and Job in this way: "The anointed Word flashes forth from His Sons; He covers His sons with the anointed Word and commands them to strike the mark."
13. Jere. spoke of this anointed Word. How did he describe it? Jere. 23:29.
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14. In a symbolic description of the sons of God given by Eze., what did Eze. say was in the midst of them? Eze. 1:13.
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This anointed Word that is like a fire and like a hammer that shatters the rock, is found deep within the spirit of of the sons of God.
15. Not only did Eze. see this anointed Word abiding in the vessel of the overcomer, but how did he describe their actions? Eze. 1:14.
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Since God's Word islike a fire and like a hammer that shatters a rock, God's people should not hold that Word in, but let it flash forth. They must let the anointed Word go forth from thier mouths like a hammer, buring like-fire and striking the mark, shattering the hardness in peoples lives. They must not only speak His Word, but also live it out. They are His will in action, going forth where the Spirit sends them and speaking the Word which God has given to them.
16.What does David possibly imply concerning this hand ministry? Psa. 145:16
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17. Paul himself refers to God's satisfying of all creation. How does he describe it? Rom. 8:19-21.
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Date: Monday, April 04, 2005 at 11:28:47 (CDT)
Page No :2
Study: Page 2Study 18Preparation of the Bride 4. How does God rule on the earth? Psa. 110:1,2.
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5. Whom may Zion represent? Psa. 125: 1.
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6. How does the New Testament interpret this rule as now taking place? Acts 2:32-36; Eph. 1:20-23.
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God's will in action, then, is to rule by His great power through the lives of those who trust Him...and He desires to do this "right now" in the midst of His enemies. He desires to rule through the divine nature that He has wrought in the hearts of those who are completely His.
Let us look at the hands more specifically and see what truth they reveal about this many-membered man, the sons of God in His image. Remember that "hands" signify in this passage God's will in action...
7. What attitude do those have who rule and reign with Jesus, who are represented by these hands that are as rods of gold ? John 4: 34.
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8. Like Christ, what should they seek? John 5: 30.
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9. What can the Lord say about htem that He also said about David ? Acts 13:22.
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10. What does the prophet Habakkuk prophesy concerning this "hand" ministry, speaking of those who are doers of the Word and who act out God's will ? Hab. 3:4
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b._________________________________________________________
God's power is hidden in His sons who desire to perform all His will.
Date: Monday, March 28, 2005 at 10:52:03 (CST)
Page No :1
Study: Study 18PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE "The King of Glory: His Hands" P>And He....gave Him as the head over all things to the Church, which is His Body, The fulness of Him who fills all in all. Eph. 1: 22,23.Thou dost open Thy hand, And dost satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psa. 145: 161...
So far, the "maiden" has described the Lord of Glory as the all Glorious Head. Each aspect of His character has been related to His position as the HEAD of all things to the church, so describing His head of Gold, His hair, His eyes, His Cheeks, and His lips. The remainder of this revelation speaks of His body, the Church. It speaks of that many-membered man which is growing up into "the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ," Eph. 4:13.
As John, the revelator on the isle of Patmos, received that glorious vision of Jesus and His many-membered man that spoke with the voice of many waters, so also the "maiden" is receiving a deeper revelation of Jesus and those solns of God in His image. Consequently, we will examine the rest of this revelation in light of the "BODY' of Christ...HIs many- membered man suggested by the "maiden" in the Song of Songs...
1. What vision or goal does Jesus desire for His body to attain? Eph. 4: 12,13.
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b.________________________________________________________
c.________________________________________________________
d.________________________________________________________
2. What is His body the Church? Eph. 1:22,23.
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Let us examine His hands in the light of the body of Christ.
3. How does the "maiden" describe her Beloved's hands? Song 5: 14.
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From our previous studies we have learned that:
* the hands represent the will in action.
* the rod represents authority to rule.
* and gold represents the divine nature.
We can conclude that God's will in action is to take His divine authority and rule.
Date: Monday, March 21, 2005 at 10:35:47 (CST)
Page No :8
Study: Study 17........ANSWERS.......Preparation of the Bride.....Song of Solomon12. a. I have not departed from the command of His Lips.
b. I have treasured the words of His mouth, more than my necessary food.
c. I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me.
13. A vision for the appointed time which He was to write down so that others would be instructed.
14. The capitals on top of the pillars were of lily work.
15. He who overcomes.
16. a. Five cubits.
b. Molten bronze.
17. The cast metal sea.
18. a. Ten cubits from brim to brim.
b. Five cubits high.
c. Thirty cubits in circumference.
19. It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, three facing east with their rear parts turned inward.
20. The ministers of the gospel.
21. The preaching of the gospel to the ends of the earth.
22. Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of those.
23. His wisdom.
24. a. Christ, Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
b. Potential to receive all the wealth that comes from the fulll assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery.
End of Study 17...
Date: Monday, March 14, 2005 at 10:46:38 (CST)
Page No :7
Study: Study 17...........ANSWERS...........Preparation of Bride..........Song of Songs1. His lips are lilies, dripping with liquid myrrh.
2. a. Things which eye has not seen.
b. Things which ear has not heard.
c. Things which have not entered the heart of man.
3. God reveals them through His Spirit.
4. By combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.
5. a. It was not in the great strong wind which was redning the mountains and breaking the rock in pieces.
b. It was not in the earthquake.
c. It was not in the fire.
d. It came to him as the sound of a gentle blowing breeze.
6. Thy words were found and I ate them and they were to me a joy and the delight of my heart.
7. He awakesn my ear to listen as a disciple; He has opened my ear.
8. I was not disobedient nor did I turn back..
9. a. My heart stands in awe of thy words.
b. I rejoice at Thy Word, as one who finds great spoil.
10. a. He made him lie down in green pastures.
b. He led him beside still waters.
c. He restored his soul.
d. He guided him in the paths of righteousness.
11. a. Powerful.
b. Majestic.
c. Breaks the cedars (breaks through the soul-life of His Saints.)
d. Makes Lebanon skip like a calf (causes one to rejoice in the dance.)
e. Hews out flames of fire (His Word is like fire, (Purifying).
f. It shakes the wilderness (shaking everything from lives that can be shaken.)
g. Makes the deer to calve (causes His people to reproduce spiritually.)
h. Strips the forest bare (lays beare the thoughts and intentions of the heart, stripping our souls of everything that is fleshly and worldly.
Date: Monday, March 07, 2005 at 10:59:29 (CST)
Page No :6
Study: Study 17PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE 22. Jesus taught His disciples to observe the lilies. What did He say about them? Mt. 6:28,29.
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23. What was a prominent aspect of Solomon's glory? 1 Ki.4:29-34; 1 Ki.10:4-7.
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We under the new covenant have the opportunity of having this same wisdom, because we have Jesus..the source of all wisdom and knowledge dwelling within our hearts. Solomon was a type a Christ, the shadows are here and there.
24. Actually, what do we under the new covenant possess within our vessels, and what potential do we have? Col. 2: 2,3.
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b._________________________________________________________
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A most lovely Song here:
"I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses; And the voice I hear, Falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses...
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share, as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
He speaks and the sound of His Voice, Is so sweet, the birds hush their singing, And the melody, that He gave to me, Within my heart is ringing.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known...
By: C. Austin Miles.
Date: Monday, February 28, 2005 at 10:20:02 (CST)
Page No :5
Study: Study 17......................Preparation of the Bride...................Song of SolomonThe measurements speak to us of a spiritual truth.
10 = fulness of testing.
5 = number of grace.
30=number of consecration for priestly ministry, maturity.
The daily washing of the priests in the cast metal sea is a type of the washing in the water of the Word in order that we as a kingdom of priests may enter into a deeper fellowship and revelation of the Lord.
The meaning of the sea's measurements speaks to us of the same thing. By the grace of God and through the fulness of testing we shall grow up into maturity and be truly consecrated for priestly ministry.
19. Describe the stand on which the cast metal sea rested. 1 Ki. 7:25.
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20. What may the oxen represent ? 1 Tim. 5:18.
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The ox is a broken domesticated animal and represents the one who labors and gives service to the Lord, his will being subjected to the will of the Lord.
21. What do the oxen facing north, south, east, and west represent? Mt. 28:19,20
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The lesson we find hidden here is this: the instruction given to the "maiden" by the still voice of His Spirit is not meant for herself alone, but is to be passed on to the whole world, "teaching them to observe all" that the Lord has commanded her.
The number of oxen and their grouping also reveals to us a spiritual truth.
12 = divine government.
3 = the fulness of God.
We can conclude that these ministers of the gospel go forth into the world under God's divine government in the fulness of the blessing of Christ Rom. 15: 29.
Date: Monday, February 21, 2005 at 09:17:01 (CST)
Page No :4
Study: Study 17........................Preparation of the Bride......................Song of Songs13. As a result of this careful listening and diligent watching, what did the Lord speak to Habakkuk's heart? Hab. 2:2,3.
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14. The "maiden" spoke of her Bridegroom's lips being as lilies dripping with liquid myrrh. In Solomon's temple, what do we find adorned with lily work? 1 Ki. 7:19,22.
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We find that the top of the pillars were crowned and adorned with lily design. The lily design was four cubits in depth. The number four speaks of the completion of the New Creation. Therefore, we learn that the born again man, who is the new creation and who is the crowning glory of God's handiwork, will be adorned with the words of the Lord. Worked into their spirits will be the familiarity of that still small voice, penetrating and gracing their spirits.
15. What does Jesus say that pillars in the temple of God represent? Rev. 3:12.
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16. What was the height of the capitals that were on top of the pillars, and of what were they made? 1 Ki. 7:16.
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b__________________________________________________________
(Bronze is a type of Judgement....Five=God's Grace...
Consequently, by His grace, He has judged the sin in the soul of the "maiden" through the still small voice of His Spirit. He has caused His voice to be wrought within and without the Spirit of His Beloved Bride.
17. What furniture in Solomon's temple was adorned with lily work? 1 Ki. 7:23-26.
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The cast metal sea had the same furniture as the brazen laver in the tabernacle of Moses. It was used for the priests to wash their hands in before entering the Holy Place.
18.Give the dimensions of the cast metal sea. 1 Ki. 7:23
a. Diameter (from brim to brim)___________________________________
b. Height____________________________________________________
c. Circumference_______________________________________________
NOTE: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
CORRECTIONS FROM STUDY 1 THROUGH STUDY 16
Page 5-Study 5-SHOULD BE-Page 5-Study 11
Page 6-Study 11-is listed twice-Page 7-Study-11 is missing here it is...
Page 7 Study 11 Preparation of the Bride Song of Solomon
From the lips of the believer comes wisdom which she has learned from the King. He sees in her the very beauty He has put there. The milk she gives forth is the milk of the Word for sustaining the young in the Lord. 1 Pet. 2: 2.
30. What qualities does the "maiden" display in her life to cause the King to im- part His wisdom to her ? Psa. 81: 11-16.
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31. What does the King say about her garments ? Song 4: 11
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Garments in Scripture speaks of all that has to do with outward attitudes.
32. What has happened in the life of the believer? Psa. 92: 12-15.
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What about you, dear brother and sister in the Lord ? Have you ever had the experience of sensing a certain spiritual quality about a believer from whom there seemed to ooze forth a special spiritual influence over you that you could not find words to describe? That is "fragrance". It is the fruit of a life obedient to the Holy Spirit. This is the end of Study 11....
ANSWERS TO STUDY 11 "THE DESIRE OF THE KING"
1. To the mountains of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.
2. a. The power of His Resurrection.
b. The fellowship of His sufferings.
c. Being conformed to His death.
3. Are you able to drink the cup tha I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?
4. A looking down with Him from the mountain tops.
5. At God's right hand in the heavenly places.
6. Keep seeking the things above, setting your mind on them.
7. The dens of lions and the mountains of leopards.
8. Our struggle is against the rulers, the powers, the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
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Page 10-Study 13 is listed twice
Date: Monday, February 14, 2005 at 10:32:06 (CST)
Page No :3
Study: Study 17.....................Preparation of the Bride......................Song of Solomon11. That voice which is so still and so peacefull can at the same time lay bare the heart. Describe other qualities of that voice. Psa. 29: 4-9. Note: Cedars of Lebanon in the Scripture can be used to describe the righteous man...Psa. 92:12.
a. vs. 4_____________________________________________________
b. " 4_____________________________________________________
c. " _____________________________________________________
d. " 6_____________________________________________________
e. " ______________________________________________________
f. " ______________________________________________________
g. " ______________________________________________________
h. " 9_____________________________________________________
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That precious voice that is so gentle and so peaceful is at the same time packed with power and majesty. That voice, while so kind and loving, is at the same time able to break through our hardness and soulishness and bring about true repentance and brokenness. That voice can cause our hearts to leap up with joy and make our feet to dance before Him. That voice can be as the prophet Jeremiah said, "like a burning fire shut up in my bones."
That voice to our hearts can be like a purifying fire, shaking everything that can be shaken from our lives so that only that which is from His Spirit will remain. That voice can cause His people to reproduce spiritually through guidance and instructions, revealing how to speak the Word of God to the one who is weary and lost.That voice can, as it were, strip the forest bare.This is inferred in Heb.4:12,13:
"For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, Of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, But all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."
12. What was the attitude of Job and the prophet Habakkuk toward the words of their Master, the King of Glory? Job 23:12, Hab. 2:1.
a. Job_____________________________________________________
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b. Job_____________________________________________________
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c. Hab.____________________________________________________
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Date: Monday, February 07, 2005 at 10:46:50 (CST)
Page No :2
Study: Study 17PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE
"The King of Glory; The Lips of the King" It is that still small voice, not audible by the "natural ear", but heard only by the spiritual ear, that can impart things to the spirit of man in a split second of time, the truth of which continues to minister fragrance and sweetness for a lifetime.
6. What did Jeremiah say about the words of the Lord? Jer. 15:16
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7. Speaking of the Spiritual ear, what did the Prophet Isaiah write ? Isa. 50:4,5.
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8. What was his attitude toward what he heard with his spiritual ear? Isa. 50:5
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Likewise, this "maiden's" ear has been awakened by the Lord of glor to listen as a disciple. She was not disobediant, nor did she harden her heart to the things which the Spirit was saying to her.
9. The Psalmist also had an ear awakeded to that still small voice. What did he say about Lord's words to him ? Psa. 119: 161,162.
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b._________________________________________________________
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10. As one who had become tuned in to the voice of God, David heard with spiritual ears. In what ways was the Lord able to commune with David's spirit ? Psa. 23: 1-3.
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c._________________________________________________________
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d._________________________________________________________
Oh, the tranquility of that voice, the calmness of that voice, the peacefulness of that voice...like a cold drink of water on a hot sweltering day: it restores and renews our soul. It guides us down the right path. It stills and quiets our every troubling thought and fear.
Date: Monday, January 31, 2005 at 11:08:50 (CST)
Page No :1
Study: Study 17PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE Song of Songs
THE KING OF GLORY
THE LIPS OF THE KING My heart is inditing a good matter; I speak of the things which I have made touching the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psa. 45: 1,2a. A song of Loves.
1. How does the "maiden" describe her Lord's lips? Song 5: 13.
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Lips are used in Scripture to signify the speech or the words that proceed from the mouth. In a previous study we discovered that one of the properties of "myrrh" is that it is a most fragrant perfume, casting an intoxicating odor. We also learned previously that one of the characteristics of "the lily is its sweet smell." In fact, it is so fragrant that a man's senses will be easily turned with the strength of its aroma. "It is to this overpowering sweetness of aroma that the "maiden" compares the lips of her beloved and the words which dropped from them.
2. What has God prepared for those who love Him? 1 Corin. 2:9.
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b.__________________________________________________________
c.__________________________________________________________
Notice that the things which God has prepared for those who love Him are "things not preceived by the natural senses," things not preceived by the eye or words "heard" by the ear.
3. How then can we know these things, and perceive these words of the Lord that are like lilies and sweet smelling myrrh ? 1 Corin. 2: 10-12.
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4. The Scripture goes on to say that "these things are not found in words taught by man's wisdom," but "taught by the Spirit of God." In what manner does the Spirit of God teach these things to us? 1 Corin. 2: 13.
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It is these spiritual thoughts and spiritual words imparted to the spirit of man that the "maiden" is referring to in this passage.
5. Elijah had an experience with that precious voice of the Spirit of God. Describe the three things in which the Lord's voice was not.Then describe the way the voice of the Lord came to Elijah. 1 Ki. 19: 11-13.
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b._________________________________________________________
c._________________________________________________________
d._________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, January 24, 2005 at 09:46:30 (CST)
Page No :6
Study: Study 16...........ANSWERS CONT...........PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE10. a. High
b. Holy
c. With the contrite.
d. With the lowly of Spirit.
11. a. Righteousness.
b. The upright.
12. a. That he may not reemain in darkness but have light.
b. He will be given the treasures of darkness and the hidden wealth of secret places.
13. They are like doves beside streams of water, bathed in milk and reposed in their setting.
14. The righteous.
15. The Majestic One, the Lord, has become for her a place of rivers and wide canals.
16. a. Water was trickling.
b. Water reaching the ankles.
c. Water reaching the knees.
d. Water reaching the loins.
e. Water enough to swim in, a river that could not be forded.
17. He who believes in Me, from his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water...this water will become a well of water springing up to eternal life.
18. a. They drink their fill of the abundance of the house..
b. The drink of the river of God's delights.
19. From the throne of God and of the Lamb.
20. They will be made glad.
21. All Thy breakers and Thy waves have rolled over me.
22. His cheeks are like a bed of balsam and banks of sweet-scented herbs.
23. He gave His cheeks to those who pluck out the beard and did not cover His face from humiliation and spitting.
24.The Lord God helps Me therefore I am not disgraced and know that I shall not be ashamed.
25. He emptied Himself, took on the form of a bond-servant and humbled Him- self by becoming Obediant to the point of death.
26. Arm yourselves with the same purpose. 27. a. He has ceased from sin.
b. No longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
28. a. He committed no sin.
b. No deceit was found in His mouth.
c. While being reviled, He did not revile in return.
d. While suffering, He uttered no threats.
e. He kept entrusting Himself to God who judges righteously.
End of Study 16
Date: Monday, January 17, 2005 at 10:24:25 (CST)
Page No :5
Study: Study 16..............PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE...........Song of Songs26. Since Jesus has suffered in the flesh, what are we exhorted to do ? 1 Pet. 4:1
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27. What has he who has suffered in the flesh ceased from and how does he live? 1 Pet. 4: 1,2.
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b.__________________________________________________________
28. What example did Jesus leave for us to follow ? 1 Pet. 2: 21-23
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b.__________________________________________________________
c.__________________________________________________________
d.__________________________________________________________
e.__________________________________________________________
In the Lord's cheeks, His Bride sees that example of humility and obediance to the point of deat that Jesus has set before us, and like the Holy One who called her, she is reminded to be holy in all her behavior.
The Hebrew word which the "maiden" uses to refer to the cheeks of her Lord as herbs or spices is "bosem" which means "creating desire". It is the remembrance of Him with the marks of His passion that has caused the redeemed of all ages to cry out, "Draw me after you and let us run together" Song 1: 4. End of Study 16...
ANSWERS Study 16:
1. His locks are like clusters of dates and black as a ravaen.
2. Separation unto God.
3. a. Holy
b. Innocent.
c. Undefiled.
d. Separated from sinners.
e. Exalted above the heavens.
4. He hides Himself.
5. So they would not perish.
6. Darkness, darkness of waters, thick clouds of the sky.
7. No one will see the Lord.
8. That she may share His holiness.
9. The peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Date: Monday, January 10, 2005 at 10:22:36 (CST)
Page No :4
Study: Study 16...............Preparation of the Bride..................Song of Solomon19. From where does such a river flow ? Rev. 22: 1
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Consequently, the believer who is under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and who is allowing His throne to be established in their heart, will have the privilege of drinking from the river of the water of life.
20. What will happen to those who drink from this river ? Psa. 46:4
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The "maiden" has become a holy dwelling place of the Most High. Her God is in the midst of her, and she shall not be moved.
21. How do waves of water illustrate trials in the Psalms ? Psa. 42: 7, this could parallel the earlier trials of the "maiden" before her present experience with her Lord.
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As the water torrent reaches the sea, and can evermore plunge deeper into the fathomless ocean, so now is the "maiden" lifted out of herself to find a limitless capacity in God. It is out of a broken life that deep calls to deep.
22. How does the "maiden" describe her beloved's cheeks ? Song 5: 13.
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23. When Jesus was upon the Earth, to whom did He give His cheeks and from what did He not hide ? Isa. 50: 6.
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24. As He set His face like flint, enduring this type of treatment, what did He know? Isa. 50: 7.
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25. Paul exhorts us to have this same attitude which Jesus had. Summarize this attitude..Phil. 2: 5-8.
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Date: Monday, January 03, 2005 at 10:08:26 (CST)
Page No :3
Study: Study 16..............PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE...............Song of SongsThe eyes are the seat of the Expression or Soul. The expression in the eyes is for, and can be ready by, those who are very close. Words and letters are for those at a distance or in a far-off-country. Here we learn how close to Him this "maiden" has come when she could describe such expression.
As the dove returned to Noah with an olive branch in its mouth, signifying that the waters of the flood had subsided and that the time of the trial was over, so the "maiden" reads in the dove-like eyes of the Lord that her period of testing and trail has come to an end. As the dove fixes its eye only on its mate, so the "maiden" sees that the eyes of the Lord are fixed on her.
15. In comparing her beloved's eyes to doves besides streams of water, what might this imagery suggest concerning the Lord and His Bride ? Isa. 33:21.
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16. We see a picture of this same thing written by Eze. In Eze. vision, what were the stages of the water that was flowing from the "House of God", whose house we are ? Eze. 47: 1-5.
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
c.___________________________________________________________
d.___________________________________________________________
e.___________________________________________________________
17. This is a fulfillment of what promise? John 7:38; John 4:14
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
This spring becomes a fountain that will grow and increase from a well to rivers of living water. This deep pool, produced by an everlasting spring within the believer, will leap up to grasp, comprehend and apprehend that which is eternal, that is, an immortal, deathless, imperishable existence and endless vitality.
18. What do those who take refuge in the shadow of God's wings drink? Psa. 36: 8,9
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
The River of God is given to those in whom God Delights.
Date: Monday, December 27, 2004 at 10:17:15 (CST)
Page No :2
Study: Study 16.............Preparation of the Bride.................Song of Solomon9. Althought discipline does not seem joyful but sorrowful, what does it yield to those who have been trained by it ? Heb. 12: 11.
____________________________________________________________
In like manner, the reference to the Lord's hair (His separation) being as "clusters of dates" refers to that peaceful fruit of righteousness that has been developed in the believer's life through darkness of testing. This testing has come upon the believer that they might be a partaker of God's Holiness and might receive a greater revelation of the Lord.
10. Give 4 characteristics of God's dwelling place. Isa. 57:15..
a. __________________________________________________________
b.__________________________________________________________
c.___________________________________________________________
d.___________________________________________________________
11. What does the Lord love, and who shall behold His face ? Psa. 11:7.
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
12. What promises has the Lord given to those who believe, and trust in Him ? John 12:46; Isa. 45:3.
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Through the discipline of the Holy Spirit the "maiden" has received a "deeper capacity to behold the glory of the Lord and to partake of His Holiness". There- fore, the treasures of God's darkness and the hidden wealth of His secret places have been revealed to her. Consequently, there follows in the "maiden's" Song a deeper revelation of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
13. How does the "maiden" describe His eyes ? Song 5:12.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
14. The eyes of the Lord are toward whom ? Psa. 34:15
_____________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, December 20, 2004 at 10:21:50 (CST)
Page No :1
Study: Study 16PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE
THE KING OF GLORY:
HIS HIDING PLACE, THE WATER OF LIFE,
HIS HUMILITY AND OBEDIANCE "One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord,all the days of my Life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to meditate in His Temple. Psa.27:4.
1. How does the "maiden" describe her Lord's hair ? Song 5:11.
___________________________________________________________
2. What may long locks of hair represent in the Old Testament ? Num. 6: 5-9
___________________________________________________________
Long Hair, then, suggests separation unto God.
3. In what way was Jesus separate from man? Heb. 7:26
a. _________________________________________________________
b.__________________________________________________________
c.__________________________________________________________
d.__________________________________________________________
e.__________________________________________________________
4. Because of God's Holiness, what does He do ? Isa. 45: 15.
____________________________________________________________
5. We discovered inour last lesson that because of God's Holiness and purity in contrast to the sinfulness of the people, He had to hide Himself from Israel when He appeared on Mt. Sinai. Why ? Ex. 19: 20,21.
____________________________________________________________
6. What has the Lord made His hiding place ? Psa. 18: 9-12
____________________________________________________________
The blackness of His locks then shows God's Hiding Place where He hides Himself in His terrible holiness from the eyes of men.
7. What does the Scripture teach concerning man without holiness or sanctification? Heb. 12: 14..
______________________________________________________________
8. We have seen that the "maiden" has gone through periods of discipline and dealing from the Lord. Prior to this description of the Lord that she is now giving, she went through a very great period of darkness and testing, a dark night of the soul. What was the purpose of this discipline ? Heb. 12:10.
_____________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, December 13, 2004 at 10:25:29 (CST)
Page No :9
Study: Study 15.............ANSWERS CONT..............PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE11. His head is like pure gold.
12. He is the image of God.
13. Al l the fulness of Diety dwells in Him in bodily form.
14. He is the head over all rule and authority.
15. He who has seen Me has seen the Father.
16. Many diadems.
17. a. A beautiful crown and a glorious diadem.
b. A spirit of justice when she sits in judgement.
c. A strength when repelling the onslaught at the gate.
18. That we will reign in life through Jesus.
19. Authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all power of the the enemy.
20. a. Christ's divine presence within preserves her from evil.
b. The wicked one cannot touch her.
21. The sovereignty, the dominion, the greatness of all the kingdom under the whole heaven.
22. By ceasing from sin and obeying God.
23. As sin has reigned in death, even so grace will reign through righteousness.
24. a. Not by what her eyes see.
b. Not by what her ears hear.
c. Judges with righteousness.
d. Decides with fairness.
25. a. Wisdom
b. Discernment.
c. Experience.
26. a. You must not show partiality in judgment.
b. You must not fear man.
c. The judgement is God's.
27. a. Loving God's law.
b. Meditating on God's law day and night.
c. Observing God's precepts.
d. Restraining her feet from every evil way.
e. Hating every false way.
28. By practice.
29. Jesus Christ our Lord.
30. a. That the One with her is greater than he who is in the World.
b. The Lord her God is with her to fight her battles.
31. a. Her Light.
b. Her Salvation.
c. The defense of her Life.
32. a. Her heart will not fear.
b. In spite of this she will be confident.
33. Those who are born of God.
34. Our faith.
35. Have faith in God, for whoever says to this mountain, "Be taken up and cast into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be granted him...
End of Study 15
Date: Monday, December 06, 2004 at 09:12:57 (CST)
Page No :8
Study: Study15...........ANSWERS...........Preparation of the Bride1. He is outstanding among 10,000
2. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, that whoever believes may in Him have eternal life.
3. The people were being bitten by the fiery serpents and dying. He set a bronze serpent on a standard and whoever looked upon it lived according to the Word of the Lord.
4. Behold, the Lord came with His Holy ten thousands.
5. a. His eyes are a flame of fire.
b. Upon His head are many diadems.
c. He is clothed with a robe dipped in Blood.
d. From His mouth came a sharp sword.
e. On His robe and on His thigh is a name written "King of Kings, and Lord of Lords."
6. The chariots of God.
7. a. As at Sinai.
b. In holiness.
8. a. Thunder.
b. Lightning flashes.
c. A thick cloud.
d. A very loud trumpet sound.
e. Smoke of a furnace.
f. Fire.
9. a. He was not living in sin and was not godless.
b. He walked righteously.
c. He spoke with sincerity.
d. He rejected unjust gain.
e. He would not take a bribe.
f. He stopped his ears from hearing about bloodshed.
g. He shut his eyes from looking upon evil.
10. a. He will dwell on the heights.
b. His refuge will be the impregnable rock.
c. His bread will be given to him.
d. His water will be sure.
e. His eyes will see the King in His beauty.
f. He will be able to behold a far-distant land.
Date: Monday, November 29, 2004 at 08:49:42 (CST)
Page No :7
Study: Study 15................Preparation of the Bride...............Song of Solomon30. In what has she learned to trust ? 2 Chron. 32: 7,8
a.__________________________________________________________
b.__________________________________________________________
31. The "maiden" testifies along with the Psalmist, "Whom shall I fear ? Whom shall I be afraid ?" For what has the Lord become to her ? Psa. 27:1
a.__________________________________________________________
b.__________________________________________________________
c.__________________________________________________________
32. Though a host encamp about her, or a war rise up against her, what is her testimony ? Psa. 27: 3
a.__________________________________________________________
b.__________________________________________________________
33. Who is is able to overcome the world ? 1 John 5: 4
____________________________________________________________
34. Yet, what is the "victory" that overcomes the world ? 1 John 5: 4
____________________________________________________________
35. Speaking of the way of faith and victory, what did Jesus teach? Mark 11: 22-24.
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
c.___________________________________________________________
This truly is the essence of faith that is the crown of the victor and will repel the onslaught at the gate, as well as make aggressive advances against the enemy.
In the all-glorious head of gold, the "maiden" sees Jesus as the head of all things to His Bride, the Church..She sees Him as the ultimate Crown and Head of all authority and power whom every power in heaven and earth must obey, the fullness of Deity dwelling in Him in bodily form. She sees Him as the great Judge, as the "Discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart," and as the Living Word. Through Him, she has come to judge righteously in every situation. Finally, in the great head of gold, she sees the crown of the victor, and through Him the power to conquer all the enemies in her own life. She has come to realize that he who is born of God overcomes the world. And Christ's divine presence within us preserves us against all evil. And the wicked one does not lay hold, get a grip on, or touch us.
Date: Monday, November 22, 2004 at 09:00:18 (CST)
Page No :6
Study: Study 15..................Preparation of the Bride.....................Song of Solomon25. In being able to stand with the Lord in Judgement, what 3 qualities must be developed in your life ? Deut. 1: 13.
a._____________________________________________________________
b._____________________________________________________________
c._____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
26. In judgement, what 2 things must you be careful to do, and what 1 thing must you know ? Deut. 1: 17.
a.______________________________________________________________
b.______________________________________________________________
c.______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
27. How has the Bride come to experience the Lord as this "priestly crown" of judgement in her life ? Psa. 119:97-104.
a._______________________________________________________________
b._______________________________________________________________
c._______________________________________________________________
d._______________________________________________________________
e._______________________________________________________________
28. HOw have her senses been trained to discern good and evil ? Heb. 5: 14
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
The Victor's Crown:
29. Finally, the Lord has become to her a "strength to those who repel the....onslaught at the gate." This represents the crown of the victor. Who has given us the victory ? 1 Corin. 15:57.
_________________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, November 15, 2004 at 08:42:16 (CST)
Page No :5
Study: Study 15..............PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE.............Song of Solomon20. Being born of God, what has she come to realize ? 1Jn. 5:18 (Amp.)
"We know that anyone born of God does not practice committing sin, But the One who was begotten of God carefully watches over and protects him, Christs devine presence within us preserves us against the evil, and the wicked one does not lay hold of us or touch us.."
a.______________________________________________________________
b.______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
21. What is her inheritance? Dan. 7:27
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
22. How has this "maiden" come into an experiential knowledge of reigning in this life with Jesus and exercising dominions over the power of darkness? Rom. 6:11-15; 5:17.
_______________________________________________________________
23. As she follows on to know the Lord, in what measure will she find herself reigning in this life? Rom.5:21.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
The Priestly Crown:
In addition to the Lord becoming to her a diadem, a royal crown, we found that He also has become to her "a spirit of justice for Him who sits in judgement." THIS REPRESENTS THE CROWN OF THE PRIEST...
24. HOw has she learned to judge or make a decision ? Isa. 11:3,4. This passage would imply that Christ has taught her...
a.______________________________________________________________
b.______________________________________________________________
c.______________________________________________________________
d.______________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, November 08, 2004 at 10:17:38 (CST)
Page No :4
Study: Study 15...............PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE.............Song of Solomon15. What was Jesus' testimony of Himself ? John 14: 8,9
_________________________________________________________
16. In the Revelation of Jesus, when He appears with 10,000 of His Holy Ones, what is found upon His Head ? Rev. 19:12.
_________________________________________________________
A "diadem" with over two or three fillets signified dominion over 2 or 3 countries, hence the many diadems here is a ref. to the dominion of the Messiah as the supreme ruler of the earth which is also signified by His Name, King of Kings, Lord of Lords.
17. What will the Lord become to the "maiden" ? Isa. 28: 5,6.
a._______________________________________________________
b._______________________________________________________
c._______________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
There are three types of crowns primarily mentioned in the Scriptures:
1. The Royal Crown.
2. The Priestly Crown.
3. The Victor's Crown.
Her beloved has become to her all three.
The Royal Crown:
18. The diadem is the symbol of the power to rule. What have we...as those who have received of God's abundant grace and gift of righteousness...been promised ? Rom. 5: 17.
___________________________________________________________
As the Amplified Version says it, we are to "reign as Kings in life thorugh the One, Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
19. Seeing Jesus with the "head of Gold",with the head crowned with many diadems and identifying herself with Him, what is she able to exercise ? Luke 10:19.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, November 01, 2004 at 10:12:57 (CST)
Page No :3
Study: Study 15..................Preparation of the Bride..................Song of Solomon9. Why was Moses able to go up and speak with the Lord face to face and the Israelite nation was not ? Isa. 33: 14,15.
a.(vs.14)____________________________________________________
b.(vs.15)____________________________________________________
c.(vs.15)____________________________________________________
d.(vs.15)____________________________________________________
e.(vs.15)____________________________________________________
f.(vs.15)____________________________________________________
g.(vs.15)____________________________________________________
10. As a result of this holiness in his life, what was his privilege? Isa. 33:16,17.
a.(vs.16)____________________________________________________
b.(vs.16)____________________________________________________
c.(vs.16)____________________________________________________
d.(vs.16)____________________________________________________
e.(vs.17)____________________________________________________
f.(vs.17)____________________________________________________
This promise extends to all those who walk in holiness before Him. From these verses we see that the revelation of the Lord which the soul of the "maiden" is now receiving is a face to face relationship as a man would speak to his friend. She has become one who has the privilege of seeing the King in His beauty. It is this revel- ation that is now unfolding before her.
11. As we continue in the revelation of the beloved Bridegroom to the heart of His Bride, how does the "maiden" describe His head ? Song 5:11.
___________________________________________________________
Gold in the Scripture is a type of the "Devine Nature".
The "maiden" is receiving a revelation of Jesus not as some lesser member of the GodHead but as the Creator of the universe and the Head of all things.
12. According to 2 Corin. 4:4, who is Jesus?
___________________________________________________________
13. And according to Col. 2:9 what dwells in Jesus ?
___________________________________________________________
14. Over what is Jesus the Head ? Col. 2:10___________________________
Date: Monday, October 25, 2004 at 10:17:34 (CDT)
Page No :2
Study: Study 15Preparation of the Bride 5. Looking in Rev. at this coming of the Lord, which John as well as Enoch prop- hesied, give a description of Him who comes with ten thousand of His Holy Ones. Rev.. 19: 11-16.
a. (vs. 12) ___________________________________________________
b. (vs. 12) ___________________________________________________
c. (vs. 13) ___________________________________________________
d. (vs.15) ____________________________________________________
e. (vs.16) ____________________________________________________
6. In Psalms we find a reference again of the Lord and His ten thousands. What are the ten thousand called here? Psa. 68:17. literal translation is "twice ten thou."
____________________________________________________________
As earhly kingdoms are dependent on warlike preparationss for their defense, a single prophet , like Elijah for ex., can do more for the preservation and prosperity of the Church than all natural means of defense. In the proper context, chariots in- dicate this in Scripture. The chariots of God here is a type of those who move in the prophetic anointing; this is the Church where each member is a prophet, a priest, and a king.
7. How does the Lord appear among these chariots ? Psa. 68:17
a.__________________________________________________________
b.__________________________________________________________
Let us look at a few instances of when God revealed Himself to Israel.
8. Describe how the Lord appeared at Sinai to the Israelite nation, to those people who did not know Him intimately as Moses did. Ex. 19: 16-21
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
c.___________________________________________________________
d.___________________________________________________________
e.___________________________________________________________
f.___________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, October 18, 2004 at 10:21:44 (CDT)
Page No :1
Study: Study 15.................Preparation of the Bride.................Song of SongsTHE KING OF GLORY: THE HEAD OF GOLD
" And I saw heaven opened; And behold a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; And in righteousness He judges and wages war. And His Eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; And He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself. And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; And His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in the fine linen, white and clean, Were follow- ing Him on white horses. And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, So that withit He may smite the nations ; And He will rule them with a rod of iron; And He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS"...... Rev. 19: 11-16...read also, Psa. 45:10,11.
1. What final words does the "maiden" use to describe her Lord Vs. 10 ?
Song 5: 10.___________________________________________________
The word "outstanding" is literally translated a "lifted up banner".
2. How did Jesus describe the manner in which He would be lifted up as a banner?
John 3: 14,15._______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
3. Why did Moses lift up the serpent in the wilderness ? Num. 21: 6-9
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Bronze in the Scriptures is a type of Judgement. Through the cross of Jesus we see the serpent judged. The serpent's dominion and curse are broken over mankind because whoever looks upon Jesus and believes shall truly live. The Beloved of the "maiden" is truly a Banner lifted up among ten thousand. He is her Champion, her deliverer. He is trhe Desired of all ages and the One of whom Job spoke when he said, "And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at last He will take His stand on the earth." Job 19: 25.
4. What did Enoch prophesy ? (Jude 14).
___________________________________________________________
The literal translation is "The Lord came with His Holy ten thousands."
Date: Monday, October 11, 2004 at 08:28:25 (CDT)
Page No :5
Study: Study 14........................ANSWERS..........................Preparation of the Bride1. a. Dazzling.
b. Ruddy.
c. Outstanding among ten thousand.
2. a. His face shone like the sun.
b. His garments became as white as light.
3. A sun and shield.
4. Like the sunlight.
5. His face was like the sun shining in its strength.
6. Jesus, Read vs. 18
7. The Ancient of Days.
8. a. Wonderful
b. counselor
c. Might God
d. Eternal Father
e. Prince of Peace
9. a. To him who loves Him and keeps His commandments.
b. To those who diligently seek Him.
10. I AM.
11. Before Abraham was born, I AM....
12. Face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.
13. He was faithful.
14. a. Like a jasper stone.
b. Like a sardius stone.
15. The One who sits on the throne is the Apha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end....
16. a. The One who is.
b. The One who was.
c. The One who is to come.
d. The Almighty.
17. a. The Living One.
b. I was dead.
c. I am alive forevermore.
d. I have the keys of death and of Hades.
End of Study 14
Date: Monday, October 04, 2004 at 10:32:05 (CDT)
Page No :4
Study: Page 4Study 14.......................Preparation of the Bride......................Song of Songs16. Describe the One who is the "Alpha and the Omega" from verse 8 (Rev.1:8)
a._________________________________________________________
b._________________________________________________________
c._________________________________________________________
d._________________________________________________________
17. Describe the One who is called the "First and the Last" from verse 18 (Rev. 1:17,18).
a._________________________________________________________
b._________________________________________________________
c._________________________________________________________
d._________________________________________________________
The book of Revelation, according to John, is called the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The one who is, who was, and is to come is Jesus Christ. The one who was dead and is not alive forevermore is the same Jesus. And according to His own testi- mony, He identifies Himself as the Almighty.Therefore we can conclude that the One who sits on the throne is God Almighty Himself, Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory.
Both the sardius and the jasper stone have a red glowing appearance. From the center of the throne, in the midst of the dazzling white light of God's Glory, emanates the brillance of shining jewels.This red brilliance is the very mark of His passion, for He has redeemed us unto Himself by His own blood.
Here now, His testimony:
For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. There is no savior be- sides Me, So you are My witnesses, Declares the Lord, and I am God. Even from eternity I am He; Thus says the Lord your Redeemer, The Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.
I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me, Is there any God besides Me, or is there any other Rock ? I know of none. Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, And the One who formed you from the womb, I , the Lord, am the Maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by Myself, and spreading our the earth all alone. Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself, the Word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness and will not turn back, That to Me every knee WILL bow, every tongue WILL swear allegiance. ... (Portions of Isa. 43,44,and 45.)
Date: Monday, September 27, 2004 at 10:15:33 (CDT)
Page No :3
Study: Study 14.......................Preparation of the Bride......................Song of SongsWe, under the new covenant, stand not as servants of God, but as sons. There- fore, we have the opportunity of receiving an even deeper relationship with Him than His servant Moses did.
We find the "maiden" of the Song describing Him for the first time in the glory of that white dazzling light...which suggests the terrible crystal which surrounds the throne of God. We find the "maiden" understanding more of the Lord's true identity. Yet, at the same time the Lord appears to her in the dazzling white light, He also has a ruddy appearance. What could this mean? Let us search it out.
14. How does John describe the appearance of the Lor of glory as He sits upon His throne ? Rev. 4: 2,3.
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
To discover what these stones represent and to interpret their meaning accordingly, we may find one clue by looking at their numerical value as designated by their pos- ition in the brestplate of the High Priest Ex. 28, and also by looking at their posi- tion in the foundation of the Holy City Rev. 21.
The sardius stone is the first stone in the brestplate of the High Priest and the 6th stone of the Holy City.
The number one represents God.
The number six represents man.
This reveals to us that the ONE who sits in the midst of the throne is both God and man...
The jasper stone is the 12th stone in the brestplate of the High Priest and the first stone of the Holy City.
The number 12 represents Divine Government.
The number 1 again, represents God.
This reveals to us that He who sits on the throne is the God of divine government or the God who is the Supreme ruler of the universe.
15. The first stone of the breastplate of the High Priest is the sardius and the last stone in the breastplate is the jasper. What does this reveal to us ? Rev. 1:8, 17,18. Jasper also belongs to the 4th row of stones. Ex. 28:20.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, September 20, 2004 at 10:19:43 (CDT)
Page No :2
Study: Study 14.................PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE..............Song of Songs7. We find this same revelation given to the Prophet Daniel. Compare Dan. 7:9,10 to Rev. 1: 12-18. As whom does Daniel identify Him ? Dan. 7: 9.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
8. In Isaiah's prophecy of the coming Messiah, what titles does Isaiah give Him ? Isa. 9: 6
a. _________________________________________________________
b.__________________________________________________________
c.__________________________________________________________
d.__________________________________________________________
e.__________________________________________________________
9. To whom does the Lord reveal His identity ? John 14: 21; Prov. 8: 17.
a.__________________________________________________________
b.__________________________________________________________
10. When Moses saw the burning bush, God called to him from its midst telling him to go lead Israel out of Egypt. How did God identify Himself ? Ex. 3: 13,14.
____________________________________________________________
11. When Jesus was being questioned by the Jews, they said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and You have seen Abraham?" How did Jesus respond to them? John 8: 56-58.
____________________________________________________________
Thus Jesus identified Himself as the great "I AM" who spoke to Moses in the burning bush.
12. How did the Lord speak to Moses ? Ex. 33: 11.
____________________________________________________________
13. What type of man was Moses that caused the Lord of glory to reveal Himself to him in such an intimate way ? Num. 12: 6-8.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, September 13, 2004 at 10:15:39 (CDT)
Page No :1
Study: Study 14...............PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE..............Song of Solomon
" THE KING OF GLORY " "Lift up your heads, O Gates, And lift them up, O ancient doors, That the King of Glory may come in !!! The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory.Psa. 24:9,10
1. How does the Bride describe His appearance ? Song 5: 10..Note: dazzling here means dazzling white when wholly illuminated by the sun.
a. _________________________________________________________
b.__________________________________________________________
c.__________________________________________________________
2. In the latter days of Jesus' ministry, He took three of His disciples, Peter, James and John...those who were the closest to Him at this time...up on a high moun- tain and revealed to them His Glory. How did they describe His appearance ? Matt.17:2; Luke 9: 29.
a.__________________________________________________________
b.__________________________________________________________
The Amp. Vers. says it this way: "And as He was praying, the appearance of His countenance became altered (different), and His raiment became dazzling white... flashing with the brilliance of lightning. Luke 9:29.
The "maiden's" view of her beloved as dazzling is analogous to the Bride being shown her Lord, as it were, in dazzling white light.
3. What is the Lord our God ? Psa. 84: 11.
___________________________________________________________
4. Like what is the Lord's radiance ? Hab. 3: 4
___________________________________________________________
5. We find that John was given an even greater revelation of this dazzling Saviour when he was exiled on the Isle of Patmos. How did the Lord's countenance appear?
Rev. 1: 12-18._________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
6. As whom does the Lord of Glory idenify Himself ? Rev. 1: 13-18.
___________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, September 06, 2004 at 10:28:58 (CDT)
Page No :14
Study: Study 13...................ANSWERS CONT...................Preparation of the Bride24. The cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it ?
25. This hour and the power olf darkness are yours; you would have no power over Me unless it was given to you from above. (Allowed like to Job)...
26. They spat in His face, beat Him with their fists and slapped Him.
27. They struck her and wounded her.
28. Let him alone, if the Lord has allowed him to curse me, who am I to stop him?
29. The power of darkness.
30. Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.
31. I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail.
32. They would sit upon thrones in His Kingdom judging the 12 tribes of Israel.
33. There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.
34. If you take everything that Job has, he will curse you to your face.
35. He gave satan permission to take everything from Job, except his life.
36. a. My soul is poured within me, days of affliction have seized me.
b. The feeling of being bound or tied. (It is difficult to accomplish much.)
c. Crying out to God for help, but there is no answer from Him.
d. It is as if God has become cruel.
e. The soul is in a heap of ruins.
f. When I expected good, evil came; when I waited for light, darkness came.
g. Seething within, cannot relax.
h. Mourning without comfort, crying for help in the assembly.
i. Dwelling in desert places (the habitation of jackals and ostriches).
j. No ability to worship or commune with the Lord.
37. The darkness is not dark to God. Looking from God's perspective it is as bright as day. There is nowhere that i can flee from His presence.
38. Whether I go forward or backward, I cannot perceive Him, to the right or the left, I cannot see Him. Yet, He knows the way I take, and when He has tried me, I shall come forth as Gold.
39. My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me ?
40. Perhapes the Lord will look upon my affliction and return good to me instead of cursing this day.
41. a. I desire nothing in heaven or on earth besides Thee.
b. Through all f this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.
43. While being reviled, He didn not revile in return.
44. We are to follow in His steps.
45. They took away her shawl or veil.
46. They stripped Him and mocked Him.
47. The Spirit of glory and of God is resting upon us.
48. We are to have an unveiled face.
49. As the face of an angel.
50. They are a proof of our faith.
51. That we are to obtain an inheritance, which is to us a living hope.
52. The power of God through faith.
53. If yoiu find my beloved, tell him I am lovesick.
(End Study 13)...
Date: Monday, August 30, 2004 at 10:31:47 (CDT)
Page No :13
Study: Study13............"ANSWERS".............PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE
" THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS" 1. I was asleep, but my heart was awake.
2. Her beloved's.
3. a. My sheep hear My Voice.
b. I know them.
c. They follow ME.
4. He asks her to open the door to Him.
5. TITLE: a. My Sister...........SIGNIFICANCE: She does the will of God.
b. My Darling............................She has become a letter of Christ,the very extension of His life.
c. My Dove..................................She was possessed by the Holy Spirit.
d. My Perfect One...................She has been through the Testing of her Faith and has endured, inheriting God's Promises....
6. My head is drenched with dew, my locks withg the damp (drops) of the night.
7. Being in agony, He was praying fervently, and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground...What was this Agony??? The decision to give up HIS will.....
8. That this cup of suffering might pass from Him.
9. That not HIS will !!! , but God's will be done.... !!
10. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized ?
11. We are....we will never deny you.
12. They all left Him and fled.
13. Always carrying about in our body the dying of Jesus and constantly being de- livered over to death., that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
14. a. I have taken off my dress, how can I put it on again ?
b. I have washed my feet, how can I dirty them again ?
15. She has laid aside the old self and put on the new.
16. Complete cleansing.
17. The name above every name...dominion.
18. a. For this purpose I came to this hour.
b. Father, glorify your name...
19. Opening the Door of her Heart.
20. He cried out, "My Lord and my God" !..
21. He wept bitterly in repentance.
22. Liquid Myrrh.
23. He had turned away.
Date: Monday, August 23, 2004 at 12:56:58 (CDT)
Page No :12
Study: Study 13.....................Preparation of the Bride...................Song Of Solomon..................47. When the "guardsmen" take away our veil, it seems as though we are exposed to the World, yet what is actually happening? 1 Pet. 4: 12-14
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48. Paul tells us that Moses had to cover his face with a veil so that the children of Israel could not see the glory of the Lord. Yet, under the new covenant what kind of face are we to have ? 2 Corin. 3:12,13,18.
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Consequently, we see that in the "maiden's" life the persecution immediately re- moved the veil so that God's glory could be seen in her. This is what Paul speaks of as always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that the life of the Lord Jesus could be manifest in our bodies.
49. As Stephen was speaking to those religious leaders who were persecuting him, how did his countenance appear? Acts 6: 10-15.
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50. What are the fiery ordeals that come upon us designed to prove? 1 Pet. 1:6,7
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51. In what are we to greatly rejoice ? 1 Pet. 1:3--6a
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52. In all this, by what are we protected ? 1 Pet. 1:5
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53. Turning back to our Song, what was the "maiden's" testimony to the daughters of Jerusalem as she was in the midst of this dark trial ? Song 5: 8.
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Will they tell Him who made heaven and earth that the hardness of His love is as sweet to her as all His favors ? The fact that she can use such words now, even when has appeared to withdraw Himself from her, shows the depth of His work in her and her union with her Lord. She has stood the test and proved that she loves Him for Himself alone. Satan has been defeated once again.
Many waters cannot quench love, Nor will rivers overflow it; For love is as strong as death;...Love bears all things, Believers all things, Hopes all things, Endures all things. Love never fails.......Song 8:7a; 1Corin. 13:7,8a.
The words of God tells us that David was cursed by his people and rejected. Like- wise, Job became a curse and a byword to his wife and his friends. Satan had de- vised a plan to show God that two of the men who were the most dedicated to Him did not truly love Him....but his plan failed. For Job boldly proclaimed "though He slay me yet will I trust Him," and David cried out, "Besides Thee I desire nothing on earth." The "maiden" now joins that chorus. "Tell Him whom my soul loveth that I am sick with love."
After the struggle in Gethsemane, satan had devised to totally crush the living God and wipe Him from the universe forever.... but this plan also failed. What satan sent Job, David, the "maiden", and even Jesus, was for their destruction. But what was meant for the bad became satan's own mousetrap, for following the crucifixion inevitably came the resurrection.
Date: Monday, August 16, 2004 at 10:20:26 (CDT)
Page No :11
Study: Study 13.....................Preparation of the Bride.....................Song of Songs40. What did David say about this sifting and testing that had come upon him?
2 Sam.16: 12.______________________________________________
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As we turn back to the story of the "maiden", we see powers of darkness aiming their attack upon this soul as she follows her Lord through the valley of the sha- dow of death. The aim at beating her back from her position in Him. They press upon her to admit the thought that God has laid upoon her more than is right, and that she must retreat into an easier path. They shout to her "curse God and die". They taunt her with the silence of her Lord and tell her that if He delighted in her, if she were right with Him, He would have spared her from all this sorrow. They present to her some compromise which appears to be a way of escape. Her flesh and her heart fail her.
41. What was the psalmist's testimony during this hour of trial ? Psa. 73: 25,26.
a.__________________________________________________________
b.__________________________________________________________
42. what was Job's testimony ? Job 1: 21,22.
a.__________________________________________________________
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b.__________________________________________________________
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43. What was Jesus' testimony in this ? 1 Pet. 2:22,23.
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44. What are we to do with the example that Jesus left us ? 1 Pet. 2: 21.
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45. Turning back to our Song, what did the guardsmen do to the "maiden" ? Song 5: 7..Note: Shawl is more literally translated "veil".
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46. What did the Roman soldiers do to Jesus ? Matt. 27: 27-29
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Date: Monday, August 09, 2004 at 10:47:10 (CDT)
Page No :10
Study: Study 13....................Preparation of the Bride....................Song of Solomone. (v.24)____________________________________________________
f. (v.26)____________________________________________________
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g.(v.27)____________________________________________________
h.(v.28)____________________________________________________
i.(v.29)_____________________________________________________
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j.(v.31)_____________________________________________________
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This Darkness is:
1. A complete withdrawal of the sense or feeling of God's Presence.
2. No emotions of Joy.
3. Little ability to worship and commune with the Father.
4. Difficulty in accomplishing very much, (the feeling of your hands being tied).
5. Very little Spiritual edification of the soul.
6. God is silent...no amount of calling or pleading can cause Him to respond or answer.
7. There is a sense of being in a dry place.
37. What did David say about this darkness ? Psa. 139: 7-12.
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Whether we sense God's presence or not, we can have the same assurance that David had. There is no way to escape God's presence, for He is everywhere at one time, filling every particle of the atmosphere with His energy. As Paul said, the God whom we seek is not far from each one of us for "In Him we live and move and have our being". Acts 17: 27,28.
38. What did Job say about his sense of God's presence during this dark hour of testing? Job 23: 8-10.
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39. Jesus, too, felt that utter aloneness. At the culmination of that dark hour...of which every soul who is going on with the Lord must taste...what did Jesus cry out ? Matt. 27: 46.
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Date: Monday, August 09, 2004 at 10:44:45 (CDT)
Page No :10
Study: Study 13....................Preparation of the Bride....................Song of Solomone. (v.24)____________________________________________________
f. (v.26)____________________________________________________
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g.(v.27)____________________________________________________
h.(v.28)____________________________________________________
i.(v.29)_____________________________________________________
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j.(v.31)_____________________________________________________
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This Darkness is:
1. A complete withdrawal of the sense or feeling of God's Presence.
2. No emotions of Joy.
3. Little ability to worship and commune with the Father.
4. Difficulty in accomplishing very much, (the feeling of your hands being tied).
5. Very little Spiritual edification of the soul.
6. God is silent...no amount of calling or pleading can cause Him to respond or answer.
7. There is a sense of being in a dry place.
37. What did David say about this darkness ? Psa. 139: 7-12.
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Whether we sense God's presence or not, we can have the same assurance that David had. There is no way to escape God's presence, for He is everywhere at one time, filling every particle of the atmosphere with His energy. As Paul said, the God whom we seek is not far from each one of us for "In Him we live and move and have our being". Acts 17: 27,28.
38. What did Job say about his sense of God's presence during this dark hour of testing? Job 23: 8-10.
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39. Jesus, too, felt that utter aloneness. At the culmination of that dark hour...of which every soul who is going on with the Lord must taste...what did Jesus cry out ? Matt. 27: 46.
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Date: Monday, August 02, 2004 at 13:16:51 (CDT)
Page No :9
Study: Study 13.....................Preparation of the Bride...................Song of Songs29. Who did Jesus name as the inspiration behind these religious leaders ? Luke 22:53
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30. What did Jesus tell Peter about the trial that he would face ? Luke 22: 31
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31. What assurances did Jesus give in this trial ? Luke 22: 32
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32. What promise did Jesus give to His disciples who stood by Him in His trials? Luke 22: 28-30
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33. We see this sifting of darkness coming upon the righteous Job. What was God's testimony concerning Job ? Job 1: 8.
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34. What accusation did satan make ? Job 1: 10,11.
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35. What did God permit satan to do ? Job 1: 12
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36. This testing, known as the dark night of the soul, is described very well by Job. Read Job 30: 16-31. In going through this experience, we may have some or all of the trials that Job describes. Briefly summarize the description given in this passage..Job 30: 16-31
a.(v.16)____________________________________________________
b.(v.18)____________________________________________________
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c.(v.20)____________________________________________________
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d.(v.21)____________________________________________________
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Date: Monday, July 26, 2004 at 09:52:45 (CDT)
Page No :8
Study: Study 13......................Preparation of the Bride......................Song of Solomon23. When she opened the door to her beloved, what did she discover ? Song 5:6
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As she agrees to enter into that suffering, she opens the door. As she does that, she enters into a deeper working of that cross. Now the soul begins to taste of that cup which she has decided to drink. To see what this darkness is all about, let us look at Jesus as He arises from His struggle in the garden of Gethsemane, having submitted His will unto the will of the Father. Jesus was met by the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, along with a cohort of Roman Soldiers.
24. When Jesus saw what faced Him, what did He say ? John 18:11
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25. What did Jesus say concerning what He was about to face? Luke 22:53; John 19: 10,11.
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26. When Jesus stood before the chief priests and the religious leaders, what did they do to Him? Matt. 26: 67.
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27. What happened to the "maiden" as she, too, was found by the watchmen, which here is a type of "the worldly religious leaders? Song 5: 7.
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This represents a spiritual wounding.
28. When David, who was a man after God's own heart, had to leave Jerusalem to flee from his son, Absalom, there was a man standing beside the road cursing him and throwing stones at him. Abishai, like Peter, wanted to cut off the man's head. What was David's response ? 2 Sam. 16: 9-13.
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Date: Monday, July 19, 2004 at 12:55:43 (CDT)
Page No :7
Study: Study 13....................PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE....................Song of Songs18. As Peter tells us in 1 Pet. 2:21, Jesus left us an example that we might follow in His steps. What did Jesus say that is an example to us ? John 12: 27,28.
a._________________________________________________________
b._________________________________________________________
19. As we see the beloved extending his hand through the opening, we think of Jesus making His appeal to His Bride Song 5:4. What then might the "maiden's" response represent to us ? Song 5:5
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20. When Thomas saw those same nail pierced hands, what was his response? John 20:24-28
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We can think of the Bride, in her humanily, as having shrunk back for a moment from His call, but not in the purpose of her will. One look at the nail scarred hands and she could not ignore her love for Him, which surpassed her concern for herSELF. If her actions had been a deliberate rejection of Him on the part of her will, the Lord could have done no more until she had yielded. He sees, however, that it is a surface shrinking and that she must be able to ignore it and act by her will alone.
21. We also see a type of this in the life of Peter, In his humanity, he was shrink- ing back because of fear, when Jesus was arrested to be crucified. With that one look, Jesus touched that spring in Peter's heart. What did Peter do ? Luke 22:59-62
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22. As the "maiden" opened the door, what dropped from her hands and fingers ? Song 5:5
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One use for myrrh, which we discovered from an earlier study, was as an embalm- ing spice. The use of myrrh in this passage leads us to think of Jesus in His death. Hands in the Scriptures signify the will in actio. The Bride's hands and fingers dripping with this liquid myrrh suggests to us that through her action she has shown that the innermost depths of her will are steadfastly purposed to follow Him to the death. She made her choice. She lays aside her fears and arises to unlock the bolt which she herself has put upon the door of her heart and bids the "man of sorrows" to enter.
Date: Monday, July 12, 2004 at 10:47:11 (CDT)
Page No :6
Study: Study 13...................Preparation of the Bride...................Song of SongsThis is the positive application of the cross......dominion, the possession of your inheritance. Yet, this cannot be experienced without the cross.
Again, emphasis on the Cross, means that we put our "Self Will" on it daily, so that we are crucified to OUR LIFE, So that we can find it in HIM. And to HIS Will. As we bow the knee in submission to Him, and say Yea Lord to His Testings on us, which does bring us to our knees. But if we escape these trials and eaze out of them because the Fire gets to Hot, we shall never reach His Ressurrection Life and Power. We will be illigitmate children. Are we better than our Master? Did He not have to suffer for us.? So then, we must keep our self will up on that cross, lest it come down and resurrect itself in the carnal flesh. Everything of the flesh must die, so that all that is left is the Will of God in our lives, as we listen then to His Spirit, and not to our flesh.
Without shoes, feet become more sensitive, Stepping upon the sharp things causes pain. Every pebble, every thorn, every rock can be felt. This walk that Jesus is call- ing the "maiden" to now is a path in which she must walk barefooted. Things before that she did not feel, or was not sensitive to because she had walked with her shoes on, now she will feel. It is a path in which she shares in the sufferings of her Lord.
It is a path in which her spirit responds to sin in the same way God's Spirit res- ponds. It is a path in which she will feel God's heart break over the rebellion of man and His hurt in being rejected by His creation whom He loves. She will feel the depths of His love that caused Him to lay down His life. His heart will become her heart. The reproaches that fell upon Christ will fall upon her. The Spirit of Christ will flow through her so fully that the world will attack, not her, but the Spirit of Christ within her. She will know what Jesus meant when He said, "Zeal for Thy House has consumed Me." She will be jealous on behalf of her God to see His Holi- ness go forth in the earth.
However, through fear...fear of consequences, fear of losing present blessing, fear of the unknown, fear of being deprived of familiar comforts, and an undefinable fear of the reality of suffering...the "maiden" shrinks back from the Lord's call.
It is here that many Christians fail to go on and to apprehend that for which Christ apprehended them...total conformity to His death, that His Resurrection life might be manifested in our mortal bodies.
Date: Monday, July 05, 2004 at 10:37:24 (CDT)
Page No :5
Study: Study 13..............Preparation of the Bride.................Song of Songs14. How does the "maiden" respond to the Master's call ? Song 5: 3
a.________________________________________________________
b.________________________________________________________
15. What "type" might we make of the "maiden's" talk of the "taking off" of her dress ? What things has the cross already dealt with with in her life ? Col. 3: 9,10; Eph. 4: 22-24
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For us, in failing to comprehend the depth of this call of God upon her life, the "maiden" is saying that she has already experienced the cross in her outward life. She has already seen the effect of the cross in delivering her from the appeal of the World and the corruption of self. "Is it not enough," she reasons, " to have had such a deep experience with the cross that my old nature and way of life has been completely put off ?
Here she is looking only at the negative side of the cross, failing to comprehend what Paul speaks of as "always carrying about in the body the liability and ex- posure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the res- urrection life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies." 2 Corin.4:10.
16. In saying, "I have washed my feet," in what other aspects has she already ex- perienced the cross in her life ? John 13: 6-10
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Not only had she put off the old self and her former manner of life, but her inner life had been fully cleansed and purified from sins. Here again we see that to her, the intent and purpose of the cross was to keep one in a clean state, which is the negative only..The "maiden" had washed her feet, putting off her shoes. Bare feet is a type of slave in the presence of his master. Being barefoot, she has submitted to His Lordship in her life. "Is is not enough," she reasoned, "that my life has been totally dedicated to Him, that my feet have been washed, and that I have been fully cleansed inwardly? Is it not enough that the cross has been applied to all those little foxes that spoil the vine ?"
Yet, Jesus was asking her to walk in her bare feet, to follow His call. The meaning of this she failed to comprehend.
17, When Jesus humbled Himself unto the death of the cross, what did He receive? Phil. 2: 7-11
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Date: Monday, June 28, 2004 at 11:32:43 (CDT)
Page No :4
Study: Study 13................Preparation of the Bride.................Song of Songs10. Thinking of His Power and His Glory, two disciples asked Jesus for a place of honor in His Kingdom. What was Jesus' question to them ? Mark 10: 35-38.
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11. What was their response to that question as well as the other disciples' response to Him when He spoke about His death ? Mark 10: 39; 14: 31.
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12. Although Jesus had spoken to them of His Cross and the death He must suffer, how did they react when the reality of what was going to happen came upon them ? Mark 14:48-51.
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Having seen that this call involves entering into the fellowship of the Lord's suffering and His agony in Gethsemane, let us trun back to our picture lesson in the History of the Bride. This call is completely unexpected to many, for they have thus far experienced many aspects of the cross in their lives. They have seen the effect of the cross in the forgiveness of their sins, in the world and the corruption of self.
In our studies, the "maiden" has been aware that there is a peculiar suffering attached to the cross, but up until now she has not become aware of its real depth and breadth. She has known in the past the application of the cross to her inward life, but she has not realized the extent of how the cross would mold and shape her whole being.
There is yet another deep phase of the cross in its application to the believer, for in the measure that we would know His resurrection power, we must in the same proportion enter into the fellowship of His Sufferings.
13. How does Paul explain this ? 2 Corin. 4: 10,11.
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It is into the depth and breadth of this death that Jesus now desires to take His Bride.
Date: Monday, June 21, 2004 at 10:24:48 (CDT)
Page No :3
Study: Study 13................PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE................Song of Songs8. Jesus was totally man and totally God. In His humanity, with what was He struggling ? Matt. 26: 39,42 I'm adding the verses on this one.....So you can look VERY closely at this whole passage, and be careful to SEE the context in here. This has been misinterpreted to mean many things. ASK the Lord to show you HIS meaning in this.
38. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me."
39. He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
40. Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?
41. Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
42. Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." )
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9. Although Jesus in His humanity was shrinking back from the cup of suffering, humiliation and death, what was the intent of His Will ? His Suffering then is giving up of HIS SELF WILL.
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There is a moment when, through the revelation of the Spirit, the meaning of conformity to Christ stands revealed. All preconceived ideas vanish, and the believer finds that she has overlooked His reminder that "the servant is not greater than their Lord." Meaning, we too, must drink this cup. The crucified Christ must have crucified followers. She had only thought of His Power and His Glory. He shows us in vs. 38 how stressful a thought that is to us, to give up our Self will, my goodness thats been a part of us all our life. Doing what WE want to do. The thought of giving this up, caused our Lord to Sweat blood over it.
He brought His breatheran to help Him be able to do this, what kind of help were they, they slept right through it, like we do with our bretheran, He showed us again in the fact that this Self will on the cross, was heavier than He could carry alone, and Simeon had to help Him, just as we need help to keep our self will on our cross DAILY, because our flesh is also weak.
Date: Monday, June 14, 2004 at 10:48:35 (CDT)
Page No :2
Study: Study 13PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE In the beginning, we saw that she failed as a "young lamb" to understand the in- tent of His calling. But through the knowledge of the Lord, from reading His Words, and the intimacy we receive from Him, and that He has had of her, she has come to recognize and understand His voice immediately.
4. As Jesus stands, as it were, knocking at the door of her heart, what does He ask her to do ? Song 5: 2.
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Jesus calls for her to enter into deeper fellowship with Him. He does not push His way in. He does not force her to follow. She must always follow Him by her own voluntary consent.
5. By what 4 titles did Jesus address her, and what does each title signify ? Song 5: 2.
TITLE: a. _____________________________________________________
Significance: Matt. 12:50 ________________________________________
TITLE: b._____________________________________________________
Significance: 2 Corin. 3:3________________________________________
TITLE: c.____________________________________________________
Significance: Matt. 3:16__________________________________________
TITLE: d._____________________________________________________
Significance: Heb. 6:12; James 1:12
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6. What figurative language does the Lord use to represent this call and revelation of Himself to His Bride? Song 5:2 Note: the word for damp is literally drops.
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These words may remind us of the tribulation Jesus faced as He entered into His agony at Gethsemane and the Cross.
7. As Jesus was struggling there in prayer, what happened? Luke 22: 44
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Date: Monday, June 07, 2004 at 12:02:41 (CDT)
Page No :1
Study: Study 13PREPARATION OF THE BRIDE
"Gethsemane" The Fellowship of His Sufferings" " We are...fellow heirs with Christ... Sharing His inheritance with Him; Only we must share also His suffering if we are to share His Glory. But what of that ? For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth being com- pared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us.... For even the whole creation (all of nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God's sons to be made known... Rom. 8: 17-19 Amp. Ver.
So far in our study, there have been three distinct revelations of the Lord Jesus to the Bride:
1. As King, taking possession of the throne of the heart.
2. As the Risen One, bringing her through crucifixion of self (dying to the world and self interests.) into resurrection glory and union with the Lord of Life.
3. As the Lover of New Creation life.
We come now to Jesus' revelation of Himself as "the man of sorrows and acquainted with grief". The Lord desires to bring His loved one into a deeper sense of the fellowship of His sufferings, in order that she may know His heart and might partake of His Glory.
1. What does the Bride say about herself? Song 5:2a
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This picture of the sleeping Bride suggests to us Christ's Bride, whose fleshly activity has ceased. Through the workings of God in her life, she has entered into the Vine-branch relationship; as she abides in Him, she brings forth fruit. The cross has truly been worked into her life. She is asleep to her own separate activ- ities, but ever more awake unto Him. The outward life abides in the rest and calm of the Lord.The inward life is alive and active, her inner self being like "watered garden and like a spring of water whose waters fail not". As we have seen in Song 5:1, she has become a place where the Lord can bring His friends and lovers, and let them feast upon the luscious fruit within.
2. As she "rests in the Lord" she hears a voice. Whose voice does she say it was ? Song 5: 2.
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3. What 3 things does Jesus say characterize His sheep? John 10: 27
a.__________________________________________________________
b.__________________________________________________________
c.__________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, May 31, 2004 at 13:08:51 (CDT)
Page No :15
Study: Study 12...............ANSWERS CONT..................Preparation of the Bride37. Torches
38. The blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers crying, "A sword for the Lord and for Gideon."
39. The came to life, and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.
40. He will give life to our mortal bodies
41. To have a life that is acceptable and well-pleasing unto the Lord.
42. He accepts.
43. That I may lay hold of that for which Christ has laid hold of me.
44. They must call.
45. We must call upon Him and come and pray to Him.
46. We must seek and search for Him with our whole heart.
47. He will be satisfied.
48. His friends, His lovers.
49. Those who have His commandments and keep them--those who do His will.
50. No.
51. A sealed spring.
52. It is sealed.
53. He rolled the stone from the mouth of the well and watered the flock of Labon, His mother's brother.
54. Those who do the will of God.
55. They shall be satified with God's goodness.
56. He desires to feed His sheep on good grazing ground and rich pasture, and to lead them to rest.
57. Feed His Sheep.
End of Study 12
Date: Monday, May 24, 2004 at 11:23:32 (CDT)
Page No :14
Study: Study 12...............ANSWERS CONT.................Preparation of the Bride21. a. A new song.
b. Rejoicing and being glad in Him.
c. Dancing
d. Playing of the timbrel and lyre.
e. Singing for joy on your bed.
f. High Praises.
22. The King's garments smell of myrrh and aloes.
23. He was anointed with myrrh and aloes.
24. Jesus' death was an external manifestation of His love.
25. By enduring trials and persecutions for being a Christian, being reviled for His name and rejoicing with exaltation.
26. They were flogged for their testimony, persecuted, slandered, were considered the scum of the World, yet went away rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
27. Love is as strong as death, many waters cannot quench love nor will rivers overflow it. If a man were to give all the riches of his house for love, he would be utterly dispised.
28. The garden spring, the well of fresh water, and streams flowing from Lebanon.
29. Rivers of living water are flowing from her innermost being, for the water that the Lord has given has become a well of fresh water which springs up to enternal life.
30. a. That the north and south wind might blow upon her garden that the fragrance may go out.
b. That the Lord may come into His garden and eat its choice fruits.
31. The Spirit of God.
32. The negative and positive circomstances that the Spirit of God brings into your life.
33. Christ be magnified and receive the glory.
34. The house was filled with the fragrance o fthe perfume.
35. Jesus
36. She has done a good deed to me; for the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have Me.
Date: Monday, May 17, 2004 at 10:19:40 (CDT)
Page No :13
Study: Study 12......."Answers"........Preparation of the Bride.......Song of Songs
The Garden of the Lord 1. A rock garden locked, a spring sealed up.
2. He has comforted her waste places, making her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord. (All Christians have the wilderness experience Spiritually, till we pass our testings.)(Then we experience the garden....)
3. Every open vessel, which has no covering tied down on it, shall be unclean.
4. She has kept herself from worldliness. God jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us; He jealously desires her for Himself.
5. An altar on which sacrifice is made to God.
6. Burnt offerings and peace offerings were offered on it.
7. He walked in the garden and called to Adam, desiring his fellowship.
8. a. An orchard of pomegranates.
b. Choice Fruits
c. Henna with nard plants.
d. Nard and saffron
e. Calamus and cinnamon
f. All the trees of frankincense
g. Myrrh and aloes
h. All the finest spices
9. By dwelling upon God's Word day and night, keeping and speaking His Word.
10. a. She is wiser than her enemies
b. She has more insight than all her teachers.
c. She understands more than the aged.
11. This is a reference to the fruit of the Spirit and beign fruitful in every good work.
12. She used the expression to describe the King.
13. Beholding the glory of the Lord, she is being transformed into the same image.
14. While the King was at His table her perfume, or nard, gave forth its fragrance.
15. She anoited Jesus' feet with spikenard and wiped His feet with her hair.
16. Cinnamon and the finest spices were components of the Holy Anoiting Oil.
17. Frankincense was used to make the priestly incense.
18. It was offered with the prayers of the saints.
19. It was placed on the grain offering.
20. A life of praise and thanksgiving pouring out from the sons of the kingdom unto the Lord of hosts.
Date: Monday, May 10, 2004 at 10:40:01 (CDT)
Page No :12
Study: Study 12.....................Preparation of the Bride.......................Song of Solomon54. Who do the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, represent ? Mark 3: 33-35
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In interpreting this parable, we see that Jacob himself rolled the stone from the mouth of the well and watered those who desired God's will. The well did not water the sheep on its own; it could not, for it was sealed. Someone had to roll away the stone or unseal the well so that the water could flow out. Likewise, with- in us is that everlasting water and that precious fruit that HE has grown. We need not fret and worry about giving out this prescious life...for it is not ours to give. Only Jesus can unlock the garden or unseal the spring. Only He can give per- missioon for others to enter.
No matter how much we might long to witness to someone or desire to share with others, unless the Lord Himself removes the seal from the well, or unlocks the garden, all our striving is in vain.. On the other hand, we may find ourselves in situations where the idea of actually ministering to the person with whom we are speaking is the farthest thing from our mind. Suddenly, we may become aware that the Spirit of God is ministering to that person through us, watering and feeding that soul. What has happened ? The Lord has brought His friends and lovers into His garden. The Lord knows those who are His and those who are thirsty; He is well able to quench their thirst and give them the water of life without cost.
As we have allowed the Lord to cultivate the garden of our soul, He will take what He has grown there and He will feed His sheep.
55. When the souls of the priests are filled, saturated with abundance and fatness, what will happen to God's People ? Jere. 31: 14.
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56. What does the Lord promise to do for His Sheep ? Ezk. 34: 14,15.
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Jesus, as any good Shepherd would do, goes ahead of His sheep, searching for rich grazing areas and fertile ground. In this ground He plants and cultivates rich feed. He takes out any poisionous weeds that would cause harm to His Sheep, checking for any holes that would cause His shepp to stumble and be cast down. Then He goes and gathers His sheep, leading them to the pasture which He has prepared.... Each Sheep comes to Him individually to be fed and watered in His Word. He IS The Word...As we open it up, He is rolling away the stone that He may water and feed us....
Jesus also desires to "cultivate" us so that He can use us in ministering to each other, all under the direction of the Chief Shepherd..
57. If we love the Lord, what will we desire to do ? John 21: 15-17..
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Date: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 at 11:16:21 (CDT)
Page No :11
Study: Study 12..................Preparation of the Bride....................Song of Solomon47. As the Lord sees the "toilsome labor" of His soul when He enters into His garden, what happens ? Isa. 53: 11; Song 5: 1.
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48. Who does the Lord bring with Him into the garden ? Song 5: 1
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49. Who are the Lord's friends and lovers? John 15: 14,15; 14: 21.
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The Lord shares the fruit of the "maidens" life with those who truly love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, body and strength. To these, He gives the inti- mate fruit of the " maidens" life, with which to be satisfied and with which to feed their soul.
50. Is this garden a public garden ? Song 4: 12.
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51. To what kind of spring is the "maiden" compared ? Song 4: 12
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Notice that the "maiden" is a spring sealed up. These fountains are not for public usage nor are they to run at random into every outside place. This is a private garden belonging to the Lord of glory. The spring of waters within it are owned by Him. It is the Lord Himself that invites His friends and lovers to partake of the fruit He has grown there, as well as to drink the living water He has placed there. It is not the "maiden's" perogative or choice to give these things out to those who pass by.
We find a beautiful picture of this in a story about Jacob. Read Gen. 29: 1-10. Jacob is a type of Jesus here... The sons of the east are types of those who have a heart that is open to God.
52. What does this well have in common with the well or spring to which the "maiden" in the Song is compared. Gen. 29:2; Song 4: 12. __________________
53. There were other flocks of sheep waiting to be watered. But what did Jacob (type of Jesus) do when He saw Rachel coming with the sheep of Laban, his mother's brother ? Gen. 29: 9,10
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Date: Monday, April 26, 2004 at 10:27:43 (CDT)
Page No :10
Study: Study 12................Preparation of the Bride.................Song of SolomonOf the multitude that followed Jesus, He had 12 disciples and a few women that were closest to Him. Of those disciples He had 3, Peter, James and John, to whom He revealed Himself on the Mount of Transfiguration in all His Glory. Of the 3, He had 1, John the beloved. John calls himself the disciple whom Jesus loved. When Jesus was crucified, there were 4 people who stood at the foot of the cross--Mary, (the mother of Jesus), Mary (His mother's sister), Mary Magdalene, and John. The other disciples stood at a distance with the multitudes. To so idenify with Jesus' crucifixion meant certain death. Yet, John and these 3 women did not count their lives dear in order that they might be near Him. Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13. These 4 showed by their actions this greater love, that they followed Him all the way to the Cross. Showing us that the many of us, that love Him, do not go all the way of giving up OUR life for Him.
John was the only disciple who did not die a martyr's death. It is the gospel of John that gives us the deepest revelation of who Jesus really was--the very God of the universe Himself. It was to Mary Magdalene that Jesus first revealed Himself after His Resurrection. Mary had stayed at the tomb seeking Him with all her heart. For Jesus said, "He who loves me...I will love them and will disclose myself to them." John 14:21.
Did Jesus have favorites ? No, each disciple, each woman chose for themselves the degree of relationship they desired with the Master. And what we give Him of Our- SELF, is what He gives us of Him-SELF, only running over in comparison...
45. In order to have God listen to us, what must we do? Jere. 29: 12.
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46. What must we do before God will let us find Him ? Jere. 29:13.
There must be a wholeheartedness about our desire and entreating of the Lord. This is perhaps the kind of prayer which most easily gains an answer. It is a deepest longing of the heart for Him to where nothing else in life means more than that, more than Him. This advanced dedication is different from earlier ones. The former and earlier dedication of ourselves to Him is to allow Him to plant and cultivate Hisgarden and to have His way with us. This present committal, however, results from His full work within us. It is offering to Him a life full of His own work and labor of love. It is to give Him the opportunity to enjoy all that has grown up within us.
Date: Monday, April 19, 2004 at 10:28:38 (CDT)
Page No :9
Study: Study 12.................Preparation of the Bride....................Song of SolomonIn conclusion, we find that the "maiden" has entreated the Lord for two things:
1. To bring about any circumstance in her life that He sees fit, to cause the fragrance in her garden to flow out.
2. She invites the Lord to come into the garden Himself and partake of the fruit. So, we too should be able to entreat the Lord to come to us and find the relation- ship and fruit He desires to satisfy the need of His Heart.
41. What is the essence of her prayer here in asking the Lord to come to her and partake of the fruit in her life? Psa. 19: 14; 1 Peter 2: 5; Eph. 5: 10; 2 Corin. 5: 9
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42. How does the Lord respond to her invitation to come into her garden ? Song 5:1
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Every dedication to the Lord is accepted by Him. Each time this "maiden" cried out to the Lord for a deeper union with Him, the Lord responded. This made up her spiritual history. Let us remember that our first dedication to the Lord made us truly His, yet only a deep and earnest desire as well as an invitation on our part will cause the Lord to come to Her garden in this manner.
43. How does Paul explain this desire ? What does he press on to attain ? Phil 3:12.
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44. What condition does the Lord give those who desire to have Him answer them ? Jere. 33: 3
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The God of this universe never imposes His presence or His will upon men without their personal invitation. It is His desire to bring all of His born again ones into intimate union with Himself. Yet, He will never do this against our will. There must be an intense desire to know Him and be close to Him on behalf of those who call upon Him.
Date: Monday, April 12, 2004 at 11:17:12 (CDT)
Page No :8
Study: Study 12..............Preparation of the Bride................Song of Solomon35. For whom was the spikenard which flowed out of the alabaster vial intended? Mark 14: 3.
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Those around the woman scolded her for wasting this costly ointment on Jesus when it could have been given to the poor.
36. Yet, what did Jesus Himself say of the woman's offering of ointment ? Mark 14: 6,7
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This breaking of the soul of man, represented by the alabaster vial, caused the precious ointment to flow out and fill the whole house with its fragrance. But Jesus emphasized in this passage that, more than ministering to others, the sweet smell misistered to Him, doing a good deed unto Him. Likewise, the whole garden of the "maiden's" inner life was for her Beloved and so were its fruits. They are for the sole _purpose of the Lord and for the sole glory of God to do with as He will.
37. We see another picture of the north wind experience in the story of Gideon's army. What was inside the pitchers? Judges 7: 16
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38. As they surrounded the camp of the enemy, what did they do ? Judges 7: 20
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When they smashed the pitchers, the torches could be seen burning brightly. So also as our earthen vessels are broken and brought into subjection through the Spirit of God, the torches of our spirit will be seen burning in the darkness of this world. We will truly be a sword for the Lord.
39. A contrasting picture of the south and north wind experience is found in the prophecy of Ezekiel over the dry bones. When Ezekiel prophesied to the four winds to come and breathe upon the slain, what happened ? Ezk. 37: 9,10.
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The Spirit of God breathing upon our lives has a life giving effect. It will make alive all that is dead within us, bringing it to life.
40. As the Spirit of God breathes upon our garden, what will happen ? Rom. 8: 11.
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This is a south wind experience.