The Fellowship of the Mystery

Fellowship of the Mystery

Now to Him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.  Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He has purposed in Himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in Him: according as He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. For whom He did foreknow, He did also predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified, them He justified, them He also glorified. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto the obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.

If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me toward you: how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery, (For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but I received it by the revelation of Jesus Christ.) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, Who created all things by Jesus Christ. Even the mystery which has been hid from the ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints:  to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of the mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you the home of Glory.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost send down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into: The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John.

The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things

which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever,

that we may do all the words of this law.  Deut. 29:29

Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which you hear, and have not heard them.

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory. But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.

 

He revealeth the deep and secret things:

He knoweth what is in the darkness,

and the light dwelleth with Him.   Dan 2:

But God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God. Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

What is it then? I will pray with the Spirit and I will pray with understanding also: I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the Spirit he speaks mysteries. Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. If all prophesy, and there come in one that believes not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: and thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. For the Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing event to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

And I will give you the treasures of darkness,

and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord,

which call you by your name, am the God of Israel.  Isaiah 45:5

 

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. For God, Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. In Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  According as His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways are past finding out!

I AM the Portal

Today, as I knelt and began to pray, I begin to pray “Hallowed be Thy Name.” I started to worship Jesus, by calling Him, “the Way, the Truth, the life... The door” Suddenly, the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation began to flow and I started to pray in the Spirit. The understanding of what I was saying came to me: 

“I am the portal to the sheepfold.” “and, behold, a portal opened in heaven... which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter” “and behold the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” “which veil is done away in Christ.” “By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh”

Jesus is the portal (the door or way) into the Holy of Holies. The only way in is through Him. He told the church in Philadelphia: “...He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.”

Praying the Shema

Morning, afternoon and evening – at least 3 times a day the Jewish people recite the central prayer to Judaism. This is known as the Shema. In Hebrew, this word means – HEAR or give earnest heed. However, Hebrew is not an abstract language like our English language. One word can have an alternating or multifaceted meaning. This word can also be translated as OBEY. When Yeshua was asked what is the chief of the commandments, He quoted the Shema and Love thy neighbor. [see blog post: Roots - The Great Commandment & Roots – Love Thy Neighbor]

Many years ago, I put into practice reciting this at least upon arising and before retiring for bed. Albeit, it was just a mantra. I would try to meditate on each line, but it still seemed canned and ritualistic. However, recently, I began to research scriptures to identify with each line and this mantra truly then became a prayer. Hopefully, this will inspire you on your path of righteousness.

Hear, O Israel:

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Luke 8:8)

Be ye hearers of the word, and not doers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22)
Therefore whosoever hearth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them... (Matt 7:24)
Blessed are they that do His commandments... (Rev 22:14)

the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of Whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, and we by Him. (I Cor. 8:6)
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Eph 4:4-5)
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (I Tim 2:5)

And you shalt love the Lord you God with all you heart,

Create in me a clean heart, oh God and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 51:10 )

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, oh YHVH my Rock and my Redeemer. (Ps. 19:14)
I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart.(Ps. 9:1)
[I will praise Thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned Thy righteous judgments.
With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments.
Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
I entreated Thy favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to Thy Word.
I will keep Thy precepts with my whole heart.
Let my heart be sound in Thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord.] (Excerpts from Ps. 119)

Many other Psalms may be found in your concordance dealing with the heart.

Proverbs says, Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Pro. 4:23)

Yeshua said, “Those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: these are the things which defile a man. (Mt. 15:18-20)

and with all your soul,

The word for soul in Hebrew is NEFESH. It is widely used in a sense to encompass appetite, desire, lust, the mind, pleasure either negatively or positively. The ancient Hebrews often referred to 'afflicting the soul' which meant to abstain from food. Hence our soul is the part of our being that is responsible for desires delights and affections. “He satisfieth the hungry soul with goodness – Ps 107:9”

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. (Ps. 103:1)

But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law doth he meditate day and night. (Ps 1:2)
I will delight myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Thy Word. (Ps. 119:16)
Thy testimonies are my delight and my counselors. ( '' '' 24)
Make me to go in the way of Thy commandments; for therein do I delight. ('' '' 35)
And I will delight myself in Thy commandments, which I have loved. ('' '' 47)
Unless Thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. ('' '' 92)
O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day. ('' ''97)
My soul is continually in my hand: yet do i not forget thy law ('' '' 109)
I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for Thy commandments. ('' ''131)
My soul hath kept Thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. ('' '' 167)
As the deer panteth for the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. (Ps. 42:1)
My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: (Ps. 84:2)
The desire of the righteous is only good. (Pro 11:23)
The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul. (Pro. 13:19)

Set your affections on things above and not on things on the heart. (Col. 3:2)

Yeshua said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mt. 6:21)

 and with all your might.

The word for might in Hebrew is M'ohd. It means so much more than strength or power. In fact, Jewish translation often translate it as resources, as our might (or labor) brings profit and increase.

Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase. (Pro. 3:9)

And whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might... (Ec. 9:10)
And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. (Col. 3:23)
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men... (Eph. 6:7)

And you shall love you neighbor as yourself.

Therefore all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.

David was a man after God's own heart. You will find over and over again, Psalms that ring out these points – whole heart, all your soul and all your might. I challenge you to incorporate this formula in your prayers, just as we studied on the Lord's prayer.

The Guardian of Wisdom

On the lips of the intelligent

Wisdom is found

And in keeping of silence

The mind is sound

A treasure jewel

Is a word to the wise

As an adorning jewel

Between the eyes

Written as a reminder

On tables of the heart

Is the words of Torah

In the hidden parts

Bound as a sign upon the hands

A covenant to keep is His commands

Protect the commandments

With all your strength

And they shall guard

Your steps at length

For the law is a lamp

The commandments a light

And those who watch over them

Shall be called the Upright.

By: Jonathan Hollis

The Discipline of Wisdom

Wisdom was created before all the works of old

She is more valuable than rubies

Her wealth is more than fine gold

She gives knowledge to the young

Understanding to the wise

Subtility to the simpl

Simplicity is her guise

The first man knew her not perfectly

No more shall the last find her out

The fear of the Almighty is the beginning of wisdom

The Angel of the Lord camps round about

He who studies early finds wisdom

Understanding guides his steps

Justice guards his decisions

Judgment teaches him precepts

A wise man keepeth silence when he knows not what to say

He guides his affairs with discretion

He watches over his way

The instruction of wisdom shall teach thee

The knowledge of understanding shall be thy guide

The discipline of wisdom shall keep thee

In parables of knowledge shalt thou hide.

Walk not in the way of the sinner.

Give not counsel to a foolish man.

Guard the Order with all thy heart.

Transgress not the Chief Command:

Love the Almighty with all thy heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy labor

The second commandment is namely this:

"As thyself, thou shalt love thy neighbor."

Trust in the Almighty with all thy heart

and lean not to thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge Him;

and He shall guide thee with His commanding.

By: Jonathan Hollis

The Treasure of Wisdom

Where is the source of understanding?

And where shall wisdom be found?

By His wisdom He founded the Earth.



By His understanding the Heavens abound.

From whence then cometh wisdom?

As for understanding, where is her place?

From His mouth proceeds knowledge and understanding.

From He alone comes wisdom and grace.

To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed?

To whom hath the knowledge of wisdom been manifest?

The root of wisdom is to fear the Almighty

In the heart of him that has understanding does wisdom rest.

That which hath been is now,

and that which shall be is already come.

Declaring the end from the beginning

and from ancient time the things not yet done.

For every purpose there is a time

To everything there is a season

The Almighty created the heavens and the earth

and worketh all things after His reason. 

By: Jonathan Hollis

A Wise Man

Integrity is the testimony of the righteous

An honest heart is his delight

For whatsoever he doeth,

He doeth with all his might.

He studies the Torah with diligence

When he arises the morning prayers are said.

When he eats he blesses the Almighty

He prayeth the psalms before going to bed.

A wise man prays in season.

He delays not to pay his vow.

He neglects not to help the needy.

Before an image he doth not bow.

He blesseth the poor in the poverty.

He visits the sick in their bed.

He helps the widows and orphans.

With his neighbor he mourns their dead.

He teacheth the simple his wisdom.
He strives not with a foolish mind.

He keeps his hand from evil.

To his neighbor his words are kind.

 By: Jonathan Hollis

Blessed is he that considereth the poor:

The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

Psalm 41:1

The Torah

Like a tree so is the Torah

With roots buried deep in the ground

The storms of doubt strengthen tradition

Where wisdom and knowledge abound

The seed of the Torah is the hope of wisdom

Sprouts of knowledge and truth

Watered by tears, warmed by the Light

of Traditions learned from youth

The trunk is prophets and sages

Bringing wisdom from heaven to earth

Transporting the Light from the heavenlies

Through traditions we've learned from birth

The leaves of the tree tell of other worlds

And knowledge of the Torah above

Nestled in the branches are beautiful fruits:

Gentleness, peace, joy and love.

 By: Jonathan Hollis

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

that brings forth his fruit in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

 and whatsoever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 1:3

Deliver Us From Evil

Jesus prayed, "I pray not that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil." (John 17:15) The same apostle that heard this prayer and recorded it for us, told us: "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides forever." (I John 2:16-17) Jesus told His disciples, "These things have I spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."(John16: ) Again, John told us, "For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." (I John 5:4)

The Apostle Paul told us, "We walk BY FAITH and not by sight." (II Corinthians 5:7) Hebrews 11:1 Tells us what faith is: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen." "We are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." (Romans 8:24-25) "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things whicha re not seen; for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (II Corthians 4:18)

Hebrews 11 gives us many examples of what it means to walk BY FAITH. I think one of the greatest examples of faith is that of Abraham. Romans 4 uses Abraham as an example of faith and belief. It says of him, "(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before Him whom he believed, even God, who quickens (Brings to life) the dead, and calls those things which are not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope..." (Romans 17-18a)

When Abraham was called upon by God to sacrifice Isaac, he knew that the same God Who spoke and gave him the promised son, could again raise him from the dead, if He so pleased. This is where Abraham looked "afar off". Jesus said, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad." (John 8:56) Abraham walked BY FAITH and BY FAITH he overcame every doubt.

Jesus told us He's already overcome the world... We just have to believe in Him and BY FAITH we can overcome this world, as well. There's no great victory in God taking you out of the world, but there is GREAT victory in God delivering you from the evil of this world. "The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:" (II Peter 2:9)

This is the promise that he gave to the overcoming believer: To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in  His throne.  (Revelations 3:21)

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

I think the following Scriptures sum up this portion of the prayer.


Temptations
For the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth..." Gen 8:21

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him Who has subjected the same in hope. (Roms8:20) Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life. (James 1:12) Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise...(I Peter 1:6-7) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations; knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: (I Peter 2:12) There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape that you may be able to bear it. (I Cor 10:13) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched by the feeling of our infirmitities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Heb 4:15) Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest in me. (I Cor 12:9) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulations works patience; and patience experience; and experience hope: and hope makes not ashamed. (Roms 5:3-5)

Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted of God:" for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts He any man: but every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts, and enticed. (James 1:13-14) For I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin in my memebers; (Roms7:23) for the flesh lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary one to the other so that you cannot do the things that you would. (Gal 5:17)

Know you not that to whom you yeild yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey? (Roms 6:16) For all that is in the world, the lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world. (I John 2:16) When lust has conceived it brings forth sin, and sin when it is finished, brings forth death. (James 1:15)

But I keep under my body, and bring it under subjection, lest by any means, when I have preached unto others, I myself should become a castaway. (I Cor 9:27) All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful unto me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (I Cor 6:12) For of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought into bondage. (II Peter 2:19)

Spiritual Armor and Warfare
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not engangled again with the yoke of bondage, only use not liberty as an occaision to the flesh...(Gal 5:1) Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that is a warrior entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who has chosen him to be a soldier.(II Tim 2:3-4) The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (Roms 13:12) But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. (I Thes 5:8) For the weapsons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (II Cor 10:4-6)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against all the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against prinicipalies, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, taking the sheild of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take unto you the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. (Eph 6:10-17)