Recalling their previous liberality, Paul commends his brethren at Philippi for having been the very first of the apostolic churches to actually contribute (regularly and liberally) to the support of missions, (vs. 15-16; 1:3-5).
    The church at Jerusalem was too divided to support such a missionary endeavor as that undertaken by the apostle to the Gentiles. The Pharisee-element in that church had already condemned Peter for taking the Gospel to the household of the Gentile, Cornelius, (Acts 11:1-18). They had also challenged the ministry of Paul and Barnabas among the Gentiles, (Icts 15:1-35.
    At Antioch, in Syria, there was a church concerned enough about the spread of the Gospel to commission Paul and Barnabas, under the Spirit's direction, to take the Gospel to regions beyond; but there is no evidence of their having provided any financial support. It was the church at Philippi that set the pattern for REAL COOPERATION in missionary endeavor! As Paul as about to leave Macedonia, for Achaia, they alone "fellowshipped" with Him in this matter of "giving and receiving". While he was ministering at Thessalonica, they assisted him with offerings more than once, (vs. 16). And it appears that they sent to his support while he labored, without charge, at Corinth, (2 Cor. 11:8-9); it is possible that the churches of Thessalonica and Berea also fellowshipped in this endeavor.
    Paul's joy is NOT so much in the gift received, but in his recognition of such

    In Hebrews 12:18 Paul looks back to verses 1-2 where He had exhorted his brethren to run patiently the race that was set before them - looking unto Jesus as their Exemplar and Goal. Having finished the work appointed Him, He "is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" - from henceforth waiting in expectancy until the time appointed of the Father, when His enemies shall be subdued under His feet.
    It is important that one understand TO WHOM this letter was originally addressed:
    1. TO CHRISTIAN JEWS of the dispersion: "holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling" - members of New Testament churches.
      a. Temporarily cut off (geographically) from the immediate assembly and fellowship where their lives, as Christians, had begun; pursued by persecution, affliction and sore trials; hounded by Judaistic compromisers who would make merchandise of their souls in urging them back to the old, Jewish ways that had, unquestionably, been divinely appointed for their ancient fathers; and, humiliated by the insinuation that their present troubles were due to their departure from the old covenant; they were BEING TEMPTED to RENOUNCE the loyalty they had pledged to Jesus Christ, and the New Covenant that had been sealed by His precious blood! Perhaps they could then enjoy a bit of REST and PEACE!
      b. It was to such wavering hearts that Paul appealed, in verses 1-2; attempted to show the basis, purpose and benefits

Of the Father's chastisements, in verses 3-17; then continued his exhortation, in verses 18-29.
     2. These "holy brethren, partakers of the Holy Spirit", had previously come to Jesus Christ as' their Saviour and Lord. In Him they had found life, joy and peace. To Him they had pledged their loyal devotion and faithful service. Liberated in spirit, they had begun to develop - to grow in grace and knowledge, toward spiritual maturity - UNTIL TROUBLE OVERWHELMED THEM! It pursued them until they were ultimately driven from their homes - scattered, as Peter reveals, "throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ", (I Pet. 1:1-2). It is to such a people that the words of Hebrews 12:18-21 were first addressed.


    In coming to Jesus, and submitting themselves to the New Covenant order, they had NOT come to Mt. Sinai, (comp. Ex. 19:7-25). The order established at Mt. Sinai, was one designed to strike fear into the hearts of the most courageous and obedient instead of inviting the covenant-nation, in the flesh, to a relationship of intimacy and nearness to Himself; God

warned them NOT to get too close - LEST THEY BE CONSUMED. By the order established at Mt. Sinai, they were constantly to be reminded of their utter UNFITNESS for such a relationship of nearness to their divine Deliverer and Lord.
    In Paul's allegory, as set forth in Galatians 4, the OLD order is represented by HAGAR, Abraham's bondslave, whose children were born INTO BONDAGE, (Gal. 4:24). Nor did the nature of that covenant EVER CHANGE; the very next verse concludes: "For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to JERUSALEM WHICH NOW IS, and is IN BONDAGE with her children". The law could make NOTHING perfect, (Heb. 7:19; 9:9-10; 10:1; comp. Acts 13:19; Rom. 3:20). It was NOT DESIGNED for such a purpose. Nor was there within it ANY POWER OF REDEMPTION! That could come ONLY through the blood of Jesus, (Heb. 9:11-14).
    Thus, it becomes evident that the covenant from Mt. Sinai was a TEMPORARY arrangement designed to show the covenant- nation her exceeding sinfulness and utter inability, by any system of rules, regulations and struggling in the energies of the flesh, TO ATTAIN SPIRITUAL MATURITY, or ACCEPTANCE WITH GOD! It was designed as a SCHOOLMASTER to bring struggling, striving, repeatedly-failing men - heavy laden men, who labored under an unbearable burden of spiritual inadequacy - TO JESUS CHRIST through Whom they might find heart-rest and whose souls might finally be AT PEACE! (Gal. 3:24; Matt. 11:18- 30; comp. 2 Cor. 3:17-18).


    In coming to Jesus Christ, and the infinitely superior order which He established in His church, they have come to that which is described in verses 22-24. Just as, in the Old Testament, "Jerusalem" was used to epitomize the very essence of Moses' adherents; so, here, Mt. Zion epitomizes the spiritual essence of a New Covenant people, to whom the title and heirship of the Kingdom have now been assigned, (Matt. 21:43; Lk. 12:32). Nor does this concept, in any way, contradict or diminish the expectation, at our Lord's appearing, of a LITERAL JERUSALEM (and

Holy City) as the seat of David's reestablished throne, from which His Son and Lord will reign gloriously over all the earth!
    That Paul should so describe a New Testament assembly should come as no surprise to one familiar with his Galatian letter. In contrast to Hagar, and Mt. Sinai, he sets SARAH, and "Jerusalem which is (from) above; FREE, and the MOTHER OF US ALL!" (Gal. 4:26). The appropriateness of this symbolism may be seen in that a New Testament church is designed to provide: a sanctuary from one's enemies; a refuge in trouble; comfort in affliction, disappointment and distress; nourishment for one's spiritual hunger and thirst; guidance for one's feet; and discipline for the maintenance of a holy life.
    Paul reminds his Hebrew brethren that, through identity with Jesus Christ, they are NOT children of the BONDWOMAN, but of THE FREE! Nor are HER children "born to bondage", but unto the glorious liberty of divine Sonship, (Gal. 3:26-27). They have been REDEEMED from under the law, that they might "receive the ADOPTION of sons"; no longer SERVANTS, they have been placed in the position of HEIR-SONS through Jesus Christ, (Gal. 4:5, 7). And he has already urged that they lay hold on the privilege offered them, through the merits of their crucified, buried, risen, ascended and interceding High Priest; to "hold fast" their profession; and to "come boldly to the throne of grace" - WHATEVER and WHENEVER THEIR NEED! (Heb. 4:14-16).


    Do not fail to note the eloquence with which Paul sets forth the superiority of the church (and the New Covenant) OVER ISRAEL (and the Old Covenant). In pledging their loyalty to Jesus Christ and the New Testament order, his wavering brethren have come TO MOUNT ZION. This heavenly Jerusalem, fashioned by God's own hand, is NOT a LITERAL CITY, but a SPECIAL PEOPLE whom He has formed for His praise - a LIGHT to illumine the darkness of a sin- benighted world - a "city set on a hill that cannot be hid", (Matt. 5:14-16; Eph. 5:8-10; I Thes. 5:5; Phil. 2:15). This

is what Paul, by metonomy, designates "the city of the living God" - a people among whom our Lord has chosen to place His name; wherein He NOW makes His "habitation through the Spirit", (Eph. 2:22; comp. Psa. 26:8; Ex. 40:34); and with whom He will ultimately share the New Jerusalem which John, in prophetic vision, foresaw descending from God OUT OF heaven, (Rev. 21).
    Paul assures his brethren that, in the church, they are surrounded by "an innumerable company of angels" who have been "sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation". This is a salvation YET TO BE REALIZED in its glorious fulness - a salvation that is "in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" and "now NEARER than when we first believed", (Heb. 1:4; Psa. 34:7; 125:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:10; Rom. 13:11). A further evidence of the BLESSEDNESS of participation in the BODY-LIFE of a New Testament church is found in Ephesians 1:3, where Paul describes that relationship as "the heavenlies" wherein "all spiritual blessings" abound for those whose lives are yielded, in loving service and joyful praise, to the actual lordship of Jesus Christ!


    The apostle then proceeds to reveal that such a common, general, LOCAL ASSEMBLY consists of a people whom God regards today as His "firstborn ones" (through their identity with His firstborn Son, Col. 1:18; Rom. 8:29; Heb. 1:6) - just as He regarded the nation before its despicable rebellion and disobedience of unbelief, (Ex. 4:22; Heb. 2:10-12).
    This is a people whose names are written in heaven - even in the Lamb's book of life, (Lk. 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 21:27). They are Christ's OWN INHERITANCE - a people specially given Him of the Father, out of this age, to be His BRIDE - to behold, reflect and share His glory, (Eph. 1:18; I Pet. 2:9; Jn. 17:24; Rom. 8:15-21; 2 Cor. 3:17-18). To those IN THIS POSITION belongs a "double portion" of the Father's inheritance - even "joint-heirship" with the Christ, and the PRIESTLY PRIVILEGE; there is today

NO LEGITIMATE PRIESTHOOD outside a properly-functioning New Testament church 1 (I Pet. 2:9; comp. Heb. 10:19-22).
    In such a relationship one stands in a position to be benefited by the presence of:
    1. "God, the judge of all". Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, He reveals our sins that we may so JUDGE OURSELVES as NOT to be condemned with the world, (I Cor. 11:31-32).
    2. In this spere of life one finds JUST MEN who manifest a 'spirit" of maturity and righteousness - men who may truly ASSIST in one's spiritual development; "faithful men who are able to teach others", (2 Tim. 2:2), and to extend a helping hand in times of weakness and failure, (Gal. 6:1-3).
    3. Here one dwells in the presence of "Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant", - our loving Saviour and Lord Who died that we might live; who purchased the church with His own precious blood, and who ever walks in the midst of His churches, beholding our ORDER or DISORDER.
    4. Herein one benefits from the "covenant-blood that speaks better things than that of Abel". Instead of crying out for vengeance, it provides daily cleansing for those who endeavor to walk in the light of the Lord - purging our consciences from dead works to serve the living God, (I Jn. 1:7; comp. Heb. 9:14; 10:21-28).


    It is now through the irrstrumenta1ity of His church that God condescends to speak to men. The church that Jesus established is the SOLE INSTRUMENT:
    1. Through which God has chosen to carry out His New Covenant PURPOSE, and
    2. Through which the Holy Spirit convict's men "of sin, righteousness and judgment",(Matt. 28:18-20; Jn. 16:7-11).
    3. The actual FUNCTIONING of this principle is set forth quite clearly in First Corinthians 14:23-25.


    Since God, from His heavenly throne, speaks through the church: it is IMPERATIVE

that men give heed to her message and submit to her discipline, (Heb. 12:25- 29). "Today, if ye will hear his voice, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS!"
    Those who refused the voice that spoke from Mt. Sinai did not escape the consequences of their rebellion. When His voice shook the earth, they were AFRAID, and promised: "All that the Lord hath spoken we will do!" Though they worshipped the Lord with their LIPS, their HEARTS were FAR FROM HIMI This was a persistent theme running through the history of the nation. Despite God's patient dealings with them - repeatedly calling them to repentance, and promising forgiveness when they met His condition - they continued in their stubborn rebellion, disobedience and unbelief. Thus were they ultimately CUT OFF from the relationship of covenant-fellowship with their divine Lover; their house was left. DESOLATE (because of His withdrawal from it) until, from the depth of their national heart, they are so chastened to repentance that they will joyfully WELCOME His "parousia" - saying: "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord!


    The present trials and conflicts of God's people are to be faced with the consciousness of a coming "shaking" of the heavens and the earth, (vs. 26-27). This speaks of the ultimate OVERTHROW of the highly organized SYSTEM of evil that now operates in rebellion against God and in oppression of His people.
    This passage is an obvious quotation from Haggai 2:6-7. But, that one verse was not the END of the Lord's revelation to the prophet concerning this "shaking". Though this May (or may not) involve an actual VIBRATION of the physical universe, the "shaking of the heaven and the earth", as prophesied by Haggai, is to be fulfilled in this way: "I will overthrow the THRONES OF KINGDOMS, and will destroy the STRENGTH of the KINGDOMS OF THE NATIONS", (Hag. 2:21-22, ASV). In biblical symbolism:
    1. "The heavens" involve principalities and powers, kings and princes, thrones and kingdoms, the high and the mighty, (Isa. 13:10-13; Jer. 4:23-25; Ezek. 32:7;

Isa. 34:4-6; Joel 2:10-li; Isa. 14:12-14; Matt. 24:29-30; etc.).
    2. "The earth" symbolizes THE STRENGTH of the heavens - those by whose support the "thrones of kingdoms" are upheld - the masses, (comp. Ezek. 26:15-18; Zeph. 3:8; Micah 7:15-20; Gen. 6:11-12; Rev. 12:16, etc.).
    There is coming a day when all the dross of this world (the wood, hay and stubble of human wisdom and flesh-righteousness) will be consumed by the fire of divine indignation, (I Cor. 3:12-15). The "fiery trials" of the present are designed to so REFINE and PURIFY the people of God that we "might be found unto praise, honor and glory" at Christ's appearing and kingdom, (I Pet. 1:7). Only that which is ACCORDING TO GOD'S ORDER, as set forth in the scriptures and practiced within a local, New Testament church, WILL REMAIN when the fire of divine indignation has burned itself out, (2 Tim. 2:5).


    Here, then, is the final thrust of apostolic exhortation, designed to arrest and remove from the hearts of his beloved brethren the temptation to TURN BACK TO JUDAISM.
    "Wherefore we, RECEIVING (or "having received" title to) A KINGDOM WHICH CANNOT BE MOVED", (Dan. 2:44; 7:14, 27; Psa. 145:10-13; Ezek. 37:24-25; Mic. 4:6-7; Matt. 21:43; Lk. 12:32). Those properly identified with Christ, in His body, are NOW HEIRS TO the everlasting kingdom which is to be established when Jesus, in His glorious body-presence, returns to this earth. His holy ones will be exalted, in that day, to share the blessedness of His glory, power, nature and very deity! This is IN CONTRAST to the OVERTHROW of worldly thrones and DESTRUCTION of the strength by which these worldly kingdoms have been upheld.
    "Let us lay hold upon the grace whereby we will be enabled to SERVE GOD ACCEPTABLY". Such service requires REVERENCE and AWE in the presence of his indescribable majesty, holiness, greatness, glory, love and power! It is INDEED "a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living

God", (Heb. 10:31); "For our God is A CONSUMING FIRE!" (Heb. 12:29).
    One of the most picturesque characterizations of God to be found in the Old Testament is that recorded in Isaiah 33:14, where He is described by "devouring fire" and "everlasting burnings". Only such as "walk righteously, speak uprightly, despise the gain of oppression, shake their heads from holding bribes, stop their ears from hearing of bloodshed and shut their eyes from beholding evil"; THEY ALONE will "dwell on high" and be permitted to "see the king in his beauty".
    God will NOT give His glory to another. Nor will He accept anything that is contrary to THE ORDER He established and commanded for His people. Therefore, I submit that:
    Let us, therefore, recognize the fact that FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST, in the working-out of His New Covenant purpose, is a gracious PRIVILEGE - not a natural RIGHTI It is according to "the riches of His grace" that our sins have been forgiven; that we have been redeemed from bondage, cleansed from its contamination and delivered from its dreadful consequences. It is all because of the fact that "while we were yet without strength" (even while we were enemies) JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR US - redeeming us from all iniquity and purifying us, through His own precious blood, that we might be a "peculiar people" who will SHOW FORTH HIS PRAISE!
    Thus, we do not belong to ourselves! We have NO RIGHT to chart our own course, or to plot our own destinies. It is much more becoming if, like the apostle Paul, we joyfully confess ourselves to be His loving BONDSERVANTS and maintain such a heart-attitude (spirit) as always says:
"Speak, LORD, for Thy servant heareth!"

THANKS! FOR YOUR SUPPORT DURING THE PAST YEAR, MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU. AND MAKE YOU A BLESSING IN THE COMING YEAR!

PAUL COMMENDS ... CONTINUED

spiritual growth, on their part, as is manifested by their willing investment toward such spiritual and eternal dividends, (vs. 17). Though there are many ways in which God COULD meet the needs of His missionaries, Paul knows the blessedness that will come to his brethren for their investment, and wants them to reap the fullest possible benefits, (Matt. 6: 19-21; Rom. 6:22).
    The apostles needs have been adequately, in fact, ABUNDANTLY supplied. This has come through the generosity of his Philippian brethren - delivered to him by Epaphroditus, (2:25). He sees this voluntary offering ascending to God as "an odour of sweet smell", (comp. Eph. 5:2; 2 Cor. 2:14-16; S. of S. 1:2-3; Ezek. 20:41). It is such a "sacrifice" as God regards with favor, (comp. Heb. 13:16; I Pet. 2:5).

    Thus, Paul assures his brethren that God will, faithfully, meet their need, (vs. 19). As their communication had filled his cup to overflowing, so God would fill theirs to the brim, (comp. 2 Cor. 9:8). The unlimited resources available to them, through God's unbounded love, is suggested by Paul's basing the blessedness of divine fulness on "the riches in glory in Christ Jesus", (comp. Eph. 3:8; 2 Cor. 9:15; 4:16).
    A final "doxology" is sounded in verse 20. "Glory" belongs to God as our Father. That term is in recognition of His nature, attributes, character and gracious activity. It is used in the Old Testament of the radiant brilliancy evidencing God's presence. Three of Jesus' apostles saw their Lord bathed in such radiant outshining on the Mount of Transfiguration, (Matt. 17:1-8). And there is coming a day when we will be permitted to behold His glory - when He is crowned as "King of kings and Lord of lords", (Jn. 17:24; comp. Jn. 1:14).
    In his salutation Paul includes ALL the saints, in Philippi, "in Christ Jesus" "Saints", as used in the New Testament, always speaks of those who are walking in the way of holiness - according to the divinely-appointed order; thus, members of a New Testament church.
    In a final blessing, Paul prays that "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (may) be with your spirit". Jesus is the source of divine grace - recognition of which testifies to His true deity. "Spirit" here refers to the "attitude of their hearts". It is the apostle's desire that, through them, "the spirit of Christ" may be manifested in all its tender, loving and gentle graciousness among his beloved brethren at Philippi, (comp. Gal. 6:18; 2 Tim. 4:22; Philemon 25). E.G.
    Our hearts continue to rejoice in the blessings received through messages, songs and prayers - everything that went to make "Fellowship 89" what it was last month in Rockford, Illinois.
    Once again, let me say a special "Thank You!" to all of you who took part in this meeting. And may the Lord richly bless you in the coming months! E.G.