Joel 2:23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
The Hebrew word for rain in this passage is Moreh, and it literally translates as teacher, thus, when we read about God pouring out the latter rain upon the earth, He is basically referring to a brand new breed of preacher, appointed to the final call of the gospel in the last generation. This type of preacher is not to be expected to fit in with commonly accepted norms of preaching, for they are specially anointed by God to do a specific work.
And therefore, their manner of preaching and their manner of dissecting and delivering the word will be somewhat different than what we have all become accustomed to over the years. Conventional education in theology often involves students being sent to religious universities and, or seminaries, and there they would learn the art of preaching from their professors and doctors who have studied Greek, Latin, and Hebrew languages, and are taught what is described as Hermeneutics”.
The students at some of these seminaries and universities are then taught how they are to structure their own presentations, and how to plan strategically to win souls. But, in many cases, persons have graduated with their summa cum laude in theology but have received an F grade in the Holy Spirit and thus their preaching in some cases savors more of the wisdom of man than the wisdom of God. These institutions of higher learning are not to be condemned, wherever the unadulterated truth is being taught, for they serve a good purpose for the time being, as churches and various ministries often benefit greatly from their work.
That is all well and good. However, those preachers referred to in Joel have an emergency on their hands, as the last leg of the long running marathon of salvation will be closing, and therefore they will be specially instructed, and guided by God to deliver the goods at such a time as this. They have been taught by God, and they have been given the unction of The Holy Spirit, to rightly divide the word of truth in a simple format, so that both the learned and your everyday John Doe can receive and understand the scriptures with clarity.
When Christ was engaged in His ministry while on this earth, the theologians of His day became quite perplexed, and alarmed as they realized that Jesus had never attended any of their universities, yet He handled the scriptures with clarity and wisdom that often left them dumbfounded. Let’s read:
John 7:15 And the Jews marveled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? 16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
Luke 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
God’s ways are not man’s ways, and therefore, in many instances we will discover that God uses very unconventional methods and means to get His will done. For instance, John was prepared by God for his mission in the wilderness, feeding on the locust fruit with wild honey, as he studied both the word and the works of God in nature.
Moses kept his flocks for forty years, learning how to care for sheep, in preparation to take care of real sheep, whilst receiving instructions and knowledge from God, and Elisha came out of the countryside, out of nowhere as it were to bring about permanent change and reformation where it was urgently needed. Therefore, those preachers God is about to let loose across the world will have one special mission to be accomplished, and they will divide the scriptures in ways that heretofore have not generally been seen.
It is not absolutely necessary to know Hebrew and Greek for your everyday person to understand the scriptures. These languages have all been studied intensely in times past and as a result of the labors of others, we now have very reliable versions of the Bible by which we can come to correct conclusions, just as if we had referenced Greek and Hebrew. Furthermore, it is not absolutely necessary to study the writings of Ellen G.White, in order to receive a clear understanding of God’s will.
Now folks, these words are coming from an avid believer in both the Bible, and the spirit of prophecy writings, even though we have always known all along that the scriptures can stand on their own two feet. Very valuable information, instruction and insights are to be found in Ellen White’s writings, but many of these are also to be discovered first and foremost in the scriptures. The problem is that the Bible has been too long shackled by man-made limitations, and in some cases it is not studied the way it is supposed to. Let’s read:
[G.C pp 595] God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines, and the basis of all reforms. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord” in its support.
So, my brother, why have you, in some instances been using the writings of Ellen G. White to shed light on certain issues in the scriptures? That is a great question and we’re glad you asked, for it is one that deserves an answer. It is virtually impossible to put all of the additional explanations in one book, furthermore, if things are stated that are not readily apparent in the Bible, the question of authority will undoubtedly arise.
Thus, to avoid those questions of where we got such and such info from, the pen of inspiration is referenced. But in reality, there is not an absolute need to go to any other book, other than the Bible for explanation because the Bible could certainly explain itself. The problem is that the scriptures are not studied as we ought to study them, which then necessitates those additional explanations in her writings. Let’s read:
[Testimonies 2 pp 605] If you had made God's word your study, with a desire to reach the Bible standard and attain to Christian perfection, you would not have needed the Testimonies. It is because you have neglected to acquaint yourselves with God's inspired Book that He has sought to reach you by simple, direct testimonies, calling your attention to the words of inspiration which you had neglected to obey, and urging you to fashion your lives in accordance with its pure and elevated teachings.
Therefore, this evening we are going to discover how to rightly divide the word of truth, without referencing Hebrew or Greek commentaries, and without referencing the writings of Ellen G. white. The scripture, and the scripture alone would speak authoritatively for itself.
Question: What are the methods and essentials for studying and interpreting the scriptures correctly, that are stipulated by God in the scriptures? Those essentials and methods are these: [1] The Holy Spirit. [2] Line upon line. [3] Here a little and there a little. [4] Intelligent reason guided by enlightened conscience. Let’s read:
Isaiah 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.
2nd Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
This is not rocket science folks, for if the Holy Ghost inspired the Bible writers, the same Holy Ghost will be needed to rightly understand and interpret the scriptures. Therefore, the very first thing we must do before we even think about opening the Bible, is to humbly ask God for His Spirit so that we can draw right conclusions. The Bible cannot and should not be studied like any other book, for its sacred utterances could bewilder or confuse the most intellectual, if done without the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, in order for us to rightly divide the word of truth, using only the word of truth, certain essentials will be required. The new breed of preacher in the book of Joel will be employing those simple tools recommended by God in the Bible. We have to be very careful when we present sacred truths to others, lest we become too intellectual for the ordinary person to readily grasp the truths of the gospel.
If we say that it’s impossible for the ordinary person to reach right conclusions while studying the word, without referencing Greek and Hebrew, we will be shackling the word to some extent, for the everyday person does not know, or reference Greek. But they can be more acquainted with using the line upon line method, reasoning powers enlightened by the Holy Ghost, and Google. The word of God must be presented as simple as possible and user friendly so that even a child would not become perplexed or in some cases, intimidated by unknown languages. Let’s read:
Deuteronomy 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
2nd Timothy 3: 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
We have already seen the line upon line method of interpretation recommended in the Bible. But there are other essentials stipulated in the scriptures for studying and presenting God’s word to others using the Bible alone. As we study them, let us do so with a humble and teachable spirit. Let’s read:
1st Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea the deep things of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Luke 24: 44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.
Acts 17:1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures. 4 And some of them believed and consorted with Paul and Silas.
Acts 18:19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. The study of the scriptures engages one’s reasoning powers, and whenever and wherever the scriptures are delivered in such a manner to appeal to one’s reason, individuals would have clearer concepts of truth and would be better enabled to make choices and decisions in favor of the truth.
Therefore, armed with these simple scriptural tools let us take a few examples from the Bible, showing how line upon line, precepts upon precepts, here a little, there a little, the power of the Holy Spirit and our reasoning powers can bring us to those correct conclusions found in the Greek, Hebrew, and in the writings of Ellen G. White.
Our first trial run will center upon those passages of scripture that have long been used to certify Peter as being the rock upon which the Christian church was built. The Hebrew and Greek are reached for to explain away this error, but it’s not necessary to do so, if we use the specified tools mentioned above. Let’s read:
Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
There you have it folks, Jesus appears to be handing over the keys of the kingdom to Peter, and his head begins to swell, as ours often do whenever a little commendation is given. But, without us reaching for any Greek or Hebrew commentary the scripture can explain who is the real “Rock” being referred to, if we were to use those simple tools recommended in the Bible.
As we read further down in the same chapter we’ll discover that That Rock could never be referring to Peter, because if we reason from the scriptures, it becomes evident that Jesus Christ, who is greater than Peter, would not even consider putting a mere mortal man, who suffers from bouts of violence and cursing, and who behaves impulsively, at the head of His church.
We do not need any Greek to let us know this, for if Christ were to put Peter in such a high position of authority then Christ Himself would be subservient to Peter, a man whom satan had in times past made a mockery of. In fact, a few verses down in the same chapter, Peter’s own frailty is manifested, thereby signally disqualifying him for the top position some churches claim Christ gave to him. Let’s read:
Matthew 16: 21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Again, that Rock could never be Peter, because long before Peter was born the doctrine of The Rock had been surfacing in the scriptures pointing us to Christ who was to subdue all kingdoms unto Himself, and Who alone would be the stabilizing agency for His people throughout all ages. Peter wasn’t even born yet! Let’s read:
Daniel 2: 31 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. 32 This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, 33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. 34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.
35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. [That Rock was Christ]
1st Corinthians 10: 1 Moreover brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and That Rock was Christ.
Psalms 18: 2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Deuteronomy 32:1 Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass.
3 Because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. 4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
2nd Samuel 22: 2 And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; 3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my high tower and my refuge, my Savior; thou savest me from violence. 4 I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
Psalms 62:1 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved. 5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.
That Rock being mentioned by Christ in Matthew, upon which He will build His church could never be Peter, and yet, using those simple scriptural tools as recommended in the Bible, we have safely come to the correct interpretation without referencing the Greek or Hebrew commentaries. Furthermore, it’ll be interesting to see what Peter himself has to say on the matter. Let’s read:
1st Peter 2: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming as unto a living stone disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner.
The next example will be taken from the book of Genesis, where the narrative of the fall apparently places Adam and Eve at the point of temptation at the same time. Now, we can go out on a limb and say that this could never be the case, but then the question of authority will certainly arise, for it will be asked, where did you get that from? Let’s read:
Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden. 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die. 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
There you have it again folks, for on the surface, it seems to say that both Adam and Eve were present at the tree. The pen of inspiration places them at different locations, which would shed great light on how the whole saga unfolded. Let’s read:
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 53>54] The angels had cautioned Eve to beware of separating herself from her husband while occupied in their daily labor in the garden; with him she would be in less danger from temptation than if she were alone. But absorbed in her pleasing task she unconsciously wandered from his side. On perceiving that she was alone, she felt an apprehension of danger, but dismissed her fears, deciding that she had sufficient wisdom and strength to discern evil and to withstand it.
That information is all well and good, but the Bible can stand on its own two feet, and the very same conclusion can be drawn using those simple tools we referred to earlier, so here we go, without using Greek, Hebrew, or the writings of Ellen G. White. It is stated in the Bible that Paul “Reasoned with them from the scriptures, so come now and let us reason together. Let’s read:
Genesis 2: 18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. 19 And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field. Genesis 2:21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
Obviously, Eve was no where around when Adam named the animals, and we have seen clearly that his wife was made from one of his ribs. So then, is it reasonable to conclude that in chapter three, where the temptation is taking place, Adam will now sit back quietly, listening to a snake having a conversation with his wife, encouraging her to go against God’s express command without him saying a word, or doing something about it?
Now, many of you have pets at home. What will you do if one day you came home and found your puppy dog speaking in plain English to your wife? Will you stand there quietly listening, or are you going to go berserk and call 911? Personally, if it was me, I will reach into my top draw and pull out my Bible, and Bible them. Adam could never be reasonably placed at the same location, for he certainly would have intervened in the situation. That is why, throughout the entire conversation, Adam is not once mentioned, until at the very end. Furthermore, this is what line upon line has to say on the matter. Let’s read:
Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman; 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die. 13 And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me (Not us), and I did eat.
1st Timothy 2: 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
Therefore, using those simple tools alone, we can come to the same conclusions written by the pen of inspiration. And we can go on and on and on, from those passages which treat on the trinity, to those difficult passages written by Paul, over which some folks still to this day continue to stumble over, to the mark of the beast. Every one without exception can be explained from the Bible alone, without anyone having to reach for Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, or the spirit of prophecy.
Thus, while it is true that we might continue to use these references in friendly circles where like- minded believers are huddled together, we should be prepared to deliver the gospel using the Bible alone. Therefore, the new breed of preacher will be able to stand firmly and securely upon the word of God alone, being enabled by The Holy Spirit to rightly divide the word of truth, without referencing any other book, commentary, or writing other than the scriptures.
Be prepared, because the time is now. We therefore end with a passage of scripture that will enable and encourage us do what has been too long neglected, and God will bless our efforts in this direction, if we are humble and willing enough to be taught by Him. Let’s read:
2nd Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
God Bless!