Posts Tagged ‘ parable of the Sheep and goats ’

The Day of Judgment

Mar 16th, 2010 | By | Category: 2010, Newsletters (click on Newsletter name)

Three great periods of separation are, we think, clearly revealed in God’s Word: 1) “The separation of the chaff from the wheat,” Matt. 3:10,12; 2) “the tares from the wheat,” Matt. 13:37,43; 3) and “the sheep from the goats,” Matt. 25:31. The third great separation like the previous two cover a period of time yet future.

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Daniel Chapter 4 Nebuchadnezzar Reduced to a Beast

Jun 20th, 2009 | By | Category: Daniel, Verse by Verse --Studies led by Br. Frank Shallieu (Click on Book name)

Adam is sometimes called the “father of the human race,” for all branches of the human family can be traced back to him. All have root in that one common stock. Not only was he created perfect, but he had dominion over the lower creation and sheltered them—just as in Daniel 4 the birds were on the branches of the tree and the beasts rested in its shade in comfort and serenity. The tree grew and was strong; its prominence could be seen from afar.
According to our chronology, the small Garden of Eden flourished for only two years before sin entered. In Daniel 4:13,14 a watcher, a holy one, came down from heaven and made a loud proclamation: “Hew down the tree,” etc. That “watcher” was the Logos. As a result, the tree was hewn down, the branches were cut off, the leaves were shaken off, and the fruit was scattered—all suggesting a forceful dispersion. And what happened in Genesis when Adam disobeyed? He and Eve were expelled from the Garden. Two cherubim with a flaming sword were stationed at the entrance to prohibit Adam and Eve from returning lest they eat of the tree of life and live forever (Gen. 3:24). Adam’s previous condition of dominion and lordship ceased, affecting the animal creation as well and even the earth, for he would henceforth have to till the ground by the sweat of his brow to get food. Weeds and thorns grew.
Notice how in Daniel 4:13,17 the narrative changes from the “watcher” (singular) to “watchers” (plural). The purpose of the dispersion was to teach man a lesson: “This matter is … to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” We would call this the permission of evil. Without this experience, man would forever have a desire for the unknown.
However, there is a time limitation for the permission of evil.

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