Public Service at Surabaya - Sunday, April 15, 2007

Based on Tabernacle structure, the epistle Jude refers to the covering of badgers’ skin, which signifies the protection and attention of God towards the true Church as well as separation from the false one.

There are four kinds of false church as follows:

1. Jude 1: 4 unshepherded church
2. Jude 1:5 law-based church
3. Jude 1:6-7 satanic church
4. Jude 1:8 fleshly church

Law-based church

Jude 1:5
5 But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.

All the males who were numbered of the children of Israel from twenty years old and above, who went out of the house of bondage (Egypt), were six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty. Only two might enter and enjoy Canaan (the land of which God had sworn to their fathers); they were Joshua and Caleb and the others were destroyed in desert. This shall be our lesson.

Numbers 14:29-30
29 ‘The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who were numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above.
30 ‘Except for Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun, you shall by no means enter the land which I swore I would make you dwell in.

Twelve spies were sent, only two brought a good report and ten brought bad report/complaint.

Numbers 13:27-28
27 Then they told him, and said: "We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit.
28 "Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there.

“10” points to the law. That is to say, law system service.

• Making temptations greater than the word of God/the promise of God.
  “It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless there we saw the descendants of Anak, men of great stature, so that we will surely be defeated. Better we don’t go there.” Very often we hear and profess the word of God, but then the flesh sounds more strongly as we will practice it because we do not stand to the promise/the word of God.
• Not being led/anointed by Holy Spirit
  Galatians 5:18
  18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
  Such service does not rely on the word, but men, intelligence, experience, knowledge, and so on. The preaching of the word is limited by the education background of hearers. This is not true. Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). The word anointed by the Holy Spirit is unlimited.

Law system service results in nothing but complaints.

Numbers 14:1-2, 29, 30
1 So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night.
2 And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, "If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness!
29 ‘The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who were numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above.
30 Except for Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun, you shall by no means enter the land which I swore I would make you dwell in.

The Lord destroyed all who have complained against Him in the wilderness.
The term “carcass” is particularly used for animals, not men. The people of Israel were in wonders brought out of Egypt, but they finally became carcasses. The term “carcass” here is to show value degradation, as low as animals.
Thus, being saved/delivered from slavery and experiencing many wonders, we have to be careful on our ways because law system service results in complaints. Such happens because of holding to Holy Spirit and the word of God no longer but knowledge and there is no opening of the word of God. Consequently, the value degradation happens, as low as animals and such persons will perish and not reach Canaan/the promised land.
Mind, which is the advantage of man over animals, may be corrupt due to complaining. Such man will be equal with animal. We therefore should not be satisfied with being saved and seeing many wonders like the people of Israel had. They finally became carcasses in the wilderness as nothing. Whether we will become like Israelites depends on the service system performed.

Tabernacle consists of three places: Court, Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place.
The Court is named the sphere of the law, whereas the Holy Place is of the mercy. Both Court and Holy Place were separated by the Door, which speaks of the fullness of Holy Spirit (picture at http://gptkk.org/kemah-en.php). This implies: the fullness of Holy Spirit displaces us from the sphere of the law to the mercy of God, so that there will be no complaint.

Exodus 15:22-24, 27
22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water.
23 Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah.
24 And the people complained against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?"
27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters.

Marah = bitter = the sphere of the law raising complaints (verse 24).
Here is the sphere of the law:

• No confidence to hold the word
• No priority to the revelation of the word
• No anointing of Holy Spirit

Elim = sweet = the sphere of mercy
After being baptized with water, we need to be baptized with Holy Spirit. The fullness of Holy Spirit will displace us from Marah/bitterness/the law to Elim/sweetness/the mercy of God.

Notice these circumstances of Marah/the law:

• the wilderness of Shur.
  Shur means (unbreakable) fortresses, implying unsolvable troubles.
  One trouble has not been solved while another trouble is coming. In such condition, you have to move out and enter the mercy of God.
• no water = no satisfaction in either godliness or marriage.
• bitter waters = bitterness, revenge, envy, hatred, etc.
  The above circumstances provoked the Israelites to complain against Moses, also concerning the bad report of the ten spies. They did not confess that the promise of God was true, but they considered there were many men of great stature who will defeat them.

Complaint will never complete our perfection. It means we will be left when Jesus comes the second time. One indication of perfection is not stumbling in word.

James 3:2
2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

Many complaints show the stumbling in word as well as imperfection. Consequently, such person will not inherit heavenly kingdom when Jesus comes a second time like the murmuring Israelites. The carcasses of them fell in the wilderness. We have to be careful, lest we thus be satisfied with salvation, blessings, and physical wonders! If we serve God with law service system, we must complain against the Lord owing to bitterness, dissatisfaction, and troubles. As a consequence, we will not be perfect and left at the time of Jesus’ second coming.

How does God deliver us from the circumstances such as in Marah?

1. As for God
   Exodus 15:25
   25 So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them. And there He tested them,
   tree = stick = wood = the Cross
   Jesus willingly died on the cross with five deep wounds (two at Hands, two at Feet, and another at His Side) to open the Door with five pillars (http://gptkk.org/kemah-en.php), to pour out the Holy Spirit displacing us from the law to the mercy.
   John 16:7
   7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
   If Jesus had not died, the Door would have not opened / the Holy Spirit would have not poured out. Jesus had, however. We therefore should not keep the sphere of the law, which is without the word and Holy Spirit, but bitterness, weariness, and complaints. Living in the Law, you have to be anointed and filled up with Holy Spirit.
2. As for us: exalting the Cross
   1 Peter 4:1-2
   1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
   2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
   exalting the cross = willing to suffer fleshly to stop sinning and walk according to the will of God. In such a manner, the Holy Spirit begins to anoint and fill us up. We move from the Law (Marah) to the mercy (Elim)
   An example of fleshly suffering is fasting. We should fast a lot that Holy Spirit comes down. Many Christians, even of the Bride Tidings, argue against fasting: “The Bride Tidings is in our hands, so what profit shall we have in fasting?”
   Fasting is a process of tearing or crucifying the flesh. It is written: “If we fast, we will get new garment and wine” – that is, the anointing and the fullness of Holy Spirit.

These are the signs of mercy-based service system:

• Obedience to the word
  Exodus 15:26
  26 and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you."
  the LORD who heals is called Jehovah Rapha.
  The ten spies knew and confessed the word of God excellent (they carried a branch with one cluster of grapes between two of them on a pole), but they did not practice it, even said that the children of Israel would not prevail over the descendants of Anak in their great statures. Mercy-based service system is in obedience to the word, not as the ten spies.
  This is the process of obedience: hearing, understanding, believing and being sure, practicing the word. As a result, “I am the Lord who heals you” both physically (from diseases, troubled economy, broken marriage, etc) and spiritually (from sins). As long as we obey the word of God, no sin can break through our life. Conversely, as soon as we disobey the word, a little sin has controlled us.
  In short, we must have obedience and priority to the word. Just obey the word whatever the risk is, just as Jesus Christ did to death on the cross!
• Mission and ministry
  Exodus 15:27
  27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters.
  “there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees” = twelve people were appointed and sent; seventy people were also appointed and sent. The figures “twelve” and “seventy” denote mission.
  We have to do ministries according to our duty at home and in shepherding as well as possible.
  • Husbands must love their own wives as they love themselves.
  • Wives must submit to their own husbands in everything.
  • Children must obey their parents
  A priest holds dual function; he serves as well as ministers God. Service and ministry are inseparable.
  If each member of a household does their own duties according to the word, it will create a sweet home (Elim). Lest we be deceived by the wrong perception: “If I am served, I will be happy.” Put aside this mind! We have to serve each other.
  At church we also serve God in the priest’s office, which is termed tunic of many colors, for our sweet and beautiful life. Pray to have and hold the priest’s office, never we forsake it! We, particularly the Gentiles, may serve God in the priest’s offices simply because of His Mercy. What a sweet and beautiful compassion!

In short, we have mercy through the opening of the word we have to obey and God will heal us. Besides, there are twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees (mission and ministry) we have to commit seriously. A mutation may happen and it comes from God if there is an increase. For instance, I am a pastor but I may serve/visit other places because of God’s trust and mercy. It is a bonus for me to serve in the building of Christ’s body. Let us do it actively in line with what the Lord has stirred in our heart, such as visiting, giving money, praying, etc. because the mission is in the mercy of God. We may not be idle.

Here are the manifestations of the mission and ministry based on the mercy of God:

1. Offerings sacrifices (not begging for something): tithes, special offerings, and the whole body.
   Romans 12:1-2
   1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
   2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
   Qualifications of the offered body:
   1. a living or active body, which is in the Holy Spirit, due to patience in General (Golden Candlestick http://gptkk.org/pelita-en.php).
   2. a holy body, which is filled with the word and sanctified, due to patience in Bible Study (Table of Shewbread http://gptkk.org/mrs-en.php).
      If a servant of God rejects to attend Bible Study Service, God will reject his sacrifices. None becomes holy without the word – even if he is a pastor.
   3. an acceptable body, which is full of love (“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”), due to patience in Worship (Golden Altar of Incense http://gptkk.org/dupa-en.php). “Though I speak with the tongues of angels and I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
   The three kinds of services denote shepherding. Mission of God is only found in shepherding; every minister must be shepherded accordingly.
   Luke 10:1, 3
   1 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.
   3 "Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.
   A lamb is little and weak, neither running from nor fighting against wolves. A fatter lamb runs more slowly. This is an advantage to wolves.
   Remember: we are sent out as lambs among wolves. Never take it easy! We should not be proud of or satisfied with material things (as if having grown fat). The more we are blessed, the closer we get to wolves. Fatness is nothing and thinness is nothing, but becoming the sheep under His Shepherd is what matters. Only the Shepherd is able to stand against wolves. Therefore, we need to offer living, holy, and acceptable body and be shepherded to feel the shelter of Great Shepherd and the care of Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides, as Abraham had experienced as he would kill Isaac.
2. Transformed by the renewal of life through the fiery trial.
   Romans 12:2
   2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
   (Romans 12:1) To offer our body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, is as if slaying animals. If the flesh were not burnt, it would stink and breed worms.
   (Romans 12:2) Renewal of life through the fiery trial is as though burning the flesh (fleshly human being) into fragrant smoke (spiritual human being).
   It is no wonder if Christians serve the Lord with many trials, for instance, being defamed and set aside for honesty. Such conditions are called the fiery trial (suffering wrongfully) to burn flesh in order to become sweet-smelling aroma so that it will not stink or breed worms. Being shepherded, we have to offer living, holy, and acceptable bodies to the Lord. Israelites brought oxen to be slain according to the Law, to offer the meat or particular parts. Nevertheless, it was nothing without a burning. Let us realize that we are burnt with fiery trials to renew us from flesh (fleshy human being) to fragrant smoke (spiritual human being).

The renewal of life includes these transformations:

1. mind / heart, to be strong and of good courage.
   The twelve spies were commanded to spy the land and be of good courage, but ten of them merely wanted the fruits. They thus became downhearted soon after seeing the descendants of Anak with great stature and provoked the children of Israel not to enter Canaan. Approaching Jesus’ second coming, many pastors and Christians will lose heart in temptations and heresies and they will lose out.
   2 Corinthians 4:1
   1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.
   The servants of God may not lose heart; there shall be found in them no disappointment, desperation, and doubt. Only be strong and of good courage in temptations and heresies! Students of Lempin-El have to become firm in the true teaching word although the number of congregation is little only. The heart that is disappointed/desperate or doubtful when temptations and heresies come have to be renewed.
   Numbers 13:20
   20 "whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land." Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.
   God is seeking a sweet aroma of the courageous (no disappointment or desperation).
   Good courage was actually a capital of the twelve spies. Ten of them had lost their heart, unfortunately. The figure “ten” denotes the law.
   As Joshua would enter into Canaan, he was four times commanded to be strong and of good courage.
   Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18
   6 "Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
   7 "Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
   9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
   18 "Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage."
   That Joshua was entering the land of Canaan shows the revival of Holy Spirit in the last rain / the revival of the perfection of the Body of Christ. God is seeking neither the prudent nor the rich, but the courageous, since He looks at the heart, not the brain.
   We should confess the mercy of God because He does not look for intelligent and rich people to serve in the building of Christ’s body, or else, we will not be used if we are neither intelligent nor rich.
   Only be strong and of good courage, no doubt or desperation, that God will surely use us in the revival of perfection.
2. Mouth
   Isaiah 6:5-9
   5 So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts."
   6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar.
   7 And he touched my mouth with it, and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged."
   8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."
   9 And He said, "Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’
   Isaiah was a young man such whom God looked for – only after his mouth was burnt. Unclean lips imply vain words. Thus, this mouth must be sanctified and renewed (verse 8) that we are sent out to those who do not want to be served (verse 9).

How to deal with broken marriage? We must be transformed to be strong and courageous, and to speak good words. Do not revile or insist others to be transformed first. Likewise, students of Lempin-El may face congregation showing bad response. Do not say bad words about danger or accidents but good words because of the mission/ministry in the last days.
If our heart and mouth are burnt, there will be a sweet aroma of burnt incense ascending to God. The smoke ascends to God but the ashes remain for us.

Genesis 8:20-21
20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
21 And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, "I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.

Soothing aromas are emitted from a courageous heart and a good mouth by which the name of the Lord is always exalted. We will receive blessing from the Lord, and curses are changed into blessings.

Philippians 4:18-19
18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet–smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

God shall supply all our need wherever we are. A pastor lives not by the number of the congregation, but how sweet the aroma of his offering before the Lord is. Servants of God who are sent by Him will be supplied directly from heaven with all their need. In the same manner, God will supply the future of congregation.
Today the smoke ascends, but those who emit the odor will ascend at the time of Jesus’ second coming.

Luke 10:17, 20
17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."
20 "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

until our names are written in heaven and we will be with God forever more.
God bless you!