Randall Q. Lawrence
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon, Tabernacle of David
Bro. K., Elder L.
3/15/2011
Temple of Solomon Reflection 6 (Week 8)-Tabernacle of David Reflection—Is the “latter rain” reflected in the above?
Dr. Nick gave a 2-part sermon series this past weekend on the “Latter Rain” with the concepts of corn/wheat (substance), oil (consecration, glory, Presence), and wine (joy in the Lord). Are these reflected in the Temple of Solomon and Tabernacle of David? My first thoughts are that they are reflected in the sacrifices and types of sacrifices for the Temple and Tabernacle.
As for grain (substance), the main sacrifices of oxen and goats would be fed with these, but there is also a meat (grain) offering—Leviticus 2 which involved flour (grain), oil, and frankincense (v.2—“sweet savour unto the Lord”)—also includes unleavened “cakes”—“firstfruits unto the Lord” (v.12 14). Verse 14 speaks of “green ears of corn dried by the fire” and “corn beaten out of full ears”. Verse 16 speaks of “part of the beaten corn thereof…”.
In addition, the tables of showbread had an important place both in the Temple and in the Tabernacle—within the Holy Place.
The peace offering (Leviticus 3) was to be “of the herd” and “without blemish before the Lord” (v. 1,6) It could be a “goat” (v.12). The sin offering (Leviticus 4) was a “young bullock without blemish” (v. 3) The trespass (guilt) offering (Leviticus 5:14-19) was a “ram without blemish out of the flock” (v.18). All of these offering would have been fed with grain, corn, and/or in the field.
Now, I’m not sure about the wine, but we realize that the bread and wine of Passover became the Bread and Wine of Christ with Communion and the Last Supper so this is important. I thought that I had read somewhere in the Scriptures about a pour offering, but I am not finding it now so I will have to do some more research.
Showing posts with label Temple of Solomon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Temple of Solomon. Show all posts
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Temple of Solomon Final B--Reflection on Septuagint
Randall Q. Lawrence
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K.
5/26/2011
Temple of Solomon: Final B (Reflection on Septuagint--#70/72):
I tried to find the story about putting together the Old Testament during the Babylonian captivity, but I could not find it. I did, however, find a very interesting story about the Septuagint (meaning “70” or LXX) version of the Bible—“translation by 72 Elders”—translation of the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) into the Greek language during the time of Ptolemy II (285-246 B.C.). This was first described in the “Letter of Aristeas” , supposedly written by a member of the court of Ptolemy II.
70 and 72 are very significant numbers Biblically especially in regards to anointing. There is a very significant episode involving Moses and 72 Elders including 2 (Medad & Eldad) that remained in camp. In Numbers 11:24-30, the Lord God’s Spirit that was on Moses also then rested on these 70 on the mountain with Moses not to mention on the 2 in camp with Joshua. Joshua wanted to forbid them and went running to Moses who rebuked him saying, “Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29) This is paralleled in the New Testament (Luke 10:1-24) when Jesus sends out the 70 for witness (some versions say 72) as forerunners for His ministry. The 70/72 return “with joy” (Luke 10:17) at the success of their deliverance/forerunner ministry though Jesus counsels, “do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather, rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (v. 20). Thus, we see this number as significant for anointing for Presence of God (Kingdom of God), prophecy, deliverance, and as forerunners for Christ.
,Getting back to the Septuagint, the 72 scribes/translators/elders were reportedly picked by the High Priest, 6 from each tribe, worked on the translation and reportedly completed the task in exactly 72 days. “Later tradition says, for instance, that the 72 scribes worked separately or in pairs and miraculously produced the same translation, word for word, proving that the group was divinely inspired.” The Septuagint originally referred to the Greek Pentateuch but gradually came to refer to the entire Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as other books of Scripture were translated from Hebrew to Greek in Alexandria in Egypt. Very fascinating story that connects very well with anointed stories about 72 in the Old and New Testaments!!!
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K.
5/26/2011
Temple of Solomon: Final B (Reflection on Septuagint--#70/72):
I tried to find the story about putting together the Old Testament during the Babylonian captivity, but I could not find it. I did, however, find a very interesting story about the Septuagint (meaning “70” or LXX) version of the Bible—“translation by 72 Elders”—translation of the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) into the Greek language during the time of Ptolemy II (285-246 B.C.). This was first described in the “Letter of Aristeas” , supposedly written by a member of the court of Ptolemy II.
70 and 72 are very significant numbers Biblically especially in regards to anointing. There is a very significant episode involving Moses and 72 Elders including 2 (Medad & Eldad) that remained in camp. In Numbers 11:24-30, the Lord God’s Spirit that was on Moses also then rested on these 70 on the mountain with Moses not to mention on the 2 in camp with Joshua. Joshua wanted to forbid them and went running to Moses who rebuked him saying, “Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29) This is paralleled in the New Testament (Luke 10:1-24) when Jesus sends out the 70 for witness (some versions say 72) as forerunners for His ministry. The 70/72 return “with joy” (Luke 10:17) at the success of their deliverance/forerunner ministry though Jesus counsels, “do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather, rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (v. 20). Thus, we see this number as significant for anointing for Presence of God (Kingdom of God), prophecy, deliverance, and as forerunners for Christ.
,Getting back to the Septuagint, the 72 scribes/translators/elders were reportedly picked by the High Priest, 6 from each tribe, worked on the translation and reportedly completed the task in exactly 72 days. “Later tradition says, for instance, that the 72 scribes worked separately or in pairs and miraculously produced the same translation, word for word, proving that the group was divinely inspired.” The Septuagint originally referred to the Greek Pentateuch but gradually came to refer to the entire Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as other books of Scripture were translated from Hebrew to Greek in Alexandria in Egypt. Very fascinating story that connects very well with anointed stories about 72 in the Old and New Testaments!!!
Temple of Solomon Reflections 9 & 10 (weeks 11-12)-Furious Love Event
Randall Q. Lawrence
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K.
4/19/2011
Temple of Solomon Reflections 9 & 10 (Week 11-12)-Furious Love Event
This event was sponsored by Wanderlust Productions (‘Finger of God’ and ‘Furious Love’ movies) and held at Redeemer Fellowship—a charismatic, Spirit-filled “Baptist” church in Monroe, MI. The speakers included most of the ones in Furious Love—Will Hart (of Hart Ministries), Rolland & Heidi Baker (missionaries in Mozambique, Iris Ministries), Shampa Rice (Iris Ministries missionary in India-Bokaro school), Mattheus & Rebecca V. D. Steen (“Esther” in Furious Love, TRIN—Touch, Reach, Impact the Nations), Robby Dawkins (Vineyard pastor-Aurora, IL), Greg Boyd (pastor that’s written on war between God & satan), Angela Greenig (Set Free Ministries International), Philip Mantofa (Indonesian mega-church pastor & evangelist)—very powerful group. Most of the group shared their mistakes (even embarrassing moments) and failures and that their success and power can be attributed directly to Jesus Christ and their intimate relationship with Him.
I want to share a few of the very powerful, prophetic God-encounters. After getting lost for 1 & ½ hours for a church that was 5-10 minutes from our hotel, we finally made it to the church and were “blown away” by the prophetic art-work mostly done by Darren Wilson’s father—Elder and member of Redeemer Fellowship. We walked around checking it out. The church was very gracious and hospitable with its members and leaders volunteering as hosts for the event April 6-9. The church even had a canteen and dining area where you could get breakfast, lunch, and supper. Our first experience/God-encounter included meeting a young lady-Heather who had been an IHOPU student from NY who was graduating in the spring. We had prayer, and I got a ‘word of knowledge’ that her job (calling) following graduation would not come in the usual manner but in an unusual, God-ordained manner—powerful start with irony of a couple of Faith Bible students (one an IHOPU reject) blessing a former IHOPU student.
The FLE was awesome, Spirit-filled and really challenged Peggy and me. I loved listening and being challenged by Will Hart who shared his story of going astray, going to a charismatic meeting with a Spirit-filled boat captain and getting “slain in the Spirit” from a God-encounter. He shares how this boat captain, looking somewhat like Popeye”, kicked him in the foot while on the floor asking, “Boy, what are you doing on the floor?” (meaning what are you going to do now for the Lord). They got Will up, had him pray over another, and they both hit the floor. “Boy, I SAID, what are you doing on the floor?” Will Hart testified that his life has never been the same since—could not dress the same, talk the same, walk the same, and continues to serve the Lord—served with Iris Ministries in Mozambique and was in the Furious Love Movie for various encounters with the Lord and His “Furious Love”. We were so impacted that Peggy and I went on a “treasure hunt” (seeking to bless someone for the Lord through prophecy and word of knowledge and prayer) instead of going for the altar call.
I will finish with another God-encounter. It did not have to do with the main speakers. Peggy and I had lunch with Robin & Art Thomas and 2 m.o. Josiah Samuel. We asked Robin to pray over us, had a wonderful conversation with them, Art gave me his book signed-The Word of Knowledge in Action, and he gave us a Word of Knowledge that by this time (April 2010 to April 2011) next year that I would be holding my own child. I was so excited that I pulled Peggy by the hand outside to an open, grassy area and began yelling “Yes! I will take it! Yes!!!!” over and over. We claim it even now and have had other Words of Knowledge (for children) spoken over us. These were just a few of the God-incidences and blessings of the Lord with the Furious Love Event.
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K.
4/19/2011
Temple of Solomon Reflections 9 & 10 (Week 11-12)-Furious Love Event
This event was sponsored by Wanderlust Productions (‘Finger of God’ and ‘Furious Love’ movies) and held at Redeemer Fellowship—a charismatic, Spirit-filled “Baptist” church in Monroe, MI. The speakers included most of the ones in Furious Love—Will Hart (of Hart Ministries), Rolland & Heidi Baker (missionaries in Mozambique, Iris Ministries), Shampa Rice (Iris Ministries missionary in India-Bokaro school), Mattheus & Rebecca V. D. Steen (“Esther” in Furious Love, TRIN—Touch, Reach, Impact the Nations), Robby Dawkins (Vineyard pastor-Aurora, IL), Greg Boyd (pastor that’s written on war between God & satan), Angela Greenig (Set Free Ministries International), Philip Mantofa (Indonesian mega-church pastor & evangelist)—very powerful group. Most of the group shared their mistakes (even embarrassing moments) and failures and that their success and power can be attributed directly to Jesus Christ and their intimate relationship with Him.
I want to share a few of the very powerful, prophetic God-encounters. After getting lost for 1 & ½ hours for a church that was 5-10 minutes from our hotel, we finally made it to the church and were “blown away” by the prophetic art-work mostly done by Darren Wilson’s father—Elder and member of Redeemer Fellowship. We walked around checking it out. The church was very gracious and hospitable with its members and leaders volunteering as hosts for the event April 6-9. The church even had a canteen and dining area where you could get breakfast, lunch, and supper. Our first experience/God-encounter included meeting a young lady-Heather who had been an IHOPU student from NY who was graduating in the spring. We had prayer, and I got a ‘word of knowledge’ that her job (calling) following graduation would not come in the usual manner but in an unusual, God-ordained manner—powerful start with irony of a couple of Faith Bible students (one an IHOPU reject) blessing a former IHOPU student.
The FLE was awesome, Spirit-filled and really challenged Peggy and me. I loved listening and being challenged by Will Hart who shared his story of going astray, going to a charismatic meeting with a Spirit-filled boat captain and getting “slain in the Spirit” from a God-encounter. He shares how this boat captain, looking somewhat like Popeye”, kicked him in the foot while on the floor asking, “Boy, what are you doing on the floor?” (meaning what are you going to do now for the Lord). They got Will up, had him pray over another, and they both hit the floor. “Boy, I SAID, what are you doing on the floor?” Will Hart testified that his life has never been the same since—could not dress the same, talk the same, walk the same, and continues to serve the Lord—served with Iris Ministries in Mozambique and was in the Furious Love Movie for various encounters with the Lord and His “Furious Love”. We were so impacted that Peggy and I went on a “treasure hunt” (seeking to bless someone for the Lord through prophecy and word of knowledge and prayer) instead of going for the altar call.
I will finish with another God-encounter. It did not have to do with the main speakers. Peggy and I had lunch with Robin & Art Thomas and 2 m.o. Josiah Samuel. We asked Robin to pray over us, had a wonderful conversation with them, Art gave me his book signed-The Word of Knowledge in Action, and he gave us a Word of Knowledge that by this time (April 2010 to April 2011) next year that I would be holding my own child. I was so excited that I pulled Peggy by the hand outside to an open, grassy area and began yelling “Yes! I will take it! Yes!!!!” over and over. We claim it even now and have had other Words of Knowledge (for children) spoken over us. These were just a few of the God-incidences and blessings of the Lord with the Furious Love Event.
Temple of Solomon Reflection 8 (week 10)-Love
Randall Q. Lawrence
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K.
3/29/2011
Temple of Solomon Reflection 8 (Week 10)-Love
Last week was a very stressful situation with work, sudden death of a friend, and more, and so is this week with health news in regards to my Dad. I picked love to do my reflection on because that is how the week ended and what the weekend reflected with a 40 year “love affair” (loving relationship) attested at the funeral for our friend Gail, with your wedding with Chely, with Friday and Sunday services.
One might ask what love has to do with the Temple of Solomon. Well, the Temple of Solomon foreshadows Jesus Christ and points to Him. Jesus Christ was all about love. To be honest, the Temple of Solomon (& Tabernacle of David) is not something I really ever focused much on yet in looking at how God works and in understanding Jesus Christ more then these topics become very relevant. As a Christian, we hear non-believers talking about this wrathful, judgmental, Old Testament God. We look at what happened after a long time of disobedience, of breaking of covenants, of idolatry and more and then assign these results to the personality of God without digging deeper. Focus on the Temple of Solomon is about digging deeper.
Solomon, wisest in the world, foreshadowed Jesus Christ. Yet, a Solomon without Jesus Christ inside, fell prey to idolatry and being led astray by his wives. The ultimate story of the Temple is in the crucifixion of Christ with the tearing of the veil of the Temple and then with Pentecost. “The Kingdom of God is within you” contrasts with our fallen nature. I have heard the Bible being called a “love letter” and “love story”. I believe that this is true. God, Abba Father as a Holy, Omnipotent, Omniscient Creator has done all this work like the Temple of Solomon to provide access to Him to weak, fallible, broken humans and set forth a plan of redemption in Jesus Christ so that we might have access. Ultimately, it was about a Temple and Holy of Holies place that became not without (outside of us) but within (inside of us) through the ministry of Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit—this is the love story which was illustrated so aptly this past weekend in a funeral and a wedding demonstrating the love story continues.
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K.
3/29/2011
Temple of Solomon Reflection 8 (Week 10)-Love
Last week was a very stressful situation with work, sudden death of a friend, and more, and so is this week with health news in regards to my Dad. I picked love to do my reflection on because that is how the week ended and what the weekend reflected with a 40 year “love affair” (loving relationship) attested at the funeral for our friend Gail, with your wedding with Chely, with Friday and Sunday services.
One might ask what love has to do with the Temple of Solomon. Well, the Temple of Solomon foreshadows Jesus Christ and points to Him. Jesus Christ was all about love. To be honest, the Temple of Solomon (& Tabernacle of David) is not something I really ever focused much on yet in looking at how God works and in understanding Jesus Christ more then these topics become very relevant. As a Christian, we hear non-believers talking about this wrathful, judgmental, Old Testament God. We look at what happened after a long time of disobedience, of breaking of covenants, of idolatry and more and then assign these results to the personality of God without digging deeper. Focus on the Temple of Solomon is about digging deeper.
Solomon, wisest in the world, foreshadowed Jesus Christ. Yet, a Solomon without Jesus Christ inside, fell prey to idolatry and being led astray by his wives. The ultimate story of the Temple is in the crucifixion of Christ with the tearing of the veil of the Temple and then with Pentecost. “The Kingdom of God is within you” contrasts with our fallen nature. I have heard the Bible being called a “love letter” and “love story”. I believe that this is true. God, Abba Father as a Holy, Omnipotent, Omniscient Creator has done all this work like the Temple of Solomon to provide access to Him to weak, fallible, broken humans and set forth a plan of redemption in Jesus Christ so that we might have access. Ultimately, it was about a Temple and Holy of Holies place that became not without (outside of us) but within (inside of us) through the ministry of Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit—this is the love story which was illustrated so aptly this past weekend in a funeral and a wedding demonstrating the love story continues.
Temple of Solomon Reflection 7 (week 9)-Disappointment
Randall Q. Lawrence
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K.
3/22/2011
Temple of Solomon Reflection 7 (Week 9)-Disappointment
I want to write this reflection on disappointment and frustration. I am going to get a little personal so this is the warning. Peggy and I are trying to conceive. We have the promises of God for children, prophetic words, and more. I just want children so bad that each time that it is evident that we are not having one yet is like a “dagger to the heart” and “poison to the mind”.
You might ask what this has to do with the Temple of Solomon? Well, I cannot connect it with the Temple of Solomon so much as connect it with its descendent—the Temple of Joshua and Zerubbabel—temple built following the Babylonian exile. I cannot find the Scripture right now (Ezra, Zechariah, Hosea?), but there is some Scriptures about the dedication of this second Temple which was smaller and less grand and did not have the Ark or other things associated with the Temple of Solomon. The Shekhinah glory in the form of a cloud came down in encompassed the Temple of Solomon. This was not repeated with the 2nd Temple so that some persons were crying over missing out on this evidence of the Glory of God.
What’s this got to do with Peggy’s and my disappointment over not conceiving a child yet? Well, I will try to connect it. In my faith, the Glory of God came down for the dedication of the Kirtland Temple (1st Reflection) in 1836—Kirtland, Ohio. This was a powerful experience with tongues and interpretation of tongues, Spirit-filled preaching, and prophetic dedicatory prayer. Well, in less than 2 years, the “Saints” were run out of Ohio. My faith built the Community of Christ Temple in Independence starting in 1990 and completed in 1994 completely debt free. We did this at some sacrifice. The issue is that the Temple is not endowed (anointed) the way the Kirtland Temple was and has been at times since the dedication. These are my disappointment (not conceiving yet, not having the Glory of God on this Temple in Independence—latter not being like the former), but I praise God because I know that following His commandments can turn these disappointments into fulfilled promises in Jesus Christ.
Temple of Solomon Midterm: David's Charge to Solomon
Randall Q. Lawrence
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K.
3/8/2011
Temple of Solomon Midterm:David’s Charge to Solomon (p. 27 text—1 Chronicles 22:6-16)
I want to compare and contrast King Solomon with his father King David especially their two hearts and two heads and their relationship with God. King David gave the charge to his son, King Solomon, son of Bathsheba to build the House of the Lord which had been his desire, but he was not allowed since he was a man of war and had shed blood. “David challenged him to take heed to the law of the Lord through Moses, encouraging him to seek the Lord in wisdom and understanding to fulfill this charge on him. He would build the vision of his father David.” (p. 27 text) (also 1 Kings 2:1-9, 1 Chronicles 28:1-21)
When the Temple built by Solomon was done, we had the Shekinah—“visible manifestation of God” (1 Kings 8:10-11, 2 Chron. 5:13-14, 7:1-3). This power of God was not manifest like this until the fall of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2)—the endowment of power from on high (Luke 24:49). We know that Solomon prayed a very inspired prayer in the dedication (2 Chron.6:12-42) and know that God asked Solomon wanted he wanted (long life, riches, etc.), but Solomon chose wisdom so he was granted the life and riches. (1 Kings 3:3-15, 2 Chronicles 1-12)
Solomon, despite youth and experience, began his reign very well and reigned with the wisdom of God. This is where I want to get into my source/citation (see endnote)—Bible Stories movies “Solomon” with Ben Cross and Vivaca Fox. I really enjoyed this movie because I feel it did a decent job of seeing into the life and mindset of Solomon and his relationship with God. Solomon had to deal with enemies from within (his own brother and general) who tried to usurp the throne before he began. (1 Kings 1) He was a man of peace, unlike his father King David, who was a man of war. This was a requirement for building the House of the Lord—Temple of Solomon. We know that Solomon had the wisdom of God, the example of David, man “after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), and then was given long life and riches and acclaim throughout the world for his wisdom and kingdom.
Solomon began to get married for diplomatic reasons—to prevent war and to form alliances and to enjoy his reign as King of all Israel. King Solomon had many wives like his father King David. This might not have been his downfall if Solomon would have been more focused on the Lord God than on his wives. David had danced before the Lord while moving the ark of the Lord the Tabernacle and was despised by Michal for the display—the Lord and David proceeded to reject her (2 Samuel 6:16, 21-23) so the priority for David was the Lord and worship of the Lord as David had set up of David and its worship system. (1 Chronicles 23-26)
In the movie, we see Solomon falling in love with the Queen of Sheba. (Biblical story—1 Kings 10:1-13, 2 Chronicles 9:1-12 ) They have a son who is rejected as the next king just as the Queen of Sheba is rejected as wife & Queen of Israel. The Queen of Sheba leaves so her son can inherit her kingdom, and she and Solomon set up a colony in Africa…(dramatic license?)
After this, with his broken heart, King Solomon begins slowly to allow the corruption and issue of the religion(s) of his wives (sacrifices to idols and foreign gods) to begin to undermine his relationship with the Lord God of Israel and to undermine his covenant with God. (1 Kings 11:1-13) This does not come to fruition in his reign, but it does come to fruition in the reign of his son, King Rehoboam with the splitting of Israel (northern Kingdom) with Jeroboam from Judah (southern Kingdom).
Where am I going with all this? King Solomon, wisest man in the world, becomes mis-lead through his heart and his head and thinking he knew better than anyone else—lost his First Love—relationship with God, put desires of wives over God. Our head is a good servant but a lousy master. King David meanwhile despite serious mistakes and sins had his heart on the Lord and truly knew how to repent and set his heart right with the Lord God. The incidence with the dancing and his wife Michal (2 Sam. 6:16, 21-23) shows how David’s priority and heart were set on the Lord unlike the priorities of King Solomon later in life who chose to depend on his own wisdom (fallible) and not on his relationship with God. Heart wisdom in the Lord trumps head wisdom in the Lord—Jesus Christ exemplified this in His ministry, passion and death on the cross, and His resurrection.
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K.
3/8/2011
Temple of Solomon Midterm:David’s Charge to Solomon (p. 27 text—1 Chronicles 22:6-16)
I want to compare and contrast King Solomon with his father King David especially their two hearts and two heads and their relationship with God. King David gave the charge to his son, King Solomon, son of Bathsheba to build the House of the Lord which had been his desire, but he was not allowed since he was a man of war and had shed blood. “David challenged him to take heed to the law of the Lord through Moses, encouraging him to seek the Lord in wisdom and understanding to fulfill this charge on him. He would build the vision of his father David.” (p. 27 text) (also 1 Kings 2:1-9, 1 Chronicles 28:1-21)
When the Temple built by Solomon was done, we had the Shekinah—“visible manifestation of God” (1 Kings 8:10-11, 2 Chron. 5:13-14, 7:1-3). This power of God was not manifest like this until the fall of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2)—the endowment of power from on high (Luke 24:49). We know that Solomon prayed a very inspired prayer in the dedication (2 Chron.6:12-42) and know that God asked Solomon wanted he wanted (long life, riches, etc.), but Solomon chose wisdom so he was granted the life and riches. (1 Kings 3:3-15, 2 Chronicles 1-12)
Solomon, despite youth and experience, began his reign very well and reigned with the wisdom of God. This is where I want to get into my source/citation (see endnote)—Bible Stories movies “Solomon” with Ben Cross and Vivaca Fox. I really enjoyed this movie because I feel it did a decent job of seeing into the life and mindset of Solomon and his relationship with God. Solomon had to deal with enemies from within (his own brother and general) who tried to usurp the throne before he began. (1 Kings 1) He was a man of peace, unlike his father King David, who was a man of war. This was a requirement for building the House of the Lord—Temple of Solomon. We know that Solomon had the wisdom of God, the example of David, man “after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), and then was given long life and riches and acclaim throughout the world for his wisdom and kingdom.
Solomon began to get married for diplomatic reasons—to prevent war and to form alliances and to enjoy his reign as King of all Israel. King Solomon had many wives like his father King David. This might not have been his downfall if Solomon would have been more focused on the Lord God than on his wives. David had danced before the Lord while moving the ark of the Lord the Tabernacle and was despised by Michal for the display—the Lord and David proceeded to reject her (2 Samuel 6:16, 21-23) so the priority for David was the Lord and worship of the Lord as David had set up of David and its worship system. (1 Chronicles 23-26)
In the movie, we see Solomon falling in love with the Queen of Sheba. (Biblical story—1 Kings 10:1-13, 2 Chronicles 9:1-12 ) They have a son who is rejected as the next king just as the Queen of Sheba is rejected as wife & Queen of Israel. The Queen of Sheba leaves so her son can inherit her kingdom, and she and Solomon set up a colony in Africa…(dramatic license?)
After this, with his broken heart, King Solomon begins slowly to allow the corruption and issue of the religion(s) of his wives (sacrifices to idols and foreign gods) to begin to undermine his relationship with the Lord God of Israel and to undermine his covenant with God. (1 Kings 11:1-13) This does not come to fruition in his reign, but it does come to fruition in the reign of his son, King Rehoboam with the splitting of Israel (northern Kingdom) with Jeroboam from Judah (southern Kingdom).
Where am I going with all this? King Solomon, wisest man in the world, becomes mis-lead through his heart and his head and thinking he knew better than anyone else—lost his First Love—relationship with God, put desires of wives over God. Our head is a good servant but a lousy master. King David meanwhile despite serious mistakes and sins had his heart on the Lord and truly knew how to repent and set his heart right with the Lord God. The incidence with the dancing and his wife Michal (2 Sam. 6:16, 21-23) shows how David’s priority and heart were set on the Lord unlike the priorities of King Solomon later in life who chose to depend on his own wisdom (fallible) and not on his relationship with God. Heart wisdom in the Lord trumps head wisdom in the Lord—Jesus Christ exemplified this in His ministry, passion and death on the cross, and His resurrection.
Temple of Solomon Reflection 4 & 5 (week 5-6)
Randall Q. Lawrence
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K.
3/8/2011
Temple of Solomon Reflection 4 & 5 (week 5-6):
I wanted to combine last week and this week because of the powerful experience that I had in guest-preaching in Linn, MO the weekend before last. I found out last minute that I would also be doing the Sunday School and would present a slideshow presentation of a mission trip to Mexico that I took in 2009. The pastor thought she had sent me a facebook message earlier in the week, but I did not get it so I was scrambling to put everything together at the last minute. I was able to get it done, and we left Saturday afternoon to go and would be staying at the Pastor’s house overnight.
We got to the church, but we had some confusion because Pastor Kathy thought I was going on to her house while we thought she would be meeting us at the church which she eventually did. It was a God thing in that we got to worship and pray and Peggy anointed the pews on Saturday night since they leave the church open. We finally got to her house, had a very late but delicious supper, toured the house, then I excused myself to go over my sermon some more since I had been pre-occupied with the Sunday School presentation. I got everything mostly set. We enjoyed being hosted. We had a 45-60 minute drive from her house to the church the next day so Peggy and I got into a powerful, deep, Spirit-filled intercessory prayer over the Linn congregation, over Pastor Kathy and her family, over the community and more. I told Peggy that I felt like I needed to set aside most of my sermon and share more of what God was laying on our hearts for this tiny, rural congregation.
The Sunday School presentation went well though some initial technical difficulties that we worked out and then it went well with Peggy’s help. The service went well with special music from our friend Bill (who had ridden with us) though we noticed Pastor Kathy juggling numerous jobs—hostess, presider, Pastor, A/V person, special music, pianist, and more. The sermon went very well and was definitely Spirit-led and filled & included this:
• …world and satan may speak “lies” that I’ve neglected my church (congregation). I have not! You’ve turned from me. I desire you and a relationship with you ALWAYS—these “lies” belong in the pits of hell where they originate from…..
I sat down when I felt the Spirit say that was enough. I was struck by Peggy staring at me with an intense, unfamiliar look on her face. It took me about 2 hours to describe—not looking past me, over me—more looking into me. It took her awhile to describe what she was seeing—“almost like I was bigger…”, “different”. She said that I had done a good job of listening to the Spirit. We had lunch, discussion with Pastor Kathy, prayed over one another, got some pictures, and then came home. It was less than a day and a half though it seemed almost like 3-4 days. Very powerful time in the Spirit and the Lord!
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K.
3/8/2011
Temple of Solomon Reflection 4 & 5 (week 5-6):
I wanted to combine last week and this week because of the powerful experience that I had in guest-preaching in Linn, MO the weekend before last. I found out last minute that I would also be doing the Sunday School and would present a slideshow presentation of a mission trip to Mexico that I took in 2009. The pastor thought she had sent me a facebook message earlier in the week, but I did not get it so I was scrambling to put everything together at the last minute. I was able to get it done, and we left Saturday afternoon to go and would be staying at the Pastor’s house overnight.
We got to the church, but we had some confusion because Pastor Kathy thought I was going on to her house while we thought she would be meeting us at the church which she eventually did. It was a God thing in that we got to worship and pray and Peggy anointed the pews on Saturday night since they leave the church open. We finally got to her house, had a very late but delicious supper, toured the house, then I excused myself to go over my sermon some more since I had been pre-occupied with the Sunday School presentation. I got everything mostly set. We enjoyed being hosted. We had a 45-60 minute drive from her house to the church the next day so Peggy and I got into a powerful, deep, Spirit-filled intercessory prayer over the Linn congregation, over Pastor Kathy and her family, over the community and more. I told Peggy that I felt like I needed to set aside most of my sermon and share more of what God was laying on our hearts for this tiny, rural congregation.
The Sunday School presentation went well though some initial technical difficulties that we worked out and then it went well with Peggy’s help. The service went well with special music from our friend Bill (who had ridden with us) though we noticed Pastor Kathy juggling numerous jobs—hostess, presider, Pastor, A/V person, special music, pianist, and more. The sermon went very well and was definitely Spirit-led and filled & included this:
• …world and satan may speak “lies” that I’ve neglected my church (congregation). I have not! You’ve turned from me. I desire you and a relationship with you ALWAYS—these “lies” belong in the pits of hell where they originate from…..
I sat down when I felt the Spirit say that was enough. I was struck by Peggy staring at me with an intense, unfamiliar look on her face. It took me about 2 hours to describe—not looking past me, over me—more looking into me. It took her awhile to describe what she was seeing—“almost like I was bigger…”, “different”. She said that I had done a good job of listening to the Spirit. We had lunch, discussion with Pastor Kathy, prayed over one another, got some pictures, and then came home. It was less than a day and a half though it seemed almost like 3-4 days. Very powerful time in the Spirit and the Lord!
Temple of Solomon Reflection 2 & 3 (week 3-4)
Randall Q. Lawrence
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K.
2/22/2011
Temple of Solomon Reflection 2 & 3 (week 3-4):
I do not really have any good reflections on the Temple of Solomon because I will admit that I am behind on the reading with being out ill. I want to reflect on the cause of the illness. You are free to share this with others.
I want to recount what transpired on 2/12. I had told Dr. Nick that I was willing to go out to see Brian & Rhonda and get the keys to the college from Brian. What Peggy and I dealt with became something else. We knew that we might have to deal with some things because we knew about the family’s history of witchcraft & more, but we did not realize what we would end up dealing with. First time that we went out, no one answered the door though I thought that I heard someone yelling “a-hole…” or something like that (mother?). We had made sure that we applied a blood line of Christ, had the armor of God on, and had mighty prayer. We went home to try again later. The first time that we went we took our wedding album and wedding scrapbook to be able to share. We went to Mardel’s and did some errands and went home to unwind from ominous feeling.
We tried again later in day with blood line, armor, and prayer. We both went up to door this time. We figured it would work out because it seemed like most of the lights were on in the house. We were not even sure it was the right house, but the mailbox was short, saw an angel in the yard, Christmas stuff still on door, and I had spotted Brian’s favorite energy drink can by the door. We knocked about 5x without an answer though we thought we heard voices, but no one came to the door. We finally went to the car and began to text them with our new phones. We finally got the responses: “getting a car”, “tinkering with a car”, and more. I tried to figure out when we could get the keys, and they offered the next day so we invited them to church. We eventually left and got to Radioshack where Brian called, and I hand the phone to Peggy.
I do not remember when exactly, but I started to get really hot on my face and then feel it in my ears and sinuses and head. We got home and made the mistake of delaying prayer to get settled and contact Dr. Nick then Peggy prayed over me. It did not lift off until she used her prayer language then I got discernment/knowledge that it was a demon spirit of infirmity. We were thankful that we had not gone in the house and wondered if a “curse” had been directed at us.
By the next day, I had a full-blown case of sinusitis (sinus infection) and had to have prayer and anointing with oil both in morning and in evening on Sunday and more prayer later in the week and even into this week.
I guess my reflection is that we need to be ready all the time. Peggy later in the week had to deal with a demonic or satanic lair of a house. I do not think it was an accident that I was mostly out of commission (to be able to offer prayer support) when she dealt with this and got information from Dr. Eva about what she was dealing with. We are blessed with being at Faith Bible College and Ebony & Ivory to learn about how to deal with this stuff. I guess you will not be attacked unless you are a threat. I do realize that I allowed a measure of pride/ego/rationalization to put a “chink” or hole in the armor and covering of God. It was a tremendous lesson to me in allowing God to do His thing and not to think “my thing” is helpful (wearing a hat that might bother Brian). I learned the importance of humility, dependence of God, and need for broken heart and contrite spirit and that God’s protection is more than sufficient.
(Names have been changed to protect persons involved in situation.)
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K.
2/22/2011
Temple of Solomon Reflection 2 & 3 (week 3-4):
I do not really have any good reflections on the Temple of Solomon because I will admit that I am behind on the reading with being out ill. I want to reflect on the cause of the illness. You are free to share this with others.
I want to recount what transpired on 2/12. I had told Dr. Nick that I was willing to go out to see Brian & Rhonda and get the keys to the college from Brian. What Peggy and I dealt with became something else. We knew that we might have to deal with some things because we knew about the family’s history of witchcraft & more, but we did not realize what we would end up dealing with. First time that we went out, no one answered the door though I thought that I heard someone yelling “a-hole…” or something like that (mother?). We had made sure that we applied a blood line of Christ, had the armor of God on, and had mighty prayer. We went home to try again later. The first time that we went we took our wedding album and wedding scrapbook to be able to share. We went to Mardel’s and did some errands and went home to unwind from ominous feeling.
We tried again later in day with blood line, armor, and prayer. We both went up to door this time. We figured it would work out because it seemed like most of the lights were on in the house. We were not even sure it was the right house, but the mailbox was short, saw an angel in the yard, Christmas stuff still on door, and I had spotted Brian’s favorite energy drink can by the door. We knocked about 5x without an answer though we thought we heard voices, but no one came to the door. We finally went to the car and began to text them with our new phones. We finally got the responses: “getting a car”, “tinkering with a car”, and more. I tried to figure out when we could get the keys, and they offered the next day so we invited them to church. We eventually left and got to Radioshack where Brian called, and I hand the phone to Peggy.
I do not remember when exactly, but I started to get really hot on my face and then feel it in my ears and sinuses and head. We got home and made the mistake of delaying prayer to get settled and contact Dr. Nick then Peggy prayed over me. It did not lift off until she used her prayer language then I got discernment/knowledge that it was a demon spirit of infirmity. We were thankful that we had not gone in the house and wondered if a “curse” had been directed at us.
By the next day, I had a full-blown case of sinusitis (sinus infection) and had to have prayer and anointing with oil both in morning and in evening on Sunday and more prayer later in the week and even into this week.
I guess my reflection is that we need to be ready all the time. Peggy later in the week had to deal with a demonic or satanic lair of a house. I do not think it was an accident that I was mostly out of commission (to be able to offer prayer support) when she dealt with this and got information from Dr. Eva about what she was dealing with. We are blessed with being at Faith Bible College and Ebony & Ivory to learn about how to deal with this stuff. I guess you will not be attacked unless you are a threat. I do realize that I allowed a measure of pride/ego/rationalization to put a “chink” or hole in the armor and covering of God. It was a tremendous lesson to me in allowing God to do His thing and not to think “my thing” is helpful (wearing a hat that might bother Brian). I learned the importance of humility, dependence of God, and need for broken heart and contrite spirit and that God’s protection is more than sufficient.
(Names have been changed to protect persons involved in situation.)
Temple of Solomon Reflection 1 (week 2)
Randall Q. Lawrence
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K
2/8/2011
Temple of Solomon Reflection 1 (week 2):
It has been interesting to read about why studying the Temple of Solomon is important, what and who it reflects (Jesus, heavenly tabernacle/temple), reading about various interpretation principles, and then reading about the various temple—Tabernacle of Moses, Tabernacle of David, Temple of Solomon, Temple of Zerubbabel, Temple of Herod, Temple of Ezekiel’s vision, etc.
I decided that I wanted to focus on what temples mean to me. My church (Community of Christ/R.L.D.S.) had a first temple in Kirtland, Ohio, 80-90 miles north of where I grew up in New Philadelphia, Ohio. This temple or “House of the Lord” was dedicated in 1836 with mighty prayer, anointed singing, and even apostles speaking in tongues with interpretation given—an outpouring of the Spirit due to sacrifice in the building of this Temple. At the time (1836), most church buildings would have fit in the Kirtland Temple with their length smaller than its width. The “saints” that built were very poor and sacrificed greatly to build it. I am also challenged to see an anointing/endowment (Luke 24:49, Acts 2, Joel 2) on our Independence Temple with the Community of Christ HQ that’s just down the street from us.
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K
2/8/2011
Temple of Solomon Reflection 1 (week 2):
It has been interesting to read about why studying the Temple of Solomon is important, what and who it reflects (Jesus, heavenly tabernacle/temple), reading about various interpretation principles, and then reading about the various temple—Tabernacle of Moses, Tabernacle of David, Temple of Solomon, Temple of Zerubbabel, Temple of Herod, Temple of Ezekiel’s vision, etc.
I decided that I wanted to focus on what temples mean to me. My church (Community of Christ/R.L.D.S.) had a first temple in Kirtland, Ohio, 80-90 miles north of where I grew up in New Philadelphia, Ohio. This temple or “House of the Lord” was dedicated in 1836 with mighty prayer, anointed singing, and even apostles speaking in tongues with interpretation given—an outpouring of the Spirit due to sacrifice in the building of this Temple. At the time (1836), most church buildings would have fit in the Kirtland Temple with their length smaller than its width. The “saints” that built were very poor and sacrificed greatly to build it. I am also challenged to see an anointing/endowment (Luke 24:49, Acts 2, Joel 2) on our Independence Temple with the Community of Christ HQ that’s just down the street from us.
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