Treasure, Pt. 2

Johnny Harrell

October 24, 2015

I would like to say, "Welcome," to everyone today. We are in Columbia, Missouri today along with Laura and Myrtle, Beth, and a host of other elders I see out here. But it's good to see everyone once again.

In the last sermon we looked at what God has offered you and me, those that He has called in the Church of God, those that the end of an age is coming upon. And we looked at the mind and what can actually happen to the human mind. And if we let sin into our mind, our physical minds, we can lose what God has offered you and me. We can lose our focus and we can cease to understand what God has offered you and me. God told us about a treasure that was in a field, and we covered some of this in the last sermon, so this will be Part 2 of this sermon series. And the title today will be Treasure, and this will be Part 2.

God tells us about a treasure that is in a field. That's the way God had it written in His book. And God uses gardening principles in His book, and He does that so that you and me can understand God's plans. And it makes it a little plainer for most of us to understand about plants and gardening and what actually takes place in a garden. So God uses a vineyard, God uses a garden, and it's said in many different ways in God's book, but it tells us about how He is developing His Family, Elohim. And it is a growth process that takes place so that we can be harvested from God's garden eventually, when our time comes to be harvested.

So there are some things that affect God's garden, and God tells us about them in His book. So we looked in the last sermon about what Jeremiah said about this human mind, how this mind is naturally hostile to the Great God and His plan. We looked at how Jeremiah said that it was not in man to direct his own steps. So God inspired Jeremiah to write about this mind. And it is not in you and me to direct our steps. All we have to do is look at the history of the Church and the history of man down through time. We have to have help, brethren, and God has made a way to help you and me be harvested from His garden.

So when we look back through the history of man we can see that this is very true, what Jeremiah said about the human mind. Man cannot direct his own steps. When we look back at the men that thought they were so great, most of it resulted in mass killings, when they thought they were so great, when they let that mind swell. And we can look back at the last 6,000 years. And most of us have had a little bit of history in our life through the schools and we can see how that all of those men that were so "great" in man's eyes, how they let that mind swell up and what they did with that mind, that human mind without God's help. So when it comes down to nation against nation at the end of an age, we know what would happen at the end of this age, with man using his own mind without God's influence in that mind. If God did not have a plan, we can look on the horizon and see that man would annihilate every living thing upon the face of this earth, and it's not very far off. So we understand what Jeremiah said about the human mind, that it is not in ourselves to direct our own steps. It would bring about death of every living thing that God has created – all flesh upon the face of this earth – by using this human mind.

We understand about Lucifer, who became Satan. We know that Lucifer, who became Satan, rebelled against God a long, long time ago. And he did the same thing that we can see man doing today. We understand that God changed his name to Satan when he rebelled, and he became "the Destroyer." Because that's what he is, brethren, a destroyer. He did not like God's plan. So we know the story. He tried to overthrow the Great God of this universe. Can you imagine a mind that could swell that big, to think that you could do such a thing? To go against the Great God of this universe and actually take over His throne? But that's what took place.

So we see the capacity of the demon world in our lives, and we know about their mind that thought such a thing, that they could do such a thing. We see man in his capacity to let his mind swell, to think how great he is, great things that he can do with this physical mind. And when we look back through time and we see those that thought they could do all these "great" things throughout history, it usually ended up with much death. And they thought how "great" they were. They thought they could do "great" things with this human mind. But you and I know that this human mind needs help. We know that God has provided a way for you and me, His Church, His people to have the help that that human mind needs, to have God's influence upon the mind. We can do the same as Satan, even with God's spirit. Can you believe such a thing could be possible? But we can let this mind lift itself up. We can let this mind direct its own steps. Outside of God's influence to the mind, it is a disaster! That's what happens, a disaster.

We've had sermons about the influence on the mind, and we've looked at God's influence upon the mind, and we've looked at the influences of the demon world upon this human mind. But we can look around and see the world that was created by the influences upon this mind by that demon world. And we have a natural carnal mind that is hostile to the Great God of this universe. Jeremiah told us about it, wrote it in God's book and he said this mind is desperately wicked. So what does "desperately wicked" mean? A desperate person does what? Goes to just about any length he can to use that mind for anything outside of God's influence. That's what "desperately wicked" is.

So when we look back through time we can see that that was true, because of the way that man has used his mind to kill so many people down through time (and it is desperately wicked), because of what has took place. And just looking at the history of man we understand this. And God tells us in His book that when one thinks he stands, that they should take heed, lest they fall. And we've seen this about the human mind in our time. We've seen how this mind can so swell. And I have to use the politicians. I'm sorry, because that's… I don't know how you could use anybody else upon the face of this earth in our day. You just want to take a pin, you know, to some of those minds and kind of let some of that air out. But we've seen how that mind can swell so large. And I've used Donald Trump in the past because this hotel wouldn't hold his mind. So I use the politicians as an example because of how they let that mind swell with the great things that they can do. And all of them do it, every one of them on that stage.

But there have been many in God's Church that have done just the same. They have let their mind swell, and they thought they stood, but actually that mind, when that seed gets into that mind and it grows and grows and then they fall. That's actually what takes place. And we've seen so many do this. We've seen so many that walked side by side with you and me on God's Sabbath day. And when I look around, I see faces missing, brethren, from the last time I was here, and they have began to use that human mind once again. That's actually what happens when they begin to use their mind without God's influences upon the mind. And that's the same mind that man has used for 6,000 years. And when you turn on that little TV you can see the results of it. There's no morals left in this world hardly. But they use this human mind that is naturally hostile to the Great God. That's what they're using. Some were in the Church of God, that walked side-by-side with you and me, and they thought they stood. The sad part is they think they are still standing. They think they are still in God's Church, brethren. They think they still have the truth of God, and that's what makes it so scary. They do not know that they have fallen.

God tells us through Paul that there is no temptation upon the face of this earth that has not overtaken you and me, except such is common to man, the lusts that are there, the lusts that affect all of mankind. But God is faithful who will not allow us to be tempted above what you and me are able to bear – allow you and me to be tempted upon more than we can bear if we stay focused, if we stay close to God. That's our answer, and it's a very simple thing. Just to be obedient to the Great God of this universe and His Son, that's all it takes. It's a very simple thing that is so hard to do because sin is there. And we sin over and over. And some of us have been battling the same sin for a long, long time. God says there is no temptation that has taken us except that is common to man. We know about these lusts that are in man and we've seen so many fall because of these lusts, the lusts that are in Satan's world, the lust that man succumbs to over and over.

We have seen so many that have walked side-by-side with you and me that have succumbed to these lusts, and they can no longer have that treasure that God tells us about in His book, the treasure that is in a field. That's what God likens it to. God tells us about a pearl of great price. It's another way that God tells us about this treasure. But those that have fallen, they think they still have that pearl of great price. They think they have that treasure that God tells us about that is in the field. And it's a scary thing that takes place.

We know that trials will come. We know that they will be here until it's all over. God lets you and me know how we grow in His garden, and He tells us of a way that we are to live our lives so that we can be harvested from His garden in our time. So trials is a way that you and me grow. That's the way we learn. And I think most of us have come to understand that. God tells us that if we stay close to Him and stay focused that we will not be tempted beyond what we can bear, and then we can have that treasure that is in that field.

So we are to do and live the way that God tells us to live in His book. God says that He will make a way of escape if they become more than we can bear, that He would make that way of escape, that we would be able to bear the trial that we are learning from. So God tells us about the way that we are to live this life. We understand that it will not be easy. It was not meant to be easy because of what God is doing. We have to fight for this way of life. We are in a war. We are in a spiritual war, brethren, and we are in the battle of our life for our lives. And I've said it over and over because that's what it is. It's the one that Paul tells us about in God's book, the battle for the mind that we are in.

God says to stay close and be obedient and let His influence into our lives. Sounds so simple. But if we can do such and rely on the Great God of this universe and the sacrifice that was paid through His Son, we can have that treasure that is in that field, we can have that pearl of great price.

Let's go over to Romans 12, Romans 12. God has instructions in His book for you and me and He tells us of the way that we are to live our life. And He had Paul write it down in His book and He tells us what is expected of you and me. And God said through Paul that, I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies—let's notice—a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God—and let's notice what God says—which is our reasonable service. In other words, that's what's expected. We are to be acceptable to God. So how do we become acceptable to God? We have to strive to be obedient. And when we sin, we have to repent quickly, especially to those that the end of an age has come upon. That's how we are acceptable to our God. God has made a way through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ so that we can have our sins forgiven. And then it is up to us, brethren. Repentance. It is so important. Repent quickly. That's what we are to do and that's what God says we have to do, go through the process. The price has been paid. All you have to do is follow God's instructions, be obedient, and when you fall, you repent. And that's what so many that walked side-by-side amongst you and me failed to do, repent. They used their mind without God's influence. That's actually what took place. So to be acceptable to God, God tells us how, and God says that that's just what He expects—no less from you and me—is our reasonable service, those that are in His garden, those that have been called by God and have God's spirit, God's holy spirit. And we are not to succumb to the lust of the flesh that would cause us to fall, that would cause us not to have that treasure in a field that God tells us about. Can you imagine giving up that pearl of great price? God expects you and me to become acceptable to Him by accepting that sacrifice that was made by His Son, Jesus Christ, and repent quickly when we sin. God says that He expects us to be that living sacrifice. And that's exactly what He expects us to do, repent, and repent quickly. We always have to consider the way that we conduct our self in this life in our stay upon this earth. God says to live this way is just our reasonable service, to be obedient to those commands.

When we find our self in severe trials (and we do, some are more severe than others), but even when we are in those severe trials God expects our conduct to be in a godly manner. We are to be that living sacrifice. We are to be an example to the world and to the Church. Even when we are experiencing those severe trials, God expects you and me to conduct ourselves in a godly manner. God says we are to be that living sacrifice.

Let's look at verse 2—God says what we are to do. We are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. So how do we "renew our minds"? We do that Sabbath by Sabbath, Holy Day by Holy Day. That's how we renew our minds and that's what God is telling you and me. God says not to forsake the assembling of ourselves before Him. It's not talking about coming together as a group on the Sabbath day. It's talking about assembling ourselves before the Great God of this universe. And that's when we renew our minds, when we go before the Great God, so that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. So that we can understand more about God's plan, so that we can understand how to live the way that God says for you and me to live life. God teaches us on this day, this very day that He set aside. That's what it's for, to renew your mind, to think soberly, to obey God so that you can think soberly. And that's how we renew our mind so that we can have that treasure that is in that field, that pearl of great price. God says we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

God said through Paul, For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. Just like the politicians, brethren, that let that mind swell. Can you imagine that anyone could do such a thing in the Church of God? It happens. They let that mind swell. They let this mind think how great it is. We've seen it. God says not to do this with our mind, to use the influences that He has put upon our mind. He has given you the holy spirit, brethren, so that you can think soberly, so that God can influence your mind. And it's an awesome thing that has taken place. And to throw it away would be a sad, sad thing, brethren, to lose that pearl of great price.

But we've seen men and "great" things that they thought they could do. And we saw how it brought about death so many times. But God tells you and me of a way that we are to live our lives, and God tells us the way that we should think with His influence upon this mind. He has put that holy spirit in your mind so that you have that ability for God to influence the mind, to direct your steps, to direct your path, to light your path (so to speak), and not to use the mind that Jeremiah told us about, the mind that can swell so big. To let God influence this mind, to direct our steps, the mind that He has put His holy spirit in. And we are not to use this human carnal mind anymore. We are to use the mind that God influences, to live the way that He says live. And He has 10 Commandments that tell you and me how to light our paths.

Jeremiah said that we could not direct our steps without God. That's what Jeremiah was saying. We need help. And we understand it, that we need this help. We have to have God's influence in our lives. And God teaches us on the Sabbath days. That's when He influences your mind, on this very day. So we can see the influences through the Sabbaths and the Holy Days. And God tells how to live our lives through those days, those Sabbath days. And that's the only way that we can know, brethren, is through God's influence upon our mind. But it's the age-old story, man has thought he knew more than God. Satan had that same problem. It's not just the humans, it's the demon world before you and me that used their mind. And their mind swelled to the point that they thought they could take over God's throne. That's how big their mind swells. We thought Donald Trump had one that could swell, but Satan, I think, had him beat. He thought he could take over God's throne. But we know that story of Satan. We know what happened. We know that he did not like God's plan so he rebelled. He didn't like what God was creating.

And when we look on the horizon we can see that he would bring it to a crescendo to destroy every living thing upon the face of this earth. But we know God has a plan. We know that that won't take place. We know that this United States of America will take a hard hit because of the influences of the demon world. We can even rebel with God's spirit – even in the Church of God! God tells us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. We are to think soberly. And the only way that we can think soberly is with God's influence upon this mind through that holy spirit. It's the only way.

We know what God is creating. We know God's plan. We know about the spiritual creation that He is bringing about. And He is doing it in His garden (so to speak), to create His Family, Elohim. It should bring you to your knees, brethren, to understand what you have actually been offered, to have that pearl of great price, to have that treasure in a field. Do you know what the odds are of being called in God's Church at the end of an age? You have the most awesome seat of anyone upon the face of this earth! You have a front-row seat to see the most awesome events that will ever take place upon this earth. I hope you fasten your seatbelts. Because that pearl of great price is not far away, brethren.

I don't think our mind can really comprehend what we have actually been offered. When we look through that Hubble Telescope and we see the magnificence of our God through those pictures, we have no idea what's in store for us, brethren. We just know what God lets us know; that's all we know. But I hope you understand how blessed you are to have God's spirit. I hope you do understand that much. God has dealt to each one of us a measure of faith so that we can have a mind that can think soberly, so that we can have a mind that can understand the part of God's plan that He wants us to understand. I hope we understand that God influences our mind through that holy spirit, and that's why you have to become obedient. Because if you don't become obedient you are cut off from that influence until sin is repented of. Because that's what cuts you off, sin.

This mind, even with God's spirit, has the capability to swell – that I said earlier. We've seen so many that walked side-by-side that started to think outside of God's influence and to use that mind that Jeremiah tells us about, to think that it actually knows better than God. That's actually what takes place. And we've seen it happen over and over.

Verse 4, God tells us through Paul that, we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function. So God has government in His Church. God places us where He wants us. We all have different positions. And, "we have many members in one body, but all the members don't have the same function," so we, being many—let's notice—are one body in Christ. Not two bodies. Not three bodies. Not scattered bodies everywhere. …and we are individually members of one body. So what this is telling us is there is only one true Church of God. God says that there is only one Body, and there is only one place that He is working at the end of this age. And that is in His Church that is preparing for the Kingdom of God to come to this earth. That's where Jesus Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God preparing to come back to this earth for the first harvest out of God's garden. That's where we are. God says there's one place where He has put His spirit, where He works with that spirit. We know where that is. God lets you know where it is.

Having then different gifts according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them—let's notice, just what we've been talking about, in a godly manner, the way that God says to use them, to follow God's instructions, to follow those commandments that God has laid out for you and me, that light our path, that tell us the way that we are to walk. God works in His Church. God has government in His Church, a way that He works.

Verse 6—Having then different gifts according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them, if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion of our faith; in ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches—let's notice—in teaching. In other words, where God has placed you in the body, in His Church, in the Body of Christ. There's only one Body, so God places you in the Body. That's what's being said. We went through some of this in the last sermon, but I'm going to go through part of it again today. We have an apostle. We have prophets. We have evangelists. We have elders. And we know that that is the government in God's Church. We know that's the way that God is working. That's God's influence upon the minds and how it filters down through the Body. That's what's being said, the influence of how God works through the mind. And He has order. And that's the way that God has it organized at this time. And we do not let the mind go beyond what it is given.

Verse 8—he who works, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads—let's notice—with diligence. In other words, God is letting you and me know that when you're given a job, you are to be diligent in the job that He set before you. We are to be diligent people, brethren, in the way we live our lives, and in the way we come before our God in the Church of God and do the job that is set before us, whatever that might be. …he who shows mercy—let's notice—with cheerfulness. Not to be lords. Not to be dictators. We are to deal with mercy, especially in the ministry. We are to do it with a cheerful voice, brethren.

God tells us of a way that we are to conduct our lives, and it says: Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. And here's the important part: Be kindly affectionate to one another—let's notice how God said to do it—with brotherly love. That's how we are to deal with each other, brethren, with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, just what we said earlier, be diligent in the way that we serve our God.

Be fervent in spirit. So how are we "fervent in spirit"? We have to stay close to God and we have to be obedient. And understand how God leads you and me Sabbath by Sabbath, Holy Day by Holy Day, and how we should live our lives. And if we do those things we will be fervent in spirit, brethren, by being obedient, by doing what God says we should do. Government in the Church of God. That's how God influences our minds. And that's how we are to be fervent in spirit, through that spirit that is influencing your minds, through the government of God. And that's how it works. Some have had issues with this in the past, and they are no longer able to have that treasure that is in the field. They gave up that pearl of great price. We know about Esau. He gave his up for a bowl of soup. We've seen many give it up, not even for a bowl of soup. At least Esau got some nourishment out of his.

Let's look at verse 12. We should be rejoicing in hope. So when Jesus Christ was hanging upon that stake (upon that pole), Jesus said that He counted it all joy. And that's a hard thing to understand, when you've had nails driven through your hands and your feet and you're impaled to that pole and you know what is set before you; you know that you are about to die. He understood God's plan. He had God's spirit without measure. And He understood God's plan for mankind and He understood why He was dying upon that stake. He knew that God would create His Family, Elohim. And Jesus Christ understood that He was paving the way for you and me. And that's how you are sitting here today, because of what He did. And as He was dying upon that stake, we know the scriptures about that veil that is torn from top to bottom so that you and me could have access to the Great God and now we could go before God. He had paved that way for you and me to have access. Now we could ask to have our sins forgiven. He made it possible we could repent of our sins and have them forgiven by the Great God of this universe, the very one that created all these things that we see in that Hubble Telescope. The very one that dealt with Satan and the demons, He could actually forgive you and now you could have that treasure that is in that field, you could have that pearl of great price.

That's what Jesus Christ did. Jesus understood that the suffering was about to end, it would be over. He understood that He had to pay that price to make it possible for God's plan to proceed. And that sacrifice that He did upon dying upon that stake made the way possible. And now, once He paid that price, He could now come back to this earth. And we know when He's coming back – in 2019. He's not coming back as the Passover this time, He's coming back as a lion, coming back as King of kings. And He will gather up Satan and the demons. So Jesus Christ paved the way so that this would be possible. And now He can come back to this earth for the first harvest out of His garden. So now you and me have access to our God, the Great God of this universe, because of what Jesus Christ did, because of the sacrifice that He paid. And He suffered mightily upon that pole (upon that stake), but He did it all with joy, the scripture says.

Brethren, now you and me have the influence in our mind from the Great God of this universe. I hope you understand the gift that you were given so that God could now come and influence that mind, and now you can come and go before the Great God of the universe and ask Him to influence your mind so that you can live the correct way, to give you the strength, to give you that measure of faith that you need to walk the walk (so to speak). And I don't think we focus upon what we really have in this life. The odds of being given God's spirit at the end of this age are so minute in the scheme of things. God says we're pretty much like dust on the scale. God says that you and me are to be rejoicing in hope because of what we see. We see that treasure that God is telling us about. We see that pearl of great price that God tells us about. God gave you and me a measure of faith. He also gave us a guarantee through that spirit. That's what it is, a guarantee for the treasure that is in the field, a guarantee for that pearl of great price. Now all you have to do is grow in God's garden. It's a very simple thing to be so hard to complete. But if we do, we can be harvested from God's garden. I hope you understand what you have been given. That's why you should be rejoicing because of what God has given you.

We know that the Kingdom of God is coming in just a short while. We know that Jesus Christ is sitting at the right hand of God preparing to bring that Kingdom to this earth, set up God's Government upon this earth. And we should count it all joy, just as Jesus Christ did, because we can see the end of the road. We can look on the horizon.

And we looked at the fig tree in the last sermon, about those buds that are on that tree, that this age is coming to an end. We can see all these buds on that tree. We can see the nuclear weapons that are budding on that tree. I noticed on the way here the stock market had, what, the last two days, the largest in the history of the stock market. The economic indicators that are on that tree. We are on God's time, brethren. The tree is budding. The tree is full. Hope you understand that. Our tribulation can't last long in the scheme of things. God says that we should be patient in the tribulation that we find our self in, that we should be continuously in prayer to Him. That's the time that we are in. We are to be continuously praying to our God, the very way that Jesus Christ made available to you, that awesome privilege. And I know we don't think about that. We don't think about that access that was granted to you and me. We go to sleep and we don't think about that. When we sin we go before our God and I hope we all repent quickly, today, when we do those things. We can have those sins forgiven. Jesus Christ made this way possible, and that was the joy that was set before Him, so that we could do such a thing, actually have sin forgiven. Do you ever think about what that means? Have sin forgiven? We don't think about it a lot. Even when we sin, we just kind of flip it off and go before God and ask for forgiveness. But Jesus Christ knew what He was doing. He knew the price that He was paying because of that sin. And now we could be forgiven for those sins, whether they are minute in the scheme of things, or whether they are severe in the scheme of things, except for one, the unpardonable sin.

Verse 14—Bless those who persecute us. And Jesus said, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do." It's not their time. God says to, bless and not curse. Because they don't have the understanding that you have. They don't have the treasure in the field that they can see yet. They don't even know that treasure is there at this time, so it's not their time. God says don't set our mind on high things. In other words, we know what high things are. That's when our mind swells. And it's usually after things that we don't even need anyway. We are to associate with the humble. We're not to raise ourselves up. And let's notice—be wise in our own opinion. In other words, use that mind that Jeremiah told us about, that human carnal mind that we are not to use. We're to use the mind that the holy spirit influences. We are to use the mind that is obedient to our God and the way that He says we are to live our life. So we're not to think more highly of ourselves than we should.

God says we're not to repay evil for evil. That's what we are to do. We're not to strive. We are to strive to live peaceably with everyone. And we are not to avenge ourselves, but rather, give place to wrath. I guess I can mention this again about the IRS. I got where I've mentioned it a lot because it's hard not to have vengeance sometimes because of what gets in this mind. And the IRS is not our friend, it's our enemy. And it's kind of like the sword that I mentioned last week that Peter had and cut that soldier's ear off. Sometimes we think if we could just have access to a sword we could solve our problems. But we know the time is coming when God will repay the IRS. We know that time is coming. But it's just like Jesus Christ said, they don't know what they're doing. It's not their time. I think I said in the last sermon what the best way to do it, is just call them. That would be the best way to solve it. Just call them into the Church of God. God says that He will repay His enemies. And we understand when that will be. We understand about that lake of fire – unrepented sin, those that don't want to live under God's influence just like Satan. Satan did not want God's influence in His life anymore. We can do the same and we can end up in that lake of fire. So we are not to take vengeance. We're not to have it. God says it's His. Sometimes we can use that human carnal mind and want that vengeance, but God says He has reserved that for Himself.

Let's go over to Ephesians 1, Ephesians 1. Ephesians 1:3. We know that God has given you and me so much understanding, and Paul says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who has blessed you and me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in and through Jesus Christ, because of what Jesus did. He paved the way for you and me, and He is now getting ready to return to this earth. That's the next step in God's plan. God says that He has "blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in and through Jesus Christ." So what does this mean, "every spiritual blessing"? It's understanding, brethren. That's the most awesome blessing that you could ever have upon the face of this earth, to have understanding from the Great God of this universe, to understand what He is doing, to understand what He has offered you – eternal life where there would be no more pain, no more suffering. And we can't comprehend such a time, but that's what he has offered you, that time, eternity. So God says that He has blessed you and me with every spiritual blessing. ...just as He chose us in Him—let's notice when He did it—before the foundation of the world. That's when the plan was put into effect, so that—let's notice—we should be holy and without blame. So Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price and He became that sacrifice, He became our Passover, and now He is our High Priest and He is sitting at the right hand of God waiting to become the King of kings upon this earth, to set up God's Government upon this earth that will teach mankind the correct way to live. We should understand that now we can come before God and have our sins forgiven. We should understand that He has made a way for those sins to be repented of so that we can become holy and without blame that God tells us about in His book. I hope we can comprehend that one, "become holy and without blame."

Jesus Christ became the Passover so that this could actually take place in God's time. And He set this plan in motion before time began. That's when it was done. That's how great our God is, to have that comprehension. You want to talk about a mind, talk about the mind of the Great God of this universe. And for man to think that he can use this mind better than God? Can you see how futile even that thinking is, brethren? To think such a thing? Can you see how futile it was when Satan thought such a thing? Satan will really know how powerful God is in just a short while. He thinks he knew the power of God, but He hasn't seen anything yet to what he will see. God says that He will send Jesus Christ and He will put Satan in prison for a thousand years. Ron's just there for a few months. Satan will spend a thousand years in prison. I think that's very ironic. Ron's there for a few months. Can you imagine a thousand years in a prison? Not able to influence man anymore, all his power stripped away. That's what's coming. God told you about it in His book.

God said, having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, that's how it's done, to Himself, that's what we're talking about. The way that Jesus Christ paid and made that way possible, according to the good pleasure of His will, talking about His plan, the plan that was put in effect before time began, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. The way it was done, the pain and the suffering that was done so that you can be sitting here today – to spill His blood to the ground when that soldier stuck that spear in His side. So God lets you and me understand the price that was paid, and He lets us understand the plan that was put in place before time began. That's what you've been given. How much more treasure could you want in this life? But that's what you were given, that understanding, that treasure that was put in place before time began. So I hope you appreciate what God has let you understand, brethren.

Let's look at verse 7—In Him we have redemption through His blood, just what we've been talking about, that blood that was spilled to the ground. That's how it's done. That's the price that was paid. Jesus Christ understood why He had to die. He did it with joy that was set before Him. And I hope you go through the rest of your life looking at it that way that you are serving God with joy because of what He has given you, what He has offered you, that pearl of great price, that treasure that is in the field that is waiting for you. Jesus Christ is making His plans to come back to this earth, and He's sitting at the right hand of God preparing, making those plans to come back as King of kings so that all of mankind can then begin to have joy.

When you look at the world that's been created by Satan, there's not a lot of joy out there, brethren. There's a lot of suffering throughout this world. We, in America, have a lot of freedoms. But when you see how some of the others are living on this earth... Can you imagine living under the threat of ISIS? How would you like to live in Iraq? Iran? Some of the other nations where they will cut your head off at their whim? They have that kind of power. So we need to understand what Jesus Christ did for you and me and for the whole world, eventually. That will come to an end. And that's why He spilled His blood to the ground, to stop all of the carnage, to teach mankind how to have peace, how to live with one another. And Jesus Christ will do that for a thousand, one hundred years. And then all that are there can have that pearl of great price, that treasure that God told us about that was in His field.

Verse 8—which He made to abound toward us—let's notice—in all wisdom. So let's pay attention to what's being said, because that's what God is giving you, wisdom to see His plan. It's actually what He did, opened that mind up to see His plan for mankind. ...having made known now, just what we're talking about, understanding, having made known to us the mystery of His will. Because it is a mystery to the world, brethren. It's not a mystery to you anymore; you have access to that pearl of great price. And if you continue to grow in God's garden you can be in His harvest. That's what God says. You can be harvested from His garden. God has made that mystery known to you and me. And when we look around it is a mystery, brethren. But Jesus Christ is returning to this earth. God tells you and me when He is returning back to this earth. They don't have a clue. Donald Trump's going to fix it before that time. That's what he said. But it's a mystery to him. They will think they're being invaded from outer space. It's what mankind will think, but you will know what's taking place when Jesus Christ starts to return back to this earth. But the rest of mankind will think they are being invaded from outer space. And whether you are harvested at that time or at a later harvest, does not make any difference. Just to see that event take place, can you imagine what a blessing that would be? Can you imagine seeing such a thing? God has afforded you and me the blessing to possibly see that very thing take place. That's the time that you're in.

...the mystery of His will according to the good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times—let's notice what God lets us know—He might gather together in one all things in Jesus Christ—let's notice—both which are in heaven and which are upon the earth—in Him. In whom we have obtained an inheritance, being predetermined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Jesus Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In whom you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation. And that's what we're talking about today, "the good news of your salvation," what you have been offered, that pearl of great price, in whom also, having believed, you were sealed—let's notice—with the holy spirit of promise, so that you could be in God's garden. So now you can grow in that garden, and now you can be harvested in your time in God's plan. And you have that treasure that God told us about in His book.

God tells us that it's a guarantee. That's what it is. Verse 14—which is the guarantee. So God put His guarantee upon it. How great a guarantee would you want, to have God guarantee it? God does what God says. ...which is the guarantee of our inheritance—let's notice—the redemption of the purchased possession, in other words, when you are harvested from God's garden. That's the guarantee that you have if you don't turn away from the Great God of this universe. It's a guarantee from our Great God to you.

Verse 15—Therefore, I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and this is Paul writing, and we understand that, and your love for all the saints, and it applies to you and me just as well as it did to them in their time, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory—let's notice what Paul said, what he was praying about—may give to you the spirit of wisdom—let's notice—understanding. That's what he is praying for, for you—and revelation in the knowledge of Him, talking about understanding. So that's what Paul was praying about, that we would have understanding, the revealing of God's plan to your mind so that you can have that treasure, that pearl of great price.

Let's notice verse 18—God tells us, the eyes of our understanding has being enlightened, and they have, so that our mind can be opened to what God is doing, so that we may know what is the hope of His calling, why He did it, what is man, why you are here upon the face of this earth. God is creating His Family, Elohim, and you were given understanding of that very thing. That's what you were given. You understand that this plan was put in place before time ever began.

And let's look at verse 20—which He worked in Jesus Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him, just like we've been talking about, at the right hand of God. That's where He is. God tells us where He is in His book, preparing to come back to this earth. That's where we are in time. ...far above all principality, power, might, and dominion, and every name that is named, so we can see the power that He is given at this time, not only in this age but in that age that is to come. That's how powerful, that's how much power He has been given. And now He will have the power to put Satan in His prison for a thousand years. Not for forty-two months, a thousand years. Jesus Christ paid the price and became our Passover, and now He is sitting at the right hand of God preparing to come back to this earth and to gather that being up and put him in his prison.

And I can't wait to see that day. And I know you can't either. Just to see it take place. And that has to be a joyful thing for Jesus Christ, to know that that's about to take place. Ron will get out. Satan will go to jail. It's a joyful thing to think about it. To know that it is now time for the first harvest to take place, and we know that Ron will be in that first harvest as a spirit being. Satan will be a spirit being in a dungeon someplace, in a dark, dark place. Can you imagine the joy when this takes place for God's people? That's the next step in God's plan, brethren. You have a front-row seat. I hope you have a seatbelt on your seat because things are going to speed up in just a little while. That first harvest is about to take place, and these events that we have been talking about for so long will begin to be brought about. Jesus Christ is sitting at that right hand of God preparing for these very events that we are talking about, and He has been given much power, brethren, much power to gather up that demon world and put them where they need to be, not to influence this mind for 1,100 years, except for a short season at the end. And we know his fate. God has let you and me know Satan's fate, understanding, brethren, of what will take place in your future.

God says that, He has put all things under Jesus Christ's feet, and He has given Him... head over all things to the Church. Now, that's what we want to think about for just a second. He is the Head of the Church. So who is running the Church of God? God says that He gave that to Jesus Christ, that He is the Head of the Church. It comes down to the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the elders. Government, brethren, in God's Church. God says that Jesus Christ is the head of that Church.

Let's look at Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:1. God says that, And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sin. And we were. We did walk according to the course of this world, Satan's world. All of us did before God called us, according to the prince—let's notice who he is, God said he was—of the power of the air. But that's coming to an end in just a short while. He will not have that power anymore. He is going to be put in prison. But while he has been here he has used the lusts of man so mightily. He's been around for a long, long time. He knows those lusts that are in every one of us, and he has used them. He has used them mightily in the Church of God, "the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life." And when we look around at this world, they are proud they are living in sin, brethren. They're proud of it. How many affairs they have had, people that are just living together. So it's a prideful thing that takes place with those lusts that are in man, a disregard to the way God says to do things in His book. They just disregard that a marriage is between a man and a woman. Living in sin and they are proud of it. And they want to impose it on you, brethren. Satan is the spirit that now works in this world, in the sons of disobedience. Fulfilling the desires of the flesh, that's what they're doing, and of the mind. They like that sin. But God has awakened you and me and He has given us understanding of the correct way to live our life, and not to partake in those things, to put it out of our lives, to keep sin out of our lives.

Let's notice, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. So this pearl of great price will then begin to be shown to everyone. That treasure that is in that field at the beginning of the Millennium, at the return of Jesus Christ will be shown. They will also be shown the correct way to live life. God says that we have been saved by grace, through faith, and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. That's what God says. It's a gift, brethren. That understanding that you have in your mind, it's a gift. And that holy spirit was given to you for a reason. And it was not given to you because of works, lest anyone should boast.

Once we have that gift from God, that holy spirit, we become His workmanship. That's what we become. That's what God says. And we are now being created in Jesus Christ for good works, to bring about the correct way, to show man to live for 1,100 years upon this earth. That's the good works. Man has lost his way. We were talking about it on the way down. We have become Sodom and Gomorrah, brethren. There's no morals left in this world. We live in a very permissive society. God says that we are His workmanship. That's who we are. He is creating His Family, Elohim. So this plan was laid out before time ever began, to create His Family, Elohim. And it is by the grace of God that you and me are here today in the Church of God.

And we are fellow workers. God says we are His field. That's what we are. We are the Church of God. We are God's garden. And God will have a harvest from His garden, with or without you and me. He will have that harvest, and you can have that treasure that is in that field. You can have that pearl of great price.

So let's go over to Matthew 20, Matthew 20:1. And we can see that God is using gardening principles once again. It's talking about a vineyard and it's talking about workers that are in that vineyard. We understand that some will miss the treasure that God tells us about in His book, because of what they let into their mind, because of what they begin to do with their mind. They begin to not let God's influence work in their mind. And we've seen it over and over. And they use that mind that Jeremiah tells us about, the lusts that are in this mind. Jesus Christ used the parable of this vineyard for our learning, and He said, For the Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Somebody to work in His garden. Now when he had agreed with the laborers, the workers in God's garden, for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. So let's notice what's taking place with this parable as we go through. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing in the marketplace—so let's notice what's being addressed—he said to them, Go work in the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you. So they believed him and they went. So let's notice the timeframe as we go through. And he went out about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, and did likewise. So we see different timeframes. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, Why have you been standing here idle all day? That's the question. And they said to him, Because no one hired us. He said to them, Go into the vineyard, and whatever is right—let's notice—whatever is right you will receive. So let's notice what's being said.

When evening had come, the owner of the vineyard—let's notice who it was—the owner of the vineyard said to the steward, Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first. And when those that came were hired about the eleventh hour, they each—let's notice what they received, all of them—a denarius. When the first came, they thought with their mind—let's notice what's taking place—that they should receive more, that's what they thought. They had worked longer in God's garden, and they likewise received a denarius, the same. So let's notice what was taking place. And when they received it, they complained against the landowner, saying (we can see what's working in the mind), These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden—let's notice—and the heat of the day. So we can see that everyone received that same treasure that God tells us about in His book...the very same treasure, the same pearl of great price. So we can see the mind and what took place, the feelings that had now entered the mind. I hope everyone understands what you've been offered, that treasure.

And the example here illuminates what some have gone before us had to suffer. I always think about John the Baptist. They cut his head off. What Paul went through: Paul was beaten until everyone thought he was dead. We were in Greece where Paul stood on that Mars Hill. And just looking out from Mars Hill and what Paul had to address and the Greeks that were there and all those gods that they had, that he could see all those statues, and Paul understood the hostility that was there, so God gave him the ability to address it in a good way. But I cannot imagine standing there before that crowd and addressing the things that Paul had to address. And we know because of what he did he was beaten many times, brethren. He had to flee many times. You're sitting here in an air conditioned building. Has anyone been beaten lately? But some have gone before you and me, brethren, have suffered some hard trials. Some worked in God's garden much longer than you and me. They suffered persecutions. Paul was beaten nearly to death. And some of the disciples died horrible, horrible deaths, brethren. So when we go back and look at them and what they suffered – except for John. John was on the Isle of Patmos, as we know—but most of them suffered much persecution and horrific deaths.

And here we are sitting today in an air conditioned building. We do not know what we will have to face in the near future. We can see the storm clouds rising. We can see this age coming to a close. There could be some horrible sufferings in our future. It could take place because of what is going to happen upon this earth.

So when we look back in time and what they suffered and the persecutions that they suffered, those that went before you and me, I hope you understand the mercy that God has shown upon you, those that are at the end of this age. Even with Ron in prison it is so much better than what the disciples (John the Baptist, John on the Isle of Patmos), it is so much better than what they had to suffer. So God has shown much mercy on you and me, brethren, at the end of this age.

Let's notice verse 13—He answered one of them and said, Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? So when you were baptized, did you make the same agreement with God for that treasure that is in the field? And did you not agree with God to pay the price? Whether it was one hour? Whether it was in the heat of the day? So we have to look at, sometimes, what God has actually offered you and me, that understanding that He has given you. And at the end of the day we will all receive that same reward, eternal life; no more suffering, no more pain. Can you imagine such a time? Take what is yours and go away. Go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as you. So it's God's choice, brethren, it's not ours. It's God's. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? It's the question that was asked.

Let's notice the rest and what was said: Is your eye evil because I am good? So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen. So the example here is how some use their mind, what they let into their mind and how they think about that treasure that God has shown men, that pearl of great price. So we could actually have this same mind about what God was doing and how He was doing things. So that would be just like Satan, what he did. When God told him about His plan for man Satan did not like the way that God was doing it. So when we look at this parable that was written in this book for you and me, we can have an attitude sometimes because of the way God is doing things, because of the way God is working in His Church. The mind has to become at-one with God. That's what actually has to take place. So l love the Day of Atonement, because of this very thing. At-one-ment. That's what it means and that's what it teaches you and me, is to be at-one with the Great God of this universe. It pictures it becoming at-one with the Great God of the universe at this end, at the end when that treasure will be given, that treasure will be given out, eternal life, when everyone will be spirit beings at the end and they will have that pearl of great price. Can you imagine such a time?

So I hope you understand what you have been offered, brethren, the same treasure that was in that field that God offered to all that will be there. Some have suffered more than others down through time. Some have suffered so much to purchase that field, that treasure. Some gave all. Some gave their lives at that time for a better resurrection.

Let's turn over to John 13, John 13. John 13, and I think this is verse33. It's not very clear here. If it's wrong, let me know. Little children, I will be with you a little while longer. And you will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, Where I am going, you cannot come, so I now say to you. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. So we can see what this means. We just looked at that parable where some are upset because others had to work harder in God's garden. God says that we have to have love for one another. We have to deal with one another with mercy. And we have to understand that Jesus Christ is the head of this Church, and we have government in this Church. And that's the way Jesus Christ is working. So we can see what this means.

I notice when some walk side-by-side with you and me on God's Sabbath day, and they leave, they say they love us. Give them about two weeks time and most of the time that love is turned to hostility. Doesn't take long for the mind outside of God's influence to turn, brethren, to go back to those lusts that are in man, to go back to the attitudes that a being has imposed upon this world. That love turns to hostility eventually.

Verse 36—Simon Peter said to Him, Lord, where are You going? And Jesus answered him, Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow Me afterward. And you understand this. You understand what was said. And Peter said to Him, Lord, why can't I follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake. Jesus said to him, and He asked him a question, Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow until you have denied Me three times. Peter was not a weak individual, brethren. He was a very strong person. To stand before a garrison of Roman soldiers and to swing that sword and cut that soldier's ear off? Can you imagine if Jesus Christ hadn't stepped in what they would have done to Peter? Peter was not a weak individual. He stood up and cut that man's ear off quickly. So Peter was not one that would shy away. So we can take this as a warning to you and me. Jesus said that rooster would... told Peter about that rooster that would crow three times. So you and me should take that as a warning for where you and me are headed at the end of this age before Jesus Christ returns back to this earth. "Take heed, lest you fall." We're in the battle of our life for our spiritual life, brethren. We are in a ferocious war! And I hope everyone understands this. So we can take these things as a warning, "Take heed, lest you fall." It can happen so quick, so quick in the mind. And we've seen so many fall, so many that did not heed these warnings that God had written in His book.

Let's turn over to John 14 and let's see what was written through John. John 14:1—Let not your heart be troubled. In other words, let not our minds be troubled (better said). ...you believe in God, believe also in Me. And we do have to believe in Jesus Christ, and we do believe in God the Father. We believe in both of those. We believe it took place. We believe Jesus Christ came as our Passover. We believe that He died upon that stake so that you and me could have our sins forgiven. We believe that veil was torn in two from top to bottom so that we could go before the Great God of this universe. We believe those things. So when we look back at those of old, we saw how they did it. We saw how they believed God, every one of them. We know about those that were written in the book of Hebrews. God says they have attained that treasure that is in that field, that pearl of great price. And they are awaiting for their harvest. They are ready to be harvested from God's garden.

God says in His house are many places of abode. And we understand what this means. We understand what the Church of God at the end is about. We understand first and foremost it's about building the spiritual Temple of God to bring about Elohim for Him to dwell in. God likens it to His garden, and He likens it to a harvest that will take place. We understand that that first harvest will consist of 144,000 that will return to this earth with Jesus Christ to set up God's Government upon this earth. We understand that they will have that treasure, that God tells about in this book, at that time when they are harvested. God says that there are many places of abode in His house; and if it were not so, I would have told you. Jesus said that He would, go to prepare a place for you. And we understand that that's where He is now, at the right hand of God the Father preparing to come back to this earth with that first harvest (the spiritual temple) to this earth in just a short while – Pentecost of 2019. And now they will have that pearl of great price, that treasure that was in that field. We can see it on the horizon.

Jesus said, if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again—let's notice—and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also, harvested from God's garden. And now you can have that joy that was set before them. And where I go you know, and the way you know. And you do, because God has given you understanding of the way to get there. You know the way. Obedience, that's the way. We know He was talking to them at that time, telling them where He was going and what He was going to do, and that He would come back and receive them to Himself once again. And we know that Jesus Christ will see those disciples in a little while, those that died the horrific deaths, those that suffered so mightily while they were in Satan's world. Can you imagine the joy that Jesus Christ would have just to see those resurrected from His garden, harvested from His garden? Those that He walked physically side-by-side with upon this earth? Can you imagine the joy that they will have to see Him once again? It's just about here, brethren. We don't have much longer. We will see the disciples in just a short while if (there's that word "if" that gets in our way), if we continue in this way of life and live it the way God says to live it, not with our mind that Jeremiah tells us about.

Jesus Christ said that He was the true vine and that His Father was the vinedresser [John 15:2]. Jesus said, "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit..." so gardening principles again. "Does not bear fruit," does not grow in God's garden. Once God has afforded you His spirit, can you imagine such a thing taking place in God's garden? We've seen it. We've seen it take place. Jesus said, "Every branch that does not bear fruit He takes way, and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes." Let's notice why He prunes it. Let's notice why you have trials, "that it may bear more fruit." So that's the pruning that takes place, those trials, so that you can grow in God's garden.

Let's see what happens when you cut yourself off from the vine. You wither away, "as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides," unless it dwells, "in the vine. Neither can you except you abide," except you dwell in, "in Me. And some forget this, brethren. Jesus Christ said that He is that vine and we are the branches. That's how it's described in God's book. "He who abides," he who dwells, "in Me, and I in him bears much fruit." In other words, if you are growing in God's garden you will produce fruit. It will take place. Jesus Christ says, "for without Me you can do nothing." You cannot grow in God's garden without Him. You have to have Jesus Christ. You have to have those influences in the mind through that holy spirit to grow in God's garden. And those that cut themselves off from the vine, they can do nothing. They cannot grow. They cannot be harvested from God's garden. And we have seen so many forget this very thing. "If anyone does not abide in Me," Jesus Christ said, "he is cast out as a branch and is withered. We've seen it. We know what that withering looks like. They love you when they leave, and that love turns to hostility in just a short while. So we've seen that withering plant that God tells us about. We've seen withering vines. We've seen withering plants. We've seen withering leaves in our gardens. We know what happens; it withers up and it dies. They forget their calling. They forget where they learned the truth. And now they cannot be harvested from God's garden and they cannot have that treasure that we have been talking about today.

Let's notice the next verse, because these words are so scary, but God had it written. "They gather them and throw them into the fire and they are burned." We know about that lake of fire at the end of an age. We can see why repentance is so important. God has offered you such an awesome treasure, but you can lose it, brethren. You can lose that pearl of great price.

Verse 7—If you abide (dwell) in Me and My words abide, "My words dwell," in you, you will ask what you desire and it will be done for you. We understand that this is as far as God's will goes, brethren, God's plan for you. That's what it's talking about. So we understand what is being said by this verse. God's will, not ours. And by this My Father is glorified. It's about bearing fruit, brethren (that's what it's talking about), in God's garden. That's the context of what is being said. It's about God's garden and those that will bear fruit and those that won't bear fruit. ...so that you can be My disciples. So you have to be bearing fruit in God's garden at the end of the age. I hope you're not withering away when Jesus Christ comes back in those clouds.

Verse 9—As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep the commandments; obedience, just what we've been talking about through this sermon. That word "if," if you abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments. We live in a perverse society, a sick, sick world, brethren. We live in a permissive society. They think the Commandments are done away with. That's how sick it is. The very things that tell you and me of the correct way to live life. But the world thinks they are done away. That's what they think. They use this mind that Jeremiah told us about. We're not to use that mind. We're to use that mind that God's influence is in, that expounds on these Commandments. Jesus Christ said, "If you even lust after a women you have already sinned," just in the mind.

Brethren, these things that we've been talking about, that joy that Jesus Christ told us about, won't be very long before we won't have this permissive society and it will be a joy to live during that thousand year reign of Jesus Christ upon this earth. They will learn what it's all about, a joyous time. I look so forward to the Millennium, brethren. The Feast of Tabernacles is just on the horizon, which pictures that plan of God – a wonderful, wonderful time upon this earth, brethren. God said that we did not choose Him, He chose us. He planted us in His garden (so to speak) to produce fruit.

So, brethren, I hope that your fruit will remain to the end. I hope that you will not wither away in God's garden. The only thing I can do is tell you to keep the Commandments of God, to be obedient, and to stay close to God, brethren, as this age comes to a close.

And that will conclude the sermon today.□

Table of Contents

Chapter 1