Dr. Barclays Bible Study - The Book of Ephesians Part 8

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - SCARLET CORD

 SCARLET CORD*

When we think of purity, we often think of that  in reference to something as being white and something sinful as red or scarlet. Even Christ, who Himself was not Caucasian but of Middle Eastern nature, is described in Revelation as:

 

His head and hair were white as wool, as white as snow… 

(Revelation 1:14) 

In contrast, Satan (or sin) is often represented as being of a red colour, and although nothing is Scripture states this, this is how man has come to think of him. Perhaps this stems in part from the book of Isaiah where it states:

“Come now, and let us reason together,” 

Says the Lord,

Though your sins are like scarlet,

They shall be as white as snow;

Though they are as red as crimson, 

They shall be as wool. 

(Isaiah 1:18)

There is apparently, in part of the Talmud, a writing which tells of a scarlet cord that was, in time past, tied to the doors of the Temple. On the Day of Atonement, when that Atonement had been accepted and completed, this cord would evidently turn from red to white. Now this apparently occurred every year from the time of the second temple to a point of time in the midst of the first century when the change no longer took place.

This, of course, corresponds to the time of the death of Jesus and apparently was meant to be a confirmation that Jesus’ death was the final sacrifice and that animal sacrifices were no longer required. Rabbis apparently point to this change as a sign that the final atonement has taken place, that the sins of many have been cleansed, and that the guilty have been made innocent.

Sins which were scarlet have been made white as snow. 

…Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,

But a body you have prepared for Me.

…Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and 

offerings for sin You did not desire, 

nor had pleasure in them.

…Behold, I have come to do your will, O God.

…we have been sanctified through the offering of the 

body of Jesus Christ once for all. 

For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

…He adds, “Their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

(Hebrews 10:5, 8-10,14,17)

So, in the middle of the first century, the cord no longer changed colour, an indication that sacrifices were no longer required. The death of Christ satisfied everything. But it goes on to say:

…if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth,

there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 

but a certain fearful expectation of judgement…

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

(Hebrews 10:26-27, 31))

Just something else to think about.

*concept from The Book of Mysteries day 209 by Jonathan Cahn

Pastor Brad Eagles Jan. 26, 2025

Gospel Worship music with Steve McCabe.

 

Living Stones Men’s Ministry is pleased to give you an opportunity to come hear a special afternoon of unique Gospel Worship music with Steve McCabe.

 

I have personally known Steve for several years and having witnessed firsthand the incredible anointing on these songs given to him from inspiration through the spirit being drawn from the Holy Scriptures.

Steve introduces the story behind the song and the anointing of the spirit is evident as he sings. He will have the lyrics on the overhead projection so you can feel free to join in.

Steve’s brother Ron McCabe, an accomplished guitarist will be providing backup.

 

• Please refer to attached poster for further details.

 

• Attendance confirmation is required by email to secure your seat by no later than Sunday Feb. 9^th. Please reply to don@living-stones.ca or by text to (902) 956-0542

Pre-register yourself and or your group providing names and numbers in your group. Seating will be limited.

Doors will be open at 1:30 for a meet and greet with music commencing at 2.00 pm.

 

• There will be no charge for this event however a free offering will be made available to all those who would like to participate.

 

About the Artist;

Steve McCabe, a native of Colchester County Nova Scotia has journeyed into gospel music leading him on a road of satisfaction.

He embraces gospel music at its fullness through the expression of his lyrics, reminding us of the promise made through the gospel of Christ.

His songs lead us into: Hearing the News and enduring the trials of life, having a love like no other, the cry from the cross and our blessed hope.

Steve is married to Shannon and lives in Belmont, N.S.  

 

Dr. Barclays Bible Study - The Book of Ephesians Part 7

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - APOSTASY

APOSTASY

In dictionary.com, the above is defined as: “a total desertion of or departure from one’s religion, principles, party, cause, etc.”

Webster’s Dictionary has a more defined definition: “the public abandoning of a religious faith, esp Christianity, for another”

Although this word per se is not used in the Bible [except occasionally in some newer translations] there are many examples of this activity given in Scripture. In the book of Judges, the nation of Israel is seen to honour God and then fall away time and time again; rejecting God only to become defeated and demoralized and calling on Him again to restore their prosperity. In essence, they became apostate on many occasions.

One of the better examples of apostasy is found in the Old Testament concerning King Josiah. He was the great grandson of Hezekiah, the grandson of Manassah, and the son of Amon. All these kings were increasingly apostate in their relationship to God from the more righteous Hezekiah to the evil Amon. During the reigns of these kings, worship turned more and more away from the worship of God and more toward the worship of Pagan deities - gods which had previously been banned from Judah because of the worship of God. When Josiah came to the throne following his father Amon, there were again articles of worship in the Lord’s temple to Baal, Asherah, and as well as to other gods in other places.

Now when Josiah was about 26 years old, he set about to repair the Temple in Jerusalem and there found a copy of the Book of the Law. Apparently, it was the Book of Deuteronomy, which spelled out the consequences and judgement a falling away from God would trigger. Then the king…

…made a covenant before the Lord, to follow the Lord 

and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes… 

(2 Kings 23:3)

Found in the same book and chapter, Josiah removed the articles of worship to Baal and Asherah and destroyed them. He also tore down the ritual booths, pulverized the alters that were on the roof, and burned the chariots of the sun with fire. After performing these acts, and others, he:

commanded all the people, saying, 

“Keep the Passover to the Lord your God, 

as it is written in this Book of the Covenant." 

(2 Kings 23:21)

Josiah overturned the culture of his day by his actions against the shrines and temples of the gods which had crept back into the lives and actions of the people of Judah. He destroyed the alters of Baal, Ishtar, Chemosh, and Milcom, the gods of foreign lands whose alters were the places of child sacrifice.

Today, the countries which were founded on the principles of the Bible are again falling into apostasy as other influences creep into our culture and even the church. In an attempt to be inclusive, we often end up being assimilated much as the culture and peoples of Judah were doing the reigns of the kings before Josiah. Perhaps this is referring to the time mentioned in Thessalonians because many are left thinking assimilation is only being inclusive.

Let no one receive you by any means; for that Day will not come 

unless the falling away [the apostasy] comes first, 

and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition… 

(2 Thessalonians 2:3)

We seem to be living in a time when apostasy is present, when even many who profess to be Christian live otherwise and when the attempt to include all, results in apparent abandonment of principles and beliefs. It is truly an age of apostasy.

Perhaps we need another Josiah.

And that is something we should all think about.

Rev. John Spicer Jan 19, 2025